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I'm Looking for a Placebo Pill for treatment of pain.
January 27, 2019 | Lee Martell

Posted on 01/27/2019 11:28:46 AM PST by lee martell

As stated, I am seeking a simple white, flavorless pill that I can occasionally take instead of consuming more actual pain reliever medication. Why? So that I don't become too reliant on pills to get through the day. So that I don't continue building new thresholds of tolerance, requiring even more of that same med.

Such pain relievers can be rough on the organs of the body. Other reasons: So that I remain more clear headed during the days, during the times I need to drive, during the times when I'm expected to engage in conversation with people.

Causes of pain: Ever since my foot surgeries (Sub Talar Fusions in both feet) I have experience occasional pain in the toes and soles of feet. The doctor calls this peripheral neuropathy, something that happens to a percentage of patients after these procedures. Sometimes it's just a twinge of pain around the toe nailbed, other times, I am awakened at 3.AM feeling as though someone poured kerosene on the soles of my feet, then lit a match. When that happens, I have learned to just stand up for a while, maybe walk around a bit. Thankfully, it's not all the time. Perhaps a few nights out of the month.

I have been prescribed Gabapentin for it. At first, after researching Gabapentin online, I refused to take it at all. I read that one side effect was Weight Gain. I'm thinking; that's the last thing I need assistance with, gaining more weight. Then I read further, and to many patients who have used it, the gain happens only by giving in to an increased appetite. Feeding one's face, as it were. It's not as with certain other drugs, (Prednisone!) where the body begins to store fat in different ways than before after long term use. So I'm willing to try it for a while, in small doses. Gaba is helpful, but leaves me sort of woozy in the morning. It might be about Noon before that soft cloudy sensation is finally gone.

I'm willing to have a small container of placebo pills as a 'Go To First' measure. To keep from ingesting so much that will depress the system, and make breathing somewhat more labored. Yes. I know it's only mind games and a form of Self Hypnosis.

I have searched online, and was surprised at how difficult it is to find what I want. I don't want empty capsules that I have to work at filling with something. I don't want sugar pills, that will remind me of Tic Tacs. I seek a plain, white, boring pill that is as close to flavorless as is possible. Any suggestions?


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Education; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: painmedicine; placebo
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To: null and void

Correction: Mid-December 1992


101 posted on 01/27/2019 1:03:01 PM PST by null and void (Build the wall, or don't get paid at all.)
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To: Ron/GA

Turmeric or CBD oil...do the research, read the reviews...avoid BS.


102 posted on 01/27/2019 1:03:52 PM PST by who knows what evil? (Yehovah saved more animals than people on the ark...www.siameserescue.com)
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To: lee martell

Have considered essential oils?


103 posted on 01/27/2019 1:04:38 PM PST by dangerdoc
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To: lee martell

I also have peripheral neuralgia and have had excellent results and much relief from a combination of acupuncture and benfotiamine, an over-the-counter synthetic thiamine. My acupuncturist has also added a supplement called circuplex. If there is a good acupuncturist where you are, give it a try.


104 posted on 01/27/2019 1:06:22 PM PST by Nationale7
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To: lee martell

Placebos only work if you think you are taking REAL pain medication they use them to make the brain think you are taking pain medication!!! If you KNOW it is NOT pain medication WHY would you think a placebo will help you with the pain I am VERY CONFUSED by your expectations!!!


105 posted on 01/27/2019 1:06:32 PM PST by Trump Girl Kit Cat (Yosemite Sam raising hell)
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To: Nationale7

I had one experience with acupunture that did not go well at all.
I will look into benfotiamine.


106 posted on 01/27/2019 1:24:18 PM PST by lee martell (AT)
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To: lee martell

My BIL had two ruptured discs, and as a result became severely addicted to opioids. He was up to at least 80mg per day.

He was doctor shopping and buying them on the street. Thankfully he never lapsed to heroin.

When he decided to kick it he started augmenting the opioids with pot, and gradually tapered down. It extended the time the opioids worked for him from 2-3 hours to about 5 hours.

He’s been free of opioids for over a year now, and only occasionally smokes pot when his back gets real bad.

It worked for him.

Your mileage may vary.


107 posted on 01/27/2019 1:26:34 PM PST by Mariner (War Criminal #18)
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To: lee martell

Just take the ones your mother gives you. They don’t do anything at all.


108 posted on 01/27/2019 1:30:23 PM PST by CrazyIvan (A gentleman arms himself for the protection of others.)
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To: CrazyIvan

Maybe I should
Go Ask Alice.
I think she’ll know.


109 posted on 01/27/2019 1:35:07 PM PST by lee martell (AT)
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To: CrazyIvan
Just take the ones your mother gives you. They don’t do anything at all.

Yeah, but one pill makes you taller and one pill makes you small ...

I guess you just have to guess the right one ...

110 posted on 01/27/2019 1:40:22 PM PST by BlueLancer (Orchides Forum Trahite - Cordes Et Mentes Veniant)
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To: lee martell

There are some Homeopathy for Neuropathy products. If you want to believe the theory behind this medication it could help, or if you do not agree with it, there is such a very small amount of the medicinal content that it could work as a placebo alternative for what you may be looking for. Might be worth a way to use both theories to look into. Just a thought!


