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Re: Pain Level (again...)

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 6:07 pm
by admin
Hi, I was reading everyone's post and the term "phantom limb" kept coming up. Can anyone please describe what you guys are talking about when you say this? Thanks.

Re: Pain Level (again...)

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 9:04 pm
by jennyb
Hi
Phantom Limb Pain is suffered by amputess and also by people who have no sensory input from an affected limb, such as people with a tbpi who get poor or no recovery, and feel nothing through their affected hand. Here's a page from the tbpi uk website which explains it better than I can, and also explains how to use a mirror box to help with the pain. http://www.tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/mi ... _pics.html
I found using a mirror box did help that horrible burning, crushing feeling, but I also found using it quite emotional, it's hard to explain why. Seeing both hands apparently working was more of a shock than I realised it would be.
If anyone else out there has tried it, I'd love to hear about it.
Jen NZ

Re: Pain Level (again...)

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:12 am
by Henry
Hi Jennie,

I made the box and had no response. My right arm is in great shape. I'm 45, 23 years bpi, and going strong. I've always worked out, play squash, and keep going.

Interesting topic line. I'm dating someone new and she is trying hard to understand. Intersting to see a newbie figuring things out.

H

Re: Pain Level (again...)

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:41 am
by admin
I appreciate all the replies and after reading here and kath bringing up a thread for me, its getting somewhat more understandable to me. Its just different all the way around and no 2 ppl are the same, in any case, shape or form.

Jenny, We actually made James the mirror box and he has been using it for several weeks now. When he first stuck his arms in it, his reactions was alot like yours, emotional, and just plain weird as he said. It made his head hurt, (crazy) for a few minutes but then he got used to it. He "plays" with it and says it does ease his pain, and when hes not having pain, he uses it and "thinks", "trys" to move his arm/hand. The way I look at it he has nothing to loose by using it and Im so glad I saw it mentioned on the UK site, Lord knows I pestered you all enough about it, LOL!!! Thanks...