123becku

I started 30 years ago with chronic depression, which was later turned to bipolar Ii, plus many other diagnoses. I was released by Psyc. In Dec, 2011... read more

I started 30 years ago with chronic depression, which was later turned to bipolar Ii, plus many other diagnoses. I was released by Psyc. In Dec, 2011 as clean, but couldn't ever decrease clonazapam after at least 20+ yrs constant use. I had osteoarthritis starting 16 yrs ago to date: 2 knee replacements &laponectomy in my lower spine which surgeon looked at my MRI and said go immed to pain doc. Family doc said no. She said my life was hopeless & she would get me on OxyContin & Percocet to make the rest of my life bearable. I believed her. I always trusted docs until now. After 2 1/2 years I knew she was wrong and insisted she get me off drugs. She agreed, left drugs with pharmacist. They were wonderful and I called in multiple times getting much help with detox. It was an awful trip off and crashed in the emergency being accused of being an addict. But I am off. I know the withdrawal symptoms will last up to 5 months after. In a week I have booked an appt in a teaching hospital with a pain doc and in 11/2 weeks with a new family doc there. With severe chronic pain I want all the knowledge I can get. Hope you long term pain members can support me in getting PROPER help. I am looking for HOPE of finding a life in this new H**ll. I have had a husband caregiver for 20+ years with his office in the house. I have 3 sons all over North America and 4 grandsons. I am determined to get off clonazapam now that I have found that they cause rebound anxiety if you take it too long. I also hope for some pain relief now without messing my mind and body up with opiates. The Osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine causes pain to radiate from the middle of my back down through my right leg. Mobility is an issue because my right leg stops working often. Also, the more I move the more my right leg will not hold me and the pain spreads to my left leg. I am taking as few meds for pain as possible; just enough to move and stay lucid until my PMD can determine what is happening. Guided Facet block injections we're begun and nou he is talking about Botox?