Living in pain without meds

[sailedaway]

I remember when my days didn't just roll into each other. Each had special meaning and enjoyment. I had a great life and when someone said, "have a nice weekend", I would happily return the phrase. Now all those phrases (any plans for the weekend?, etc.) have become so annoying because I can't make plans, and haven't been able to in almost 5 years - since the crash. I have lost my "friends" and my family doesn't understand what my new life is made up of. People see you get injured and feel for you in the beginning. But later, when all the scratches and visible signs of the crash are over with, they just want you to be YOU again. Gee, why didn't I think of that? I've been taking Vicodin for a few years now. I take it responsibly, but it's only natural that your body NEEDS it, even if you're not abusing it. If I try to stop taking it, my body surely lets me know. I would like to stop taking it, but living in physical pain (not from withdrawal, but because of health issues) makes me feel inhuman. I hurt so bad without the drugs, but am so sick of taking them. Is there an alternative to these meds? Something that takes away pain that does not make you feel sluggish or hyper?

[sailedaway]

Your success is such a great inspiration and motivator for me. I was up last night thinking of all the ridiculous lies and excuses I have been making. All the missed opportunities. I am perspiring so much now because I'm due for my morning "pick me up". It helps me to move around more comfortably but it turns each day into another sorry one. Today is the day I learn to live with my pain and get real. I will begin the weaning process now. Thank you and God bless u too

[sailedaway]

Thank you for your comments. Sounds like you had quite the ordeal. Did your body get back in balance again? Did you lose weight when you got off the strong stuff? I believe you are correct when you said, "the brain will start to crave the narcotic and create the pain to get it"...grrr. how does one know if it's real pain or created pain anymore? All I know is it's sure not a very rewarding life anymore and I need to change what I'm doing. Did your energy increase once you stopped the narcs?

[gnarly_1]

HI I did pain management for 16 1/2yrs the problem with it is it dont work 1/2 the time and the dr answers are to keep uping or increasing the strength of meds to the point where your not yourself any more.....the last of my pain management was on methadone witch worked great but came with the awful price of a horabale addiction...and even with increasing doses it stopped working.....finely I said enough was enough and over 8 1/2 mo weened off of it....wasn't any fun...in and out of withdrawals along the way then your sick for 90 days after you quit the stuff....but after the initial rebound pain passed I found that otc stuff like iguprofine and tylonal and alive actually worked better as many of or members have.....narcotics are a funny animal at first they work but they really dont take pain away persay they only take your mind off it this is why you build up tollerence and need more for the same results also the brain will start to crave the narcotic and create the pain to get it....it is a viscous cycle but it needs to be broke you should dry yourself out at lest 1 a yr to evaluate your actual pain level if you want to kick we can walk you threw how to do it for many of us myself included I live in less pain now then I did on the narcotics its at least worth a shot you will get your emotions back and your personalty will return also....to me those things where to high of price to pay...I can live with a little pain in my lower back rather then living numb I wish you all the best in your desion you may want to check out medhelps pain management forum for some additional help good luck and God bless.......Gnarly      

[theeagle]

It can be done - may take some looking, but it sounds like you are on the right track .........most would start back at the beginning.////  cold and heat alternating and with some advil or some anti inflamatory med ......  and exercises do help - trry some while using a yoga ball .......

A little more information would help a great deal............cant tell you to soak the painful part under water if you are having migraines!!  

[sailedaway]

I understand what you are saying about having children and never needing medication. Now you are a prisoner and the pills are your warden, and you must do whatever the warden says. I know that sounds pretty stupid, but it sounds about right. I hope that you can find relief from other methods. Acupuncture really is a great help for a lot of people. I tried it and it sped up my heart rate like crazy. I think because the Vicodin slows it down so much, but the acupuncture is designed to increase your Chi (balance and blood flow, etc.). I would suggest baby steps with the acupuncture but believe you will really enjoy it for pain relief and energy. I would continue to go if it wasn't so expensive. I no longer have insurance.

[sailedaway]

Sorry to hear you were also in a crash! I also had back surgery, many procedures and months of PT. I'm sure you can relate to all of that as well. I would say my pain is both nerve and inflammatory. I am unable to bare weight on my right leg because my hip is messed up. What is lyric? The only thing I've taken is Vicodin and Prednisone (not regularly). I didn't think the muscle relaxants prescribed were needed, and the Ibuprofen eats my stomach. I've been athletic my entire life, and would do almost anything to get that back. At first the quality of my life was improved because of the Vicodin because although bedridden, my pain was minimized. Now that I am somewhat ambulatory, but still incredibly non-functional and non-productive, I am suspicious that the Vicodin is keeping me from recovering. I believe it is now keeping me in denial where I am accepting being inactive instead of being able to fight for my life back. I don't know if that makes sense. Also, that other stuff you mentioned for sleep would be great as it's 2am and I am still up.

[sunnieday34]

If you don't mind saying, what type of pain do you have? I was in a terrible crash too, had three surgeries, and have been on everything out there. I found that lyric is good for nerve pain, and also takes away a lot of feelings of withdrawal. elavil is another good one.it helps with sleep. I might be able to answer more effectively if I knew what your problems are.
Take care!

[Iwantanewlifenow]

OMG..you described what I am going thru....I didn't abuse but my body sure in the heck lets me know if I miss a dose...WD pain, for me, is worse than my physical pain...My new Dr. is now going to try electronic Acupuncture on me..My old Dr. just wanted to keep upping the meds...No More...I dumped him and found one my insurance covers with Alternative Therapies...Massages, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Exercise and such...The hardest part is getting off these da&m pills...If I only knew back when I started taking them..responsibly per Dr's orders...that my body would become addicted I never would have...Yes...I was that Naive...Dr's should be REQUIRED to tell you that may/WILL happen.I've had 5 children all without medication and that was some intense pain...I wish you the best..Anj

[vicki595]

Hi!    Yes,of course, there are OTC non opiate pain relievers.  Have you talked to your doctor? Have you tried tapering down?  5 years is a long time...

How much do you take per day?