trowftd3
03-23-2005, 01:57 PM
Just wondering as we have all talked about 'the lectures'....
How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?
Does anyone outside your immediate family know? Your boss(if you're still working)? Friends?
I only have one close friend that knows. My mom and mil and such knew when I first started but I stopped telling them after the first lecture and now they assume I've quit taking them. Same with any other friends.
My boss doesn't know. Without the medicine I wouldn't be able to work and it was a big challenge to see if I could go back to work. My doctor was great about raising my dosage so I could work. I'm debating whether I will tell my boss at any point. I do still have bad days and have missed work but got by with...'I'm just not feeling well.' I'm kind of proud that I was able to get a job and would like to brag to my boss because she is a wonderful person but....I don't want to jepordize my job.
Anyway, sorry to ramble but just curious as to what your friends and family know. Of course, I don't look sick(undiagnosed lung pain) which has advantages and disadvantages.
~Mush
How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?
Does anyone outside your immediate family know? Your boss(if you're still working)? Friends?
I only have one close friend that knows. My mom and mil and such knew when I first started but I stopped telling them after the first lecture and now they assume I've quit taking them. Same with any other friends.
My boss doesn't know. Without the medicine I wouldn't be able to work and it was a big challenge to see if I could go back to work. My doctor was great about raising my dosage so I could work. I'm debating whether I will tell my boss at any point. I do still have bad days and have missed work but got by with...'I'm just not feeling well.' I'm kind of proud that I was able to get a job and would like to brag to my boss because she is a wonderful person but....I don't want to jepordize my job.
Anyway, sorry to ramble but just curious as to what your friends and family know. Of course, I don't look sick(undiagnosed lung pain) which has advantages and disadvantages.
~Mush
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Ladybug46
03-23-2005, 02:34 PM
Just wondering as we have all talked about 'the lectures'....
How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?one, my spouse
Does anyone outside your immediate family know?No Your boss(if you're still working)?i am disabled, unable to work anymore, when i did work, the answer is No. Friends? No, for me, for the very reason noone understands what we go through, as CP patients, unless they too are CP patients.
I only have one close friend that knows. My mom and mil and such knew when I first started but I stopped telling them after the first lecture and now they assume I've quit taking them. Same with any other friends.
My boss doesn't know.iif it was me it would stay that way, unless asked specifically by supervisor for a valid reason. I am just a pro privacy advocate when it comes to my own personal healt issues. Without the medicine I wouldn't be able to work and it was a big challenge to see if I could go back to work. That is wonderful news! I am happy to hear your life has improved so much. this gives us all hope. My doctor was great about raising my dosage so I could work. I'm debating whether I will tell my boss at any point. I do still have bad days and have missed work but got by with...'I'm just not feeling well.' I'm kind of proud that I was able to get a job and would like to brag to my boss because she is a wonderful person but....I don't want to jepordize my job. You have every right to be proud of your self, imo. !! my personal view is- it sometimes best to let sleeping dogs lie, it is noone's business but yours, but if you feel that would be best for you, then follow your heart and mind. my thinking is if the info was not received the way you want, it could follow you everywhere you go, like if you changed jobs. Good luck.
Anyway, sorry to ramble but just curious as to what your friends and family know. Of course, I don't look sick(undiagnosed lung pain) which has advantages and disadvantages. about not looking sick-i know what you mean, its invisible sickness sometimes, and used to be for me, but now i am very much visibly sick. i did get so tired of hearing-"oh, but you look so good, how can you be sick"-just because i put on heavy makeup, sheesh.
~Mush
How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?one, my spouse
Does anyone outside your immediate family know?No Your boss(if you're still working)?i am disabled, unable to work anymore, when i did work, the answer is No. Friends? No, for me, for the very reason noone understands what we go through, as CP patients, unless they too are CP patients.
I only have one close friend that knows. My mom and mil and such knew when I first started but I stopped telling them after the first lecture and now they assume I've quit taking them. Same with any other friends.
