[chrish1]

NS Clueless, congrats on selling your house. I have a feeling you will have some great changes coming in your life.

Everyone who is just getting clean... hang in there and know it does get better. With some good clean time and a way to re-learn how to live, we have a chance of experiencing all of the human emotions, including contentment. As long as we keep using, we lose that ability to be truly serene. It takes a while sometimes to get through some of the depression and plethora of feelings associated with early recovery. With time, we learn how to sort our feelings out and label them one by one. Once we know how to do that we can deal with them much more effectively.

Just no that it does get better, and we don't have to use no matter what!

Chrish

Clean Date: 10/11/05

--There is light at the end of the tunnel--

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

***HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEETINGS****

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[Angela H]

jhl,
Thank you for responding to me. I know it's hard to reduce and believe me I don't feel proud of myself for cutting back...because I'm still using. As embarassing as that is to say, I am. I take full responsibility for this. I don't blame anyone else...no one put a gun to my head and said "take these pills!"
However, cutting back has been good for me. Atleast now at work I'm not constantly thinking about when it's gonna be time to take another one. The first 3 days at work without one were very hard. I had excessive diaharrea, hot one minute, freezing the next and was very depressed. I know what you're going through when you said you were so sad today. I'm so sorry you feel that way. If you wanna talk, I would like to also. Feel free to e-mail me at angela71104@yahoo.com.

[SamCoasby21]

quote:Originally posted by Ellen2012

Hi,
I have been addicted to Nurofen plus (Ibuprofen 200mg & Codiene Phosphate 12.8mg) for approx 9 years and am currently taking between 30-36 per day!.
No-one is aware of my problem and I cover it up really well, but now I really want to stop. I am not going to buy anymore and try to go cold turkey so to speak, but I'm really concerned about the side effects of withdrawal.
If anyone has any advice to help me get over this or tell me what to expect I would really really appriecate it.
Thanks

[pthelps]

Hi All ,
I found a good artical that explains pain and why it react and make us feel addicted or cause dependancy and tolerance . It explains the difference between addiction and dependancy ( you have to scroll way down to get to that part ) . I recently found out that I am not addiced to opiat pain killers ( after testing and searching for about a year ) . I looked long and hard into my soul . I know if I thought that I was addicted instead of dependant that there had to be others her too that felt that way . I came here in my hour of need trying to find some kind of answers as I was haveing strong withdrawl symptoms . I never craved the drug to get high bt did want it to stop the pain . Having the disease called chronic pain once those gated are open to pain it seldomes closes . It is a neurological response .

I have been telling all of you guys for a long time that the differances are close and I still believe that they are . If you read this artical in your search for answers I believe it may calm some of your fears anout addiction because of pain and pain killers as it has done mine .

Chrish , Keep up the good work and dont le your recent hard times set you ack . You are stronger than it is . You have proved that over and over . God bless you ///


http://wayneysplace2.bravehost.com/chronicpain.htm
Pthelps

[Angela H]

pt helps,
Your post moved me. I understand exactly what you're talking about and never thought of it like that. I have come here in my time of need and I think I was supposed to see your post today. Thank you so much. Angela

[pthelps]

Angala H ,
I am glad that I helped you some . I have never been called an addict but with all of the predjuices out there I always wondered . These narcotics are some strong stuff and can try and make our brains do some funny things . I need them for the pain and nothing else . They do give me a since of relief when the pain is lessened some and that was the part that I wondered if I was looking for . I have some extras from scripts being filed earlier and have never touched them . I dont want them when I am not in pain . I do think about them when the pain is bad and can't wait to get a little relief .

If you made a mistake and took some for a different kind of relief and feeling now is a good time to cut back or stop them like you said . If you still have pain then take them for the relief from that pain . Don't let society or stupid doctors tell you not to . Like I said there is a fine line between addiction and dependancy . A lot of what those of feel who use them for pain is the pressures from society as a whole . The decission is yours to make . Dig deep and be honest with yourself and figure out the answer to your problem or not your problem .......

