Back pain oxycoidone

[Rich860]

My name is Rich. I had back surgery and it turned into a huge infection which lead to an emergency surgey to remove the infection that was crawling up and down my spine at the first surgey site (l4-l5 vertabrae). This is diagnosed as osteomylitis. I have been on oxycoidone for 2 years and now all my orthopedic doctor is saying I need an addictionologist. I still have severe back pain and he seems to think I'm addicted to these pills. O.k. then what do I do with the pain? I take the pills for my pain, the pain is all day and everyday. SO please help. My doctor really doesn't understand my flippin back hurts a lot regardless.

[ESB30]

dear rich, i feel very horrible for anyone in that situation. were all thought of as drug addicts if we ask for help but when you do ask for help its like pulling teeth. im in a situation where 3 beautiful kids are involved and just want there daddy. i hurt so bad and how do you explain it to them? so far i have found that my family dr has been the best pm i have had in 12 years. if it wasnt for him i prob would be dead bye now from who knows what. 4 roxi 30s a day for me and i know thats even alot but like i said my kids need a dad. pm did nothing for me but help me sleep better. i steer clear from everyone but family dr now.

[fiveyears]

I am in a similar long-term chronic pain situation that started with a broken L5, ruptured L5/S1 disc, and two dislocated shoulders with a torn labrum on the right.  Since I have had an artificial disc replacement that was 100% successful, which I am VERY thankful for.  Since the spine surgery I have had tremendous upper-spine and right shoulder pain that has been being addressed with shoulder surgery and long-term narcotic use.  I have now seen 32 specialists and realized the reluctance of many of them to prescribe meds.  

After the lumbar spine was addressed and my neurosurgeon was out of the mix, they all implied that the previous Dr. should have done it and would reluctantly prescribe a month's worth.  After a couple of years I realized that my primary care Dr. was my best hope as he had seen me through my entire $300K+ worth of treatment.  Even though I was seeking every treatment possible and new specialists, I sent every report to him and he has handled my meds for years.  I very recently switched to a pain management Dr. recommended by my primary Dr. because he is an expert in the field.  After five years of being on 36 or so different meds in over 70 doses, I figured it was worth seeing an expert.  For the time being I am working with the new PM guy and we will see how it goes.  I am less than 30 years old and am worried about my long-term health.  

Anyway, I would suggest trying a PM doctor and disclose fully what you have been doing and what you think you require.  They often drug test and view records so it would be best to be completely honest.  In most cases, they have seen everything.

FYI - I am very sorry about your infection.  I had discograms, epidurals, and then the final surgery and they all warned how bad a spinal infection could be.  I was fortunate and I do not envy your situation.  I wish you the very best of luck.

-Jack

[ochooked]

I hope you will follow through.  The addiction really su*cks --- I have noticed that almost all of the people on this site began their addiction with legit pain.  What we eventually learn is that Opiates are a poor choice for Chronic pain.  It always takes more and more to give less and less relief ----  the effectiveness of the drugs decrease over time and what you are left with is pain, a horrible addiction, and depression.  As I'm sure you know the Opiates do not do anything for the pain but only for your perception of the pain.  When you finally decide to get off the drugs there are many ways to deal with Chronic pain.  Hope you will get the help you sound like you need.  Wish you all the best.

[dominosarah]

I agree with Cathy........a pain management doc is something you should check out.  I wish you the best.......sara

[cathy5841]

i am sorry you are going through this.  i dont really know what to tell except we do have a pain mamagement forum here.  maybe you could find some answers there.  good luck to ya.