Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Severe Pain - Advice Needed

Dear Friends,

I sometimes am bothered by lower back pain, but this week the pain has been over the top. I don't have a recliner, so I'm sitting on the couch leaned up against a moist heating pad or in bed all day and night.

Is there a special way I can sit or lean or something that will ease this pain? I realized this afternoon I'm going to have to call my rhuemy or my family Dr, but I honestly don't know how I'm going to be able to sit long enough to drive there or wait to be seen. It also takes forever and a day to get an appt.

Any suggestions on how to sit, walk, etc. to ease this will be most appreciated.

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie,

You need two pair of socks balled up or two tennis balls, etc... When you sit you can use the tennis balls or socks on each side of your tailbone, about an inch out. I use socks to lay on at times for about an hour and it numbs the area. You may need to adjust them in or out, up or down, but you will feel the right spots.

Hope this helps,
Brent

Thank you, Brent!

I will immediately go in search of socks.

Bonnie

Welcome Bonnie,

Let me know how it works for you. It's not a fix, but a break from the pain helps cope again.

Have a good one,
Brent

Bonnie:

I have been in severe pain too in the past. I called the on call doc and they prescribed me some pain killers for me, this way, I didn't have to go in to see the doc. I am sure your doc would be willing to do this given your diagnosis. Sometimes, ice works better for a severe flare up to numb the area. If you don't have an ice pack, try frozen peas. The tennis balls are a good idea too, I do that once in a while.

As for sitting, try to sit with your back supported, feet on the floor and an upright posture.

Standing- try to lean on something for support or put one leg up on something - this relieves stress on the back.

It helps me to lie on my back with my knees up when I am in a lot of pain except when it is sacroiliac pain, then it is much more difficult to get comfortable. I usually just stay in whatever position it is that is less painful.

I feel terrible for you, and I hope you get some relief soon.Keep us posted on how you are doing- Shari

Hi, Bonnie:

There is nothing like 'artificial fever therapy.' Sometimes I had to crawl to the tub and draw a very hot bath, but when they opened a 24 hour spa I was one of the first to join and I did go there at times like 3aM just to sit in the sauna to be ready in time for work. Also, the hot tub helps; being weightless is important and restful--but the intense heat of the sauna (should be at least 180F) is really the most helpful.

Getting enough radical scavengers is important, also. Wheatgrass juice (about 4 oz per dose) is the best, but esterC and vitE are good. Some like hot ginger tea, also.

Good luck to You,
John

"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?"
Charles Babbage

Bonnie, sometimes it really does seem as tho there isn't a comfortable way to sit, no matter how hard you try to find one.

I remember asking a similar question here a few months after I joined. One of the guys (SteveC, I believe) told me that his solution was pillows, lots of pillows. I really hadn't a clue what he was talking about then, and begged for him to tell me where to place them, what kind and so on.

Well, I've found out for myself, and you will too. I don't have a recliner either, so my solution is to put a small pillow at the lumbar area, then another small pillow on the back of the sofa behind my head to support my neck. Then, I pull an ottoman closer to the sofa and put a bed pillow spanning the two for my legs to rest on. Sort of an improvised recliner. It works a treat for me. It may or may not for you.

Hugs,

Kat



"A life lived in fear is a life half lived." - Strictly Ballroom