Blessings ....... Pthelps ( my name means physical therapy helps . that is how I was able to get rid of some of the pain and withdraw from the pain kllers to start with but the pain came back and so did the pain killers .)

[pthelps]

Hi all , Sorry I tried to catch my post before it copied to add the address for pain and the difference between addiction and dependancy . That is what brought me here late last summer looking for help and answers . It has been a long gut renching search to find out that I was dependant and not addicted . I hope that this answers some of your questions . To me it does not matter which one you have . We all are in the same boat trying to get rid of some kind of pain . We just made an mistake and trusted doctors or wanted some kind of relief from your inner pain . That does not make you a bad person . As long as you want to stop these mind altering drug and it's effects on your life . Now is a good time to get off of them . Good luck it will take will power and lots of guts but you can do it . I did it until I reinjured myself and needed them again .



http://wayneysplace2.bravehost.com/chronicpain.htm

Blessings ......... Pthelps

[girlie girl]

Pt, That was really cool of you to post that...It does help explain alot. Thank You Honey!!
Angela, Hey Im Girlie...I havent met you yet...But Im In the same boat with the Loratabs. I started using the when I was going through a bad divorce with my ex. Then it got worse when I was dignosed with Chrones last year. So I get the tabs from my dr for the pain...about 60 a month. But I end up buy extras but I have to take more to get them to help with the pain and then I just started taking them when ever I was stress out or had a lot to do at work. They help me get through the day. Its really sad. I went yesterday with only 1 tab untill about 4:30 and I couldnt take it anymore so I ended up taking about 5 more through out the night till about 10:00. So Stupid Anyway sorry for rambling....just wanted to say hi and Im glad your here!

Chrish, How is everything going? Have you gotten to be with your kids latley? I hope so!! Keep your head up, you are so strong! I really think your wife is going to regret this!

Clueless, Hey Girl! So how have you been doing? Congrats on selling your house. Chrish is right its about time for some good things to start coming your way!! You deserve it honey

X, Hello Love! I see you are still doing the damn thing! Good for you! Im going to be there with ya soon I hope!

JHL, Hunterdog,Yankee, Your all in my prayers. Dont Give up. There are people on this board that prove you can beat this. No matter how bad of an addiction you have. If you fall they are still here and they will help pick you back up. Take my word for that

Lots Of Love, [:X]

Girlie Girl

[rlk0873]

My husband is addicted to pain pills. Lately, it's just Ultram (sp?)I know these are not as strong as hydrocodone, which he has used in the past, but why are the withdrawal symptoms just as hard for him to go through? He's getting some Suboxone next week. I think about 8 pills. Will this be enough to help him with the WD's?

I've been mean to him and I feel guilty. I just don't understand his addiction and don't understand why he can't just quit altogether. I'm really trying to understand. It just makes me mad because he's already been through rehab once and it was expensive. Not only that, I just want him to be healthy. So many nights he can't sleep because his back hurts or he doesn't want to get off the couch because he's so sore. Any suggestions?

[girlie girl]

rlk, Ultam can be just as addicting as hydrocodone. Its still has alot of bad wd's too. Im not sure about the Suboxone..but if you post a new topic about it then alot of people should answer. Just title it question about suboxone. Addiction is a is horrible. He has back pain so he probably had start the pain meds...but then they can just take over your life. I know this is hard for you but he really needs you to help him get better. I hope things get better soon

Girlie Girl

[mpvt]

If he's already been through rehab once then it's time to look at suboxone.Go to www.suboxone.com and find the doctor locator.Get a list of prescribing doctors for your area and start phoning until you get an appointment.Addiction is addiction it doesn't matter if it's tramadol or fentynal it's addiction and needs to be treated....Good luck.....Dave

[tinkers]

quote:Originally posted by rlk0873

My husband is addicted to pain pills. Lately, it's just Ultram (sp?)I know these are not as strong as hydrocodone, which he has used in the past, but why are the withdrawal symptoms just as hard for him to go through? He's getting some Suboxone next week. I think about 8 pills. Will this be enough to help him with the WD's?

