General Chat

so far the cocodomol do not seem to be as effective stopping any of the pain (back or head) as the Nurofen. Maybe there has to be a build up, this is only the second day.

He has lost about 4/5 pounds in 7 weeks, although the first couple of weeks he was eating normally. He does have a biscuit every time I make a cup of tea or coffee, he did go off tea and coffee but has started drinking both again.

Ann .................

As far as the eating goes, then, just make sure that he has more than A biscuit when taking the co-codomol. I've found that I need at least 3 medium to large biscuits (or cookies :-D ).

It may take a couple of days for the pain killers to build up sufficiently.

But there are a couple of non-medications he can try in addition to the co-codomol ...............

Where is the pain in his back? Lower back, middle, upper?

Can he manoeuvre to lie on his stomach?

Do you have a heat pad or hot water bottle?

I'm a long time sufferer with back pain in the lower and middle (lumbar) back, due to spinal deterioration.

I've discovered that a warm to very warm, NOT hot, heat pad or hot water bottle on the area of the pain is a wonderful relaxant of those screaming pains.

But, yes, it can mean a great deal of "manoeuvring" to get there.

Alternatively, I found a hard-ish upholstered, armed chair barrel or tub chair is great .............. the heat pad is held in place by the upholstered back, and the arms and back give great support. An easy or lounge chair is too soft and low.

I have at least 3 different sizes of the micro-waveable heat pads which I find wonderful. They are much easier to keep in place than a hot water bottle, but wrapping a bottle in a towel may help to keep it in place.

I've had one small electric heating pad but didn't like being "tied" ny the cord, and found it was not as efficient for me as the micro-waveable ones.

I've also found that standing under a hot shower with the water beating against my back can be a relief ......... unfortunately the modern shower heads don't give as strong a flow as the ones of 20 or 30 years ago, which is why I refuse to have a new water-saving head on "my" shower! ;-)

Thanks Sylvia, it is lower spine. He does find it helps if I rub in deep heat ointment. We don’t have a hot water bottle or heat pads, might get one though. Do have one of the microwaveable ones but can’t remember how long it had to be in the oven for.

I have one of the filled microwave heat pads and it goes in the microwave for 1 minute, but you could try starting with 30 seconds and build up the time if it needs more - just so you don't overheat it.

I wasn't on co-codamol but did take dihydrocodeine (an opiate) for about 2 and a half years before my knees were replaced and then again for about 2 years before my hip replacement. They were very good painkillers and I had no problem stopping taking them after I had recovered from the operations.

Kath. x

Ann ..................

I have 2 kinds of bags, one kind is filled with rice, the other with plant seeds.

The instructions for all of them are as follows ...............

fold in half
heat on medium for 30-50 seconds
Turn them so the inside is now the outside
Heat for another 30-50 seconds.

You can feel them for warmth at each stage, and add extra time in the microwave though more than 2 minutes per side is not recommended.

I do one of mine for 1 minute 40 seconds each side, the other is slightly larger and fuller and 1:50 each side is better. Both happened to be filled with seeds.

Sylvia, I agree with you about the tub/barrel chair. I bought two when I recovered from my twisted sciatic nerve and I find them much better for the posture than a soft armchair. (I have been known to shift people from the chair in the lounge when they come for a chat. It's mine!)

So far, so good!

I hope your OH gets some relief soon Ann.

Joy ................

We have a pair of barrel/tub chairs, they were among the first items we bought when we came here in 1968! They weren't very expensive but they were very well-made, and have since been re-covered.

One is my computer chair, and the other is "my" chair in the living room.

Nice and high, easy to get out of, and arms to help if I need it.

Mine are not so high Sylvia because I am not so high!

I am pleased I bought them because they are very comfortable for my height so suit me fine.