Managing pain during isolation

A period of self isolation doesn’t mean all conditions and medical needs cease to exist. You might experience higher levels of pain due to stress, become stiff due to less movement or have a flare up. I know stress can be a major trigger for some people and it’s safe to say the current situation will be challenging.
Here are a few things you can do:
Keep taking medication
Hydrate
Ensure you have methods of pain relief (heat, ice, TENS machine…)
A cosy blanket and a comfy place to sit or lie
Scented candles that can help you relax
Things that can aid as distraction (books, films, crafts…)
If you do become unwell then please do not hesitate to contact your GP or call 111. Your health is still important and you deserve support, just like everyone else. Your GP should be able to do a telephone appointment if you need extra support.
Take things easy
It is okay if you are finding this overwhelming and scary — because it is. It may take a while for you to be able to adjust and that is okay. It’s your physical and mental wellbeing that is fundamental. Allow your body and mind the chance to adapt and try not to pressure yourself.
Try and make sure you take at least an hour a day for yourself. Maybe even write a list of relaxing things you can do if you need to step away.
Take each day as it comes, stay safe and look after yourself. You’ve got this!
What would you suggest for managing pain? Let is know in the comments below.
Scope
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Replies
As you say many of us are going to get very stiff etc. All my physio and orthotics appointments have been cancelled.
There’s a good mindfulness app that is offering a lot of free material during this time that is worth checking out.
https://blog.calm.com/take-a-deep-breath
I’ve also come across stretching routine from Parasport
https://parasport.org.uk/home-workout-kris
Take care everyone
Best
Scope
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Thank you for sharing this, it is very useful! If you are able, I am continuing to do my physio programme from home to try to help prevent muscles from becoming too stiff. Thank you.
1- Learn a new skill
2- Do a baking session with your family
3- Watch a new TV programme or movie on Netflix
4- Start a blog
5- Exercise
6- Hold a meaningful discussion on politics etc
7- Treat yourself to a nice new bottle of wine, ice cream or a massage
8- Read a new book
9- Take photos of your family members with permission
10- Mess around with water
I hope this is useful!
@WestHam06, at the weekend I found my old physio exercises. Normally I just try to walk as much as I can, obviously that's a bit tricky at the moment!
Some great suggestions @April2018mom.
Welcome to the community @squeak! Great to have you with us.. Thank you for your suggestion, warm water can definitely help!
Scope
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Otherwise it's me and my kindle. Stay Safe Everyone
We have an article about mental wellbeing during COVID-19 which you might find useful.
I hope you are safe and are able to get the essentials that you need.
Scope
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I'm also enjoying adult painting by numbers, adult geometric sticker books, colouring in and jigsaws.... 31 going on 6 lol! All very relaxing though.
I've reconnected with some old friends and been chatting with them daily and doing silly video calls which is fun.
Tonight my partner and I sat in the garden and had a fire pit and did a YouTube live quiz which was great fun.
On the downside I've been struggling with my sleep and meds. I had a 0 sleep night and then followed with sleeping yesterday 11pm - 7pm today. Now its 1.30am and I'm wide awake! Trying to be kind to myself and just think well if I'm up I might as well watch TV and chill and then tomorrow if I sleep in i will try and get up by midday x
How are things at the moment?
Scope
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Keep taking medication
Hard to keep taking medication when it is difficult to get it delivered on time and isn't right anyway
.Hydrate
Requires movement and that increases pain
Online resources for managing pain
Not much I don't know about pain after 15 years but my ISP is so bad it's hard to get and keep the internet up
Ensure you have methods of pain relief (heat, ice, TENS machine…)
Heat, Ice, TENS etc. are for muscular pain mostly and not the neural pain I get
A cosy blanket and a comfy place to sit or lie
I spend most of my day (for nearly 2 years now) in a recliner chair which is only just so much help unless I sleep
Mindfulness
Been doing this for years, only so much help for me
Scented candles that can help you relax
Tried but overcome by the anger over mistreatment and internet service problems which make me angry
Gentle stretches
ANY exercise increases pain, even gentle stretches
Things that can aid as distraction (books, films, crafts…)
Crappy internet service affects online and TV situation, anything else requires moving about and it's hard enough just getting food and drink without passing out from pain
TK
So sorry if you are upset about some comments maybe what I made but I'm struggling with my breathing with my condition and if I go into a crisis situation i need oxygen or I could die , sorry If it was my comment .😭
TK
I understand, and appreciate that these methods won't work for everyone. With some of them having no benefit to me.
The purpose of the post is to offer suggestions about the things people could try.
I hope you are keeping well.
Scope
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I don't know who to turn to.
Any ideas?
Scope
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Scope
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Scope
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