Mum (84, with AZ) is in quite a bit of pain with her extremely hunched back and coccyx (all pre dementia problems). We’ve got a coccyx wedge cushion which did seem to help a little originally and have tried a ring cushion (like a donut) that Mum didn't seem to be able to get on with. The only pain killers she was taking were 2 paracetamol, 4 times per day. Unfortunately these were no longer giving Mum any relief.
She seems unable to get comfortable either sitting or lying in bed, so she’s not been sleeping and wanders around for most of the day and night. When she does sit (for 5-10 minutes), she completely bends over with her chest on her knees (often on the loo), presumably because this is the position that gives her a little relief from the pain.
The District Nurse has checked her out thoroughly and can find no reason for the many loo visits (although we will be checking out “Vaginal Atrophy” (many thanks for that tip LadyA)).
The OTs can’t suggest anything else equipment wise to help Mum.
The GP has now prescribed 10mg Amitriptyline (which Mum has had previously, but it was stopped as it was thought it was adding to Mum’s confusion).
After about 11 days (perhaps we need to be more patient?) on Amitriptyline, the pain does seem to be less intense, but it seems to be making Mum quite dopey and a quite unsteady on her feet. She’s still wandering, especially at night, looking for things that she's lost. So now we’re worrying about her falling.
We’re expecting the GP to visit again this week.
Ideally, we’re looking for a pain killer that blocks her physical pain without making her confused, dopey or unsteady on her feet and one that will hopefully allow her to sleep a little better…
All our research so far suggests that we may as well be searching for the Holy Grail
Has anyone had any success with pain killers that don’t cause confusion or dopeyness/loss of balance?
Any advice or pointers would be gratefully received…
Many thanks Elizabeth.
She seems unable to get comfortable either sitting or lying in bed, so she’s not been sleeping and wanders around for most of the day and night. When she does sit (for 5-10 minutes), she completely bends over with her chest on her knees (often on the loo), presumably because this is the position that gives her a little relief from the pain.
The District Nurse has checked her out thoroughly and can find no reason for the many loo visits (although we will be checking out “Vaginal Atrophy” (many thanks for that tip LadyA)).
The OTs can’t suggest anything else equipment wise to help Mum.
The GP has now prescribed 10mg Amitriptyline (which Mum has had previously, but it was stopped as it was thought it was adding to Mum’s confusion).
After about 11 days (perhaps we need to be more patient?) on Amitriptyline, the pain does seem to be less intense, but it seems to be making Mum quite dopey and a quite unsteady on her feet. She’s still wandering, especially at night, looking for things that she's lost. So now we’re worrying about her falling.
We’re expecting the GP to visit again this week.
Ideally, we’re looking for a pain killer that blocks her physical pain without making her confused, dopey or unsteady on her feet and one that will hopefully allow her to sleep a little better…
All our research so far suggests that we may as well be searching for the Holy Grail
Has anyone had any success with pain killers that don’t cause confusion or dopeyness/loss of balance?
Any advice or pointers would be gratefully received…
Many thanks Elizabeth.
