Aa
is there help for real pain
Hey everyone! So my question to all is...is there such thing as" real pain"? And when I am in such pain, I can't stand at work for more than 15 seconds, my left leg gets so numb and painful I could literally saw it off, and my left foot is so numb and tingly, it's painful to stand on. I,ve done the showers, baths, ibuprofens...but could it be that I am in physical debilitating pain, aand I just have to suck it up because I've admitted that i've been on lortab for too long, and i've lost myself? My boyfriend has my pills under lock and key, I couldn't get them if I wanted too...and to ask him is like admitting im a loser and a faker, so I just live with this awful, awful pain....is this my future? Because one is no better than the other
I so understand about no motivation to go to the gym because of the pain. I'm not going presently because of the pain but it's on my list. No matter how hard it is to get there or how much it hurts, mentally I am a hundred times better.
When I first started going, it was embarrassing!!! It took me longer to drive there than the amount of time I spent there. I started by walking ONE length of the pool. I put no pressure on myself and just thought even if I just get out of the house and do that one thing at least it's more than I was doing. I built up so slowly to where I could swim for an hour. And for me, I find the elliptical machine amazing. I have herniated disks in my back and really bad arthritis in my right hip and knee (as well as other places.) When I would try to go for a walk, I'd get overly ambitious, go too far and not be able to get home. I'm not sure why but the treadmill made everything worse. One day my daughter was on the elliptical and she said to try it ... another embarrassment. I couldn't even do it for a minute. But I just kept at it. I got up to 45 minutes.
I will say I couldn't do the gym without my iPod. I had a little routine and I'd listen to my music and watch the news close captioned ... have to keep up on the events in the world. It does take a little while to see results but even if it didn't help my pain, it helped me mentally. Everyone noticed a difference. (And I did end up losing a lot of weight, though that was not why I went initially; just an added bonus.)
Until you're pain quiets down, a pool is great. Water aerobics is gentle, as is just walking through the pool. You'd be amazed at how much of a difference it can make. (Now I just have to get my butt back there!!) They say it takes 3 weeks to make a habit ... give a little exercise 3 weeks. I know you feel like it's impossible. I felt the same way but I was so desperate for some kind of relief I thought why not try it.
Glad to hear you're seeing a doctor. It is true that some doctors do not take the issue of addiction or dependency seriously enough. Hopefully your doctor does get it. If he doesn't, then it's time to find a new doctor.
When I first started going, it was embarrassing!!! It took me longer to drive there than the amount of time I spent there. I started by walking ONE length of the pool. I put no pressure on myself and just thought even if I just get out of the house and do that one thing at least it's more than I was doing. I built up so slowly to where I could swim for an hour. And for me, I find the elliptical machine amazing. I have herniated disks in my back and really bad arthritis in my right hip and knee (as well as other places.) When I would try to go for a walk, I'd get overly ambitious, go too far and not be able to get home. I'm not sure why but the treadmill made everything worse. One day my daughter was on the elliptical and she said to try it ... another embarrassment. I couldn't even do it for a minute. But I just kept at it. I got up to 45 minutes.
I will say I couldn't do the gym without my iPod. I had a little routine and I'd listen to my music and watch the news close captioned ... have to keep up on the events in the world. It does take a little while to see results but even if it didn't help my pain, it helped me mentally. Everyone noticed a difference. (And I did end up losing a lot of weight, though that was not why I went initially; just an added bonus.)
Until you're pain quiets down, a pool is great. Water aerobics is gentle, as is just walking through the pool. You'd be amazed at how much of a difference it can make. (Now I just have to get my butt back there!!) They say it takes 3 weeks to make a habit ... give a little exercise 3 weeks. I know you feel like it's impossible. I felt the same way but I was so desperate for some kind of relief I thought why not try it.
Glad to hear you're seeing a doctor. It is true that some doctors do not take the issue of addiction or dependency seriously enough. Hopefully your doctor does get it. If he doesn't, then it's time to find a new doctor.
Sadly irish there's no easy way out of this.
The Dr. is telling you it's okay to take a pill because he/she doesn't have an ADDICTION problem. But we do don't we? We know where one pill will take us and you now you don't want to go there again.
Which of the OTC pain relievers have you tried? Maybe try a hot bath after work - or hot shower. The relief might be temporary (which is why I would take sometimes 4 showers a night in the first month or so) - but at least it would be some relief. It's worth a try right?
:)
The Dr. is telling you it's okay to take a pill because he/she doesn't have an ADDICTION problem. But we do don't we? We know where one pill will take us and you now you don't want to go there again.
Which of the OTC pain relievers have you tried? Maybe try a hot bath after work - or hot shower. The relief might be temporary (which is why I would take sometimes 4 showers a night in the first month or so) - but at least it would be some relief. It's worth a try right?
