Finally Posting!!!!!!!

[jenifer]

Hello Everyone! I have been I guess being a ghost!(As i was reading)!I guess I am Very Niave to the world of perscription drugs.My story sounds alot like  some of u !I have alot of  health issues and had major back surgery in 99 ,that's when Istatred using lortab for severe pain in back!Well I've never been addicted to anything,Till now and I am hoplessly lost to these little pills!I am using  Lortab,valium ,oxy,tussinex or anything for pain or numbness I can get my hands on!I prefer the Lortab and I am up to 6 at a time  4 or 5 times a day! I have 3 kiddos  ages 11,4,and 17 months!my husband has no idea what I am using.I ru out and is it ever hard to find here!And if you can t is high!I was a Doc shopper going to this one and that one!till they and my main doc finally found me out  ,now I have no doc to perscribe!was getting one 40 ct lortab a week from them!I know all of you know how hard it is  when you run out and your body feels like a car ran over it to put it mildly!I also have Lupus ,fibromyalgia,rhuemotd arthritis and recently found out I have ostoeporosis badly in my hips and legs!Not to mention I have a clotting disorder  and have clots frequently!Without the pain meds I am a prisoner in myself!I can hardl walk!But I know i have abused them ,How stupid ,It just got away from me!I ahve benn hospitalized this yer already 6 times!I am 30 and feel 70!I live in tx and have filed for ss a few times and of course DENIED!My docs can't understand why?!I am at my wits end with this constant pain and know I am at fault for abusing !Waht I don't understand is most people on here talk of all these pills they have  and diffrent ones ,But where on earth woud or where they could come about them!I'ts almost impossible to get them!I see all the support in here and all the nice folks !Yo have all been spporting me  while i've been ghosting around in here !thank you all!Any replies or help suggetions?would appreciate any!Have a great day All!!!!

[Wizard]

Without trying to sound like a smartass, THAT WAS JUST A BRILLIANT ANSWER DR. STEVE. How long did it take you to think that one up? .....GEEEZE.....sorry jennifer, just kinda caught me wrong. Me not being a DOCTOR and all, I would take a look at trying to see a PAIN specialist considering that you state that you have many conditions all going on at once AND address BOTH issues with them. The diseases that you state you have are very dibilitating and seriously painful. If you have been reading here long you know that the meds getting away from you is a common problem for chronic pain patients. Don't be so hard on yourself. The first step I would take is to be honest with your husband because you sure could use the support through this. I hid my dependence from my wife of 27 years for many years because I also was embarassed and felt stupid.....what a mistake.....if I would have been upfront with her when I knew I had the problem I could of saved years of anguish. I had forgotten about the "in sickness and in health" promise WE made to each other. I wish you the best in luck and I will pray for you and your family. God Bless you,
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light upon us all,
Wizard

[cindi]

Hi and welcome to the forum....alot of us here are in recovery, are wanting recovery, and are chronic pain patients...I am all of the above LOL....I have alot of back problems, newly diagnosed fibro, osteo and a ton of heartache, too much to even describe since my mom died which they say has attributed to the flareup of the fibro,,,this place is Heaven on earth   the poepl here are family,,,,they are real, genuine people who care so deeply about others it's amazing..one thing I will say is this....If you need pain medication to improve the quality of life as alot of us do then you should look for a doc that is willing to take you on as a patient as far as treating your pain issues,,,the relationship has got to be honest and forthright from the beginning or you will find yourself Dr. shopping etc...which in itself can lead to a world of trouble..What alot of docs do not understand that if our pain was treated adequately then we would not have to go to the lengths that some of us do to get pain relief..granted, alot of people Dr. shop for the high...or out of fear of withdrawals etc...but alot of us can and do resort to extreme measures to find something that will improve our quality of life...If you had the adequate pain relief perhaps you may be able to get off of the other meds and stick to one particular med that would do the trick yet take the medication responsibly..that is a difficult task for an addict but maybe for a person that became addicted by "accident" may be able to do that.....take the meds as prescribed....then once you are on a routine....you will be able to function as a normal person...alot of us here have been able to find a doc that is willing to help us..My search was over 3 years long until I found my doc who luckily has had the same problems as myself....so she understands..same with my husband..we ahve to go in to the ovvice frequently to get the medication but the pain is controlled...some people resort ot Online pharmacies...desperate people do desperate things....anyway.. I am on my way to the doc now,, I need a shot of cortisone...i re-injured my back the other day,,,I hope I have been able to answer afew of your question..please,  keep posting,,we will look forward to hearing form you..wait till you meet the other folks here...they are the greatest    (hi everyone)    love to all                     cin