I've been mean to him and I feel guilty. I just don't understand his addiction and don't understand why he can't just quit altogether. I'm really trying to understand. It just makes me mad because he's already been through rehab once and it was expensive. Not only that, I just want him to be healthy. So many nights he can't sleep because his back hurts or he doesn't want to get off the couch because he's so sore. Any suggestions?

hi i am an addict i have used pain pills for many years any thing with hydro ultram oc's you name it i have tryed to stop many times but allways go back i have been on suboxone for 2.5 weeks now and i can tell you it is like a wonder drug no w/d's and no thought of getting pills so if you have tryed every thing like i have it might be the way to go it was for me and today i feel great

[POPPER]

O BOY..i am going down hill.
got a dui..very bad back..have to lose 100 lbs before they will do a second surgery take at least 8 500 vicdoin a day. lost 30 pounds so far..could chew the arm off the couch..
been in rehab before years ago.
don't feel real happy with myself.
sitting here now wondering should i go get some pills. real far. bedroom[:0]
back really does hurt..BAD
is there no mercy[V]

HELP

[chrish1]

Hey Girlie - I'm seeing the kids in about 20 minutes since we had a somewhat productive meeting with the attorneys. I just hope that we can work together to get it over with at this point. If one of us buys out the other person's interest (I don't have a preference) in the house, we would share $40k more (no agent/closing/moving costs), so it would be better for both of us. Everything will work out I'm sure.

I'll have 7 months clean in 4 days. Amazing! I have lost even the desire to use since my program is SO strong. It requires work though, so if you're new into recovery, keep positive and ride out the tough times in the beginning. It is worth the effort.

Good luck to everybody trying to stay clean.

Clean Date: 10/11/05

--There is light at the end of the tunnel--

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

***HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEETINGS****

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[Flyboy]

All,

I stumbled onto this forum last weekend as I was up at 3am have major withdraw symptoms. I had a back injury a year ago and was prescribed Percocet. Everything was fine at first, then I started taking them when I did not have pain…just to relieve stress. When I got to 10 or so a day I knew there was a big problem, so I decided to stop cold turkey. That was horrible…stomach cramps, no energy, could not sleep (arms and legs felt like they had to keep moving). I came to the computer and did a search and found this site. Someone had posted how they were able to stop so I took their advice and wanted to share with all. I took 1 percocet and was able to finally go to sleep that night. The next day I decided to slowly come off of the drug…I took 3 a day for the next 3 days, then cut that to 1.5 a day (broke them in half). I did not feel great, but was able to function and sleep. On the 6th day (Friday) I took 1 (2 halves) and had some trouble sleeping, but not too bad. On Saturday I took none…kept very busy and it was not too bad. I was really worried about sleeping though so I took 2 valium that night. Had some problems, but got to sleep. Same routine on Sunday…little trouble sleeping but not too bad. It is now Monday night at 11:30pm and I am wide awake and will not take any valium. I felt absolutely great today…it was amazing not to have percocet running through my veins. I am sure I will sleep like a baby tonight…I am just wired because I feel so good. I hope this helps someone…good luck to you all!

[mpvt]

Way to go flyboy,make sure you check in and lend a hand to anyone who needs help.Congrats on feeling and being free again.....Dave

[Angela H]

Flyboy,
That is so awesome that you were able to wean yourself and without too much trouble it seems. How are the psychological withdrawals? Do you have any cravings? I hear that's worse than the physical stuff. I have been able to wean down to 2 a day (after work) and find that some days I still want one at work, but it's getting better. I hope that someday soon I will be able to kick this habit all together.
This is for everyone...do y'all think that sometimes this is just a habit and that a lot of times we don't even really want the pills, but we're so used to taking them that it's just what we do? I have taken a Lortab after work and every evening for over a year and wonder what it would be like just to be strong with myself and say no, not tonight. It's like a pattern that has to be broken, but because it's been going on so long, it's just habit! I also have ADHD and when I started meds for that, I found I didn't really crave the pain pills, but took them anyway, because that's all I've known for so long. I hate being a slave to this...but as they say, you won't quit until you're ready. Any thoughts on this?

