Voltaren Gel; Really Helping the Pain!

As you must know, I take Sprycel daily to control my chronic myelogenous leukemia. This medication comes in a box, in a bag, that is labeled; Toxic Waste. This particular “Toxic Waste has kept me alive for almost three years. Because it is such a potent medication, I do not like to take any other medications, if at all possible.

However, this particular medication DOES come with its’ own set of problems and side effects. The most bothersome of all of these side effects lately has been the pain that I am experiencing in my back, hips and the bottoms of my feet. Oddly enough, the bottoms of my feet, my heels in particular, seem to be the hardest hit; they feel as though I am walking on broken glass.

Since I am already taxing my kidneys and liver, and wish to avoid additional medications, even ones’ prescribed for pain, I tend to just hobble throughout the day. As an option, my oncologist suggested that I try Voltaren Gel; a topical gel that is applied directly to the area that has pain. Voltaren Gel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) typically used for the relief of joint pain of osteoarthritis in the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands, but it seems to be working on the areas that I have peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), as well.

I was only using it sporadically, on my worst days, but for the past few days, I have been using it on a more regular basis and it really seems to be helping. I am going to continue to apply this gel to my affected areas and see if it continues to control the pain.

I do use it sparingly, and make certain to not use more than the prescribed amount. I figure that I will use as little as possible, in order to achieve the desired effect. Since our skin is our largest organ, we must be careful to not use more than the prescribed amount of this gel, as it is still being absorbed into our bodies and bloodstreams, even though we are not taking it orally.

We must also remember that we are absorbing this medication through our hands if we are not wearing a glove for application; it is advisable to wear a glove, but if you do not, you must be certain to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel.

Since Voltaren Gel is a NSAIDs  and is more than just a pain reliever, it also may prevent blood from clotting, so you must not take other pain relievers such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen; you must also be diligent in monitoring the amount that you use since it is a gel, many may think that the more you use, the better it is, but it is important to remember that it is still a prescribed medication that could be detrimental if over applied. I would definitely check with your doctor for all of the Do’s and Don’ts prior to using this medication.

For me, it is in the lesser of many evil’s category as I am “spot” treating exactly what, and where it hurts as opposed to taking a pain med that goes throughout my whole body. I am hoping that with lesser gel, applied on a more regular basis, my pain will be kept at a more manageable level. So far, so good!

Just thought I would share!