Narcotics for Chronic pain

[Pixie]

I read a medical text recently that said narcotics are not approved for the treatment of chronic pain. Is this true?
I also had a fellow Fibromyalgia sufferer send me info on an "Intractable Pain Act" passed in California some years ago. This was established in part because of chronic pain patients commiting suicide after having doctors and hospitals reject their pleas for relief. (specifically via narcotic medicine)
If this pain act exists, does it apply nationwide? If Narcotics can be used legally for chronic pain, how does one go about finding a physician who utilizes them-without being accused of "drug seeking behavior"?
There are a lot of questions here-I appreciate your time.
Pixie

[Kerrie]

Hi Spook, Hi Annie,
  Your on the money about the politics of medicine Spook. It is a shame that doctors have to experience first hand what chronic pain is before they can believe how life altering it is.Or at least realize that there's true chronic pain suferers out there in need of help to make life bearable.
   Annie, as we have talked before,we both have a lot of chronic pain,mine from numerous surgeries and disease.I too was reluctant to try anything stronger than Tylenol for fear of addiction. There is abuse in my family.But the first time I tried it,it was amazing the help it gave me. I still had pain but I wasn't curled up in bed wishing I could die.I realized there was something that could give me some quality of life back. You sound very sensible Annie. My doctor explained it this way to me. Diabetics have to take inciline to live.People with hypertension have to stay on meds for their lives depend on it. I have to stay on pain meds to live without thinking death would be easier,in order to have some quality of life back. My pain ,like many on this forum , is so severe I can't do daily funtions or go places or enjoy my family without something to help me.Even with it I'm limited because of my condition. I doubt you would ever have a problem with addiction. Being dependant is different from being addicted.Dependant means you have a need for this pain med. I do depend on it and apologize to no one for it. I hope you find a doctor like mine. He's taking a stand on behalf of chronic pain suferers everywhere. So I in return am going to testify on his behalf .Keep the faith Annie. God has seen me through many trials. I was ten years finding this doctor I'm seeing now. I'll pray you all find someone like him.
     Kerrie

[Dee]

I have been here all along, Iam the original 'Dee' until the other 'DeeDee' came along, then things were getting confusing with our names, so I changed my name using my birth name Dianne
take care

[PS >>>>Annie]

Hey Spook,

I'll be your minister, when you choose your wife.  I must say though, the punch bowl filled w/ lsd will have to be thrown out, or I can't attend the reception.........LOL

Annie

PS... I had emailed you about a week ago.....I wondered what happend re: your ?? net svc..  Did you get it???  (Re;Pain crisis)If not, I will resend it.

Chin up mate!

[Pixie]

Thank you so much for the link. I was responded to immediately by a representative with a doctor referral. Today I am in very bad pain, and I am grateful that it may be one of the last days that I have to worry about this. The only thing I see wrong with the site is the potential misuse by people who want opiods, but don't have chronic pain. I would hate to see these doctors who mercifully put their asses on the line for patients like myself get into trouble. For those of us who write to this board, but do have chronic pain, it may be worth your while to visit the site Francois posted here. If anything it made me  realize that there are so many people who like me, can't get treated for debilitating, life-ruining pain conditions.
I'm battling with the desire to get relief, and the fear of becoming so dependent on the source of relief that I won't be able to turn back.
Should that even matter?
If I could finally go camping again and audition for a play, clean my house top to bottom, (or even shave my legs without kinking something!) maybe the trade-off is well worthwhile.
Any thoughts?
Pixie

[Dee]

Annie,
I just got done reading your quote..God, my heart really goes out to you, and I also am enraged that you are forced to suffer this kind of pain, where is the compassion? how can these doctors treat you this way? why? why? why?! you are a very strong woman, how you endure is beyond me..I know that you rely on God,and your prayers to give you strength..but honestly I know that does not take away your pain..I almost feel guilty that I have a caring compassionate doctor who listens to me and takes me seriously, I will never take her for granted again..I'm so sorry that you have to live like this..God Bless..take care
Dianne
PS-what state do you live in?

[PS >>>>Annie]

Thank you for the post.  I need all the support that I can get.  I just got back from my pcp, only to discover that I have blood in the urine, and will have to see a urologist.  He did give me something for pain.  I guess he figured She's been through enough, and now this.  I need your prayers.  I'm not sure what's going on w/ me now.  I am actively participating w/ chronic groups, and want to help make a change in my State.  I live in the South.  We are far behind other states in our pain treatment efforts, because of our laws here.  I hope this changes soon.  I don't rem. seeing your post before.  If you don't mind me asking, what is the nature of your injuries or illness??  Bless your compassionate doctor!  I really don't blame the doctors much, they fear their lives being ripped out from underneath them.  This just happend to a doc. in our state.  If you have a hotmail address, I would be glad to fill you in.  Thanks so much for your concern.....it gives me hope and courage.

Annie