[justaguyfromct2k5]

Hi everyone. I am in my 43rd hour of withdrawl. (Still counting hours...little steps..hopefully someday..i'm counting days..then months..). I started on Vic's several years ago for a long term chronic back problem which no Doctor's are recommending surgery for at this point. I have tried all of the non-narcotic medicines but the do absolutely nothing for my back pain...doesn't even take the edgeo off.). So I started on Vic's took those for the back pain, then for stress, etc. Eventually I became dependent on them. I would mix the Vic's and the perks when i got perks. Then i went only with perks because I felt more of a euphoria with them. Used to take maybe 20-30mg of perks a day. Then that wasn't enough, and increased my dosage. Up until a few days ago...i was snorting 75-90mg a day. I used to buy from someone who gets two scripts, one for 10mg and one for 15 mg. I would crush up a 15 (small green pill) with the 10mg perks (white pills) and snort 25mg at a time. Then that wasn't enough..and I was doing 2 10's and 1 15 and that wasnt' enough... Anyways...it ended up about 90mg a day. I would call my supplier and say...idk..give me 10 whites 5 greens. I would say to her...ok..this should do for the week..i'll call you on the weekend for my weekend order. But i'd be calling her two days later because I would snort them all up. So this past weekend..i ran out on Saturday afternoon, 4:30p.m. i did my last snort of 25mg. On Sunday I felt miserable and to make things worse, my supplier said she was too busy to supply me with some. So the entire day and night i just hung around, slept, laid on the bed, felt ****py, and at night..hardly slept. Restless legs, mind, feel miserable. So Monday morning I decided I'd try to wean myself off. So I called my supplier bought only two whites and 1 green (35mg total). Snorted those up....felt good for about 6 hours..then....started feeling miserable..but not horrible. So I thought maybe I could cold turkey. But I also know I needed help. I called my companies Employee Assistance Program...talked to a counselor and they referred me to a Doctor's practice..about a 50 min drive for me. I went there today. They prescribed 8 med's for me to take over the next two days to curb the withdrawl symptomps. Librium for the anxiety, Quinine Sulfate for the muscle cramps, doxepin- an antidepressant) Cata[res- a patch for the jitters, chills, shakes, ambien to help me sleep, baclofen - muscle relaxant, nabumetone - a kind of non-narcotic pain killer for my back pain). Anyways...i took the librium and the muscle relaxant and applied the patch, and the nabumetone. Tonight I am supposed to take about 5 meds. This is a home detox method. Haven't even told my wife. I have to hide my patch on my arm from her for the next 5 days. The Doctor only prescribes 2 days worth of med's and then you have to go back, get a urine sample, and get more prescriptions if needed. However, since I went thru the first 41 hours cold turkey with medium discomfort, I think by 2 days...i'm hoping i can beat the worst of the withdrawl symptoms. I know I have the mental part of it to work on and I plan on seeking help for that too. Guess I finally figured out I"m not superman and have finally shoved aside the macho BS. The insomnia and restlessness at night and the lack of energy is the tough part right now. But hopefully the meds will help me get thru the next couple of days. I have cold turkeyed before and was actually clean for about 8 weeks and then I thought..hey..i can have a few perks now...i won't get addicted again..i'm too smart for that now. BIG MISTAKE! Now I realize I am addicted for life. But I refuse to use my entire life. So i'm taking my first few steps. I don't know what I am going to do about my back pain. Without the pills, my pain is magnified a 100x more. But I'm thinking maybe the withdrawl magnifies that. I dont' know. I dont' have all the answers. Hell, I don't have any answers.

