Pain management for a Wounded Warrior amputee. What helps best?

SFC Joseph James - I'm assuming you've done meds similar to Neurontin and others?? If you are interested, I can try to refer you to a friend of mine who is a neurosurgery PA here at the Minneapolis VA. This guy is terrific, and did more to help with my back than the Mayo Clinic. There are times that it works great....there are times that I still struggle, but even having the ability to have good days again is great.

I can tell you that the unfortunate piece of things is that you'll likely never be able to be pain free. I wish I could give better news, but I want you to have the realistic expectations....but I would be happy to talk with you offline here to see what kinds of ideas could possibly be done, and to get you in touch with my friend that has helped.
v/r,
CPT Butler

First and foremost, I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifice. I know some people simply say that because it's the right thing to do. I say it because I whole heartedly mean it.

As for the pain, everyone is different. I suffer from severe chronic low back pain from years of injuries. I did everything in my power for the first 10 years in order to correct the problem (physical therapy, chiropractors, muscle strengthening, losing weight, changing running shoes more often, buying the appropriate bed, sleeping in the proper positions, daily stretching, etc.

Finally, I found myself relying on pain meds. I tried most of them in order to find the combination that suits me best. Some were too strong, too weak, or too troublesome. I found that sensibly combining a few drugs did the trick. My body responds well to the meds. It doesn't decrease my response or cloud the mind. Thankfully, I do not have an addictive personality.

But, my pain pales in comparison. Sometimes the mind is the most important part of the body to strengthen. I've read very promising responses to medical marijuana. If it were legal for us while in uniform, I would try it in order to get off the pills. Is that an option? I only suggest that because of the true medical uses that alleviates the pain both physically and mentally.

There are really potent time release pain meds that are best suited for your kind of pain. I'm speaking of the hardcore narcotic OxyContin or Roxicodone. Roxicodone comes in a 30mg tablet that releases throughout the day. If your body and mind can tolerate it, it's worth a shot.

Last ditch effort is acupuncture. On any account, I truly hope you find what works best for you and soon.

It goes without saying, but thank you. SFC Joseph James True Hero

My wife recently got very involved in Essential Oils therapy, and you're talking to a huge skeptic. The research behind the oils goes back to year 0, so there's some time put into it! If you're out of options, give it a shot. In speaking with her, pain management oils can really give some pretty impressive results. It seems strange, how can smelling something fix my pain?? but I'll tell you it seems to work. There's some pretty effective PTS oil blends as well, but I haven't let her work that voodoo on me yet.

Something to explore. Hope it helps.