horrible back pain need help

[marcusarelus]

5 minutes ago, Jim7777 said:

As long as you are not going to a government hospital you can ask for a morphine shot and oral morphine tablets to take home.  Or Codeine is good as well.

 

In fact I just dislocated my shoulder last week and I’ve had to have 3 morphine shots this week and I just finished the last of my oral morphine tablets last night.  My shoulder is starting to feel better now I think because of the steroid shot so I don’t think I’ll be needing anymore morphine.  

 

But you can get a shot of morphine at the hospital and ask for oral morphine tablets to take home.  Or Codeine tablets if it’s severe pain the morphine is probably better.  

 

What kind of back pain is it?  Is it spinal or a vertebra or a disk injury?  Or is it lower back “flank pain” on the right or left side?  If it’s lower back pain on the left or right side it might be a kidney stone which are EXTREMELY PAINFUL I HAVE HAD THEM BEFORE AND IT IS HORRIBLE!  If it’s a kidney stone they might do a CT Scan maybe just to see how big it is if necessary but if it is a kidney stone most definitely ask for a morphine shot and oral morphine tablets to take home.  I just finished mine for my dislocated shoulder, all you have to do is ask for it.  If the pain is severe enough the doctor will give you morphine as long as you are not at a government hospital DO NOT GO TO A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL!  

 

And forget about tramadol that drug sucks and it makes me really sick to my stomach.  Tramadol is crap.  More than likely you’ll get morphine if it’s that bad or Codeine which is also really good for pain but for what you’re describing probably ASK them for a morphine shot and oral morphine tablets to take home with you.  Make sure you ask the doctor for morphine and really emphasize how much pain you are in.  Really emphasize your pain because some doctors are really conservative about prescribing narcotics and some doctors will just give it out like candy.  So you must ask for morphine and really emphasize how much pain you are in and ask for a morphine shot at the hospital and oral morphine tablets to take home with you.  I just went through a lot of morphine this week because of my shoulder being dislocated and some torn tendons.  

 

I hope you feel better soon, and definitely avoid that tramadol it’s crap.  If you are in desperate severe pain ask for morphine at the hospital.

 

Get well soon man.  I just noticed that this is an old post so hopefully you have figured that out by now and hopefully you’re feeling better by now.  

Your advice is wrong for any private hospital I have been to in Thailand.  No morphine unless admitted has been my experience.  BDMS chain. 

Edited March 25, 2019 by marcusarelus

[KarlS]

2 minutes ago, Jim7777 said:

In fact I just dislocated my shoulder last week and I’ve had to have 3 morphine shots this week and I just finished the last of my oral morphine tablets last night.  My shoulder is starting to feel better now I think because of the steroid shot

Please name this place which treats dislocated shoulders with multiple injections of morphine and 'steroid shots' It is clearly somewhere to avoid.

[connda]

1 hour ago, bkk6060 said:

It is very addicting, causes horrible dreams, and takes a few hours of fuzziness to wake up on the morning.  The buzz and pain relief are decent.

I would not suggest mixing it with booze.

I've been using it for years.  it's not addicting unless you have a propensity toward addiction, never had a 'horrible dreams' base on Tramadol use, it does not make me fuzzy in the morning.  So, your statement should include the caveat:
For you bkk6060 personally - "It is very addicting, causes horrible dreams, and takes a few hours of fuzziness to wake up on the morning."

Regarding it's use.  I've written this before - you have to cycle Tramadol.  I set a limit for it's use.  Once I reach 100mg/day I start planning to quit using it for up to two months to allow my physical and brain chemistry to reset to normal.  Then you can take it again.  Stopping it's use requires self-discipline and the ability (and desire) to taper off the use of the drug.  It's a useful pain reliever if used in moderation and with clear intent. 
Is it addictive?  Food's addictive to some people.  Sex is addictive to some people.  So Tramadol is addictive to some people.  Individual variability.  Some people can responsibly use it - others can't.  Can you imagine banning food and sex because some people are addicts? 