My boss doesn't know.iif it was me it would stay that way, unless asked specifically by supervisor for a valid reason. I am just a pro privacy advocate when it comes to my own personal healt issues. Without the medicine I wouldn't be able to work and it was a big challenge to see if I could go back to work. That is wonderful news! I am happy to hear your life has improved so much. this gives us all hope. My doctor was great about raising my dosage so I could work. I'm debating whether I will tell my boss at any point. I do still have bad days and have missed work but got by with...'I'm just not feeling well.' I'm kind of proud that I was able to get a job and would like to brag to my boss because she is a wonderful person but....I don't want to jepordize my job. You have every right to be proud of your self, imo. !! my personal view is- it sometimes best to let sleeping dogs lie, it is noone's business but yours, but if you feel that would be best for you, then follow your heart and mind. my thinking is if the info was not received the way you want, it could follow you everywhere you go, like if you changed jobs. Good luck.
Anyway, sorry to ramble but just curious as to what your friends and family know. Of course, I don't look sick(undiagnosed lung pain) which has advantages and disadvantages. about not looking sick-i know what you mean, its invisible sickness sometimes, and used to be for me, but now i am very much visibly sick. i did get so tired of hearing-"oh, but you look so good, how can you be sick"-just because i put on heavy makeup, sheesh.
~Mush
cairan_dae
03-28-2005, 07:28 PM
I don't tell anyone outside of my immediate family. My daughters father-in-law was robbed by a teenager at gunpoint for his meds, they didn't want anything else. I wouldn't tell anyone, it seems safer to me.
twisten
03-28-2005, 09:52 PM
Only my immediate family knows. I am also on disability at this time but when I can go back to work the only way I would tell my employer is if I had to take a drug test.
cpapp31
03-28-2005, 10:07 PM
Only my husband. No one else knows, I don't trust people after reading some of the stories on this board.
The last thing I need is for someone breaking into my home for my medication. Or better yet, people judging me for having to take narcotics. Most people not in cp, don't understand why we need medication just to function like normal (Hehehe...what's that?) people.
The last thing I need is for someone breaking into my home for my medication. Or better yet, people judging me for having to take narcotics. Most people not in cp, don't understand why we need medication just to function like normal (Hehehe...what's that?) people.
Ladybug46
03-29-2005, 11:34 AM
amen cpap... "normal" lol... i know what you mean. :)
All Star Mom
03-29-2005, 11:36 AM
My husband knows about mine, but I don't think he has a clue how much I take. I do not tell anyone else, because I lost a prior job because a "nosy" co-worker thought I was abusing and had a problem, without even knowing my health conditon and what I am diagnosed with. That pi..ed me off!! Anyhow, I travel a whole lot, and I have learned that I separate my meds into 3 different bottles, just incase something happens; that way I always have back-up. The pharmacy printed me 2 extra small bottles that way my name and info is on it, and I don't get in trouble with the law. Its scary at the airport because sometime your meds "walk away" and come back with a few missing. I even got questioned about why I needed to bring this much and this type of meds, so my Dr. wrote me a note that I carry in my wallet to explain that I am a CSP. I make sure I have all my areas covered. You also have to be very careful leaving the pharmacy because I hear that there are people that watch for people who frequent the pharmacy and they rob you on your way out, and even with a police report, you are screwed and won't get another refill. That would really suck!! Woops, I kinda got off the subject and away from the question at hand!!!! Sorry about that:) :) :)
tkgoodspirit
03-30-2005, 01:38 AM
Hi!
That is such a great question. It never really occured to me about other people knowing I take narcotics. I know I have some pretty strange neighbors who I wouldn't want to know I have narcotics in my house! LOL
My employer knew I was on meds when I was working, but it wasn't a problem. My job was like a close family. I was lucky, and I miss it. My hope is to one day, get this back fixed, get the bursitis in my hip under some kind of control so I don't need the cane, (don't know how, but I'm thinking up something good! LOL) and return to my waitressing job. I know, I know, my husband has already spoken to me about that kind of work, but I just love it and I loved the people I worked with and most are still there on my old shift. Anyway....I would like to someday go back, even just for two or three shifts. I am waiting on my second SSD hearing, which is what I need right now, and maybe permanently, but we'll see. That's why I am envious of you, trowftd, that you are working, and working with CP at that! I don't know with all my conditions that I could ever hold down another job, and hopefully the judge will agree! but I miss my job, and we sure need the money.
