We ADHDers tend to be hypersensitive. For example, to certain noises, to feelings of rejection, etc. So it makes sense that we might be hypersensitive to pain. I just wasn’t aware of this before. But I have had struggles with pain.
I’ve found the following helpful:
Alternating heat and cold.
CBD creams – very effective
tylenol plus ibuprofin. (Cox 2 selective NSAIDs have lower
incidence of side effects, but expensive)
Bengay, Icey Hot, or other heating salves. (caprision reported to have good effect)
Lidocaine patches
I was extremely reluctant to have back surgery but it was extremely successful.
Epidural steroid injections, but only when I was younger.
Try to avoid narcotics except short term after surgery or injury.
doug
Long study – we have more pain and more fatigue
Personal Notes O the Day:
I took a break after publishing Alma Means Soul, my first novel. I’ve started writing again, partly because many days it’s too cold to fish. My working title is Living Well with ADHD. Suggestions are welcome.
I reluctantly and sadly plan to make Tip 1000 the last on this website. I do not have the time and am pruning several activities. I probably will post an occasional tip on my face book page. I’m grateful for your support and participation over the years.
OUCH!!
People are incredible.
#ADHD, #adultADHD, @dougmkpdp, @addstrategies, @adhdstrategies
Who’s in charge here?
ADDadultstrategies 
Hi Doug,
I, too, have always struggled with chronic pain. Last year was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I’m slowly learning to set different goals for myself and be more gentle with myself, understanding if I try to push things like I did when I was younger, that it will only make things worse.
Totally agree with you on your various suggestions.
I’m also sound sensitive. For years now, I’ve always had at least one pair of good to excellent noise-cancelling headphones available. If going on a long trip or going to anywhere that might trigger the sensitivity? I pack them in my purse and no longer am embarrassed about wearing them in public.
A few days ago I ran across this review of some tiny ear inserts that don’t amplify or block sound. Instead, they ‘smooth’ out a certain range of sounds so that you can hear them but they are less grating on your brain. Instead of describing them to you, I’ll provide a link to that review. I’ve seriously thought about trying them. But getting close to needing hearing aids (at my young age, sadly) and realized I wouldn’t be able to use them with hearing aids. And could by a hearing aid that helped with the sound issue. Here is that link: https://www.reviewed.com/accessibility/content/flare-audio-calmer-review-how-cancel-ambient-sound
Honestly not looking for sympathy but instead saying how much I understand what you are saying… I’ve also been seeing a neurologist since 2008 for migraines. As for the headaches and migraines, doing the monthly self-injection of Aimovig as well as having Tramadol on hand if needed has helped a great deal. I’ve kind of accepted that pain is now a permanent part of my life and to quit wishing it would go away. Seems to make it all worse. Plus, I listen to series of meditations on Headspace specifically designed for those with chronic pain. It’s helped more than I expected.
Thanks so much for your blog and the very honest advice you give. And always love the gifs. They make me laugh and usually are very relatable.
Thanks,
Cindy
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thank you
doug
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Hello to you! I was so sad to read you will not be posting past Tip 1000. I so enjoy your emails and the little cartoons. It brightens my week. Since I don’t have a FB page, I will, hopefully, try to put a little note on my calendar to check yours. Being on the computer too much (or late) causes overstimulation for my system and really affects my ADHD. I can’t do even caffeine. What helps me is mediation, pruing activities (as you called it), limiting how many times I run to town (it’s almost 30 min), and TRYING to limit how much I’m on the net. For some reason, that ol’ interent sucks me in and my brain goes haywire like I’m on a whole pot of coffee. It quickly gets addictive and I start getting snippy, and my days get all wonky.
All things in balance. I find if I listen to the Lord and am willing to learn what throws me off…and CHANGE that, I am a much happier woman.
Blessings & peace to you Doug. Thank you for the tip on sensitivity. This little canary can attest to that.
Dee – in Durango 🙂
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dee
thank you for your kind comments. I’m sad about stopping but it’s time.
yes, the net can be a big problem. sounds like you’re doing a good job of identifying your issues and making strategies to handle them.
best wishes
doug
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👍❤️😘
Sent from my iPad
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martha
thank you
luv
doug
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Doug, I’ve really enjoyed your posts on here and am sorry to hear they’re coming to an end. I have your book, but it’s been lovely receiving the emails. Many of your captions/memes have literally made me burst out laughing – thank you. I wish you all the best in your future pursuits. Take care, Julia
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julia
thank you so much for your kind comments. glad you enjoyed it
best wishes
doug
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