111 posted on 01/27/2019 1:41:37 PM PST by OldLurker (D.R.I.P. "Don't Re-elect Incumbent Politicians" Join Now, No Dues, No Registration)
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To: Mariner

He’s lucky to have escaped from that cycle.
MY troubles pale compared to ruptured discs!
This is the scenario I always want to avoid, becoming desperate enough to buy them on the street. For one thing, it’s illegal, the second thing is buying on the street, you have no idea what you’re getting until it’s been put into your system. The pills could contain strychnine (Rat Poison!) for all the street vendor knows.


112 posted on 01/27/2019 1:43:08 PM PST by lee martell (AT)
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To: lee martell

Lee, I’m very sorry to hear of your pain. I do not understand why you won’t take a prescription pain med of whatever strength, including oxycontin, if it swiftly takes the pain away? You would only need one dose, and if only a few times per month, the chance of building tolerance is low. Perhaps the side effect of strong pain meds is not worth the relief? Each of us reacts differently.

However, from what you say, I’d guess you aren’t going to build tolerance which requires higher doses, nor become addicted. This is just my opinion but it’s based on years of experience in my work. I can also vouch for clinical hypnotherapy as an adjunctive treatment for chronic conditions. However, the key to treating pain is to take the pain med as soon as possible when pain starts. If the pain medicine is not strong enough to cover it, that’s when self-hypnosis techniques can help.


113 posted on 01/27/2019 1:55:40 PM PST by The Westerner (Protect the most vulnerable: get the government out of medicine, education and the forests.)
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To: al baby

Here is another suggestion - kill your appetite and food cravings (along with a whole bunch of other positive health benefits).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDIXa33x9_M

Might allow to take that recommended medicine and not start overeating. I am over 7 months into this easy simple diet and not experiencing any strong hunger or cravings at all even though I sometimes only one normal sized meal a day!
Lost 40 lb. without thinking about it - and it stays off. (so far).

More info here if you think its worth looking into:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pki__Zuv_0A&t=2s
Vid of the great Jordan Peterson talking about his experience with this diet.

and...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isIw2AN_-XU
Details of the diet.

Good luck and get well!


114 posted on 01/27/2019 2:01:02 PM PST by Doctor DNA (Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones... But Some Words .....!)
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To: The Westerner

Thank you for the advice.
My interest in self-hypnosis seems to fit with the consideration of placebos. Most people forget just how strong the power of suggestion can be.


115 posted on 01/27/2019 2:01:04 PM PST by lee martell (AT)
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To: lee martell

Systemic Enzymes. Non-addictive. Not placebo.


116 posted on 01/27/2019 2:16:59 PM PST by YogicCowboy ("I am not entirely on anyone's side, because no one is entirely on mine." - J. R. R. Tolkien)
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To: lee martell

I broke my foot in 2001.

They gave me Vicodin.

I knew it could be addictive.

I looked at the recommended dose.

(this was 2001... so I don’t remember what that was)

I took half. Or half as often. One of those.

I didn’t get addicted.

Try that.


117 posted on 01/27/2019 2:22:39 PM PST by ExGeeEye (For dark is the suede that mows like a harvest.)
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To: lee martell; Yaelle

Agreeing with Yaelle: ARNICA, a homeopathic remedy. Available at health food stores, where you can usually get knowledgeable advice to go with it, probably a good idea if pain is result of surgery. Homeopathic are also available in both supermarkets I frequent. No side effects, no nasty ingredients. Arnica also comes in a gel or cream to rub on bruises and bumps.

I learned about it on the ski slopes when my friend showed me a huge bruise he’d just acquired in a fall. He took Arnica tablets and said “Watch this.” He stood there and I could see the swelling go down. Within minutes he was back on the slopes.

I like the HYLANDS brand. There are others. They are all inexpensive.

Queen Elizabeth’s physician is a homeopathic doctor and she’s certainly in remarkable health.

I also get arthritis pain in my thumb joints and toes (go figure). Hylands has a formula called Arthritis Pain. Works very well. They also have a formula called SLEEP and some others. Homeopathic are wonderful. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m over 80. Run on the treadmill and lift weights at the gym almost every day, eat organic food, and take no prescription drugs. So I do know a thing of two: )

Veto! (the girl)

Good luck with your pain


118 posted on 01/27/2019 2:26:18 PM PST by Veto! (Veto! (Political Correctness Offends Me))
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To: lee martell

CDB capsules (or oil) has demonstrated some nice anti inflammatory results for a good percentage of those who have tried it.

My doctor says about 100 of his patients say they have used it it and about 50% are happy with it. He says it’s harmless, so give it a try.


119 posted on 01/27/2019 2:41:02 PM PST by ChildOfThe60s (If you can remember the 60's....You weren't really there)
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To: Ron/GA; lee martell

Let me add that I generally don’t believe in supplements or health foods. But unlike most of the claimed cures at the health food stores, there is real evidence that curcumin does have therapeutic benefits. Unless it is contraindicated by other medications, I’d recommend giving it a try.


120 posted on 01/27/2019 3:00:40 PM PST by PAR35
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