Chronic pain but don't want to keep taking meds.

[SleepwalkingThroughLife]

I'm in my late 40's and have had chronic pain for a very long time.  I have had several surgeries including back surgery and joint replacements.  I've also had numerous steroid injections in my hips, neck and back to try to alleviate the pain from arthritis and disc problems.   I've been battling extreme fatigue for many years, and have become an absolute introvert.  I just started working full-time after over three years of either not working, or working part-time.  I pretty much keep to myself at work, but I'm trying to get back to living and socializing after several tough years.  I was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis in my early 30's.  By my early 40's I've had back surgery, both hips replaced, random bone fractures, and a couple of "minor" surgeries for other issues.  I've also suffered from pretty bad fatigue for most of my life.  I've been to more doctors than I can count, and most say there's not much that can be done but pain meds.  No cures for these issues.   I've been prescribed many different meds over the years.  I currently take Savella, Adderall, and Vicoprofen.  I took a strong long-acting pain med for about a year during the worst of it, but once I felt the pain was easing up a bit I tapered off of it, then went through some mild withdrawal for a few days.  Here's my issue.  I've worked hard to deal with the pain issues through diet, exercise and supplements, and I now feel that I can stop taking Vicoprofen.  For a couple of years I took about 8 a day, but for the last six months I take 4-5 along with the Savella and Adderall.  Without Adderall I literally can't stay awake, and can't focus on anything - can't even read an entire sentence without several attempts.  I actually had to stop driving for awhile.  Anyway, **and this is important to me, I don't want to continue to put these things in my body, and I want to start with getting rid of Vicoprofen, then see if I can eventually eliminate the others.  But I can't go more than four or five hours without taking one or I start feeling sick.  I'm considering Suboxone.  I've found a doctor that does an 8-week program where you are done with the Suboxone after 8 weeks.  Looking for info from people who have dealt with chronic pain and stopping pain meds, and also from those who have info on Suboxone.  But really, I welcome all comments and opinions.  Thanks!  

[Garnet357]

Suboxone/ Subutex/ Buprenorphine
Saved my life. Literally.
And it DOES help with pain.

[SleepwalkingThroughLife]

Thanks again for the comments and tips!  I will definitely look around on here and see what I can find.  When I was first prescribed pain meds I had no idea how hard it would be to stop taking them.  I know I didn't have a choice and would have taken them even if I knew that, but now I would like to get them out of my system and hopefully never need them again.  And as hard as I'm finding this, I have so much empathy for those who have an addiction because I would think it would be a battle for the rest of your life.  Then again, maybe it will be for me too.

And I think I can handle the pain better at this point because I've gotten used to it and can usually push it out of my mind if I stay busy.  At least I hope!

[OxyTired]

I also have severe back issues but have stopped the oxycodone I was using for pain, (plus I have the tendency to over use, as an addict)

I am only 2 weeks clean of them, but sleep is still an issue, and some days I am really low energy. However, the cloud does lift-it does not take medication to think clearly. My progress on that is slow, but sure.

I also use an anti-inflammatory diet, Tens, back brace belts, heating pads, Jacuzzi, and still get flareups. I am learning to manage the pain. It is not easy, but doable. I think my brain is learning to "turn it off".

I was like you, sick of being so reliant on meds for one reason or another. I agree with the others, that getting your doctors assistance will be very helpful, especially since you also have a job at stake.

I like reading even some of the older posts here on this site, there is a wealth of information, and it is searchable. Many here have "been there done that" with almost any issue concerning getting off narcotics. For alternatives, check out the "Pain Management Forum" of MedHelp.

[ActingBrandNew]

"...he doesn't seem to think it'll be a problem for me since I only take what's prescribed and only take them for pain."

Well...since you dont seem to be an addict but more just physically dependent....maybe sunbonnet would be a viable option as it sounds like you intend to use the program as it was designed. I guess the biggest issue with suboxone would be if you were an addict abusing pain meds but since you are taking them as prescribed....its definitely something to consider.

[SleepwalkingThroughLife]

Thank you for your responses!  My doctor doesn't actually think I should stop taking pain meds because he thinks I will always need them due to the issues that I have that are painful.  When I told him I want to try he told me just to cut back for a few days and then stop -- he doesn't seem to think it'll be a problem for me since I only take what's prescribed and only take them for pain.  

I've read a lot of what people have been saying about getting addicted to the Suboxone, but I'm not sure if the 8-week plan would cause that to happen.  I'm wondering if it's possible to just take Suboxone for a few days or a week, and if that would get me through the worst of it.  

Because I've had pretty bad pain for almost 15 years and many surgeries with some periods of time where my pain was under control, I have weaned myself off of Vicoprofen in the past by tapering, then just having a few unpleasant days.  With the exception of the worst part when I was taking up to 8 a day, I never took more than 4 or 5 a day, and sometimes only 2-3 a day along with ibuprofen, and for only a few months at a time so I'm wondering if that's why I was able to do it.  Now I've been taking it around the clock for almost four years and I really can't go for more than four or five hours without taking one or I start feeling sick.  I just started my full-time job about six months ago so I don't get any vacation time for the first year and I have very little sick time because I still have some problems and sometimes can't work so I have used most of what I get.  I cannot be sick at work, and being so new there I don't really feel comfortable telling my bosses and coworkers that I'm going through withdrawal.  But I really feel like I'm at a point that I no longer need narcotic pain meds.  So I've been trying to research what options are out there for me.  I'll look into any suggestions that anyone has for me, and appreciate the info you guys have given me so far.  Thanks again!

[ariley13]

Hi and welcome! I also suffer from chronic pain. I agree 100% with Acting Brand New. Involving your doctor will be your best bet. If at all possible do not go the sub route. They are a lot harder to get off of than most pain meds. Your doctor should be able to set up a realistic taper schedule for you. When taking opiates long term, it is always a good idea to take a 'drug holiday' to re-evaluate your true pain levels. Whatever decision you make, we will be here for you. Withdrawls can be hard, but they are doable. This site is full of wonderful, supportive people who can help you through it. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and hope that you can find some comfort.

[ActingBrandNew]

"Looking for info from people who have dealt with chronic pain and stopping pain meds, and also from those who have info on Suboxone."

I deal with chronic pain from spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease in my lumbar and thoracic spine as well as Autoimmune Psoriatic Arthritis. I do not take narcotic pain medication. Ive had the cortisone injections in my back and left knee. I was prescribed all the different pain meds but eventually just prescribed myself Heroin.

Its tough trying to manage chronic pain....if its not one part of the body its the other. If youve decided to stop the pain meds....detox is doable. It hurts but is very doable. I do not have experience with Suboxone. Ive either went cold turkey or tapered off. Many on this site switched to Suboxone and ended up addicted to that. If you have found a committed doctor with an 8 week program then its definitely worth looking into. Just know that Ive seen many detox from Suboxone and it seems they have a harder time than the opiate they replaced. Do your research and go into it knowing all the risks.

I dont know what to say about the pain. Im constantly icing my joints...I do take Meloxicam which does very little. I own a TENS machine that I use 2-3 times a day. I eat anti-inflammatory foods, I meditate and pray. Ive been off opiates for 3 + years.

Well, personally I would talk to my prescribing doc about tapering you down just from what Ive heard about Suboxone. Whatever you decide, this is a great place for advice in regards to both options. I do with you the best of luck.

Always,

ABN