Really Questioning This Crap!!

[Menopause728]

I posted a while ago about the options I was provided for my chronic pain after meeting with an addictionologist, I am the pseudo addict.
I chose the non-narcotic route. Well let me tell ya I'm 12 days narcotic free but after soaking in a hot jacuzzi tub with Dr. Teal's Epson salt, slapping on three lidocaine patches, six Advil with my TENS machine on while laying on a massaging hot pad I'm not sure......
I have already been the physical therapy, surgery, bio-freeze/volteran gel, exercise route, chiropractic, weekly massage, reiki holistic approach and this is NOT quality of life!!!!
I am honest with my doctor and feel punished! Not the kicker is I am a high risk for addiction because my mother drank and I smoke (that shows addictive tendencies). Now my mom is 70 takes nothing more then Tylenol and hasn't drank a drop in over 20 years with no AA, aftercare, etc.
I guess I'm just venting because right now with this pain I'm NOT a happy camper!

[nbhope]

I have pain issues also, and its hard. But I dont want the addiction part of taking these pills. So I take a lot of hot showers and I take over the counter meds a lot. Heating pad helps a bit too. But I hear ya on not wanting to suffer. I have an apt with my doctor to discuss what options I have to help manage mine. Hope things get better for you!

[Menopause728]

Yes I just had a complete blood work up and my progesterone is low, it's causing insomnia and headaches  but Taft is the least of my pain.

Barb, I feel your pain well. With the naturalist my husband is I have tried everything. My neurologist told me with an additional surgery I will probably end up in a wheelchair. This  DDD is attacking from both ends not to mention the arthritis and fibro.

[BarbRTR]

I am day 18, and except for surgery, which was supposed to be next month, have done everything you have.

Laying here now with TENS unit, heating pad on back and ice on hips and stomach.

No, this isn't living. I keep envisioning taking an Ice pick to the pain areas.

Only thing getting me through is hour by hour, and reading everyone that has been clean for awhile with chronic pain posts about pain getting worse before being able to evaluate.

And when I go to bed and night, the slight hope tomorrow will be better. It hasn't, it's been worse.
But I know these wonderful people on here that have told their experiences with pain are ok now, dealing in diff ways. Not ok, but better I guess?

Also reminding myself on pain meds, the pain got so intense I had the same ice pick thoughts.
So when doc was ready to jump from Roxie's to fentanyl patch, I decided no. I have to see for myself. It's pure **** I know.

Hugs.. So glad you have a supportive hubby!
Hour by hour.

[ILV2014]

Have you had your hormones checked ?? Maybe your levels are off balance and this can effect you and the ups n downs you are going through .. Just a thought

[Menopause728]

I appreciate the responses, I truly do and even though my husband hates medications and takes nothing AT ALL at the age of 51 (he calls narcotics NARCOMICS) he has seen me live with this pain. We have been married almost 30 years and have a good marriage, I can be honest with him.... I just told him when you are in this much main you'll do anything to get relief. So, because I MIGHT become addicted I'm supposed to stop narcotics (one option I'm trying) so what I can pop several muscle relaxers and drink alcohol??? What's the difference?

[clean_in_ks]

Hang on a while.....your pain pathways have been "overactive" for a long time.....the neurotransmitters are SHOT and trying to recover.  The rebound pain at 12 days in was TWICE as bad for me.  The gag word...TIME.....will allow you to get a true reading on your pain levels.  Mine was a LOT worse while w/drawing....7 mos in I find it to be better than while ingesting opiates for the pain.  I live w/pain.....but am determined to give my brain and body some time to heal, produce natural pain fighting chemicals on their own....and wait.  
It's hard....but you're doing great.....don't throw in the towel.....cause it'll get better....promise!

[Menopause728]

Bub, let's put it this way. I haven't smoked a joint in 27 years albeit, at this moment it sounds appealing!!

[Bubulous]

LOL, sounds like a fun guy.

I am not really that funny, I am actually full of sh!t, but I do have my moments  : )

[Menopause728]

In other words he would absolutely not allow it. He hates the idea of any medication thinks apple cider vinegar is the almighty cure!

[Menopause728]

Bub, your question is the only joy/laugh I've had  the past two weeks. To answer your question NO, he is completely holistic, takes absolutely nothing and my standing joke is he would suggest eating tree bark if he thought it would help!

[Bubulous]

You said something about your husband.  Is he an addict.  Do you trust that he would not let you break the pain management plan that you will decide to go with?

[Menopause728]

Can't do ice it causes spasms

[Menopause728]

Sorry for the typo's on the phone and my husband would hold the pills!

[Menopause728]

Teresa I was taking then but told my husband and doctor I have been taking more than prescribed as if lately that I receive from my PM doc. I had my  husband with me when I told my primary care doc. She came over and hugged me and told me she was an addict that had list her license over it 25 years ago. When I told her I took Perc's she really got upset it was her DOC. She has been my primary care doc for 16 years and she asked me to go to a addictionologist because she had a biased opinion in the subject as well as of me (she hugged me and said your more than a patient to me with tears in her eyes). Addictionologost meets me once and says I'm not an addict YET.
Bubolous would hold my pills!

[Teresa1717]

Shoot, sorry! I missed the "12 days narcotic free" part!! haha (which is awesome BTW) But if your having that much pain, is there not meds they can can give that is non-narcotic??

I know Pain is something that some people have to live with, but there is defintely a fine line between suffering, and managing it!  But with that said, since your 12 days free of opiates, it could be rebound pain which can really s uck but does get better!!

[atthebeach]

Hun 12 days narcotic free is awesome. It will take a few months to really evaluate your pain. Your receptors are wide open and need to readjust. Your natural brain chemistry needs to begin to produce  again. Please try to be more patient with your body. Try cold instead of hot. If you have inflammation the heat will only make it worse.
Keep moving forward . One day at a time.
Sending encouragement
Debbie
.

[Bubulous]

I don't know what that feels like and I understand your concern about the addiction.  I am not going to tell you how to manage your pain, but if you are going to go with the narcotics do you have anybody staying with you that you can trust to hold onto them and let you take them as directed.  Just to ease your mind a little.

[Teresa1717]

Hi there! Im confused, maybe just need more info. Were you previously taking narcotic pain meds and have stopped or are you afraid to take them at all die to your family history of addiction??

[Menopause728]

Oh I forgot to mention my grandmother had the same thing I do and literally left a note saying she couldn't take the pain and blew her brains out!