new user dealing with chronic pain

[erin121305]

Hello, I am new to this so I was unsure where to posts questions regarding chronic pain and living in the lonely word of opiate meds and after 7 years and now going through meds early trying to deal everyday with pain and a doctor who wants to reduce meds not increase is making me scared and don't know where to turn.  I do not do other drugs.  I am on 20mgs oxycodone 6 x per day and oxycotin 40mgs x 3, and I'm in constant pain.  It's the same sad story in know that we all go through but I've been with the same health care for 9 yrs and recently my primary left and a new doctor took over that does not like opiate pain meds.  She is nice and concerned about how much I'm taking but if my back us no better but worse with join spurs how could she reduce meds!!!  I'm frustrated and looking for a good group on here to join and help.  Please advise..thank you.  Emily

[philnoir]

Don't take the methadone.... you'll violate your controlled substance agreement and get booted out of the practice.

Don't take the methadone ... it's a dangerous medication, even for PCPs. Only trained pain physicians should use this medication. There is a huge danger of overdose.

Most chronic pain patients are exhausted physically, emotionally, and financially. Chronic pain is the #1 epidemic in America. We spend more money treating pain than in treating heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. There are an estimated 30 million Americans with chronic pain disease, and 100 million Americans in pain.

You need a real pain management physician who can offer alternative treatments and help balance your opioids. Oxycodone is a good drug until it stops working. Other medications may be more appropriate for your pain. Upping your dose is not the answer.

I encourage you to explore whatever means are available to get the medical care you need, including SSI/Disability to qualify for Medicare.

Best wishes.

[remar]

Will your disability insurance cover a back specialist? I'm asking because my sister has severe RA and sees a specialist to help mange her pain and RA. She is also on disability and her insurance does cover most of her visits and medications.  
You will probably have to research this or talk to your primary Dr to find out if it's possible to see a back specialist that will take your insurance and also help you manage your medication.

[erin121305]

Thank you for your info. Your are correct I should not be on 6 oxycodone a day.  I have tried telling her that if I had a long acting pain relief dose it would limit my oxycodone doses that in my option are totally more addictive.  Unfortunately I am disabled through the state of ny so I only have Medicare that does not cover any pain management doctors or clinics.  They will cover rehab to get off the meds but none to treat.  It's crazy!!  I honestly am well educated on my conditions and the effects of all opiate meds.  I am not financially able to pay for a real doctor.  I've gotten so bad that my depression from my cold body l rd found in right lung and just recently diagnosed with polyps on my vocal cords that they want removed but every doctor is afraid to operate on me because they say things like they won't be able to get me out of pain.  One back doctor said until I'm weined off narcotics he can not operate!!  I run into walls because of these meds everyday !  I'm treated like an addict.  I have never given any reason for my health center whom stared me on these meds any reason to question me.  I have however taken more then prescribed just to feel normal...same story told a million times right!!  
I don't even leave the house.  I have a 8 yr old who sees me in bed even when I have my meds!  I hate life, I hate me for letting this get so bad!!  I friend just got methadone and as she would give me some if I need them but I'm a little scared. She said that way I won't withdrawal.

[philnoir]

The problem is your primary -- they're not trained to deal with high doses like this. You'll need to find a pain management specialist to rethink your opioids. Your huge tolerance to oxycodone will not be helped by additional oxycodone. A real pain doctor might rotate you to another opioid where you'd get more relief with a lower dose.

You also could use alternatives in treating your back pain -- PT, interventional pain management, a pain psychologist.

You'd do well to get involved with a good pain management clinic that offers these services.

Ask your new primary if she can make a good consult, of find an interventional pain center at a local university hospital.

Best wishes.