[Wizard]

Dr. Steve, I want to apoligize for my above outburst directed towards you. It is not my nature to do so as I realize you donate your time and do not have to do this. Again please accept my apology.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace a& Light on us all,
Wizard

[The Dude]

Hello, I was addicted to hydrocodone for approx: 2 years.  I haven't taken any Hydro in about a month.  For the last three weeks, I have been having sharp pains at the top/left side of my head and they feel like they're about an inch deep.  They last for only a few seconds, but come and go about twenty times a day.  Can hydrocodone cause Neuralgia?  I might be wrong in thinking I have this, but the pain is very sharp, in one spot and is acute.  It is not Chronic.  I just haven't been feeling well lately and I know something is wrong up there in my brain.  Could all of this be withdrawls?  Has anybody ever gone through this?  I have had a CT scan and it was negative.  I also have severe anxiouty attacks since stopping the painkiller drugs.
Please e-mail with answers at ***@****
I would also like to add, Marijauna is what helped me get off of the pills.  I'm not condoning usage, just letting you know what has helped me.  Now I have to deal with the after effects for God knows how long.
Love
The Dude

[jule1]

Hi Cindi, Wiz, Wildcat, Milo, Thomas and all out there,  you all have been so amazing it is wonderful to see your genuine concern over people you have never met.  I have a quick question for you all.  I had a seizure from taking too much Ultram at once now I am cutting down and want to start working out again but I am afraid that could also cause a seizure. Do you know anything about this?  Thank you all for your help I honestly believe that God put us all in touch with each other for a reason as I was so frustated with the help I was getting before I found you all! Bless you!

[Wizard]

Hi jbear, thanks for the kudos :-) Gosh I really don't see how the exercise could cause a seizure but I'm not at all familiar with Ultram or seizures. This is one for Thomas or maybe Cin with the med backround. I agree with your Divine intervention theory. I don't know how popular that makes me with the rest of the world but then that's not my problem :-) God Bless you and good luck!
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light on us all,
Wiz

[Francoise]

You need a pain doctor.

Suggest you go to this site:

http://www.widomaker.com/~skipb/panic.html

You can find a doctor in your state, or another one, using this site. If you are in legitimate need of pain meds, this is the place for you to start.

But be honest with whatever doctor you do find, and with your husband. If you are in legitimate pain you have no reason to hide your pain, or your need for pain meds.

Let us know how you do?

Francois

[cindi]

Ultram does lower your seizure threshold,,,especially if you are prone to seizures...taking to much and also detoxing from the ultram could cause seizures..However, I do not see any correlation between exercising and seizures.....do you have a history of seizure disorder?  first of all since you did have a seizure it may be a good idea to talk with your doc and get a clean bill of health before beginning any type of work out routine or even picking up where you left off...please if in doubt check with your doc....love to all   cin

[wildcat]

jbear,

You may want to wean off the Ultram, try cutting one pill every three or four days. I have noticted getting dizzy and feeling like I am going to seize if I go too long without the Ultram at all. Of course I have been taking 8-10 tabs a day for pain. For some reason ever since my alcohol detox I am extremely prone to seizures. Before that I never seized in my life.

If you cut down it may take a couple or few months depending on how many you now take but you won't feel too bad that way and I doubt the excercize would bring on the seizure unless you really over did yourself to the point of painful exaustion. When I seized after doing heavy outdoor yardwork, I had fair warning I was getting into the seizure mode but I am stubborn and hate to stop in the middle of a project. Had I stopped and rested adequately with adequate intake of water I probably would not have seized those times I did.

