Long term narcotic use

[Sherrberr]

I suffer from debilitating headaches that are a result of a brain surgery I had when I was 25. I currently use oxycodone, fentanyl patches and diazapam. My husband believes that I am causing brain damage and ruining my life. I have spine problems and vascular disease as well. I feel that since I'm using my mess as directed,I will be okay, he feels that I am playing with fire. What should I do, remain on the mess and feel relief or stop the mess and live in constant pain?

[brenjane60]

I am glad this question got posed as I had the same question. I use my Fentanyl patch as prescribed. I feel blessed that it works. I was once on a pain pump, it failed,that was a nightmare!!!!!! I got tired of being a slave to daily oral narcotics/opiates, if I missed one the withdrawal symptoms came fast. I voluntarily withdrew from morphine sulphate just to see what was under the bandaid. The pain was so bad ! I had no energy, no motivation to do anything. The fentanyl gave me back my mobility and my quality of life.What people do not understand is that when you are in pain and take pain medicine to control it the pain goes away and you feel normal and function like anyone else mentally & physically. You do not get "high" like someone who takes it with no pain, or has not got a opiate/narcotic tolerance from proper use for pain. My biggest fear is that I don't want to be taking years off of my life because I have to rely on the fentanyl to have a quality of life. But then again I wonder if maybe thats the trade off. Because with out them I would lose years anyways because my body would deteriorate from lack of use and immobility. But I can't seem to find clear answers as to whether or not you can get cancer, or whether it wears out your organs quicker.  It seems to be safe if used as prescribed.

[Tuckamore]

Corey offers a good suggestion. If your prescribing physician is knowledgeable and open to speaking with your husband this may be helpful.  

It's always good to educate yourself. Education like knowledge is power. Knowing how to respond to concerns regarding your opiate therapy is crucial.

I certainly don't suggest you initiate a discussion with your fourth cousin about your need and the pros of long term opiate therapy. I do believe that we all should have the knowledge and confidence to address legitimate concerns expressed by our loved ones.

If we don't educate the nay-sayers then who will? They certainly hear all the negative media coverage damning the prescription and use of long term opiates. If we influence or change one person's negative attitude towards chronic pain and its management than we are fighting the war against us! Yes the War against Us, Against Chronic Pain Patients.

You should not be shamed or harassed into this position, "stop the mess and live in constant pain." Taking your husband to your next appt along with educating him may be beneficial. I think he simply doesn't understand chronic pain.  How could he? However if he loves you he certainly does not want you to "live in constant pain".  

Hang in there our friend in pain. I'll look forward to hearing from you soon.

Good Luck to You,
~Tuck

[corey4433]

I'm so sorry you suffer with chronic pain in so so sorry that your husband has this attitude in sure this causes more headaches is all about quality of life and if you are not abusing your meds then you tell him to shove it IM sorry to say it that way maybe take him to your doctor appt and let him ask the doctor questions instead of specking without being educated on long term opiate therapy I wish you the best I know its hard enough asking yourself the question should I be on this meds then not to have the support of your spouse

[Tuckamore]

Hello Sherrberr,

Welcome to our Pain Management Community. I am delighted you found us and took the time to post....but I am sorry your husband is giving you grief.

First of all you are not causing "brain damage" by taking your needed meds as prescribed.

Several years ago there was a study done on the effects of long term opiate therapy.  Forest Tennant, MD, who undertook a first-of-its-kind research study evaluating chronic pain patients who had been receiving opioid therapy for 10 to 35 years. I found the results of his study extremely encouraging as should have other patients in need of long-term opioid therapy as well as their doctors, some of whom may have been hesitant about it.  Dr. Tennant concluded that the significant improvements in quality of life and physical functioning from opioid therapy are so positive they outweigh any negative complications, which can be easily managed.  

The subjects in the study had all been receiving continuous opioid therapy for 10 to 35 years.  All were taking a long-acting form of morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl or methadone and one or more short-acting opioids for breakthrough pain or pain flares.  They all also took additional medications such as muscle relaxants, sleep aids, hormone replacements and dietary supplements. Rather than causing serious health problems, Tennant suggested that because of the decrease in pain, opioids may actually allow or even promote neurologic healing.

Tennant concluded, “Even though the number of patients evaluated here is relatively small, the great improvement in their quality of life and physical functioning is so positive and the complications of the therapy so easily managed that long-term opioid therapy should continue to be provided and evaluated.”

I know of no current studies of this type being conducted, though there is a lot I don't know. The climate has changed and opiates are viewed as bad news, not because of new studies but because of abusers, addicts and a few physicians only looking for an easy, quick buck.

Your husband's attitude is typical of the general, uneducated population. I encourage you to educate yourself and in turn educate him.

As Cos suggested if you are uncomfortable with the medications you are taking you can ask for a reassessment. I was able to reduce my opiate use - but with that came increased pain.

I wish you the best. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[coz1807]

It sounds  very unfortunate for you to have to take all of these medications to get relief. I would be going to your GP and getting them to re-assess. Lyrica/pregabalin is often used for neuropathic conditions/pain, perhaps there is a chance you can cut down the number of pills you are taking. I can see his point of view that it might seem like a lot, but I dont agree with it "causing brain damage" some side effects of medications arent always good, but their benefits must outweigh the risks!