What should I do

[someoneswife]

My husband is addicted to vics and he has very sever cronic back pain. Is there anything out there that he can take or do other than this darn drug? This is putting a huge strain on are life!

[Tuckamore]

You're correct Mellie. The addiction rate it very low in chronic pain patients. There are several research studies on this fact. One that was done a few years ago said it was less than 4%.

Just recently a leading well known national clinic conducted their own study that concluded less than 1% of chronic pain patients ever become addicts. I wish these figures we taken into consideration by all physicians and law makers. Given these result I always question a statement from CP patients that they are addicted. I think it is more that they are dependant upon their narcotics for pain relief and functioning.

Thanks for reiterating the addiction facts/rates in PM patients.

~Tuck

[mellie4]

I have a book that I find really helpful (it's written for nurses and doctors who treat CP patients with narcotics.)  There's great information contained within the book.

A couple of things they talk about is addiction/dependence/tolerance and being undermedicated.

According to their studies, the majority of CP patients will never become addicted to narcotics when used properly for managing chronic pain.  Another thing they talked about was patients who run out of their medication early and/or take more than prescribed.  Their studies indicate in the situations it is more likely that their pain is under-treated and they should have the dosage, frequency and the medication itself.  In these situations they say it's more likely that their pain is not well controlled and they need it adjusted.

[GettingOlder]

Look into myofascia release treatments. It is a type of massage that eases the back pain. Check youtube for some more info and good luck!

[Tuckamore]

Hello Someones Wife,

Welcome to the Pain Management. I am so sorry that you and your husband are in the situation. It's horrible to have extreme pain and be addicted to opiates. And it must be as just as difficult to be the spouse. My heart goes out to both of you.

There are medications (opiate) that treat chronic for ppl with addiction. A PMP should be able to effectively treat your husband's pain. Not all PMPs will treat a diagnosed addict as there are laws against prescribing opiates to known addicts. I think that only applies to in instances where the patient continues to abuse his opiates. When you have a PMP and a patient that recognize the addiction and work together to treat chronic pain it can be done. Strict monitoring measures are put in place to assure compliance. So locating the PMP that is skilled in this area is the key.    

What have you done in the way seeking pain management? If not I encourage you to keep searching. Of course this is putting a huge strain on your life. But finding that right PM Clinic/PMP will help you both.

I am sure that you know that addiction is a disease, not a choice. It's my hope that your husband is being treated for this horrid disease. There are also counselors and advocates available for you. Please take advantage of their assistance. Alone, untreated chronic pain can be life robbing as can the addiction. Together the challenge must be enormous.

There is also MedHelp's Substance Abuse Forum that may be beneficial for you. If you have trouble locating it please let me know.

I hope you will keep in touch and let us know how you and your husband are doing. I will look forward to hearing from you again soon.

We are always here to offer our support.

Peace,
~Tuck

[RunningMom]

What do you mean by being addicted?  There is a very big difference between being addicted and being dependant.  Also, if your husband has this severe of pain, vicodin will not be strong enough.  I also want to tell you that after taking this type of medication for a peroid of time lose it's side effects and its a lot like taking ibuprofen and you only feel the relief of pain.  

You need to be worried if he is buying it on the streets or taking more then the doctor is prescribing, or chewing the medicine for stronger effects.  Taking more then 4000 grams of tylenol is dangerous to the liver and is toxic.  

Your husband really needs to talk to the doctor or get into pain management if his pain is not being managed.  I'm sorry your having a hard time with him taking this medication.  Many people(loved ones) don't understand how improtant this medication is to us.  Sometimes it's the only medication that will help the pain.  Most of us here are on opioid therapy and will be for the rest of our lives.  

Being in this severe of pain is very hard to deal with.  It's even harder when you don't have the support at home.  There is nothing wrong with taking these medications as long as you follow the doctors orders.

Good luck and I hope your husband can find a way to relieve the pain.