Manage chronic pain without opiates

[billyvee]

How do you manage chronic pain without opiates?

[billyvee]

Day 7...180-240mg Oxycodone/day > 0 cold turkey! I'm actually letting the grandkids come here after school today so not feeling THAT bad anymore. I think I have to say, that was easier than I thought it would be...If you're going to do it though, you need 4-5 days to use the valium and sleep as much as possible. I have pretty bad restless leg syndrome but I am eating bananas for the potassium and taking my mineral sups. I still do not have a lot of energy and my stomach is a little queasy but a couple squirts of Sativex helps the nausea. Stay strong my friends!

[billyvee]

Thank you! Very insightful...It is true that when the morning dose starts to wear off, the pain manifest with greater urgency to tell your brain that it's time for another dose. So while you're on the drugs, the times between doses you feel more pain than usual.

[jujubee300]

I feel your pain! It sounds like your doing all the right things.  I have been on and off percocet and hydrocodone for over 5 years now for a neck and upper back injury.  I don't have any problem quitting, except for the extreme fatigue and being so restless at night.  I keep taking them though because it really is the only thing that takes the edge off (I have been on the same dose for 5 years).

After taking a few psych classes, I have learned that most pain is in your head.  NO I don't mean you're not in pain, I mean you can do a lot to help ease the pain just by thinking positively and talking to others who understand, like you are.  Don't try to avoid your pain by thinking of something else- for one it's usually impossible and it actually increases your pain. Relaxation techniques are supposed to be one of the best treatments, such as meditation. Good luck to you, your on the right path!

[billyvee]

I have heard a bit about Suboxone. Will ask my doc. On this, my 6th day of a cold turkey 240mg>0 Oxycodone detox, I have had 8 shots of Sativex for the leg pain and nausea. I still feel like crap but not like a big pile of stinkin' crap...just a little one ;) Thanks for replying!

[billyvee]

50 year old man with around 30 years of back pain. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in around 2001. I have some arthritic pain in knees, ankles and knuckles. Surgery in yr. 2000 decompress/fuse L5-S1 spine relieved a lot of the worst, sharp, stabbing pains   . However, constant aching and sometimes very sharp and stabbing pain has led to 20+ years of dependence upon Oxycodone. I am in the middle (6 days in) of a detox period which I have done every 2 1/2 to 3 years for the last 20 or so in order to lower my body's tolerance. Each time I complete a detox I start back on Percocet, 6 a day which is like 30mg of Oxycodone which escalates slowly as tolerance builds to 240mg a day at which point I suffer a detox again. I want to end the cycle and find lasting, drug-free relief for my pain.

[CasuConsulto]

What type of chronic pain are you having?  There are so many types it is nearly impossible for me to give one answer.  Have you contacted your doctor?  Medication to manage pain is out there and they can guide you to products that would not contain opiates.  Over the counter medicines as well, you can speak to a pharmacist about these.  Sorry I could not provide further information.  Please keep us posted and feel better soon.

[89NotAgain]

Sorry for typo's.  I am excited to see all your responses cause that is a good question.

[89NotAgain]

I take Lyrics, a low dose of 50mg. Why the low dose? Stuff makes me very dizzy. My doc didn't believe me at first with 25mg. I have nerve damage and spinal arthritis , etc.
I had too much fun on anything else! Others take hundreds of msg's of Lyrica.
It does kill the pain, for me. Also I take Suboxone to prevent me from having fun!!