News Prescription Drugs Addiction on the Rise

[lsully]

meds

Have you been able to get your meds in check and how are you doing.

 

[fin]

I had the same problem being prescribed and then coming off addictive meds.

I was prescribed diazepam several years ago for the pain and also to help relieve the stress.

I should probably be writing htis in my diary sorry

 

[FlameTachiku]

I am off all the meds now although I will take motrin at times. My BP continues to be a problem but only at times as it is related to my PTSD symptoms. The problems is when I am doing well my BP drops and when I am struggling with stress it sky rockets. Not sure how to deal with that as low presure for me is not comforatable, but high is unhealthy. Most of the time I am ok. I don't know.

But being off the med. has been helpful in my daily life as I am making goals and following through with them. I am motivated and able to do something about it. I feel and I am willing to act. The down side is that I also feel frustrated, angry, sad, happy, and like an idiot sometimes. I think that might be "normal" but it is uncomforatable. But I like the the ability to notice, care, and act. I am not numb. I guess life is not as easy. That is how it is going for me, off meds.

 

[pandora]

I am totally scared and as a nurse know the repercussions and know oxycontin is a killer, especially if you abuse it. I want to get off it and i have begun to realize...I am going to need help. Actually talked openly to my Mom yesterday and she was supportive. When we move together..I think i am going to enter a safe detox. I just have to finish the decompression so the pain at least lessens. i guess i just have to learn to live with chronic pain if they do not work because the drugs are reaking havoc on my body and without them I can hardly move and I just want to cry because i feel like i am a bit stuck right now but I finally have an option in the future. I am thankful fot that before it becomes too late. It scares me..ALOT!

 

[patrick]

Flame,

I can sure relate with ending the numbness and starting to feel again. Suddenly, familiar emotions are five times as strong, and I feel all kinds of things I don't remember ever feeling before. Sometimes when it gets hard it is so tempting to go back to something I know will make me feel better. I'm glad to hear that you are appreciating you life and that you are motivated and able to do something about it. It can be a struggle, but worth it, I think.

Pandora,
Have you considered a pain clinic? Some of them combine detox with pain management techniques. I guess you probably know more about it than me, being a nurse. My last wife used oxycontin for a long time following multiple back surgeries, so I am familiar with how scary it is to contemplate getting off of it. With the combination of using it for legitimate pain management, and its numbing effects on PTSD symptoms, I would definitely recommend that you have a comprehensive support system in place when you do decide it's time to stop.

 

[pandora]

I do go to a pain clinic. They prescribe whatever I need and I could get more too but I do not ask for it or I will take it. I am taking less than I previously have been but am in pain and it is a double edged sword. I will definately have a support action in place. i already have my counsellor and an in home worker who will help me set everything up when i move and have proper childcare in order to make it successful. I am scared to death still....I will ask about pain management and detox at my next visit and see what he says. I think it is time...UUGGHHH

 

[patrick]

I once was involved with an intensive, multi-disciplinary outpatient pain management program that included physical and occupational therapy, psychotherapy, biofeedback, relaxation and pain management techniques, and even vocational counseling. The patients went through the program in groups, and attended eight hours a day, five days a week for four to six weeks. This program did not have a detox component, but I have heard of inpatient pain management programs that do include various detox methods as well as the other pain management techniques. Don't know what you have in Ontario or what your medical insurance is like, but these kinds of programs can be very successful if you have the motivation to succeed.

 

[FlameTachiku]

That is what I am talking about Patrick. A pain clinic that is not all about meds but about life and treating from the place a person is at, not generic treatment. I hope you find this type of support Pandora.

 

[pandora]

I do too...it is going to be a long hard road but I am strong. I am motivated and have way more assistance and support than I had a year ago and also a want to live....more than i had before. At one time i prayed for death and now there are nights I am afraid to go to sleep...not because of PTSD but because I just will not wake up. I am fearful of the damage that I know that I have done...some days I am even afraid to look in the mirror because as a nurse I see negative things. I guess the only way out is to keep trying and get back to the decompression now that the weather is better...I now know my mother will help me so there is a light at the end of the tunnel but it is going to be hard. I am prepared in a way for what is coming but also scared to death. I am disappointed that I allowed this to happen but I know this is not my fault and my back injury is the reason...it is hard to accept though. I can do this! I will do this and I will just take one day at a time and try to stay as positive as this silly brain of mine allows me to be.

 

[patrick]

That's the spirit. Stay positive, take it one day at a time, give it your best shot, and congratulate yourself for every step forward, no matter how small. And please, no more of this silly brain stuff. You know better than that. Tsk, tsk. :-)

Hey, how come I don't have any of those smiley face things to use here all of a sudden? There would be one right after the Tsk, tsk if I did.

Pat

 

[pandora]

Thank you patrick....what I really wanted to say was a lot worse than silly...ha ha. What i wanted to say started with an F and ended with UP...so silly was actually an improvement...Thanx for the support and i really am trying my best to stay positive!