At that time I was sort of in denial at having a seizure disorder and almost testing my bodies endurance. I don't think you'll have any trouble. If you start to feel at all light headed then take at least and hour or more break or quit for the day. I noticed advil eliminates the added pain from cutting down the Ultram. You may want to try [one time Ultram and the next Advil, Motrin, Ibuprophen], [all the same basic thing], or if you take a certain number of tablets, take half of the number Ultram and half of the number, the above mentioned replacements and see how you feel after a few days. Getting off Ultram might be alot easier than you think.

It is not anywhere near like getting off alcohol or benzodiazapines.

Good luck and take care, I'll be praying for you.

wildcat

[wildcat]

jbear,

You may want to wean off the Ultram, try cutting one pill every three or four days. I have noticted getting dizzy and feeling like I am going to seize if I go too long without the Ultram at all. Of course I have been taking 8-10 tabs a day for pain. For some reason ever since my alcohol detox I am extremely prone to seizures. Before that I never seized in my life.

If you cut down it may take a couple or few months depending on how many you now take but you won't feel too bad that way and I doubt the excercize would bring on the seizure unless you really over did yourself to the point of painful exaustion. When I seized after doing heavy outdoor yardwork, I had fair warning I was getting into the seizure mode but I am stubborn and hate to stop in the middle of a project. Had I stopped and rested adequately with adequate intake of water I probably would not have seized those times I did.

At that time I was sort of in denial at having a seizure disorder and almost testing my bodies endurance. I don't think you'll have any trouble. If you start to feel at all light headed then take at least and hour or more break or quit for the day. I noticed advil eliminates the added pain from cutting down the Ultram. You may want to try [one time Ultram and the next Advil, Motrin, Ibuprophen], [all the same basic thing], or if you take a certain number of tablets, take half of the number Ultram and half of the number, the above mentioned replacements and see how you feel after a few days. Getting off Ultram might be alot easier than you think.

It is not anywhere near like getting off alcohol or benzodiazapines.

Good luck and take care, I'll be praying for you.

[Thomas]

You've been hospitalized six times in the past year? I hope you have good insurance. I have to admit I'm envious about the tussionex. That's the best high there is from hydro for my money.

[jule1]

Cindi,  I don not have a history of seizures only one however my sister has been a pill abuser for many years she has a lot of medical problems along with her abuse.  She had seizures after taking Zanax and excercising. Actually I am glad I don't have an excuse for not working out now but I will check with my Dr. By the way Wiz I felt the same way you did about Dr. Steves comment yesterday I have to say I don't think I had ever read a stupid comment on here before that sorry Dr. Steve it just seemed to easy of an answer.  Well off to stand in the pool with my little one what fun I get to stand there in the sand all day and watch him play actually I feel blessed to be able to do that.  Blessings to you all!!!

[The Dude]

I absolutely LOVE being ignored.

[Wizard]

Sorry dude if no one e-mailed you with a response. The questions you have raised should be addressed by a Dr. as they sound serious in my opinion but since you requested an answer by e-mail only we have no way of knowing that you have been ignored. in my humble opinion your symptoms are well above my realm of experience for information. Good luck and I hope you get the right attention. I will keep you in my prayers, God Bless you.

Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & light on us all,
Wizard

[cindi]

We usually don't answer people via e-mail  we usually answer with opinions etc...through this forum so that everyone can share the info...I'm sorry you feel you have been ignored but Wiz is right,, a doc can better help in this situation but this I can tell you,,I don't know what the abuse or just using hydro can do over a long period of time....did u ever stop to think that you may have had these symptoms for a very long time and the hydro has been masking them? this happened to me with demerol..I masked a ton of bad symptoms for over a year which ultimately could have resulted in my death..you do need to see a Dr..have yourself extensively checked out and take it from there...good luck     love to all               cin

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Good advice for Dude! Anything we could suggest would be pure speculation. Regarding masked symptoms:  I broke my right arm (radius bone) and worked construction for five weeks before getting medical attention. I was abusing morphine at the time. Sure it hurt, but I didn't care until my arm became severely grotesque and useless. Dude, see a physician about the head pain!

