my good friend has mps (in her back) and has gone through all the physical therapy. she got the injections in her back, and tried stretching with a cooling gel/cream on the area but nothing seems to take the pain away or ease it.
if you know anything about this or have gone through it, what is the best and productive way to help this pain go away?
#1 by Mike K on February 10, 2010 - 4:55 am
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I have mps as a result of a deteriorating spinal cord. I understand the pain your good friend is going trough and I am sorry to hear about this. The best thing for me is the injections they do not last long and I have to get them quite often (I actually just got back from getting five trigger point injections about an hour ago). I do use narcotics rarely only to help with the post injection pain.
The best thing for me, besides the injections, was a doctor recommended me to look into “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain Management” I never actually went to the a therapist, but I looked into to what kind of things the therapist did. CBT Psychologists for pain management basically teach cooping strategies for pain. I would recommend that you look into some of those strategies and stuff for your friend. My doctor stessed to me that the basis of CBT psychology for pain management is not at all demeaning (like they don’t treat mental illnesses or anything) they just help live with your physical pain. The only reason your friend might consider actually making a visit to a CBT psychologist is if she needs help practicing the techniques and such. However many of the things can just as easily be learn through self-teaching as I did. I recommend you Google some information on that and see if that points you in a direction your friend might be interested in.
But I have to say most importantly YOU can help her. It seems as though you already are too. For me it took me awhile to realize that what helps me get through the day to day pain is having family and friends. You seem to be a very supportive friend as you are genuinely concerned for her well being by your post here. Make sure she knows you care for her and that you are always there for her as a friend it is hard to explain, but for me it just helps me get through the pain knowing I’m not alone…
Unfortunately there are some days the pain just won’t go away I try hot baths, hot pads, ice, sometimes very precises stretches and massages that can be done as directed by a trained doctor. If she is taking pain medication I know that can cause pain through constipation so if that is also happening a doctor can work through that problem separately.
I hope that at least some of this helps there is so much I have learn in the past 3.5 years having MPS. I know some days are even rougher than others, but your friend I hope with the support of family, friends, and good doctors will live a full life. That is my goal, and I am only 18 sometimes I fear what quality of life I have left, but one of the most important things I learned is the pain is much easier to deal with if it is just taken one day at a time.
I wish you and your friend well. Please feel free to e-mail me if there is anything I can do. Honestly my best wishes to her.
Sincerely,
Mike W.K.