So let me leave you with this. I would truly appreciate your feedback and support. I am 48, hold a good job, great wife and family, well respected in my community. But i realize, pills are not prejudice and I am no different (better or worse) then anyone else. I just have so much to live for...and so much more to lose.

[fisherman]

Hi Huntrdog, this is yankees fans husband, I got home from detox on Sunday afternoon after a 4 and a half day stay. I am still having a real tough time. I am supposed to have 3 more surgeries I'm scared and thinking about not having them.2 back surgeries also left wrist.will talk later when I hopefully feel a little better.
P.S. hello everyone I am new hear and I do not type to well

quote:Originally posted by Hunterdog

yankees fan:

One more thing just came to mind.

Not all, but many, many addicts became addicted to their drugs simply by following the doctor's orders exactly. That is one of the dangers of many drugs. By their very nature, the body will develop a dependence on them, even when all you did is follow the doctor's orders. Eventually, one will require more and more to acheive the same level of pain relief that was once the case at a lower dose. Coupled with the emotional addiction to the feelings of euphoria when using, it is incredibly seductive and remarkably addictive.

Quite frankly, I think this is one of North America's dirty little secrets that almost nobody in the medical profession wants to acknowledge.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, sometime, there truly are victims who contributed little or nothing to their addiction.

Hunterdog

[cluelessNJ]

Hey everyone~ Wow, I'm not online for a few days and look what happens..... I love that so many people are posting. It is AWESOME that so many of you are choosing to live the clean life. It does get easier and you CAN DO IT! I promise, it can be done and is being done.

Chrish~ 2 days until 7 months. That is great! I am so very proud of you! I was so happy to read you got to see the kids again. How was it? Was she there? I know your kids have to miss you so much. Embrace the time you do get to spend with them. I will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong, you are such an inspiration to so many here (me).

Tinkers~ I was so glad to see you came back and posted. How is your wife? Is she taking the suboxone also? How long are you going to use the suboxone? Glad your back! Keep posting!

Girlie~ I'm so glad you still come back and post. You are so sweet! Keep the desire to quit and when it's your time you will.

To everyone~~~ Sorry I don't have enough time to write to everyone individually but I promise if you continue to come back and post I WILL! There are alot of great, caring people here that are going thru the same thing. Let this be a support system for you!

Not so clueless,

CLEAN DATE 1/23/06

[Angela H]

Clueless,
Hi! I just read your post and am in tears. Your words (choosing to live the clean life) clenched me as have so many of the posts here. You definitely need to change your name, because you are SO NOT CLUELESS!
I want so badly to beat this thing. It saddens me so much to think of what I've become. I have a wonderful, loving boyfriend who I am so blessed to have and I'm such an ass. I've lied to him about this and he's trying to help me, but I can defintely see that this is controlling me and not the other way around. I've had one pill today and am not gonna have any more today. I gotta figure out how to break this cycle. I gave the bottle to my boyfriend and he dispenses them to me (in the evening because I'm not taking them during the day). This morning at work was stressful and I wanted one so bad that I came home and rifled through his stuff til I found them and took one. I'm so mad at myself. What the F@#$!!!!!!! I was doing so much better and now THIS! So he found out and cut me off for the rest of the day. I'm not mad at him, I'm mad at me! Sorry y'all! Had to vent!

[chrish1]

NS Clueless - I don't want to say much about the case going forth, but I can tell you that things seem to be moving forth good. I wish the best for her. I am not harboring bad feelings towards her, but rather a greater understanding. I think we will be able to work together well going forth to make it easiest on the kids.

Things are going pretty well for me as long as I keep a positive attitude. Nothing will make me relapse if I just keep working my program. If you are new to recovery, keep a positive attitude and know that the struggles get easier with time. I haven't had a single craving in at least a couple weeks. My connection with God is strong, and that has lifted the desire.

Do the next right thing, and you will always succeed.