J.B.

[jenifer]

I can't even begin to thank everone for all of the responses and comments.Wizard ,you are so thoughtful!I'm so glad I have found this forum! What a wonderful thing for us addicts (man I've never called myself that!!!!!Ouch!)Now I guess I should add a few things I left out or didn't make clear!My husband knows about me  and pain meds !He  knows I need them for all of my health issues.what he doesnt know is that I go from doctor to doctor getting them !I  do that because I am terrified of not having them!Now I'm without a doctor !he thinks it's because of the  horrifing bills that we've accumulated the last 2 years!I have great insurance but the rest of it is hard to pay! I owe 1 hospital around 100,000 and that's just one of them there's 2 and  lot's of docs!anyway the hardest thing to bare is that I am a very dedicated  christian and I feel terrible !I am killing myself on the inside !I know that with the ailments I have I can't possibly go wihout these meds ,but it is wrong to USE drugs! gees  I thought maybe I could go to mexico for my persciptions ????? anyone treid this?I take alot of meds and one of them is VERY important to take everyday!So that I don't throw a clot!It is so hard to raise m kids  being what I called "crippled at 30!" Wizard how do you have such a positive attitude?You sound like such a great person!And do any of you have  alot of health issues? I am glad I have never treid to use the pills other than swallowing them!I am lways afraid of OD myself !It just seems like I keep taking more to keep the pain away!You all are wonderful!I hpe I'll hear from some of you before I leave on friday!I am going with my 11 yr old to church camp in houston!Be back on monday!Wish me luck!(My neghbor goes to the doc tommarrow and will sell me her lortabs for 2$ a piece!) guess I'll be somewhat pain free for the trip!I am going to try soooooooohard to take them just 2 at a time!I am praying for strength!goodnight all !Oh yeah,almost forgot are there any fellow jesus freaks hangin around?
                 Peace to All,Jenifer

[Wizard]

I never thought of myself as a Jesus freak but I am a believer.
If you read below you'll find our theological posts. :-) just kidding, there are many here who are Christians, Agnostics, Atheists, Wiccans, etc. etc. Addictions do not pick races or creeds for sure. I've only named the few that I have seen declared but I'm sure there are Muslims, Buddists,Hindus, Democrats, Republicans, Green parties etc. etc. We've even from time to time had a few Aliens land.  I try to keep upbeat as much as I can because it does me no good to waste prescious energy on negative attitudes. I can tell you that the Wiz DOES have his moments though LOL. Jennifer you have taken the first step to recovery by facing the fact that you are an addict. Try to get rid of the (ugh) you feel when you say it. There are enough people condemning us without you condemning yourself. Once you do that in my opinion you still need to be COMPLETELY honest with your husband. You say that you are going to a church camp, do they have an outreach program? If not then why not? The money shouldn't matter with the church or does it? Just some ideas I have. You still need to address your medical issues hopefully you can get the right meds in the right amounts to be comfortable. Maybe someone else here has some suggestions on programs that are available. I was blessed to not have to go to a program and was able with the support of my wife and this forum and GOD of course to do it on my own so I don't have the knowledge of the resources available. I wish you the best for the weekend and will keep you in my prayers jennifer.God bless and be with you.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light on us all,
Wiz

[shakey]

