Mom is definitely winding down. Most days when I am helping her with meals she will keep rocking forward in her wheelchair, I believe she is trying to relieve pain in her back. I can't really give her a back rub because she can't lean forward more than an inch or two. I can't use voltaren for the same reason. She is on tylenol with the option of ibuprofen if needed (only when I ask, of course). When she was still at home we avoided opioids because of her slow transit bowel problems, I honestly don't know how well they are managing that in the NH. I just don't want her uncomfortable.... what kind of pain medication should I ask for?
Also, ice pack on bed, again covered with a thin t-shirt like cloth.
Recommended by my chiropractor for back pain.
Others use heat. An elderly cannot be left alone with a heating pad.
Back pain may get worse when constipation is a problem. Imo.
Does she have an orthopedic pad on the wheelchair?
Has your Mom's doctor tried Lidocaine patches applied to your Mom's spine where the pain is the worse? They are applied daily. My Mom wore the Lidocaine patch and that seemed to help relieve some of her back pain.
Unfortunately anything I suggest is going to have to be done by the staff at the NH, and they tend to do a p*$$ poor job when they have to deviate outside their normal routines.
I think I'm really looking for drugs, because I assume we are approaching EOL and are past the point of trying alternative therapies.
Do not spray in a manner that causes her to have to breathe it in or smell it for the first 10 seconds. It dissipates fast.
It is my favorite 1st choice for easing the pain, next to icing. Try it yourself first.
Wal-Mart carries this product, or it is online.
Under ten dollars. Or, $7.99 in U.S.
Are you sure she is not slipping out of the chair?
Back when she had her MRI I remember the doctor going over all the problem vertebrae (it was all greek to me at the time), I know it seemed a very long list.
ask for the therapists help if that’s possible.