Unfortunately, I am now having the opportunity to personally test out the use of alternative pain treatments for acute injury. A week ago I tripped and fell at a home improvement store due to the negligence of a store employee. I broke my right ankle in the fall and will be having surgery tomorrow. Fortunately, I am well equipped to manage pain without the use of pharmaceuticals due to my long term interest in the subject and my use of various alternative modalities to manage chronic pain conditions.
Besides the pain from the injury, I am concerned about aggravating chronic pain conditions that were well managed before this injury because of the stress of having to get around without bearing any weight on the damaged ankle. It feels like running a marathon just to get up from a chair and make my way to the bathroom two rooms away. Among my issues: history of disabling back pain, neck pain, plantar fibromatosis in the left foot (like plantar fasciitis but with little round growths in the arch of the foot), hip sprains in both hips and tendonitis in both forearms.
So far I’ve been able to remain reasonably comfortable without the use of any prescription or over the counter drugs. I’ve employed the following for pain management: CBD oil, homeopathic Ruta, Arnica and a homeopathic anti-inflammatory formula, cumin seed, and Omega-3 fatty acids. I’ve also used a pEMF device, the Oska Pulse, which works through the cast and reduces pain and inflammation and speeds healing, and a light therapy device, made by Light Care Systems, which has similar effects but can only be used on exposed skin. I also asked my body worker, a rolfer, to stop by and work on me because he is always a big help when my body gets out of whack and starts to hurt. I’ve also used an electric massager on the muscles that have become stiff and painful due to inactivity and compensatory use. I also plan to use guided visualization after the surgery to speed recovery.
A couple of days ago I had to stop the supplements prior to surgery, including the CBD oil, because they are blood thinning, so I’ve been managing with just the devices. So far, still not too bad.
When I met with the surgeon, he reassured me that they would be sending me home with all types of painkillers. I told him I wouldn’t need them because I use alternative therapies. He asked me what I used and I mentioned CBD oil first. Remarkably, he responded that many of his patients did very well with CBD oil.
I live alone and I have needed a lot of help to get around and get very basic things done. Fortunately, with a combination of paid help and the kindness of friends, I’ve been able to get by.
I recognize that I have an extraordinary number of helpful tools on hand that are beyond the reach of many. I suspect that I could get by with fewer but since I have them I am using them all. I will see how it all works out post-surgically and will write another post about it next week. Stay tuned!
Comments