I'm single and sole caregiver for mom who is 91 and lives with me now. She had a stroke in 2016, moved from cane to walker, was recovering well, but was injured during therapy in 2017 causing a torn rotary cuff, ganglion cyst on shoulder that cannot be removed, and additional issues and fears developed. Since the stroke, she's on Plevix and baby aspirin. She is truly allergic to almost everything and cannot take pain meds so only lives on aspirin for pain. Recently, her arthritis pain, muscle pain have taken it's toll and she seems in constant pain. For her age, she's active and we have moved around more than most on drives, shopping, trips, but this past 3 or 4 weeks, arthritis is fierce. Thanks, Marc
What do you mean she lived on aspirin (how many would that be)?
Do you mean truly allergic or intolerant to other drugs - as so many are similar to aspirin I'm trying to get my head round that?
How did she get a torn rotator cuff whilst having physio therapy?
Sorry for the questions.
Although Mom cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues she often takes one extra strength buffered aspirin in the morning with her breakfast. As long as we can reduce inflammation, pain seems manageable without narcotics.
Recently we started using a walk in tub with heated air bubbles to circulate the water for a 30 minute or so hot/warm (95-100) bath with Epsom salts followed by a complete application of a good lotion and some range of motion exercises. We can do the hands, wrists, elbows, feet and ankle exercises during the bath, others afterwards. So far 3-4 baths a week is reducing inflammation and pain without causing any skin problems. Mom's skin actually seems to have improved a bit and she is complaining a lot less about itching. Although these tubs can be expensive, I was able to find one for just under $2500 (including faucet and handheld shower head) that my family installed for us. The air bubbles circulate the water but since the water from the tub doesn't go thru any pump, there's no extra cleaning requirements like whirlpool tubs. Because there's a heater that warms the air bubbles, the water maintains a constant temperature during the bath.
The only thing that would be worrisome about so many baths would be UTI’s. My Mom has had 8 straight in a row. Now she’s on antibiotics for 8 months.
Pat
My Mom was on Gaba but we took her off because we (Sis & self) saw Mom going through major changes! Not good changes! She was sleeping ALOT. As it turned out she had a hemorrhagic stroke. We can’t be sure that the GABA had anything to do with it. Again she’d been prescribed & had been taking this for years. I think it may have been for depression.
Thank you.
That's advice from an old hippie...now advice from an old horseman...
If you find a rub that works, but works slowly or doesn't last long then look in your area for a tack shop (Equine Supplies), or probably on Amazon and get some DMSO, it is usually in roll-on or spray.
The problem with ointments and creams is that the active ingredient sits on the skin and has to be absorbed through the epidermal layers to get to the nerve endings - and it loses some effectiveness in the journey.
DMSO makes almost anything get through the skin to the nerves in no time. If you can get the spray then all you do is apply the ointment that works for you, give it a spritz of DMSO (you might notice that you get a taste of garlic in your mouth - just an odd effect of the DMSO). The effective ingredient in the ointment is going to get to the source of the pain at warp speed!
Just noticed on this post someone mentioned a med from Canada called Liv Relief blue package. I'm going to read up on that one
If she cuts out the carbohydrates - this helps. Really. But if that isn't possible - just reducing the sugar as much as possible will improve things.
There are a lot of anecdotal therapies out there - DMSO(concerning), capsaicin (works for me - but it is HOT), eucalyptus oil (massage). Warm soaks in Epsom salts; using warm packs (you can get dry rice or some such, heat a little in microwave and apply in a soft pillow case - ). Depending on how pin point the worst pain is (like lower back) you could try a TENs unit......
If you think this pain may be residual damage from a stroke - be aware that the pain may be more neuropathic than inflammatory. In which case, Tylenol will help better than aspirin - though they certainly can be taken together.
Immobility is the worst thing for pain - it makes pain worse. Get her to move some - frequently.... maybe doing something favorite (golfing?, shopping? gardening?). Stretches are very helpful - I recommend having her do them with a video such as "Say 'Good-bye' to Back Pain"- by the YMCA, Isolated Isometric Exercise(probably too difficult), Supple Leopard, or PBS - "Sit & Be Fit"
When pain is severe - it usually requires multiple strategies. For instance: Combine. Tylenol internally with TENs and some topical applications (some essential oils are very helpful).
Be aware that Tylenol is not kind to the liver - in average to low doses, you are ok unless there are underlying liver problems; Aspirin or Ibuprofen (really good for bone pain) are not kind to the stomach(gastritis-ulcers) or kidneys, in some cases. So depending on your mom's medical history - you may want to take into consideration the status of those body parts.
Naturally- if she already has a lot of sensitivities to medications - be on the look out for poor toleration of new trials (don't buy a large amount of anything for a trial run..... no matter how wonderful anyone says it is).
If she ends up trying prescription drugs... be prepared for constipation and other GI upset; increased falls, increased somnolence (though somnolence usually eases after a few days of therapy).
Good luck.
Everyone else, thanks for all the replies. Wow, I have plenty to choose from and try.
I don't know, but sure am open to trying anything. In fact, I AM trying anything, hee hee. For me it is the neck, and can go to headache pretty quick. If I rub those spasming muscles out, doesn't matter with WHAT, it is the rubbing I think that works. My opinion only. I am open to miracle cures. BELIEVE me. I will try anything, hee hee.