Aa
definition of addict
Since my PCP retired, I had to obtain a new Dr. My previous Dr never treated me like a drug addict, but my new PCP is pushing me to wean myself off all analgesics and wants me to use subutex.
I have an incurable, but not fatal, rare bone disease [polyostotic fibrous dysplasia], spinal myoclonus, degenerative C 5,6 disc Dz, osteoarthritis of knee, cluster HA's, & daily HA's [? a side effect of analgesics]. Multiple pain issues.
I have been on oxycontin for ten years 40mg TID x 6yrs & increased once in 2008 to 50mg TID but decreased in 2011 per new Dr to 30mg TID- Knowing how quick people are to judge a person on oxycontin as an addict, I chose to suffer intense pain for a month until my next DR appt. & after explaining I cannot live in this much daily pain he mercifully incr. the oxycontin dose to 40mg TID. I have never "lost my medication" nor requested early filling of medications. The other medications I'm on are soma 350 mg TID [same dose x 12 yrs] for muscle spasms, imitrex for migraines x 6 yrs, fioricet 2/day x 4yrs incr. to 4/day x one yr decreased to 2/day last yr per new Dr. In order to do my water exercises I do have pre-approval from my Dr to take an extra oxycontin & soma. I cannot walk without these analgesics.
Those these are high doses of analgesics I do NOT get "high". They subdue my bone & muscle pain- I still have days I'm in tears from the pain, especially during low pressure weather systems.
Does this define me as a drug addict?
The new PCP wants me to start taking subutex. I'm susceptible to bone fractures and have fallen twice since he took over my care & decreased the analgesics. What happens if I fx a bone, need an angioplasty [as I've recently had DBP 90-102, HR 100>, & angina- ?stress/broken heart syndrome?], or any other type of emergency surgery while on subutex? My understanding is I would be forced to endure even more pain as subutex is an antagonist to analgesics.
The bone cancer specialist, who has experience in treating other patients with my bone Dz, I saw this year recommended a bone stimulator and to continue symptomatic care, including oxycontin. But the muscle specialist is recommending the subutex saying this will treat the chronic pain issues and eliminate the daily HA's, which he believes is a side effect of the oxycontin. He also wants to try botox for the HA's.
I'm 52 yrs old. A hip fx activated the symptoms of PFD & the myoclonus. Before that I was not on any medication. Do I really now meet the medical criteria to be diagnosed and labeled a drug addict?
I'm learning to have a lot of compassion towards others labeled as drug addicts. Post-op for my hip Fx, [screws & rod in my femur] I was left to endure a great deal of pain & his nurse told me she could not understand why the surgeon gave me a less potent post-op analgesic than he normally used. I cried all night due to the pain. Another time in an empty ER the ER Dr left me curled up in pain as I was throwing up [due to a migraine] for a couple of hours. They see the drug oxycontin & tend to automatically assume I'm an addict. These experiences have left me with a sort of post traumatic stress disorder- I am terrified that this new PCP is going to force me to live out my life in severe pain. Being a Christian, I feel guilty for not having more faith in God to endure this pain and I can't commit suicide as this is a sin too. This is torture, both physically and emotionally.
I have an incurable, but not fatal, rare bone disease [polyostotic fibrous dysplasia], spinal myoclonus, degenerative C 5,6 disc Dz, osteoarthritis of knee, cluster HA's, & daily HA's [? a side effect of analgesics]. Multiple pain issues.
I have been on oxycontin for ten years 40mg TID x 6yrs & increased once in 2008 to 50mg TID but decreased in 2011 per new Dr to 30mg TID- Knowing how quick people are to judge a person on oxycontin as an addict, I chose to suffer intense pain for a month until my next DR appt. & after explaining I cannot live in this much daily pain he mercifully incr. the oxycontin dose to 40mg TID. I have never "lost my medication" nor requested early filling of medications. The other medications I'm on are soma 350 mg TID [same dose x 12 yrs] for muscle spasms, imitrex for migraines x 6 yrs, fioricet 2/day x 4yrs incr. to 4/day x one yr decreased to 2/day last yr per new Dr. In order to do my water exercises I do have pre-approval from my Dr to take an extra oxycontin & soma. I cannot walk without these analgesics.
Those these are high doses of analgesics I do NOT get "high". They subdue my bone & muscle pain- I still have days I'm in tears from the pain, especially during low pressure weather systems.
Does this define me as a drug addict?
The new PCP wants me to start taking subutex. I'm susceptible to bone fractures and have fallen twice since he took over my care & decreased the analgesics. What happens if I fx a bone, need an angioplasty [as I've recently had DBP 90-102, HR 100>, & angina- ?stress/broken heart syndrome?], or any other type of emergency surgery while on subutex? My understanding is I would be forced to endure even more pain as subutex is an antagonist to analgesics.
