Need for better pain relief

[Julabean]

I've been clean and sober from morphine for 8 months. I've had 2 back surgeries, have RSD and rheumatoid arthritis, so I'm in constant pain. I've been trying to manage my pain with ultram, but it no longer works. I really don't want to go back to the heavy-hitting opiates, but fear I may not have an alternative. Any suggestions for pain relief? Keep in mind: I've tried PT and just about every drug their is. Thanks.

[flmagi]

I'm in the same pain issue boat. At this point, I'm just trying to accept pain as a way of life. It's not easy. If you figure anything out, let me know.

[jetsetgrl]

I am also in the same situation. I have stage 4 endometriosis, back issues and I get migraines. I tried all methods of pain relief including surgeries, spine pain blocks, hormone therapy etc. Nothing worked. I have been on darvocet, vicodin, morphine and that pain patch... I forget what the med is called- hated it. Anyway- I have come to the conclusion that I need to just learn to deal with the pain in other ways. I was in pain without meds for a long time. I dealt with it then- I can now.

I am NOT saying that you should. This is up to you.

How do I deal,

1. I disctract myself with other things- things that I am interested in on TV, books, the internet. A good conversation.

2. Believe it or not I force myself to go to the gym. I work out. It is not always easy. But the exercise is good for my back and me- mentally.

3. Working. I am always really busy at work. I am a buyer.

Good luck and I hope you feel better...

[mr.lucky66]

I would rather see you on vicodin than ultram. It's hard to get off of because of it's antidepressant action. It all depends on quality of life and how much pain you can take how you handle it and what the narcotics did to you. You have to go inside yourself for the answer. all the best

[Julabean]

Thank you all for your feedback. Through therapy and NA meetings I am learning to come to terms with the fact that this pain isn't going away. I know I need something stronger than the Ultram, but wasn't sure what to try. I don't consider this fact to be a failure to myself or my recovery. I have a better understanding now that a lot of the heavy hitters were actually causing me more pain that I was physically in. Once I detoxed from the morphine and various other drugs I noticed an immediate decrease in my daily pain. But now it's time for something stronger to give me back my quality of life again. I'm only 37, but spend most days in bed or in a wheelcfhair. Thanks again for the input