But about people knowing that I take narcotics...when I was working, I was just taking Lortab then (before I totally fell apart! LOL) and my shift was the opening shift, I had to be there at 5:30 a.m., so I would bring my meds and lock them in my locker. My manager knew I had them and I would actually tease one of them by asking her, if this day was going to be a one or two Lortab day. Like, were we short handed, did a cook walk out on his shift, anything that would make your day miserable! :) I was also on half days at that time, cuz my back wouldn't hold out for a whole 9 hours, I was only scheduled 'til 11 or 12. But there was this girl who "got wind" that I had Lortab and she kept asking me to let her have one for her "headache", that she took them all the time and that she just had a horrible headache. Well, being a "newbie" to pain meds, I felt bad for the girl (she was a woman actually) and I said they were strong and maybe just a half tab. Oh no, she was "used" to Lortab, so I gave her one tab. Well my goodness, one hour later I was talking to her and she sounded like she'd drank a case of beer! Sooooooo...lesson learned on my part. When I was scheduled to work I would only take two tabs with me. I'd take one right before I went on the floor, like usual, and one later if I needed it. She actually asked me again, not even two weeks after I gave her that one, if I had my Lortabs with me, she had another headache. I told her I didn't bring them to work any more. I was so stupid. I'd never taken narcotics before, and I knew what it was like to wait tables with a hammer knocking headache, but you live and learn. So, my meds, are my meds now, and I like them right where they are. In there little blue day planner! :) I know if I DID ever return to work one day, and I was still in enough pain that I needed some kind of pain med, I guess I'd have to carry enough in my pocket to cover me while I was at work. I know I'd never tell my coworker's again that I was taking pain meds. I think I'd tell my managers again though. They were all really understanding and worked so hard to keep me there, until I just couldn't do anykind of work anywhere in the restaraunt. It was hard to quit. I hated it, but hopefully, I'll get approved for SSD this time, and having extra money will cause us less stress. I have a lot of hopes! :)
Sorry, I went off on a tangent...
Take care all of my CP buddies!
tk
That is such a great question. It never really occured to me about other people knowing I take narcotics. I know I have some pretty strange neighbors who I wouldn't want to know I have narcotics in my house! LOL
My employer knew I was on meds when I was working, but it wasn't a problem. My job was like a close family. I was lucky, and I miss it. My hope is to one day, get this back fixed, get the bursitis in my hip under some kind of control so I don't need the cane, (don't know how, but I'm thinking up something good! LOL) and return to my waitressing job. I know, I know, my husband has already spoken to me about that kind of work, but I just love it and I loved the people I worked with and most are still there on my old shift. Anyway....I would like to someday go back, even just for two or three shifts. I am waiting on my second SSD hearing, which is what I need right now, and maybe permanently, but we'll see. That's why I am envious of you, trowftd, that you are working, and working with CP at that! I don't know with all my conditions that I could ever hold down another job, and hopefully the judge will agree! but I miss my job, and we sure need the money.
But about people knowing that I take narcotics...when I was working, I was just taking Lortab then (before I totally fell apart! LOL) and my shift was the opening shift, I had to be there at 5:30 a.m., so I would bring my meds and lock them in my locker. My manager knew I had them and I would actually tease one of them by asking her, if this day was going to be a one or two Lortab day. Like, were we short handed, did a cook walk out on his shift, anything that would make your day miserable! :) I was also on half days at that time, cuz my back wouldn't hold out for a whole 9 hours, I was only scheduled 'til 11 or 12. But there was this girl who "got wind" that I had Lortab and she kept asking me to let her have one for her "headache", that she took them all the time and that she just had a horrible headache. Well, being a "newbie" to pain meds, I felt bad for the girl (she was a woman actually) and I said they were strong and maybe just a half tab. Oh no, she was "used" to Lortab, so I gave her one tab. Well my goodness, one hour later I was talking to her and she sounded like she'd drank a case of beer! Sooooooo...lesson learned on my part. When I was scheduled to work I would only take two tabs with me. I'd take one right before I went on the floor, like usual, and one later if I needed it. She actually asked me again, not even two weeks after I gave her that one, if I had my Lortabs with me, she had another headache. I told her I didn't bring them to work any more. I was so stupid. I'd never taken narcotics before, and I knew what it was like to wait tables with a hammer knocking headache, but you live and learn. So, my meds, are my meds now, and I like them right where they are. In there little blue day planner! :) I know if I DID ever return to work one day, and I was still in enough pain that I needed some kind of pain med, I guess I'd have to carry enough in my pocket to cover me while I was at work. I know I'd never tell my coworker's again that I was taking pain meds. I think I'd tell my managers again though. They were all really understanding and worked so hard to keep me there, until I just couldn't do anykind of work anywhere in the restaraunt. It was hard to quit. I hated it, but hopefully, I'll get approved for SSD this time, and having extra money will cause us less stress. I have a lot of hopes! :)
Sorry, I went off on a tangent...
