thanks guys...
Gotta go to lunch.

Hey Christie! I love that avatar! Did you see the Muppet show that had Alice Cooper or was that before your time?

Thanks!! I love kermy.
I used to watch the muppet show when I was young. I don't remember the one with Alice cooper though.

It was tres weird, but I like weird!

Chris, that avatar is sooo funny! I gotta go get one, too!

Jo - all of my CRSs told me to put creams outside since they are absorbed through the skin as many other transdermal medications.
I could hardly place q-tip inside - so any other application than outside was out of question for me.
Valium would do much better job regarding muscle relaxation, in my opinion.
Best of luck !

Hi Fiss,
I am confused on whether it is good to apply inside or out but the first 6 weeks applied to outside didn't help. My 1st Dr. (general surgeon) said not to apply inside and my 3rd Dr. (CRS from Mayo Clinic) said definitely apply inside up to first joint of finger. Guess I'll be trying that for a while. Haven't had any negative side effects yet.
I may have to ask doc about the valium, haven't used that before. I really would like something to work. I do have an old prescription for Xanax that I was always too nervous about trying. Would that work like valium?
Jo

The two are different. Valium is a muscle relaxant/sedative. You could try a tea of valarian root and see if that has any effect for you. Valerian is the botanical precursor of valium. Just be sure to drink it in the eve before bed.

he he, dear Chris - I wish valerian tea could relax me so much that I have to take it before the bedtime ; ) ! I was prescribed Valium and was not drowsy at all - I guess I so much "hi wired " that only sledge hammer over the head can put me in total relaxation .
Jo- it can not do any harm putting cream inside - just was impossible for me to do that even if I was asked to do so :(

I have used valium, flexeril and skelaxin for muscle pain. I also take cymbalta which is supposed to help improve pain or pain perception.

Probably the best thing that I have done is to get myofascial work done with a physical therapist. The one I got to is certified in cranial-sacral, myofascial and visceral manipulation. I wish I could go more often.

Baths and heat help too.