overwhelmed

[shorty679]

Hi everyone, I hope you're days are good. I'm having a hard time, and tend to not do this...talk much about it because I don't like feeling like I'm wining; but I'm recongnizing that accepting support makes a big difference. I have such good friends I'm so grateful for and I am happy to have found this site. I began on the methadone treatment on the 15th. I'm having such a hard time. The methadone has been a lot better than trying to quit the oxy's totally on my own; which is the only other way have ever tried. To make a long story short; by the time I started on methadone I was being prescribed 120mg of oxycontin a day. I usually took approximately 200mg. a day with a few days here and there of nothing (except hell). The methadone clinic I go to starts their patients low and slowly increases. I am now up to a 50mg dose. So I have no idea how high I will end up needing to go to. I know it will be a lot more than this though. I am still having oxy cravings but not like they would be without the methadone; so that's good. I am in a great deal of pain. I have arthritis and some stuff that goes with that; inluding swelling which adds to the pain. I have joint space loss so especially when I am swollen; its worse. I know I just can't go on like this forever. I recently changed family doctors because the one I had been seeing never made eye contact, triple books patients, often didn't remember things he diagnosed me with when I questioned him about follow up, and then the last straw was when I asked him what he thought about me going on the methadone program...he said I wan't a drug addict, just drug dependant, he said that if I was a drug addict I would have robbed a bank or done something similar to that by now!
So finding a new family doctor surprizingly worked out well, a co-worker told me her's was accepting new patients; I went that day and that was it. I have been an addict for many years. I went to treatment in '92 due to being an IV cocaine abuser, since then stayed clean for 12 years, then got back into it again. I stopped again 2 years ago. But for the past five or so years have been on narcotic pain medication in one form or another. I have arthritis, joint space loss, cartlidge damage, ect.....and have and have had other medical issues that I have dealt with regarding some of them...and others that I need to continue dealing with. I had hep C since '96 and cleared the virus last year after being treated for it for 6 months with interferon. I have pulmonary hypertension; my new family doctor is going to be sending me to a cardiologist and a resperologist as soon as he can get me in. He said that I should have been sent as soon as my previous family doctor made the diagnosis. I see a psychiatrist too, who treats me for depression and anxiety. He is also very good in dealing with addicts. I feel overwhelmed right now, with all these things to deal with and all the appointments to go to. It helps so much to spend time with the people I love and or like. I work full time and although I find it hard to keep on top of everything sometimes, I'm glad I'm working anyway because I love the work I do and it's a distraction from all the medical stuff. I also have great co-workers and a very supportive boss.
What I'm looking for right now I guess is to hear from others in regards to how they did with methadone for pain and addiction as well...and from anyone who has gone through or is going through similar things I have and am. I forgot to mention too that I have noticed I get a bad pain in my lower left back, someone said that could have something to do with kidney's, I am very swollen for some reason today. I get sick of it all. When people say someone is "just looking for attention"....it's often true and attention seekers can bug me too, that's why I don't want to seem like one...but with that being said, I guess in a good way I'm looking for attention too!!! LOL...just being honest here. I guess I didn't exactly make my long story short either did I? Wishing you all well....
Cheryl

[worried878]

The forum is for support...most of us have quit or are trying to quit an addiction...i am not sure what u r asking either...do u want to know how good methadone works for pain?  do u want to know how hard methadone is to get off of?  what is ur plan?  long term use or are u using methadone to detox off of oxys?  also...r u an addict?...most would not recommend methadone for detox but as far as pain goes it is a better choice than suboxone for many...methadone is hard to kick...sub can be as well if used long term...someone who has experience with methadone may be able to help u..be safe

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

So what was the question? I do hear you and I probably understand better than most. I was in the clinical trial that established the interferon/ribavarin protocol for HCV in 1995 at the Mayo Clinic. One full year of every other day injections (5 million units interferon) was no picnic. Beats the alternative though. My back is broken in three places. Pretty legitimate reasons for pain pills. Methadone actually worked pretty well for pain control - but I was doing it through a clinic that I didnt agree with. My GP Docs prescribed 10mg norco's and lots of benzo's.....which I supplemented. Got to be about 20-30 Norco's daily for several years toward the end of that run, along with the benzo's. Quit the methadone cold turkey from 40mg daily. No picnic either. I understand how frustrating it is to be so booked up that its hard to even keep track of your appointments. I have a gp, a gastro doc, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a pulmonolagist, and probably some others. You do need to make sure your kidneys work. Drink a lot of juices - (cranberry is very good) and do take care of yourself. Thats a very important one and the other points become mute if you don't take care of yourself. What kind of shape is your liver in today? I wasnt very short either - keep posting and ask away -  ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.  

[sadinmichigan]

I am very sorry to hear about all the problems you have been having.   .in regards to methadone..are you taking it for pain or to get off oxys? My advice as far as methadone is concerned is to stick to the lowest dose possible..methadone is alot stronger than oxys..it is very possible that you are having more of a mental dependance for the oxys..methadone isn't going to give you the same "feeling" as Oxys..Please be cautious with methadone..The w/ds from it are much worse than any withdrawals from pills..That is my own personal experience..please get that pain in your lower back checked if it continues..it could be several things or just a strained muscle..a simple blood test would show if your liver or kidney enzymes are elevated and I am suprised at how many dr.s give their patients pain meds for long periods without checking..if anything it will put your mind at ease about that...good luck and welcome to the forum..you will find much support here and someone will be able to give you more info on some of the specific things you mentioned....Take care..Lisa