Managing Chronic Pain: Home Strategies Before Surgery
I'm a 31-year-old female navigating chronic abdominal and pelvic discomfort, and I need some guidance on how to cope effectively at home. To provide some background, my struggles with intense pelvic and abdominal pain date back several years. In my twenties, I underwent two surgeries to remove endometriosis, which offered temporary relief. Eventually, my gynecologist and I considered a hysterectomy prudent due to my ongoing health complications. In January 2021, I had a hysterectomy along with a left oophorectomy. For nearly four years, I enjoyed a pain-free existence until the onset of severe pain at the start of August this year. At that time, I experienced debilitating pelvic pain rated at a 10 out of 10. A visit to the emergency room led to abdominal and pelvic CT scans, as well as a transvaginal ultrasound, all of which indicated the recurrence of endometriosis. A consultation with a gynecologic surgeon revealed his concern that my intestines might be stuck to the pelvic floor, contributing to my suffering. I've scheduled surgery on the 17th to address these complications. Recently, I was referred to a pain management clinic, where they prescribed me a small supply of hydrocodone for the week while instructing me to avoid my usual oxycodone and tramadol medications that my gynecologist had prescribed. Unfortunately, they also informed me that I would need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist due to a history of previous suicide attempts before any additional prescriptions could be provided. Currently, I'm seeking advice on how to manage my pain effectively at home until my upcoming surgery. I'm overwhelmed by the discomfort, feeling utterly drained and spending excessive time sleeping. With only two hydrocodone pills left and restrictions on my other medications, I am hopeful for tips to alleviate my pain at home, understanding that the ER environment is unlikely to offer much assistance as it did previously.
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 12:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing struggles with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. Managing such pain can be challenging, especially when you're preparing for surgery. Here are some strategies you could try at home to help alleviate your discomfort until your upcoming surgery.
Main Points:
- Focus on Pain Relief Techniques: Utilization of heat therapy and relaxation techniques.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating anti-inflammatory foods to support overall health.
- Gentle Physical Activity: Engaging in light movements to prevent stiffness.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Techniques to help manage pain perception.
Explanation:
Your history with endometriosis and abdominal pain can lead to significant discomfort, especially as you wait for surgical intervention. While it's natural to rely on pain medications, there are various holistic approaches to help manage pain at home. These methods may not eliminate your pain but can offer some relief while you prepare for your surgery.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Heat Therapy:
- Apply a heating pad or warm compress to your abdomen or pelvis for 20 minutes at a time. The warmth can help relax muscles and reduce pain.
-
Hydration and Nutrition:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, fatty fish (like salmon), nuts, and berries. These foods can help with inflammation, which may ease your pain.
-
Gentle Movement:
- Engage in gentle activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga. Aim for short walks throughout the day. Gentle movements can help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness without overexerting yourself.
-
Pain Management Techniques:
- Consider practicing mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises. Techniques like guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation might help reduce your stress and shift your focus away from pain. Apps or online resources can guide you through these exercises.
-
Optimize Your Rest:
- While it's important to rest, balancing periods of rest with low-energy activities you enjoy can be beneficial. This balance can help combat the feeling of drain and depression.
-
Keep a Pain Diary:
- Document your pain levels, triggers, and what methods provide relief. This information can be valuable for your upcoming consultation with the pain management clinic.
Support:
Feeling overwhelmed is completely understandable, especially with your recent challenges. Remember, you're not alone in this; reach out to supportive friends or family when needed. If your pain becomes more severe or unmanageable, consider returning to your healthcare provider or the ER for advice. They may offer other resources or modifications to your pain management plan.
I hope these suggestions help ease your discomfort as you prepare for your upcoming surgery. Let me know if you would like to discuss anything in more detail.
Related Questions
Navigating Iron Levels: A Personal Journey
At 36, I find myself grappling with iron deficiency issues ever since I had a copper IUD placed. Though I had it removed three years ago, my ferritin levels still remain troublingly low; I've seen some progress—up from a previous 5—yet it’s still far from satisfactory. Currently, I take heme optifer iron three times a week to try to boost my levels. During my initial blood test, I was fasting and had halted my iron supplements for a full day prior. The results were perplexing, leading me to pause my iron intake for another two weeks before submitting blood work again. The recent results showed: - Iron: 32.7 umol/L - Transferrin: 1.74 g/L - Transferrin Saturation: 0.74 - TIBC: 44 umol/L - Ferritin: 29 I’m struggling to understand these findings. Is it typical to have such high transferrin saturation whilst my ferritin remains low? More importantly, what strategies can I use to elevate my ferritin levels to the desired range of 50 to 60 given these blood test results?
Swelling and Discoloration at the Tip of My Big Toe
I am a 34-year-old assigned female at birth, standing 6'1" and weighing 225 pounds. I do not smoke and my current medications include Lexapro, Metformin, and Tirzepatide. Recently, I accidentally trimmed my toenail a bit too short, though there was still visible nail left. Initially, I experienced some discomfort accompanied by redness, tightness, and swelling around the toe, but I decided to manage it without seeking immediate attention. However, a few days ago, I began to notice the emergence of purple dots and streaks, which have progressively worsened. Furthermore, I have also detected a painful purple area at the edge of my second toenail, which is surprising as I haven’t trimmed them in several weeks. I would appreciate any insights on this issue, as I’d like to avoid unnecessary expenses for a medical consultation that may lead to a dismissive response like “just let it grow out.”
Experiencing a Pinched Nerve Near the Shoulder Blade
At 25 years old, and without any previous health issues or medications, I suddenly find myself dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder. The cause is unclear to me. I've encountered pinched nerves before, primarily in my neck, but this experience feels distinctly different. It's only been three days, yet the pain has rendered me nearly incapacitated. Simple tasks like using the bathroom, sleeping, and even showering have become incredibly challenging due to significant pain and restricted movement. After looking into this condition, I’ve learned that recovery may take anywhere from four to six weeks, a timeline I'm not equipped to manage given the intensity of my discomfort. My profession involves physical activity, and my hobbies mirror that requirement. In an effort to find relief, I have tried a variety of approaches: alternating ice and heat, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil, resting whenever possible, and incorporating stretches recommended in online videos. Unfortunately, nothing seems to alleviate the pain. I’m reaching out for guidance. Would physical therapy be beneficial in my situation? Are there particular stretches known to provide relief for pinched nerves? A friend of mine mentioned that muscle relaxants failed to help her during a similar episode; should I consider trying them nonetheless? Is visiting a doctor necessary at this point? I appreciate any advice you can provide to help me navigate this painful situation.
Is Constipation Possible Without Symptoms?
For me, experiencing a lack of bowel movements for a span of 8 to 10 days on a monthly basis is quite common, and I suspect it is linked to my premenstrual syndrome, as it consistently occurs during the same week every month. However, I find myself questioning whether this situation qualifies as constipation, mainly because I do not exhibit any classic signs. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no bloating; I genuinely feel as though there is no urgent need to relieve myself. I am 24 years old.
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.