Edited March 25, 2019 by connda

[CanuckThai]

Thoradol, might a solution.  Ask a Dr. about it.

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/is-toradol-a-narcotic

[RobbyXNorway]

Not sure about your history with backpain, but this advice is based upon it being nerve related in relation to herniated discs (like I have).

 

Carisoprodol/Somadril. Not sure if you can get it here in Thailand. Best bet is pharmacy in Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin.

 

Very important! The tablet(s) have to be taken 10 minutes before eating a decent meal. I would advice to  eat a bowl of cornflakes with milk as the meal, just because thats what worked for me. No other painkillers have worked anywhere close to this for my back problems. I do not have any more of them and in Norway they stopped giving it to me based on it being taken off market. Its the only thing that worked, and I only used 1 tablet a day before sleep. But was still not allowed. Disgrace that they take away working medication like that.

 

You will get very drowsy so under no circumstances drive anything after taking the tablets.

 

I used to take 1 tablet before sleep as without them I would normaly be up 10-30 times during the night due to pain/discomfort. These made me sleep deep like a baby.

 

Under no circumstances mix with alcohol. Some similar tablets are "comp" which contain Paracetamol. This combined with alcohol will kill your liver in short order.

 

Also, you should really get a doctors evaluation. Some types of cancer give back pain.

[durian explorer]

20 hours ago, rumak said:

lyrica is   DICLOFENAC      thai version is cheap and available at all pharmacies

 

Lyrica is *not* diclofenac. Diclofenac is an NSAID.

[Sheryl]

Your advice is wrong for any private hospital I have been to in Thailand.  No morphine unless admitted has been my experience.  BDMS chain. 

Hospitals will give outpatient morphine to people with terminal cancer (especially if the patient is under the care of a palliative specialust) but rare otherwise. In a situation like the OP's themost that is likely us a very limited supply of tylenol with codeine and even that eould need specific request. Mostly they'll give NSAID and maube tramadol.

Impatient is a bit different.

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[Sheryl]

later today going hospital. only one hand to type right now.
 
thank you everyone 
 
poring rain Hua Hin of course.

Why only one hand? Is it upper back/neck pain radiating down the arm?

Pain (ornumbness) radiating down arm or leg is suggestive of netve root rntrapment and needs prompt treatment


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[rumak]

13 minutes ago, durian explorer said:

Lyrica is *not* diclofenac. Diclofenac is an NSAID.

i corrected that many posts ago.    thanks

[blackcab]

An off topic post has been removed.

[phetphet]

1 hour ago, NCC1701A said:

later today going hospital. only one hand to type right now.

 

thank you everyone 

 

poring rain Hua Hin of course.

If it's affecting your hand, sounds like it could be cervical disc. When I had herniated disc, the doctor could tell which one (C5:C6) by the symptoms in my hand, and which fingers were affected.

None of the painkiller pills worked for me. Dorsal root ganglion block, where he injected a steroid and painkiller close to the affected nerve/disc, were the most effective for me personally. One a month for three months. 

Your doctor can give you best advice after examination.

 

[Moti24]

There are different reasons for back pain.  I've had a problem with my lower back for the past 25 years.  Last Saturday morning, the problem decided to rear its ugly head, and it took me 20 minutes to get out of bed.  I'm still in agony today, and another 20 minutes to get out of bed.  No point in me going to the hospital because I know the root cause of the problem, and they couldn't help me.  If you don't know the cause of your back pain, just show them where it hurts, and which movements make it worse; if you give them duff gen, they might prescribe something that won't make a difference.  

 

Anybody who hasn't had or doesn't suffer from back pain will have no idea how painful it can be.  You have my sympathies.

 

Have a good day.

[rumak]

7 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Hospitals will give outpatient morphine to people with terminal cancer (especially if the patient is under the care of a palliative specialust) but rare otherwise. In a situation like the OP's themost that is likely us a very limited supply of tylenol with codeine and even that eould need specific request. Mostly they'll give NSAID and maube tramadol.