Chrish

Clean Date: 10/11/05

--There is light at the end of the tunnel--

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

***HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEETINGS****

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[cluelessNJ]

Angela~ You are so sweet! I am not so clueless anymore but when I first came to this site I needed help. This site has helped he stay clean (Chrish has helped me along the way being my inspiration). I truly don't think I would be clean if it were not for this board!
Angela, I promise you that I feel where you are coming from because when I was getting clean my boyfriend was my support group. The NA/AA meetings in my area are sh*tty so, I needed him to help me. At the time I needed him to take my keys and money (bank card) so I couldn't buy anything. Please don't let your life be consumed with him! That was the mistake I made. I allowed myself to believe that I was nothing without him. Yes, he did help me thru a rough time but, I control MY destiny!!!!! Just like you control your destiny. As long as you have the desire to quit you can do it with, or with out him! Keep a positive attitude in every aspect of your life and you will beat this. I hope I give you the encouragement to quit on your own but I do respect your loved ones wanting you! You really need to do it for yourself and knowing that will help you! I hope and pray that you read this because, noone can make you quit! You really do need to want to quit!

You have to stop living the lie!

I will keep all of you in my thoughts.

Not so clueless,

CLEAN DATE 1/23/06

[Angela H]

Hi NSC!
I love you! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me. I am really proud of myself...I only had ONE 1 (that's one did I mention) Lortab all day yesterday! OMG! I can't believe it! That's the least I've had in a day in I can't tell you how long! Even though the cirmcumstances around it weren't my choice, I still did it. I went to bed early last night and feel pretty good today. I have a positive outlook right now...that's right now. But I'm not gonna get down. Please pray for me. I can do this! I'll keep ya posted. Hugs, Angela

[chrish1]

NS Clueless - Thanks for your kind words. You have been there for me also when I was in need, and I will remember that.

7 MONTHS CLEAN TODAY!

No major cravings. It seems like I can go months now without major cravings. I might get them again, but I have all of the tools to not use: Meetings, talking with fellow addicts, prayer, meditation, fellowship/friends, literature, steps.... With time it gets easier.

Chrish

Clean Date: 10/11/05

--There is light at the end of the tunnel--

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

***HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEETINGS****

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[tinkers]

NOT SO CLUELESS

THANKS FOR ASKING ABOUT US ME AND MY WIFE ARE BOTH TAKING SUBOXONE AND IT IS WORKING REALLY WELL AFTER SHE FOUND OUT THAT THE MORE YOU TAKE YOU STILL DONT GET HIGH BUT SHE TRYED ITS BEEN 3 WEEKS TODAY AND WE BOTH STILL FEEL GOOD.

TO EVERYONE

HOPE YOU ARE ALL DOING WELL THERE ARE DIFFERENT THINGS OUT THERE TO HELP YOU QUITE I KNOW IVE TRYED THEM ALL BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOU DONT GIVE UP.

[cluelessNJ]

Chrish~

Congrats on 7 months!!!!!!!!!

Not so clueless,

CLEAN DATE 1/23/06

[cluelessNJ]

quote:Originally posted by Angela H

Hi NSC!
I love you! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me. I am really proud of myself...I only had ONE 1 (that's one did I mention) Lortab all day yesterday! OMG! I can't believe it! That's the least I've had in a day in I can't tell you how long! Even though the cirmcumstances around it weren't my choice, I still did it. I went to bed early last night and feel pretty good today. I have a positive outlook right now...that's right now. But I'm not gonna get down. Please pray for me. I can do this! I'll keep ya posted. Hugs, Angela

Angela~ Keep it up! You are doing great. Keep your positive attitude. If you keep your mind from straying to all the negative (my body hurts, headache. etc...) it will make the process much easier on you! I know that sounds crazy but it does help!

I just want to throw it out there that the physical withdrawl will be gone in a week, with everyday getting easier. If you want to quit, put your mind to it and DO IT!

I am praying for all of you! Keep coming back and posting.

Not so clueless,

CLEAN DATE 1/23/06

[chrish1]

Thanks NS Clueless!

GO SUNS!