Hi All--this is my 1rst visit.  I was interested in talking w/other chronic-pain ppl; especially those who are on some kind of narcotic tx. and have been challenged by the very pain meds. that assist us in dealing w/our pain. Searching for some info. on MS-Contin last night; I perused your many postings.  Such great correspondence w/one another ( Thomas, Jbear, Wizard, Cindy, Francois...:):)  Your discussions on Oxy-addiction and LT opiod use/side effects answered some of my questions.  12 years ago I herniated 3 disks in my lumbar spine, which resulted in paralysis on my left side for 6 months.  A 3-level laminectomy allowed me to walk again, but, like many post laminectomy ppl, the surgery left me w/intractable back pain 24/7.  Also, I have run the gammet on pain meds, muscle relaxants, and modality treatments. It was a constant challenge to take meds like Percoset, Talwin, Fentanyl, Lortab, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Tylox, etc... "as prescribed" to control my actual pain.  Taking 15 Lortab/day with 10-12 Soma/day was not uncommon.  I asked my dr. for help---the Tylenol mixed in the Lortab was killing my liver--plus, it's difficult to be 100% productive "stoned".  My dr. referred me to the best pain physician I've seen in 10+ years & I've been to Mayo Clinic twice.  My pain dr. talked to me about taking a "pure" substance like morpheine--he put me on the MS-Contin 30mg 3x/day.  This sounded radical to me! However, the MS-Contin works excellent for me.  For the 1rst time in 10 years I'm able to take a narcotic as prescribed, keep the med myself, no more liver panels, and I can function brainwise.  Because of the sustained release element, I don't get any "high" like I did w/the hydrocodones, and admittedly I miss that feeling of being able to "zone" out @times, because it feels great to do that w/pain.  

That's one thing that bothers me when I read about the severe addiction problems people are having w/Oxy & MS-Contin.  My understanding is that one's tolerance will increase w/LT Opiod use.  Just recently, my dr. increased my MS-Contin to 60mg 3x/day.  When I read ppl are crushing Oxy pills to get high, that scares me.  It's been in the news that Oxy-contin may be banned because of it's abuse potential.  I'm a recovering drug addict (cocaine, speed) and I'm trying to make sure I stay smart about how I utilize my pain medication.  That's why I've been so impressed with MS-Contin & it not giving me a "high", so I can manage my own pain med regimen.  Do I have anything to worry about with this sustained release morpheine?  ie.  Does it cross the blood brain barrier?  Will I get a sudden urge to crush my pills or start chewing them whole to get high?  Most importantly, is MS/Oxy-Contin ok to take with epilpesy???

I don't want to lose this drug.  It's already a complicated med to be on with all the restrictions that come with it being a Schedule II narcotic in Triplicate form.  Since I began taking the MS-Contin 3 years ago, I have been able to return to some of the sport activities that I haven't done since my injury 12 years ago.

I am 32, have a long time left to live w/my spine and expect it to keep up w/me; which my dr. says "may" be unrealistic.  That's what drugs are for I say.:):) Here's my question/concern:  I have epilepsy---gran mal seizures and some research indicates that meds like MS-Contin lower the seizure threshold (what does this mean?) and/or interfere w/anti-convulsant meds.  Does anyone know of this phenomenon? I average 1-4 gran mals/month, which in turn, throws my spine for a loop, and during higher pain levels have more seizures.....kind of a vicious cycle, eh.

Thank you all very much for your time.  I look forward to exchanging pleasantries and hearing your experiences soon.  If anyone can address my questions, I welcome your input.  Regards......Shakey

Thomas.....After living in Laguna Niguel the past 6 years, I just relocated back to Western Montana in the Rockies.  I read you're in L.Beach----have a latte from Starbucks & watch a sunset for me @Main Beach for me, ok?

[cindi]

Hi and welcome to the forum...MS contin seems to work the best for alot of people when all else fails and from what i have heard you do not get the stoned feeling like you ddo from oxys or hydro...as far as the sizures go, I couldn't answer that question for yuo  I think maybe Thomas can...I do know people with seizure disorders can take the ms and the other ones,,but I' don't know if it lowers the threshold any..I can say for sure that ultram does....even if you are not prone to seizures, ultram can quickly cause them..I have to get to work but I just wanted to jump n and say hi and welcome....When I get home I have some stuff to add but by then I'll bet Thomas and wiz will have been here and gone  LOL     good luck    love to all   cin

