Just Wondering

[humbling]

I am a young man in my 50s (ha ha) and have been on pain meds for about 15 years because of server low back problems.  I've had 3 oper and a bone graffed from my hip to my spine, I really think I have been on most of the strongest med they make, oxycontin, demerol, methadon ext. and I am currently on Fentanyl 75 every 2 days.  I sad all that to say this, IF YOU HAVE TO BE ON THESE MEDS because of really serious medical problems is one thing, but your mind can make you  believe your in pain more than you really are because it wants more of the drugs, I started out taking meds for the real pain but after 15 years of operations and meds I found myself chasing the the energy and feeling of the meds more than I was trying to relieve pain.  In fact I hardly feel that much pain anymore, and I am trying to get of these patches that I've beeon for about 7 months.   So I guess yall will be hearing more from me from time to time.  You all seem to be honest and down to earth,  THANKS

[mr.lucky66]

Hi and your problem sounds more like a pain mgt. concern but since your here... It seem like people who are on long term pain meds develope a dependency that is different but somewhat like an addict. A true addict get hooked the first time in his life he takes a narcotic and often becomes hooked for life. This happened to me when I was 17 and it took many years to completly stop. In your case you could quit much easier especialy since you don't have much pain anymore. You just have to taper and re-adjust to life without drugs and don't let someone talk you into suboxone. all the best

[Sunnyd210]

Helloo and welcome to the forum. Ive heard getting off those patches can be really hard there are people on here that have done it though. Good luck!

[refusingbondage]

I wish you all the best on your path.  I see so many people on here whose addictions began with pain, and pain doctors.. (myself not being one of them).  You are so right - eventually you stop taking the meds for pain and begin taking them for the high.. ultimately we are forced to take them to avoid being sick..Its a hard thing, I think people with real pain should not live a life of pain and do what they have to do to maintain a quality of life, but many just become addicts.. you are very brave to have realized so much about yourself... Best of luck to you -- take care.

[liscamdave]

Welcome to MH and we are here to help...

lisa