Impatient is a bit different.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

i have had very severe back pain a number of times.   Hospitals were useless in relieving it .  Seems like it is not their priority ....  Sure, we all know pain killers are misused by some.  I am not one to use the word stupid lightly, but when one is in obvious severe pain i can only think of that explanation for not helping out for the short term.   tylenol with codeine might help if you take enough.... one pill certainly did nothing at all for me.  tramadol made me feel weird.    I have already documented my many experiences and lack of a real diagnosis .  Also see my link in previous post about how difficult it is to pinpoint the problem...and how often the diagnosis is incorrect.   This is one time when you yourself have to try and compare and evaluate the results for yourself.   In this time and age.... you are just another chart passing through the system.   If anyone needs a sounding board on this issue....PM me.   I am not a doctor.  But i know well the routine one goes through ( history, where and when does it hurt, etc).   Unless there is a VERY obvious reason for the pain ( herniated disc , for example)....most of the xrays and mri's are at best a waste of money...and often not interpreted correctly.   Then its the old  take these (often useless) pills and come back in a week

[NCC1701A]

22 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Why only one hand? Is it upper back/neck pain radiating down the arm?

Pain (ornumbness) radiating down arm or leg is suggestive of netve root rntrapment and needs prompt treatment


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8 minutes ago, phetphet said:

If it's affecting your hand, sounds like it could be cervical disc. When I had herniated disc, the doctor could tell which one (C5:C6) by the symptoms in my hand, and which fingers were affected.

None of the painkiller pills worked for me. Dorsal root ganglion block, where he injected a steroid and painkiller close to the affected nerve/disc, were the most effective for me personally. One a month for three months. 

Your doctor can give you best advice after examination.

 

shoulder blade right arm

[Deerculler]

Morphine is the strongest.

But you need go to a pain clinic for that and even then you need a diagnosis first.

Many things could be causing your back pain.

Go to a doctor.

[kkerry]

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

Your advice is wrong for any private hospital I have been to in Thailand.  No morphine unless admitted has been my experience. 

Not all hospitals are the same. I was given morphine for severe kidney stone pain in the emergency department of a private hospital in Bangkok a few years ago, no admission required. More recently however, same hospital, same emergency department would not until an ultrasound was taken to confirm what was going on (worried about possibility of a twisted bowel I think). Probably the correct procedure but no help to me as they didn't have anyone available to do the ultrasound... went to another private hospital where a doctor I had seen previously had an ultra done within 30 mins. Ended up having pethidine three times in the next 48 hours, first time before I agreed to be admitted. Certainly takes away the pain.

 

Arcoxia is the strongest OTC pain relief I have used in Thailand but only suitable for short term use I'm told. 

[buick]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

The only DIY that can be recommended safely at this stage is to stay lying down in whatever position is most comfortable and apply ice.

well said, sheryl.  when my lower back seized up about an hour after a round of golf, i took a jacuzzi thinking heat would help.  then my friends along on the trip all had a big laugh - no stupid, you apply ice not heat in that situation.  now i apply ice after every round i play !!!

[Sheryl]

Then cervical spine and impinging on the nerve root. That OR a shoulder injury. But more likely cervical spine.

You need an MRI if not yet done. And ideally should be under the care of a spinal specialist which I don't think exists in Hua Hin.

Cervical traction may help. Hospital PT dept can do and there are also inflatable devices you can order from lazada. Suggest you do that right away. They are not expensive.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAID and /or steroid) can help by reducing inflammation and swelling but if a herniated disk is pressing right on the nerve root that pressure needs to be removed. Options badically being (1) PT/traction until the disc retracts on its own (often will but not always) or (2) surgery.

Lyrica or Gabapentin will help some with the pain as would opiates (which you are unlikely to get as an outpatient) but main thing is to release the pressure on the nerve.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH Spine Center in Bangkok is who I would see if you can manage the trip. He is also at Bangkok Christiam Hospital but only once a week. Hours at BNH are frequent.