Take care all of my CP buddies!
tk
Drewtn
03-30-2005, 10:56 AM
After reading some posts here I am trying to think of who knows.
My boss knows only because he needed to know why I was missing work and why I would be sick while upping doses. He is the best boss ever and works with me very well. I have chronic headaches and migraines. Also something invisible. I think that is one of the most frustrating parts about it. It really depends on the relationship you have with your boss. It can help AND hurt.
My family knows what I take. Maybe a friend or two but that is it. I really need to be more careful. I never thought about someone taking my meds while I leave the store. That is scary. I also have a fireproof safe so that makes me feel better.
Good luck!
My boss knows only because he needed to know why I was missing work and why I would be sick while upping doses. He is the best boss ever and works with me very well. I have chronic headaches and migraines. Also something invisible. I think that is one of the most frustrating parts about it. It really depends on the relationship you have with your boss. It can help AND hurt.
My family knows what I take. Maybe a friend or two but that is it. I really need to be more careful. I never thought about someone taking my meds while I leave the store. That is scary. I also have a fireproof safe so that makes me feel better.
Good luck!
StMishl
03-30-2005, 01:01 PM
My hubby knows, although I'm not sure he understands exactly what/why I take what I do.
Unfortunatly on Easter my mom asked and I told her... only to be blasted that I "should really stop" as she is terrified that i'll become addicted (what is it with everyone convinced lately my 2x day 10 mg oxy and occasional vicodin makes me a junkie?? :rolleyes: ) So much for mother-daughter sharing.
Only my hubby (and you all ;) ) know about my recent "battle" for the pain meds with dr devil... afraid that story would only reinforce my mom's belief i'm a hypochondriac drug addict (then again this is a woman who was sure I was "faking" broken ankles, broken wrists, bursting appendix, endometriosis, etc... as a child). Oh well. :confused:
My boss (I work 4-ish hrs per day at an HR position) may or may not know. He knows (obviously) that I am still only working PT, and that my back surgery has not -shall we say, gone well, and that I am still in pain. I would assume her knows I take something for the pain. Rather he is aware that is a narcotic is up for debate. I think it'd be okay though. as my position isn't affected by my use. (When I don't have pain meds its a different story!! :o )
Unfortunatly on Easter my mom asked and I told her... only to be blasted that I "should really stop" as she is terrified that i'll become addicted (what is it with everyone convinced lately my 2x day 10 mg oxy and occasional vicodin makes me a junkie?? :rolleyes: ) So much for mother-daughter sharing.
Only my hubby (and you all ;) ) know about my recent "battle" for the pain meds with dr devil... afraid that story would only reinforce my mom's belief i'm a hypochondriac drug addict (then again this is a woman who was sure I was "faking" broken ankles, broken wrists, bursting appendix, endometriosis, etc... as a child). Oh well. :confused:
My boss (I work 4-ish hrs per day at an HR position) may or may not know. He knows (obviously) that I am still only working PT, and that my back surgery has not -shall we say, gone well, and that I am still in pain. I would assume her knows I take something for the pain. Rather he is aware that is a narcotic is up for debate. I think it'd be okay though. as my position isn't affected by my use. (When I don't have pain meds its a different story!! :o )
SheSparkles
03-30-2005, 01:43 PM
[QUOTE=trowftd3]
> How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?
