surgery or pain meds

i am going to be going  to a pain doctor because i was in a bad car accident a couple years ago and they are going to prescribe me oxycodone xanex and oxy contin i heard from friends to get the surgery and not take those meds that they are so addicting and really expensive i really dont know what to do i am scared to get the surgery but i dont want to take pills for the rest of my life what should i do please help

[RSDS_Pain]

I believe that it is better to try the more conservative route using meds first. There are many complications that can occur once surgery is started; and you may still need the meds for the pain caused by the surgery, anyway. What the doctors remove can NEVER be healed.

Though, the opiod drugs, do, need to be used catiously. Yes, they can be addictive, if they are abused. DO NOT take more of them, than what you are prescribed; even if you think that they wear off too soon. Yes, they do cause PHYSICAL DEPENDANCE, which is NOT the same as addiction. What this means, is that if you need to stop taking them for any reason, you must be tapered off of them, gradually; or else you will get withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms (like the runs).

Many people, on another chat board that I am on, have used these meds long term with good results. While, I have never been on the mix of meds you listed, I have used, and gotten off of, hydrocodone / acetaminophen successfully.

You just have to be careful taking them. Continue with being monitered by your pain doctor, who might have you sign a contract that you will not get any pain medicine from anyother doctor (including a dentist).

If you are prudent, and take the meds only enough to relieve your pain, and NOT to get high (or eurphoric), you should be ok on these meds, if they work for you.

RSDS_Pain

[sickofpain879]

[sickofpain879]

Dearest jmd07, I read your story and i am sympathetic to your pain. But please just take a minute to read what I have to say.

First of all I am very surprised that a Pain Management Specialist would even offer to prescribe pain meds let alone prescribe all of those particular meds together. I have seen a few pain specialists and they always went right to therapy. Maybe you should try a different doctor. I am not trying to be a rude individual I am just concerned about anyone who takes those drugs. You didn't make mention of your injuries so maybe that is the difference in our situation. But let me tell you a little bit about what I have been through and you can draw your own conclusion.

In 2002 I had a tare in my rotator cuff and was sent to a Pain Management Specialist. The specialist sent me to therapy for three months that proved to be unsuccessful. That specialist didn't know what else to do for me because he was not willing to give out anything for pain but Tylenol and Motrin.
I then seen another specialist and went through the same thing all over, therapy then nothing.
I finally when to a new doctor to get help because everyone else said they couldn't help. My new doctor started me on Oxycontin 20 mg twice a day and I now take 80 mg every 12 hours. In July 07 I had a complete shoulder replacement. I still go to therapy for my shoulder and guess what...I still take Oxycontin 80 mg twice a day. When I asked that doctor why I get so violently ill when I don't take my Only he told me that I always have to take it until I am completely ready to get off of it. He also informed me that I will need outside help, like a rehab.
I am a good person who would never abuse drugs in any way and now I will be looked at by anyone who sees me near that place or in it as a drug addict.

Oxycontin is a good-evil drug. Yes, it helps so much with pain but the addiction to this drug is nothing to be taken lightly. I would get a second opinion if I were you.

And to RSDS_Pain, hydrocodone is just Vicodin and while it has it's own effects it is nothing compared to oxycodone (Oxycontin).

Please reconsider. After this last surgery they have done everything they set out to do but my biggest obstacle now is my addiction to the good-evil drug Oxycontin.

[Kathi50]

You didn't say what type of pain, where and/or what type of surgery you are speaking of.  Could you fill us in?  And, a pain management specialist doesn't ALWAYS go for PT first.  For instance, if you have severe neck pain from a herniation or impingement they will usually prescribe meds and may even try injections FIRST.  THEN, once it is calmed down...PT.  And I totally agree with what RSDS said...don't let the term ADDICTION throw you.  There is a difference between DEPENDENCE and ADDICTION.  I am a spinal patient and I DO keep the meds low.  I take Klonopin and Vicodin for the pain as well as for Central Pain Syndrome.  Surgery, yes, is usually a last resort.  But if you need the meds, take them.  If taken properly, you should be ok.  Personally, and for myself, I prefer injections as they DO allow me to keep the meds low and even go into PT when needed.