:)
Thank you for all of your posts. I have an appointment tomorrow morning for an mri. And then I have a follow up with my back doc on monday. I just hung up with his assistant and he said (my doc) that if the pain was so great that I had to take a lortab, then I could, because I know he doesn't want me to undo what i've done. And to think of asking my boyfriend for some, even one, he would think I was faking or wanting to get" a buzz" , but I get sick to my stomach when I think I have to walk to my car. I had to go to the mall for him today, and I had to think of the closest place to park, cause of the pain walking in to the store. I have no motovation to go to the gym, because of the pain, and I know if I lost a little weight it will help. I feel trapped...sick....like I f@ed up in the past and so now this is the price I pay.....
I'm sort of hesitant to speak because I'm not drug free. I'm doing a taper. I'm also dependent vs. an addict (though the distinction there is a bit blurry to me at times.) I never, ever misuse my medication. I never take more. Now I struggle to take as much as I'm supposed to. But I do feel like I have enough experience with pain to make some suggestions.
I think when people have real pain sometimes you have to piece a bunch of things together to get some relief. I'm coming off the meds because despite very high doses and trying every narcotic there is, except methadone, nothing really took my pain away. It made me not care quite as much but then it made me not care about a lot of things.
Ask about prescription gels. I have two. One is Voltaren and one is a compounded one made us specifically for me. Lidoderm patches help a bit as well. I had to stop taking ibuprofen for now because of my stomach but that helped with the pain and the inflammation. For me, heat works best and I love ThermaCare patches. Other people find ice better or alternating ice and heat.
Some types of pain are hard to control. I know I will always have the nerve pain to deal with. Right now I'm asking about acupuncture. You could also see about a chiropractor.
I don't know if you've seen a doctor or not but if you haven't, you should. There could be a legitimate problem that you need to know about and deal with.
Congratulations on so many days with no pills!!! Don't go back to them unless you see a doctor and are taking them under supervision. Even with that, it's a slippery slope. I know I want off and I don't ever want to be a slave to a clock or a bottle.
I think when people have real pain sometimes you have to piece a bunch of things together to get some relief. I'm coming off the meds because despite very high doses and trying every narcotic there is, except methadone, nothing really took my pain away. It made me not care quite as much but then it made me not care about a lot of things.
Ask about prescription gels. I have two. One is Voltaren and one is a compounded one made us specifically for me. Lidoderm patches help a bit as well. I had to stop taking ibuprofen for now because of my stomach but that helped with the pain and the inflammation. For me, heat works best and I love ThermaCare patches. Other people find ice better or alternating ice and heat.
Some types of pain are hard to control. I know I will always have the nerve pain to deal with. Right now I'm asking about acupuncture. You could also see about a chiropractor.
I don't know if you've seen a doctor or not but if you haven't, you should. There could be a legitimate problem that you need to know about and deal with.
Congratulations on so many days with no pills!!! Don't go back to them unless you see a doctor and are taking them under supervision. Even with that, it's a slippery slope. I know I want off and I don't ever want to be a slave to a clock or a bottle.
oh Hun I can totally understand what you are going thru right now. I am kind of in the same boat with dealing with pain right now and what to do. I will just tell you I have about the same symptoms as you and have been dealing with them being pretty bad over aabout the last 3 weeks. As Im sitting here I keep having spasms in my hip so I do get it.what I have been doing ,2 aleve every 8 hrs ( i know its alot but my doc said I wa fine with that dose) and 2 excedrin back and body every 4-6 hrs. And ice when ever I can-have even been known just to shove the ice pack down the back of my pants to go grocery shopping. I try to concentrate on getting the inflammation out of my back and have gotten most of the pain out of my foot now-took aweek but I can walk without screaming. I have found that this time around ( almost 100 days clean) that I am ok with the pain. I am pissed about it but I am ok with it. Like I said to my hub the other night I dont want vics if I did I would of gone to a walkin center long before now. Please know you are not alone in this and we are here to help and support you any way we can. Keep your chin up! H
Because this place is FILLED with great people. We just got lucky because we found our way here. :)
How have I found such a great person? I will keep u posted throughout the day...but its been 35 days I think!
Okay - and what you're now feeling is normal, if that helps any. It takes serious time before you truly turn that corner. :)
It's too much! I am too weak...I can't...I can't talk now, but ill send u a private message to explain things. I don't want anyone to worry, im doing nothing to hurt myself, and I do have the hopes of Russia, but I don't feel worth anything...and I guess im tired and feeling sorry for myself...this too shall pass...god! Im miserable....if excederin helped, trust me....love you all!
Of course it's better irish - you're NOT high - and you're aware of your surroundings.
I know, the pain can be tough - try excedrin - it's considered one of the strongest OTC pain relievers and the caffeine can help to keep you going - just don't take them at night or they could mess up your sleep.
Hang in irish - it will get better. Trying to deal with our pain realistically is a challenge - but after what we've been through with early withdrawal and recovery, it's nothing we can't handle. :)
I know, the pain can be tough - try excedrin - it's considered one of the strongest OTC pain relievers and the caffeine can help to keep you going - just don't take them at night or they could mess up your sleep.
Hang in irish - it will get better. Trying to deal with our pain realistically is a challenge - but after what we've been through with early withdrawal and recovery, it's nothing we can't handle. :)
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
