I finally got that MRI and it revealed two upper lumbar disc extrusions as well as "productive" changes to my L4 facet joints. I was not surprised. Now I shall go rub some doubting doctors noses in the picture. So yeah, I have indeed been in a lot of pain, and I have been trying like mad to avoid poisonous pharmaceuticals, especially NSAIDs. It seems every doctor I encounter has the desire to load me with them for inflammation-ugh! Not happening! I love ginger and turmeric and so far neither has killed anyone and both have anti inflammatory properties. So I'll stick with them. If I think I need something stronger, I'll go back to the devil's claw tincture. I'm going to be lazy and just order it from a supplier rather than make my own. My oldest daughter was prescribed an NSAID for several months years ago due to her chronic headaches which the doctor couldn't figure out (They were finally relieved when the dentist suggested it to be her wisdom teeth-subsequently removed-and bang-no more headaches!). She ended up with esophagitis and permanent stomach problems from the ignorant over prescription of the NSAID. If only I had been more educated at the time! I also know of several people that suffered heart attacks after prolonged NSAID "therapy". Ha, therapy my arse! So, what is a miserable pain riddled creature to do? I choose to think outside of the 'health care professionals' recommendations in hopes of not giving myself more difficulties. So far, this kratom has made a positive difference and the worst side effect has been constipation. I have been taking 1/2g of some Bali green two or three times daily when the pain flares badly, and maybe once if it is not so horrid. It seems to have a cumulative effect with me, so the day after I take three 1/2 gram doses I may not need to take any at all. Just because I now have some pain relief does not mean that I am pushing my limits either. I'm still taking life easier than I would like, but that is a heck of a lot better than not taking life at all. I really don't want to keep aggravating the facet problem. I do think it is the most significant source of pain for me. Oddly, my L4 disc showed no herniation according to the latest MRI report. How funny is that? (I have not gotten a copy of this film yet, but merely a report from an outsourced reading service-so I shall definitely get the film for myself. Interpretations of MRIs vary subjectively.) I have an MRI film from 2004 that tells a different story at L4. It is possible for damaged discs to resorb and shrink. I believe this happened with that one. (or somebody really missed the mark) Unfortunately, my facets have been carrying the weight so to speak and naturally they complain. Fortunately, they are mediated by kratom. I actually feel like decorating for Halloween! A word of caution-not all kratom is equal. I find it wisest to start with a small amount and titrate up very gradually until pain relief has been achieved. I would never go beyond it either. Unpleasant things like dizziness, nausea, emesis and headaches can happen if this herb is abused. Employ the wisdom of the least effective dose for the least amount of time-which is wisdom that many 'health care professionals' seem to have tossed aside in many instances. The nice thing about kratom is that if you feel better, you don't have to keep taking it, and there seems to be no need for any ridiculous tapering or weaning from it. So far, the Bali green strain has been the best for my pain relief. I tried a red veined Borneo variety which was not nearly as effective. The Bali green gives me hours of relief. I am currently giving a green Malaysian strain a try when the pain isn't awful. I'm rather afraid to give up the Bali when I need it because I have been in torment for a very long time and do not wish to return. I don't do anything fancy taking it either. I just put that bitter tea like powder right into my mouth while holding my breath, take a small bit of water to moisten it, chew it a bit for appreciation, and then swallow it down with some more water. I don't find it terrible, nor is it delightful. I am old school in believing that true medicine should not be delicious. It's power may psychologically reside in a bit of unpleasant taste. Perhaps it is easier to appreciate it's power and respect it when it takes a little effort to choke it down?
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