Recently, I was written up at work for 'forgetting' things. I have to admit that recently my memory has been scary at best. I noticed that I forgot really important dates and I have gone from brain farts to brainless.
I have chronic pain. If I was unable to take my pain pills I would not be able to work, I would not be able to focus on anything except my pain. I have osteoarthritis (degenerative) spondylosis, IBS, high chloesterol and take Lipitor, Oxycontin 20mg and on bad days I have to take 10mg of percoset or the equivilent. the other day, it was cold, damp and I could not get a handle on my pain at all. I took more than usual, but I don't over due. I finally got home and got on the heating pad ALL night.
Do I feel I am addicted, no.......I try not to take pain pills unless I need them. summer is better than winter. I have been taking pain pills since 1998 and at that time I took vicodine. I would get 750's and break them in half if I didn't need a lot. Finally after about 8 years, I ended up on oxycontin due to the released action. I am really thinking that my memory is going especially short term memory. It bothers me because I have worked all of my life, I am now 61 yrs old, the pain is getting worse and I know I need pain meds for the rest of my life......I have to be conservative so that I don't get too used to them and then I will be SOL.
Anyone else have this problem with work I mean? If I lose my job, I don't know whether to file disability or unemployment. Surely, the company is trying to get rid of me, but if this is medical, then I need to find out now.
My doctor says that the stress that they put me under is the reason for my memory loss.
I feel like my life is floating away, really..........this is no time in my life for my life to go to ****, no work, no pay, no insurance, oxycontin is $524/mo when you do not have insurance. Not good. I am not ready to give up, but what can I do? Any ideas from anyone?? I work in the medical field. Actually, I help people who do not have health insurance. I enjoy my work, but the part about me forgetting things, not good for me or my patients.
HELP.