The bone cancer specialist, who has experience in treating other patients with my bone Dz, I saw this year recommended a bone stimulator and to continue symptomatic care, including oxycontin. But the muscle specialist is recommending the subutex saying this will treat the chronic pain issues and eliminate the daily HA's, which he believes is a side effect of the oxycontin. He also wants to try botox for the HA's.
I'm 52 yrs old. A hip fx activated the symptoms of PFD & the myoclonus. Before that I was not on any medication. Do I really now meet the medical criteria to be diagnosed and labeled a drug addict?
I'm learning to have a lot of compassion towards others labeled as drug addicts. Post-op for my hip Fx, [screws & rod in my femur] I was left to endure a great deal of pain & his nurse told me she could not understand why the surgeon gave me a less potent post-op analgesic than he normally used. I cried all night due to the pain. Another time in an empty ER the ER Dr left me curled up in pain as I was throwing up [due to a migraine] for a couple of hours. They see the drug oxycontin & tend to automatically assume I'm an addict. These experiences have left me with a sort of post traumatic stress disorder- I am terrified that this new PCP is going to force me to live out my life in severe pain. Being a Christian, I feel guilty for not having more faith in God to endure this pain and I can't commit suicide as this is a sin too. This is torture, both physically and emotionally.
I apologize as I'm not use to posting on forums and I do not know how to reply to all of you to thank you in taking time out to answer my question and for your support & prayers.
Slenderthread, you said, "Sometimes I don't think most people believe there IS a difference". That is almost verbatim to what my new PCP said. "There is really no difference between drug dependence and a drug addict. If you go through withdrawals, you're an addict."
I do not want to live a lie, but was having a hard accepting this doctor saying I am a drug addict. Especially after the bone cancer specialist's recommendation. Again, thank you for giving me the courage to stand up to this PCP.
We, my husband of 32 yrs and I, have considered moving in order to obtain better medical care but cannot really afford it. It was a hip Fx that occurred at work that activated this disease, which turned out to be a blessing as worker's comp pays for my care. However, living in a small community I am currently having to travel 50 miles every month as this is the closest and only doctor who accepts worker's comp insurance.
I keep remembering the scripture that says "Fear not what man can do to us. If God is for us, who can be against us." I've been clinging to this hope and praying for wisdom.
Slenderthread, you said, "Sometimes I don't think most people believe there IS a difference". That is almost verbatim to what my new PCP said. "There is really no difference between drug dependence and a drug addict. If you go through withdrawals, you're an addict."
I do not want to live a lie, but was having a hard accepting this doctor saying I am a drug addict. Especially after the bone cancer specialist's recommendation. Again, thank you for giving me the courage to stand up to this PCP.
We, my husband of 32 yrs and I, have considered moving in order to obtain better medical care but cannot really afford it. It was a hip Fx that occurred at work that activated this disease, which turned out to be a blessing as worker's comp pays for my care. However, living in a small community I am currently having to travel 50 miles every month as this is the closest and only doctor who accepts worker's comp insurance.
I keep remembering the scripture that says "Fear not what man can do to us. If God is for us, who can be against us." I've been clinging to this hope and praying for wisdom.
Hi Ziggy,
I agree that you are certainly NOT an addict. Unfortunately, it's us addicts that make it harder for people like you to get the relief you need. Have you tried a Pain Management Doctor? I would try and get a referral to one if not. Good luck to you and please check in with us :)
I agree that you are certainly NOT an addict. Unfortunately, it's us addicts that make it harder for people like you to get the relief you need. Have you tried a Pain Management Doctor? I would try and get a referral to one if not. Good luck to you and please check in with us :)
I agree - you are NOT an addict! Switch doctors!! I feel so sorry for an actual addicts that may stumble into his path... Meanwhile - your pain sounds horrendous. They should NOT be questioning you over the meds you're on - firstly, they should have your info on a chart in front of them! They are not treating you fairly - they're being prejudiced and discriminating - and you didn't do anything to deserve it. Seriously, see a different doctor.
Ziggy -
I am so-o sorry that you are suffering ... both physically and emotionally! I was on oxycontin and morphine for breakthrough pain when my Dr. left the army base hospital and I was stuck with another doctor. She did exactly what's being done to you. She didn't agree with the med's I was on, so she wanted me to taper off in ONE month! I called the clinic one day and talked to a nurse, she told me my previous doctor had taken up practice at a nearby hospital complex. I was able to simply follow her to her new practice. I was fortunate. Is there any way that you could change physicians and get away from the one you are with now??
As for being a drug addict ... no, you are not. An addict will lie, manipulate, exaggerate their pain in order to get something stronger or get their med dose increased. You are drug dependent. My doctor explained the difference to me years ago. Sometimes I don't think most people believe there IS a difference. But they have never been on our side while 'looking in.' Unless you have gone through chronic pain, you just can't (or shouldn't) judge. Most people cannot understand the near 'madness' that comes from constant, unending pain. They can't comprehend how it can define your life.
