Back pain - use or abuse norco

[Enthalpy1]

I have suffered back pain for 20 years. My profession is commercial hvac work. Several years ago, I was having big time issues. I had an MRI showing damaged discs, stenosis and arthritis in my back and arthritis in both knees. I started with meloxicam for the arthritis which is a godsend. I also started norco 7.5 as needed 30 a month. I have had several spinal injections which worked but my job would undo the repair. Surgery is not an option right now because it would put me out of work and all 3 doctors said that my work would undo theirs. I'm in pain management which I go every month for review. I was on butrans 20 and norco 7.5 twice a day. The pain was somewhat manageable but I was riding the depression train. I had a RFA done which seemed to help a lot. I asked to get off the butrans and they said ok and upped the norco to 4x a day as needed. The pain has been manageable but the depression varies day to day. I decided to take a break from the norco to see if the depression would change. I should mention that I have been on Wellbutrin for a year after I suffered major depression last year before I got into pain management. I have been off the norco for 4 days and dealing with the withdraw ok. Runs, poor sleeping, stomac pains and major back pain. The depression is getting better. Here is my problem. On norco minimal back pain. Off norco, depression seems to be getting better. I know I'm not the only one with this problem and I would love some help from anyone. Sorry for the long post but my background is important. Thank you and this forum has been a great support system since I am doing this alone. P.s. day one really sucked.

[Pat1956100]

It's such a vicious circle.  Do we live in pain or do we live in sadness and anxiety?  Tough choice.  Gee, I know.  Maybe they could come up with a pain killer that wasn't addictive and didn't ruin our lives in the process.  One that you didn't need more and more of to relieve the pain.  
I guess what we need are more doctors that have actually experienced this problem because unless you experience it, I don't think you can ever understand it.

[Enthalpy1]

When I say addicted to melaxicam and Crestor, I mean that it works as directed without unwanted side effects. If you asked me to quit, I couldn't because it helps by doing what it was designed to do and minimal side effects. Pain meds when used as directed produce their intended effect, relief from pain. My problem is the unwanted side effects. For me depression and anxiety. For others, stealing from pharmacies or people to feed their high or chasing that high. I haven't felt that tingle in many years but I have received pain relief. I hate my side effects but I also hate the pain. I use to be very active. Played soccer and worked out at the gym 3-5 days a week. Getting older is a challenge but the pain is more limiting. I have a physically demanding job so the pain meds give me back a more physical life but the depression blows. I need to see where I am at pain wise. The pain meds maybe masking my true pain level. The RFA may have been the bomb. Only detoxing will give me an informed decision. And as far as dumping your issues, I was told we are here for each other, I don't care if you stubbed your toe and you want to vent. I'm here to listen and I appreciate being listened to as well. So please dump away if you want to. And to " notme", yes I have not stopped working. I am working today as well. This is the heavy workload season for me. I wish I had detoxed in feb or march when work was slow. Heavy lifting and ladders do not promote good back health. But this is my hand. And as for the sleep thing, ambien helps. I just wish for a straight 8 and a solid BM. Santa are you listening? Easter bunny? Lucky Charms? Thanks for all the encouragement. It is much appreciated. Did I say day 5 is here. Where is the group I can join for long posting recovery?

[notme42long]

Good morning. My back injury was 15 years ago. I used pain meds 6+yrs awesome you were able to get yourself to work. I was able to take 5 days off. No way I could Have went to work. And you're sleeping, hope you have a good day today. Great job!

[bama88]

And later today a lot more members will post you. I promise. I just have my laptop on thru the night. Then you might not see me on the boards for awhile. I haven't left you. Just remeber I'm sick. These shots make me sick like a chemo patient. I hate hate them. I get so cold. And I'm in Alabama. So its hot. But I will freeze in 90 degrees. It's like a weird flu. Not like detoxing. But kinda. Sorry to dump my problems on you....I'm a big girl. And I ll be ok. This is my last injectable. Or shot. Maybe this one won't do me in. Last week I didn't even stand up.

[bama88]

Good morning. I'm.glad you slept. I did not. None. Nadda. But again different story.

Pick up some Imodium. And alieve will help your back to some degree. When we stop taking pain pills pain levels go up for about two weeks. Then level off....and no your not addicted to melexam. Or crestor. They don't work the same way. Tylonol and Motrin will help some.... Sorry to hear your back hurts.

And no my not sleeping isn't related to withdrawls. I'm taking injectables for ms. This is the last one...that's why I'm not sleeping. I'm uber sick.

[Enthalpy1]

Well, I guess 5 hours of sleep is better that 4. Day 5 for me and it seems easier mentally to wake up and get out of bed except for my back pain. I'm still feeling the physical withdraw. I never knew a solid BM would be something to be excited about. I've got to work today which I think is helping with the psychological withdraw by keeping my mind busy. My body especially my back don't agree. Is there a non opiate pain med that works? I know that meloxocam works wonders for arthritis but I have been told that severe pain has one type of relief and that is opiates. I could live with addiction to opiates if the depression didn't get so bad. I know I'm addicted to meloxocam and Crestor but that is ok. I don't have the side effects. Just rambling this morning I guess. Ideas?