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[rumak]

18 minutes ago, rumak said:

his is one time when you yourself have to try and compare and evaluate the results for yourself.   In this time and age.... you are just another chart passing through the system.   

what i am referring to above..... is NOT saying do not see a doctor.   Try to see a "good one".... or two !

Hopefully they will give you more than 5 minutes and also answer your questions regarding the diagnosis.

I am just giving my opinion about when it is important to use that brain we all have to help make decisions and not blindly follow. 

I know my opinions are going to be disliked by many .  Doctors are not gods..and make mistakes.   I am just advocating using your own judgement , much as you would with many other things.  You can write it off as another DIY  nut...   I D C  

Edited March 25, 2019 by rumak

[kkerry]

1 hour ago, Dario said:

My late mother suffered from severe back pain many, many years until she passed away here in Thailand. She told me it was an isciatic nerv which caused the pain. What helped her the most whenever the pain returned was using a fluid called Perskindol which we rubbed onto her back. She brought a 500 ml bottle with her when she moved to Thailand. And it always helped her. Perskindol is available in Thailand. I buy it on Lazada for my daughter for when she plays tennis. After strong ground strokes or serves muscle ache is sure to occur and then Perskindol is your friend. Even her tennis coach and his son use it. They have it always on court. Much safer than all the pain killers mentioned in this thread. It might help the OP for recurring pain.

Perskindol gel has become my go to for muscle soreness before and after exercise, but much as I like it, for more severe back pain I would be looking elsewhere. 

[ThaiFelix]

20 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

20 hours ago, Enoon said:

 
I get regular, but infrequent, lower back pain. Dating from an injury when I was 18.
 
Find some way to apply heat to the area.
 
I strap one of these (hot water bottle) over it:
 

 
Gives fast relief and speeds up healing.
 
 

Good advice, i found frozen peas and hot water bottle helped, better than drugs

Cold doesnt work for me, actually makes my back pain worse.  But a hot water bottle does wonders.  I also have a kind of padded belt thing full of a silicon/jelly type substance that you heat in the microwave and strap around your injury with the aid of velcro straps each end.  Bought from Bangkok pharmacy and works very well for me.

 

I have damaged discs and arthritis in lower back plus 2 upper vertebrate with compression fractures.  Fortunately upper back pain doesnt strike me very often and is usually due to how I sit ie no stretching out forwrd while sitting.   No drug Ive tried will touch it however someone big giving me a lifting and jolting bear hug from behind relieves it immediately.  If no such person is around I look for a tree with a strong bough just out of my reach or similar and by jumping up and grabbing the bough the jolt of my body pulls my spine straight again and the pain goes.

 

My lower back is all about pain management as most drugs Ive tried wont touch the pain.  Its all about how I sit, get out of bed, stretching exercises and knowing what my body can take eg lifting etc.  My chiro suggested Thai massgae for when I moved here but the one time I did go, I couldnt  even walk the next day the pain was so great.  That time I went to Ramkamhaeng hospital and they gave me an injection in the bum which made me totally pain free for three days (best I have felt for years).  I never found out what it was sorry but doubt an opiate because no grogginess at all.

 

I hope you can get some relief soon.

[ShortTimed]

well said, sheryl.  when my lower back seized up about an hour after a round of golf, i took a jacuzzi thinking heat would help.  then my friends along on the trip all had a big laugh - no stupid, you apply ice not heat in that situation.  now i apply ice after every round i play !!!

Yes, the first 72 hours should be ice to decrease inflammation but part of a good physical therapy can be the application of hot packs.

Ice resulted in the muscles at my L4-L5 herniation to return to spasm and heat was better following the acute stage. It depends on the injury and the patient.

[Jim7777]

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

Your advice is wrong for any private hospital I have been to in Thailand.  No morphine unless admitted has been my experience.  BDMS chain. 