Does anyone outside your immediate family know? Your boss(if you're still working)? Friends?<
My husband and son (28yrs old) both know and both have the combination to the gun safe, where my meds are kept. This thing is huge...would take a bulldozer to move it so the meds ain't goin anywhere. I am my own boss as I board dogs. Lots of my clients know because they have lived with me through the pain medless years and the majority of them are so glad I found the patch and it is effective. I find that it is better to keep the med info from youngsters, mostly, as they are unaware of the severity of the problem if the meds "disappear'. Many years ago, when I got in big trouble with hydrocodone, I am ashamed to say if I found some I stole it. I have made amends but the memory of the craving...of the pain in my stomach while waiting for relief from the withdrawal, is always with me and so I don't take chances with my meds. Most people looking to steal pain meds do so from the med cabinet or the kitchen cabinets. I have a kitchen cab. full of scripts but not the narcotics. I do NOT know the combination of the safe...just as I want the situation to remain. I am doled out my rescue med/patches and I don't mind. These meds can grab you and not let go so I do NOT want to get going higher and higher.....
SS
> How many people know that you are on long term pain medication?
Does anyone outside your immediate family know? Your boss(if you're still working)? Friends?<
My husband and son (28yrs old) both know and both have the combination to the gun safe, where my meds are kept. This thing is huge...would take a bulldozer to move it so the meds ain't goin anywhere. I am my own boss as I board dogs. Lots of my clients know because they have lived with me through the pain medless years and the majority of them are so glad I found the patch and it is effective. I find that it is better to keep the med info from youngsters, mostly, as they are unaware of the severity of the problem if the meds "disappear'. Many years ago, when I got in big trouble with hydrocodone, I am ashamed to say if I found some I stole it. I have made amends but the memory of the craving...of the pain in my stomach while waiting for relief from the withdrawal, is always with me and so I don't take chances with my meds. Most people looking to steal pain meds do so from the med cabinet or the kitchen cabinets. I have a kitchen cab. full of scripts but not the narcotics. I do NOT know the combination of the safe...just as I want the situation to remain. I am doled out my rescue med/patches and I don't mind. These meds can grab you and not let go so I do NOT want to get going higher and higher.....
SS
Cyborg2277
03-30-2005, 03:17 PM
I made the mistake of telling one too many people, my wife. Although I'm a firm believer in keeping no secrets in a marriage. However, now whenever we get into an argument, I'm called a drug addict. As if my being on narcotics for about a year has been the cause of our marital problems for the last 13 years.....
SheSparkles
03-30-2005, 10:10 PM
\ I'm called a drug addict. As if my being on narcotics for about a year has been the cause of our marital problems for the last 13 years.....
Don't feel alone...I have a similar situation and I have learned (after 29 yrs of marriage) to say " I need my pain meds, and if you will help me fine and if you won't well @#$%^&*" !! Sorry to be explicit
SS
Don't feel alone...I have a similar situation and I have learned (after 29 yrs of marriage) to say " I need my pain meds, and if you will help me fine and if you won't well @#$%^&*" !! Sorry to be explicit
SS
trowftd3
03-31-2005, 12:16 PM
I have chronic headaches and migraines. Also something invisible. I think that is one of the most frustrating parts about it.
OK Now I'm curious. What is the something invisible??
Is it like my lung pain that no one can see? I understand your frustration.
I don't look sick except when I don't have my pain med and can't walk upstairs or across the room without a rest and without coughing. I also walk all hunched over without my meds. It's not a pretty sight.
Anyway, just being nosey...sorry.
Take care.~Mush
OK Now I'm curious. What is the something invisible??
Is it like my lung pain that no one can see? I understand your frustration.
I don't look sick except when I don't have my pain med and can't walk upstairs or across the room without a rest and without coughing. I also walk all hunched over without my meds. It's not a pretty sight.
Anyway, just being nosey...sorry.
Take care.~Mush
blueyedk
03-31-2005, 03:02 PM
I'm with you. What is something invisible? I know I have bad hips, and back. But without my meds, you can sure tell I have a problem. Can't walk and I'm in terrible pain. :rolleyes:
blueyedk
03-31-2005, 03:12 PM
There's only a few who know I take narcotics. My husband close family and one friend. And she's on the same thing. I hate takeing them. Same thing though they are locked up,per my pain management doctor. I have to carry it in special bottles and I have a note to carry them. you would be surprise how much trouble you can get into with the law if you are driving and have them on you. unless you cover your selve. because they will arrest you if you have them in a unmarked bottle with out your name on it. Ooooh boy.I think half the country is on something.
blueyedk
03-31-2005, 03:14 PM
:bouncing: I sure wish I could this. He he looks like fun