None of us WANT to be like we are - and that includes taking the med's. Oh yeah, there are plenty of addicts that are into just getting high and/or selling the rest of their meds. Of course there are the kids helping themselves to their parent(s) meds ... and finally, the infamous physicians that over prescribe to their famous Hollywood clientel. They all make it miserable for the rest of us legitimate pain patients. Unfortunately, our doctors and the hospitals and clinics that employ them are watching the same news that we are. They are being 'squeezed' by the powers that be, to prescribe less narcotics. We are feeling paranoid because our doctors are being paranoid as well - it's not your imagination. But don't give up fighting for yourself and your pain!
Lastly, don't ever let yourself believe that our Heavenly Father wants you to suffer. Sadly, suffering is just a part of what life can be ... but you are not being punished. No matter what, God is not mad at you - you ARE loved, always, hold onto that truth! Keep coming back here and let us all know how you are doing, okay?? I know that it can be hard to talk about what you are going through sometimes ... but if you reach out there WILL be always be a hand reaching back! You'll be in my prayers! :-)
Take care Ziggy ... Slenderthread
I am so-o sorry that you are suffering ... both physically and emotionally! I was on oxycontin and morphine for breakthrough pain when my Dr. left the army base hospital and I was stuck with another doctor. She did exactly what's being done to you. She didn't agree with the med's I was on, so she wanted me to taper off in ONE month! I called the clinic one day and talked to a nurse, she told me my previous doctor had taken up practice at a nearby hospital complex. I was able to simply follow her to her new practice. I was fortunate. Is there any way that you could change physicians and get away from the one you are with now??
As for being a drug addict ... no, you are not. An addict will lie, manipulate, exaggerate their pain in order to get something stronger or get their med dose increased. You are drug dependent. My doctor explained the difference to me years ago. Sometimes I don't think most people believe there IS a difference. But they have never been on our side while 'looking in.' Unless you have gone through chronic pain, you just can't (or shouldn't) judge. Most people cannot understand the near 'madness' that comes from constant, unending pain. They can't comprehend how it can define your life.
None of us WANT to be like we are - and that includes taking the med's. Oh yeah, there are plenty of addicts that are into just getting high and/or selling the rest of their meds. Of course there are the kids helping themselves to their parent(s) meds ... and finally, the infamous physicians that over prescribe to their famous Hollywood clientel. They all make it miserable for the rest of us legitimate pain patients. Unfortunately, our doctors and the hospitals and clinics that employ them are watching the same news that we are. They are being 'squeezed' by the powers that be, to prescribe less narcotics. We are feeling paranoid because our doctors are being paranoid as well - it's not your imagination. But don't give up fighting for yourself and your pain!
Lastly, don't ever let yourself believe that our Heavenly Father wants you to suffer. Sadly, suffering is just a part of what life can be ... but you are not being punished. No matter what, God is not mad at you - you ARE loved, always, hold onto that truth! Keep coming back here and let us all know how you are doing, okay?? I know that it can be hard to talk about what you are going through sometimes ... but if you reach out there WILL be always be a hand reaching back! You'll be in my prayers! :-)
Take care Ziggy ... Slenderthread
Ziggy will you please keep us posted on how you are doing. Im really worried about you. Im so very sorry you are going thru this. (((hugs))
You are NOT an addict, you need to find a new doctor, with your medical history they should not be trying to get you off your meds. Have you considered a pain management doctor, with all the new laws about narcotics PCP's are often scared of prescribing. So sorry they're making you feel this way, that really isn't right. And the ER leaving you like that it's just wrong, that's why so many people lie when they're asked about what meds they're taking, it's not the right thing to do, but the minute you mention narcotics they treat you different. So sorry, hang in there and hope you find a compassionate doctor to help you.
Hi and Welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry that you endure the pain that you do - it's alot to ask that one person deal with so much. To answer your question, NO you are not a drug addict. You are taking alot of medication for legitimate reasons. You are probably drug dependent, which happens to everyone who has been on medication for a while.
I agree with Bkitty, and you should consider finding a new doctor if he's treating you this way. He clearly doesn't understand the pain you're in, or he does, and is choosing to limit your medications anyway. That would be unconscionable. We have had alot of people post about their doctors cutting them off from their medications, so you're not alone.
I hope you can find a new doctor ASAP - one that understands your medical needs. Keep posting so we know how you're doing.
Well wishes to you...
Sandy ♦
I agree with Bkitty, and you should consider finding a new doctor if he's treating you this way. He clearly doesn't understand the pain you're in, or he does, and is choosing to limit your medications anyway. That would be unconscionable. We have had alot of people post about their doctors cutting them off from their medications, so you're not alone.
I hope you can find a new doctor ASAP - one that understands your medical needs. Keep posting so we know how you're doing.
Well wishes to you...
Sandy ♦
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