Really, well just this week I had 3 morphine shots every other day at a private hospital for my dislocated shoulder and I just finished the 200 milligrams worth of oral morphine tablets that I was given to take home last night.  And over the past five years I’ve had several morphine shots and oral morphine tablets prescribed to me for severe back pain.  My advice is very much correct although maybe you live in a place where your local hospital has bad doctors I don’t know.  I’ve had to be careful with narcotic pain medication over the past few years because last year I was prescribed so much I almost got addicted.  

 

Morphine is extremely easy to get at private hospitals IF you are in bad enough pain.  I can assure you of that one from personal experience even from just this week.  

[ShortTimed]

Really, well just this week I had 3 morphine shots every other day at a private hospital for my dislocated shoulder and I just finished the 200 milligrams worth of oral morphine tablets that I was given to take home last night.  And over the past five years I’ve had several morphine shots and oral morphine tablets prescribed to me for severe back pain.  My advice is very much correct although maybe you live in a place where your local hospital has bad doctors I don’t know.  I’ve had to be careful with narcotic pain medication over the past few years because last year I was prescribed so much I almost got addicted.  
 
Morphine is extremely easy to get at private hospitals IF you are in bad enough pain.  I can assure you of that one from personal experience even from just this week.  

Be ready to have your PM box filled with guys wanting to know the name of your physician...Lol

[Jim7777]

18 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Then cervical spine and impinging on the nerve root. That OR a shoulder injury. But more likely cervical spine.

You need an MRI if not yet done. And ideally should be under the care of a spinal specialist which I don't think exists in Hua Hin.

Cervical traction may help. Hospital PT dept can do and there are also inflatable devices you can order from lazada. Suggest you do that right away. They are not expensive.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAID and /or steroid) can help by reducing inflammation and swelling but if a herniated disk is pressing right on the nerve root that pressure needs to be removed. Options badically being (1) PT/traction until the disc retracts on its own (often will but not always) or (2) surgery.

Lyrica or Gabapentin will help some with the pain as would opiates (which you are unlikely to get as an outpatient) but main thing is to release the pressure on the nerve.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH Spine Center in Bangkok is who I would see if you can manage the trip. He is also at Bangkok Christiam Hospital but only once a week. Hours at BNH are frequent.


Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

The morphine helped but I think my shoulder is getting better now because of the steroid shot I got a few days ago with my last morphine shot I received this week.  

[ThaiFelix]

23 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

 

shoulder blade right arm

As mentioned in my post above I have compression fractures in my upper spine, T7 and T8? caused from jumping off the roof when I was a kid.  Still very clear on xrays to this day and got me out of conscription to the Vietnam war thank god.  Rarely affects me if I sit correctly, no straining to lean forward when sitting (like reaching for the remote from the opposite side of the coffee table when sitting. 

 

When affected I get a very sharp pain between the shoulder blades, a slight tightness in the chest like I imagine a heart attack to be, and a pain running down my right arm and across my right hand.  Sound similar?

 

See my previous post for how I easily fix it.  Good luck

[Jim7777]

3 minutes ago, ShortTimed said:

 

Be ready to have your PM box filled with guys wanting to know the name of your physician...Lol

 

Actually people with chronic pain around here already know better.  

[Vacuum]

1 hour ago, RobbyXNorway said:

Very important! The tablet(s) have to be taken 10 minutes before eating a decent meal. I would advice to  eat a bowl of cornflakes

Isn't this a bit contradictional?

[ToddinChonburi]

You really do need to get to the hospital. You could have a slip disc in your back and they can give you the proper meds. Pharmacy will not have anything strong enough.

[Jim7777]

5 minutes ago, ShortTimed said:

 

Be ready to have your PM box filled with guys wanting to know the name of your physician...Lol

 

Some doctors don’t like to give morphine but they will if you are in enough pain and other doctors give morphine like candy.  Just depends on the doctor I’ve seen multiple different doctors and whenever I’ve really needed morphine I’ve never had a problem getting it from any doctor.  You just have to ask for it and emphasize how much pain you are in and you shall receive.