No Pain, No Gain
Charles G.
Transdermal Patient
I have been an avid weight lifter for more than thirty years and continue to lift weights today, even though I cannot lift as much as I used to. About twenty years ago, I was struck with intense pain just below the xiphoid process, which is located below the sternum. This led to the use of many different kinds of oral pain medication and a couple of surgeries over the following years. I underwent two surgeries and found out the cause of my pain was the result of tiny tears that pinged microscopic nerve endings within a buildup of scar tissue. The surgeries did relieve some pain, however the doctors left some scar tissue.
I began seeing my current pain specialist when the pain began and have been with him throughout the years. In 2012, my doctor suggested a compounded medication to help with my pain and replace my oral pain medication mainly because of the side effects. The most impactful side effect I experienced was weight gain. Even though I still pursued the gym, I was unable to avoid the rapid weight gain that comes from the use of oral pain medication. I gained about 140 pounds while taking three different, high-dosage pain medications.
The goal my doctor and I had was to supplement this compounded pain cream for the oral pain medications I had been taking. The cream worked just as we had hoped. After adding the cream to my pain medication regimen, I was able to cut my oral pain medication down to only one medication and have cut the dosage of that medication by more than half. Because of the weight I had gained while on the oral medications, I was able to lose about 75 pounds after discontinuing them, with my doctor’s approval.
I am able to do so much more now than I was before. I am still going to the gym, even though I cannot lift as heavy as before, and I can do almost everything I was unable to do. When I have pain from certain activities, I quickly apply the cream and the pain is gone within five to ten minutes. I have been using this medication since 2012 and will continue to do so. The company has worked with me over the years to make sure the compound cream is the right fit for me, even when we had to change the formulation upon my doctor’s orders. This medication has enabled me to continue many of the activities I enjoy, and I continue to be thankful for it each day!
