Multiple Problems

[slm17890]

I have hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, kidney disease, bursitis in right shoulder, lower back problems and osteoarthritis in both knees. I see a chiropractor every 2 weeks, and massage therapy every 2 weeks, plus shiatsu once a month. I find all of things is only helps temporarily. My physician forbids me to use anti inflamatory due to the kidney disease. Is there anything I can take to relieve the chronic pain I always have that won't harm the kidneys any further?

Thanks Sandra

[Dr. Joshua]

Your physician is right to protect your kidneys from the toxic effects of anti-inflammatory analgesics.

Acetaminophen is a kidney-safe analgetic. It does not have an anti-inflammatory effect, so it will probably not help as much as a true anti-inflammatory would, but it will relieve some of the pain. Check with your physician before starting any new drug. The normal maximum dose of acetaminophen is 1g four times daily, if there are no contraindications.

It's a good thing you are employing various strategies to relieve the pain. Consider adding a regular exercise regimen to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles as well as your thigh muscles to support your lower back and knees. If you are overweight, weight loss is a good way to relieve lower back and knee pain.

If the problem persists, talk to your physician about a referral to a physiatrist and/or a pain specialist - other, more potent medications exist, but these need to be tailored to the individual.

[slm17890]

Thank you for your reply. And yes I totaly understand about him not wanting me to take the anti inflamatory. Plus I do agree with him. And yes I know about having to ask to use any medication. I do take tylenol #2 sometimes, but sometimes they bother my stomach. So I take those only when I'm desperate. I did see a pain specialist years ago but all he recommonded was cortsone shots. Which I would rather not do again. Maybe I can see a different one this time, and suggest other alternatives for me.

As for the weight, thats extremely difficult to lose with the thyroid disease. I had 80% of the thyroid removed and 2 of the parathyroids removed in 1985. Ever since then its been a steady gain with my weight. Plus dealing with severe depression about this and with other issues, plus the thyroid disease will and can also cause depression as well. Needless to say my frustration can get to be a bit much at times dealing with all of this. I did see my physician yesterday but forgot to ask him about the pain medication and seeing another pain specialist.

I sometimes wonder about physicians at times, as my kidney disease was a result of one overdosing my rocaltrol (calcium). As of the last blood work, the kidneys are down about 35% in both. But this has been fairly stable at this count for a few years ago with minimal changes in the kidneys.

I also have a bad case of post trauma stress disorder from many tragic happenings from my past, which I also see psychologist for.

My physician did put me on anti depressants but they didn't work for me. So he told me to wean myself off of these ones then he will try something else. My depression is at an all time low lately since my thyroid has been acting up lately, plus I lost a dear friend too recently. So I'm sure all of these issues aren't helping with my pains lately.

Thanks Sandra