What helps your pain?

[Admin]

I was just wondering what others in pain find helps ease their pain in the way of coping skills and alternative treatments (not prescribed medications or over the counter medications) - for example - hot baths and soothing creams or encouraging self talk?

For me I've found all I can do is rely on strong opiate painkillers when the pain is immense.

I have found hot baths a help if the pain is not too bad... But then there is the whole agony of the preparations for a bath, and getting in and out etc.

I'm also interested to hear what medications people are on for chronic pain... And if they find them helpful.
i take a 20mg BuTrans patch that I apply to my skin once a week, as well as amitryptyline - 30mg in the evening (although I don't think this does a great deal) and I take oramorph as prn (I try to take this as little as possible as I don't want to build up too much immunity to it after all what's next if oramorph won't work??!).

i find the BuTrans patch most painful as a regular pain med.

what about you?

[Admin]

Has anyone tried or used a pain relieving gel or numbing gel? I've used a pain relieving cream called ALGESAL. it was prescribed by my doctor and I find it helps for 30 mins or so, so it does give some relief but it's often not enough. It's works well in theory.... I think it's worth a try though for anyone who hasn't used it before and particularly for those who aren't keen on taking tablets.