Pain killer alternatives

[broom]

I'm a computer programmer.
I have tendenitis on both forarms,
Ehler Danlos (mild), and a history
of drug addiction.  The drugs
were from age 13-18, and I've been
clean about 20 years (rehab, NA, AA).

I live on Viox for my arms, 50MG a day.
I'm still in a lot of pain, and I can only
code for an hour or 2 before I can't
type anymore.

What are my alternative drugs?  Anaprox
and familiy rip holes through my stomach,
and real opiates are off limits.  I see
Ultram, but it seems like some kind off
opiate cross-over that I should stay away
from.

[Thomas02]

by the same token, is there a genetic predisposition to opiate addiction? I have written about my first exposure to an opiate (a hydrocodone-based cough syryp) sometime back on this forum. I will repeat myself only so far as to say that it was the closest things to a religious/mystical experience I have ever had -- an experience I obviously never got over. Thirty years of opiate addiction has cost me a lot. I'd like to know if, like the alcoholic, I was likewise "doomed" by genetic inheritance.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I've said  many times here that my first injection of morphine hit "the spot" with me.  That was thirty years ago and I've been chasing that dragon ever since.  As Patrick says, euphoria is a very simple way of putting that fleeting moment in time and the lives we lead to "get back there".  J.B.

[Thomas02]

thanks again for your learned response to my question. Euphoria? Boy, that's an understatement if there ever was one. I took some Tussionex at bedtime (normal dosage, nothing abusive), and for the rest of the night, I floated 6 feet above my bed, every real and imagined memory of bliss and glory flowing through my mind like a river. The experience changed me forever. Euphoria's a short and simple way to refer to the experience, but it was much, much more than that. Too bad it wasn't just mild euphoria followed by a night's sleep. Might have saved me thirty years of trouble. Anyway, thanks again, spook. I don't think we've ever had a poster in your line of work participating regularly and I find your insights fascinating. Please keep coming back.

[Brighty]

God bless you !! Welcome back.... and take it easy !! Love, Brighty

[cindi]

Boy,  We sure did miss you.  How r u feeling?  it's nice to have you back with us and I am still praying for you....Just becuase your surgery is over doesn't mean you don't need prayers anymore.  Just take it slow,  Don't get overly tired and Take your pain medicine..Being painfree will help your recovery process....PS  Did they tell you to cough and deep breath?  Keep your little lungs in shape so do your exercises  LOL   Hopefully you have someone there to help you....Keep in touch when you are feeling up to it....Have not heard a whole lot from spook but when we do we know it   He's pretty ok...smart as anything    LOL   Love cindi

[PS >>>>Annie]

I just wanted to drop a few lines to let you know how much I appreciated your prayers and emails.  There is much power in prayer.  I'm still very weak, and weary of the road ahead, but w/ friends like you....I know I'll be o.k.  I know there will be severe withdrawals coming off of the meds....So yall just get ready for my never ending questions. lol.....Stay in touch.
Love Ya!
Annie