Chrish

Clean Date: 10/11/05

--There is light at the end of the tunnel--

*NA RECOVERY LITERATURE**

http://www.na.org/ips/eng/index.htm

***HOW TO FIND LOCAL NA MEETINGS****

http://www.na.org/links-toc.htm

[lynn123]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and am hoping to get some feedback on what it is I need to say. First of all, I am not addicted to painkillers myself. I came across this forum last night while looking for ways to help a very close friend of mine kick her oxycontin addiction. I saw a "recipe" that someone had posted to help with the withdrawl. I wrote it down but cannot find it and was unable to locate it when I came back today. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could post that for me again.

I read a lot of posts while I was visiting last night and I thought a lot of them were very good but it made me wonder what your views are on narcotic painkillers in general. I know they are addictive but do you think people should not take them at all? I ask this because I was in a car accident last year (I was rear-ended by a woman looking for her ringing cell phone rather than watching the road). It was a minor accident and I only "strained" my neck. I was offered Vicodan but refused it at the time because my pain was not that bad and I wasn't in pain every day. I went through 2 months of physical therapy and felt much better. Three months after the accident I started getting more and more pain and it was lasting sometimes a week or 2 at a time and has gradually progressed to the point where (it has been 1 year this month) the pain is constant. I live with pain every single day of my life now and the pain just gets worse with every passing month. It is so bad some days that it makes me physically ill and I now suffer from migraines about 3 times a week. It has affected every aspect of my life and pretty much rules my life now. I was told by an orthopedic specialist that there is nothing they can do for me and that I just have to learn to live with it until it requires surgery. My situation prompted me to look into chronic conditions such as mine and find ANY kind of treatment that I could (I am willing to do ANYTHING to alleviate the pain). What I found was that narcotic painkillers are not generally prescribed for chronic conditions. I am unsure as to why but I am guessing that it has to do with dependency issues. What I don't understand is why do they care if the drugs cause dependency when the condition is permanent? Can someone explain this to me because it makes no sense. I will more than likely have to quit my job soon because I miss 1-2 days of work every week and even when I am able to go in I generally get half as much work done as I used to because it is so difficult to focus. I get sick a lot now (my doctor said it is most likely due to the stress of the constant pain) and my blood pressure is now high (again from the stress of the pain). I also started smoking again. I am only 31 years old and have been informed that the rest of my life will basically suck and have no kind of quality of life. I am a single mother with 2 children and they would rather I not be able to work at all than give me the medication that I need to get me through a workday. My doctor did finally prescribe me percocet (5/325) last month and I thought they would be a godsend, but they do little more than take the edge off (it keeps me from becoming physically ill on the really bad days but that is it). I was only ever prescribed painkillers one other time in my life and have never been addicted to them or taken them regularly so I do not understand why the percocet doesn't work very well but that is the most my doctor is willing to give me and so I make do with it. I have no other options. I wanted cortisol injections but the orthopedic specialist told me that I am too young. I am trying acupuncture later this month. Most nights I fall asleep with a heating pad on my neck. I have done everything I can think of. I was able to get another script for physical therapy and a referral for a chiropractor. I even told my doctor that I am in more pain than I think I should be but I do not know why. I was diagnosed with Graves disease last year but am unsure if that has anything to do with the increasing pain or not. The reason I am putting all of this out there is because I am sure that some of you have chronic conditions as well and if anyone has any tips on alternative ways to handle this pain I will be forever grateful. My father had his back operated on about 7 years ago and ended up with osteomyelitis in his spine. It is a very painful disease and his doctor refused to prescribe any painkillers to him because he didn't want my father to become addicted to them and after 2 years he was talking about suicide. I found him a doctor who would actually treat him but he now has permanent heart damage from pain induced hypertension. I know that what I have to deal with is nothing compared to what he has had to live with and when I think about that it makes me feel like a total wuss, but I don't want to live the rest of my life in pain and miserable.
Help! I really will appreciate feedback or advice from anyone who would actually take the time to read this mini novel. lol