Hi Lisa,
Your post could have been written by me!! I don't think there are any hard and fast rules, for any of us, and, as you said, if you're in a flare, the pain is unrelenting!
I'm still trying to sort out this wretched jaw pain after 2 years.......(which, although my TMJ is basically stuffed, according to my MRI, everyone seems to agree is NOT the cause of the gruelling pain I'm in, 24/7!) Neuro thinks it's a damaged nerve, but is getting cross with me b/c I can't tolerate Neurontin (or any of the other meds he's tried me on!). They make me feel like a zombie - I nearly drove into oncoming traffic one day! HE says I have "Chronic Pain Syndrome", and wants me to see a psychiatrist, or a Clinical Psychologist, thru the Pain Clinic I'm attending, for "assessment", as he says I'm on too many different meds (he asked me why I was taking 2 different NSAIDs, and none of the antidepressants he's prescribed for me....and why do I nee Endone as well as Oxycontin.......??? I said, 'cos it's the only thing that HELPS control the pain without making me comatose!!!)
My rheumy has suggested a course of radiation therapy, as nothing else seems to be working, and HE doesn't know what else to do for me. I'm a bit worried about the side effects, but just about desperate to give it a shot.........:(
Sorry of I got off the topic.
Hugs,
Sue
