Pain management for a Wounded Warrior amputee. What helps best?

SFC Joseph James — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 02:58:01 -0500

I lost both legs in Iraq in 08. I can't sleep, have bad nerve pain in both residual limbs. I've tried all types of drugs from the VA, needles stabbed into my nerves full of botox and steriods, needles with radio waves to burn them out, etc. I'm at my wits end here. The VA doesn't know whats its doing. Any ideas. I don't care how crazy, but not too illegal ok! Thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 3:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:04:13 -0500

I really hate to hear of your sacrifice SFC Joseph James THANK YOU

I have had multiple injuries to my body but fortunate enough to still have all my parts. I guess not all my bones though as some has been replaced with titanium.

I do have some nerve damage and I have noticed that staying active and exercising helps keep my mind off of it.

Not positive if this would work for you but it is worth a shot. Now keep in mind I am in pain daily but the exercise helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 3:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:07:41 -0500

First thank you for your service and I'm sorry for your injuries. Second, I'll talk to my nurse siblings and see if they have any suggestions.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 14 at 2015 3:12 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:12:56 -0500

Thank you for your service ... very sorry for the injuries you have endured. While I can offer no advice in this area, please let me know if there is anything that I might be able to do to assist you.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 4:15 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:15:15 -0500

First and foremost, I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifice. I know some people simply say that because it's the right thing to do. I say it because I whole heartedly mean it.

As for the pain, everyone is different. I suffer from severe chronic low back pain from years of injuries. I did everything in my power for the first 10 years in order to correct the problem (physical therapy, chiropractors, muscle strengthening, losing weight, changing running shoes more often, buying the appropriate bed, sleeping in the proper positions, daily stretching, etc.

Finally, I found myself relying on pain meds. I tried most of them in order to find the combination that suits me best. Some were too strong, too weak, or too troublesome. I found that sensibly combining a few drugs did the trick. My body responds well to the meds. It doesn't decrease my response or cloud the mind. Thankfully, I do not have an addictive personality.

But, my pain pales in comparison. Sometimes the mind is the most important part of the body to strengthen. I've read very promising responses to medical marijuana. If it were legal for us while in uniform, I would try it in order to get off the pills. Is that an option? I only suggest that because of the true medical uses that alleviates the pain both physically and mentally.

There are really potent time release pain meds that are best suited for your kind of pain. I'm speaking of the hardcore narcotic OxyContin or Roxicodone. Roxicodone comes in a 30mg tablet that releases throughout the day. If your body and mind can tolerate it, it's worth a shot.

Last ditch effort is acupuncture. On any account, I truly hope you find what works best for you and soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 10:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 10:56:15 -0500

SFC: my sister is a nurse practioner. She said that other than Neurotin and narcotics there's not much that can be done/prescribed. :/. I wish I had better suggestions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 11:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 11:16:27 -0500

SFC Joseph James - I'm assuming you've done meds similar to Neurontin and others?? If you are interested, I can try to refer you to a friend of mine who is a neurosurgery PA here at the Minneapolis VA. This guy is terrific, and did more to help with my back than the Mayo Clinic. There are times that it works great....there are times that I still struggle, but even having the ability to have good days again is great.

I can tell you that the unfortunate piece of things is that you'll likely never be able to be pain free. I wish I could give better news, but I want you to have the realistic expectations....but I would be happy to talk with you offline here to see what kinds of ideas could possibly be done, and to get you in touch with my friend that has helped.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SSG Brian Tobin made Feb 14 at 2015 11:28 AM

SSG Brian Tobin — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 11:28:04 -0500

There are a few different nonmedications I can suggest that some vets have found relief. The first is a pain and sleep patch. They stick on and work pretty well. I can get you them for free from a purple heart association that is working with the manufacturer. If you are interested send me a message and I can tell you about the other things I've found also.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 14 at 2015 3:11 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:11:14 -0500

SFC Joseph James -- I do not have specific ideas for you as of yet, but I still wanted to write here to thank you for your service and courage. We are all one big family here on RallyPoint, so keep us posted and always reach out if we can be helpful!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 5:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:06:07 -0500

SFC Joseph James Natural remedy is best: cannabis.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 14 at 2015 5:13 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:13:03 -0500

Not trying to equate my pain to yours, but, I know my pain responses are significantly "different" depending on what kind of physical shape I'm in.

I know that when I'm overweight I tend to feel it more. I don't know if that is from the mood changes that comes from the weight flux, or the positive hormones counter-acting.

I sit at 140~ (with race weight being as low as 125), and if I don't pay attention, I can balloon to 160... I got to 190 most recently. The differences in pain are significant depending on levels of fitness. Have you been able to maintain fitness? If not, have you noticed changes?

Response by SSG Brian Tobin made Feb 16 at 2015 4:54 AM

SSG Brian Tobin — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 04:54:09 -0500

The pain patches that I mentioned earlier are "LifeWave" and you can google them to check them out. The company has a grant of products they will give to combat wounded vets, the products they supply are the "Aeon" anti inflammatory, "Silent Nights" sleep aid, and "Ice Wave" pain relief. If you decide that you want to try them contact Earl McMillan at the Purple Heart Veterans of Florida, phone [login to see] Email: [login to see]

I have also had some good results from a new type of treatment that the VA has just started on me, it is kinda like a Tens unit but it is not. It has 8 contact pads that go on and it has a pain relief cycle that goes for 30 min or so and then a muscle cycle that goes for 20 min. I have had 36-48 hours of very good relief from the treatments on my back. Not sure if you have used this before but it is kinda new so it depends on your doctors. I will get the name of the unit tomorrow and let you know so you can talk to your pain management docs at the VA.

Response by Sgt Branden W. made Feb 16 at 2015 9:09 AM

Sgt Branden W. — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 09:09:53 -0500

It goes without saying, but thank you. SFC Joseph James True Hero

My wife recently got very involved in Essential Oils therapy, and you're talking to a huge skeptic. The research behind the oils goes back to year 0, so there's some time put into it! If you're out of options, give it a shot. In speaking with her, pain management oils can really give some pretty impressive results. It seems strange, how can smelling something fix my pain?? but I'll tell you it seems to work. There's some pretty effective PTS oil blends as well, but I haven't let her work that voodoo on me yet.

Something to explore. Hope it helps.

Response by SPC Allison Joy Cumming made Feb 18 at 2015 2:47 PM

SPC Allison Joy Cumming — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:47:59 -0500

CBD is not legal and does not have the same effect as marijuana. I hope you are able to find relief!! CBD comes in many forms and one even a drop you put under your tongue, you can purchase online.

Response by SGT Andrew White made Feb 23 at 2015 12:15 PM

SGT Andrew White — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:15:19 -0500

It might be worth looking in to Kratom. Check out this link: http://ensobotanicals.com/kratom/ and it will give you an idea as to what it is and does. It's completely natural and effective. Also, if you do happen to take narcotic pain meds and want to stop at any point, you can use this to kick the withdrawls. There are several websites that sell it out there, and this is one of the situations where you get what you pay for. There are several vendors that sell cheap stuff and it is usually of lesser quality. If this is something that interests you, let me know and I'll send you over a list of vendors that I have used and know they only sell good quality product.

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Response by SFC Joseph James made Feb 25 at 2015 12:57 PM

SFC Joseph James — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:57:17 -0500

Thank you all for your help. I will try those ideas as best I can. Don't know about cannabis thought lol. Thank you all for the help. Some days I just can't take the pain, but I Soldier Up and move out.