What happens when you really NEED the meds?

[pasquisha]

I am in a lot of pain today, I'm guessing because of the rainy, yucky weather. It has been over 80 hours since I have had ANY medicine for pain. I am past the worst of the w/d symptoms I think, but this afternoon I'm in so much pain I can't stand it.

Anyway, what do you do if you deal with chronic pain but want to be done with pain pills? Do you only take ONE pill when absolutely necessary? Or would that send me back to square one? Ugh. I don't know. I just don't know what to do anymore.

[EvolverU]

My friend above makes a great point! There's a condition called 'Opiod-induced Hyperalgesia' whereby our pain thresholds are actually lowered during sustained use of narcotic painkillers. Often, when folks detox, they discover, much to their surprise, that their pain levels are much lower than they feared. Here's a link explaining it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid-induced_hyperalgesia

By all accts. it takes a little time to properly gauge your pain & levels, though. Hang in there T. & please don't take any of those pills you're sitting on.  (Btw., have you considered flushing them?) Having them around is a recipe for eventual relapse. No two ways about it! Just saying....

Let us know what you think. (We could have a 'flushing party' -- [we love that around these parts]. I mean, it's Saturday night, right? ;))

[Jinx_777]

use a non opiate pain reliever.  
opiates actually make pain feel worse.  yes, taking one pill will set you right back.  
in the case of an accident, surgery, pending surgery sometimes it is necessary to take opiates, but those of us that have to do that hate every second of it.  
be very careful that your brain is not trying to convince you to use.  epsom salt baths (as hot as you can stand it)
cal/mag/zinc 3 in 1  helps with the aches and bone pain
icy hot or some other rub
heating pad

[Sonrissa]

Hi there, during withdrawals, and for a time after, pain does appear to get worse. I found that this was my mind screaming for me to take pills. After a while you will be able to evaluate your true pain level, and treat it. Try other alternatives like Ibuprofen, etc.  I have chronic pain from a badly broken leg, among other things. After quitting pain pills I actually discovered that RX Ibuprofen or other anti inflammatory drugs, like shots do help.  I am able to get through my days without a great deal of pain.

Take care, and I hope you feel better soon.

[EvolverU]

Hi T,

It's good to see you :) I might have missed it (& I apologize to you & everyone else) but what is the condition that you were prescribed for?