Living In Pain And The Toll It Takes On The Mind

[joeylittle]

Oh, I was just wondering if anyone has been willing to prescribe opiods for you, in terms of pain management. (I was reading a sort of history of opiod prescription drugs in America the other day - about what led to their rise, and then their fall.)

Forgive me - you may have mentioned trying them already and Ive just forgotten. Part of the reading I did talked about a few cases where the individuals may have benefitted from a very managed hydrocodone regimen, but doctors refused to work with it because of the addiction issues that can result.

Really, I just wish there was something that would alleviate chronic pain of the type you are experiencing.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@joeylittle the last time I have any pain meds was 2 yrs ago, when both of my knees swelled up like grapefruits. Had to have them drained and then steroid injections. It was reactive arthritis, f*ckING PAINFUL!!! I was given 15 Vicodin. The time before that??????? Years.

We are in a heroin/opioids epidemic in my area. Actually 2 deaths in the past day. So drs won't prescribe anything for pain relief. Hope that answers your question. Thanks....

 

[mamachick]

@She Cat-I also live in an area of severe addiction and overdoses...though some are still getting pain killers prescribed. Many drs. are seeking reasons to stop prescribing, I suspect made up reasons at times. They tell me my respiratory system is too bad and don't want me taking anything that will depress it. Yet back in 2009, they had me on 4 pain pills a day, xanax, and Adderoll. This cocktail kept me going..being able to function like a mule, and I knew it was false energy but given no other options. Eventually it all came crashing down. I was under 90 pounds and probably confusing my meds at time, not remembering if I took them. Now off of it for a year, I am barely existing. This is not humane in my opinion. I had no signs of physical addiction when going off and my dr. said he was amazed. I regained the weight. I only took about half of what was prescribed to me after the surgery that helped to correct some pain. How people with real pain documented by their tests are treated is horrible...like spending 6 days a week in bed. I am about at my limit. Sorry if I sound angry...I am.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@brat17 No, it isn't humane and it's so hard being the one dealing with the pain with no help. But, pain meds do slow down the respitory system, so I do understand why they don't want you to have it. There just has to be something else, another way for people in pain with health issues that can get relief. I too have COPD and have been told that pain meds wouldn't be a great choice for me. Logically, I understand this. But, when I'm screaming in pain, I don't give a f*cking rats ass about breathing, I just want the f*cking pain to STOP!!!!! So, I do hear you!!!! I just don't know how they are going to change this.

I am thinking that my appointment on Thursday will end up with them offering me injections for my spine. The thing with steroid injections.... over time they cause the bones to become brittle. So, it isn't a good choice either. Plus, I get severe anxiety now from steroids. I just want to bang my head on a wall sometimes!!!!!,

 

[ladee]

I abjectly refused the shots in my spine. Even without knowing what you shared about brittle bones.
I am on meds..and have succesfuly cut back. But am trying to learn new ways to manage. Some days are just bad and nothing helps. Not even the meds.
And I don't even have the issues you do.
So am really hoping they have some kind of alternative in place when you go to your appt.
We are all supporting you..doesn't ease your pain..But you are not alone.
Gentle hugs!

 

[mamachick]

I use to get injections in my neck but the closest place that my insurance pays is an hour and half drive and I have to have a driver signed in that will drive me home. They helped some but not totally, and now I have issues with my lower back and legs.

I sure hope they come up with a solution for you. I know exactly what you mean about pain meds slowing respiratory system down, and sometimes I think well just let me go in my sleep then...that would be fine. I don't know if my lungs are that bad since they don't think I need to see a pulmonary specialist. It seems its all about the money. Where I live, we have gone from pill pushing to seboxin clinics....really...nobody knew this would happen.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Well, pain clinic appointment did not go well at all. IMO! After reading my chart he said, " with what you have going on, you're in pain everywhere." I agreed. This is what he offered me.

Lyrica. NOPE! I have enough suicide ideation, I don't need anymore. Didn't say that, but I told him no on that med.

Offered steroid facet joint injections. Told him that I most likely have osteopenia and steroid injections cause the bones to become brittle and I certainly don't need that. He agreed. Plus steroids cause anxiety/rage with me.

Offered to give me lidocaine injections that would relieve the pain for 6 HOURS, but my insurance company demands that I have a series of two of those over a course of a couple of weeks to see if they really work, and then he would do a nerve ablation. It would be at least 2 months before my ins co would give an ok, if they decided to agree, before the ablation procedure would take place.

They demand that someone drive you, or take a taxi to and from.

Offered me a 10 week course on dealing with pain, and 4 acupuncture treatments. I would have to commit to all 10 weeks. It's every Tuesday from 10am- 12 noon. I f*cking work asshole!!!!!

I got up, thanked him for wasting my time, and I walked out!!!!!

What a f*cking waste of time.

Oh, and he thinks I have bursitis in my hip that's causing the pain in my left thigh....

 

[Deleted member 541]

Ok, so I'm still going to the physiotherapist 2 times a week. I'm starting to see a huge improvement. So, now we are adding other areas of my body that I have pain/other conditions going on. We talked about what happened at the pain clinic. He laughed cause I walked out, but said it was my choice to either accept the offer of steroids/drugs/ablation or try other things. So, I'm sticking with this treatment for now. Very non invasive. Doesn't hurt, no pain involved. Actually because I trust this guy, I'm relaxing and it's helping......