[jennyfla]

Wow, you've been through and back and through it again, and starting from such a young age, bless your heart!
I can't answer your questions, but i wanted to welcome you to this forum, and i wish you the best of luck managing your pain, and i am glad that you finally found something that works for you.
Good luck to you!
Lv Jenny

[Wizard]

Welcome to the forum Shaky. It appears you have a handle on the meds at this point. I personally do not know much about the seizure situation but I also had a double lamenectomy having lost the use of my right leg and foot for months prior to the surgery. I used all the same drugs you described and found that I liked the Soma and oxy-percs-hydro combo the best. Unfortunantly I like them too much and didn't have the will power you seem to have a control of. I commend you my friend. If you get relief and are working with a good pain spec. like it appears I wouldn't worry to much as long as the urge doesn't grab you to chew and abuse. If it does I would discuss it immediately with your Doc. Don't mess up a good thing. Come here and we'll slap you around awhile.Just kidding! LOL Wren, when I finally got off of everything I found that I didn't have as much back pain as I thought I did. I am very lucky to be able to keep my pain level at a tolerable threshold with Vioxx and Ibuprophin. I realize they are weenie drugs but it's given me my life back.A lot of my post surgery pain was my withdrawels not my injuries. I still have chronic pain but not the level that I need to take opiates...That is ME, there are others here with much more serious chronic pain issues. I'm 47 and I can tell you there is life and light after surgery under the right conditions. I'll keep you in my prayers friend and welcome again.
Power & Magick @ u,
Peace & Light on us all,
Wiz

[cindi]

WEENIE drugs?   my cheese wiz  you are a hoot........speaking of weenies  did u get my mail  LOL    love cin

[Wizard]

Shaky, I think I called you Wren in the middle of my post to you, sorry I guess I was still thinking about the person above....
Cin Yes I got it did you get mine back? In comparison to the stuff I've shoved,shot,snorted and chewed in my lifetime ...yes, WEENIE DRUGS. ROFLMAO!

[cindi]

ROFLMAO,,,,PMP (PEEING MY PANTS)    I always did get to laughing when someone said the word weeny  LOL  don't ask!!!!!LOL  it is just one of those words that make me laugh..................love you

[Wizard]

NEVER,EVER,EVER say don't ask to me and expect me not to!ROFLMAOPEP2! weenie,weenie,weenie, HAAA HAAA!

[wildcat]

Shakey,

To tell you the truth, our post was much too long to read so I scrolled but the word seizure caught my eye.

Even though I can really babble myself sometimes, If you can write a nice short post only about the seizures I'll be happy to add my two cents worth. The other stuff is out of my league.

I liked your name shakey, although I was hoping some people on this forum would not think I was trying to get psycho or something since I talk about seizures and call them SHAKEDOWNS.

Take care, bless all on this forum.

wildcat

[skipper]

hey welcome to the forum;
can't help much with your question,but had to post a welcome.SPEED
hmm used to have a sweet tooth for that stuff ma self.Back in my bad old day when ripping off drugstores used to come across desoxyn. all i can say is that stuff is for kids(or people with too much good health)!
hope to hear more from you
kip

[Thomas]

Starbucks, huh? I'll see if I can afford to go in that place ...

as far as the MS-Contin, you're taking what is, in my opinion, the absolute best severe-pain medicine you can get, for the reasons you've already given. Morphine certainly does cross the blood brain barrier, by the way. But that "blunt" high combined with effective pain relief is a godsend. From what I understand, morphine is slow to leave the body, which relieves your body from that roller coaster ride, going from zero to 90 and back to 0 every time your dose runs out. I've used MS-Contin, even tried to chew one up -- forget it. They don't "chew-up" like oxycontin. If you try, it will feel like you're chewing a piece of very hard wax! But it sounds like you're getting intelligent help, and that's what counts. Good luck.

Thomas

[cindi]

ROFLMAO       Weenie   you are a hoot.....I gues I have learned my lesson about never saying Don't Ask,,,LOL   love ya