makinit
12-22-2006, 03:13 PM
Dear good people,
I am 41 years old. I started using prescription narcotics when I was about 25. I did not have a known medical condition to warrant the drugs I was using at that time which were usually loritab and soma. After years of abuse and out of control I finially enter a methodone clinic with neglect and regret. I stayed on methodone for 8 years (85 mgs.daily) Then I developed stomach problems that I can only describe as very painful and would not heal no matter what I did. My daily intake of methodone only felt like pouring fuel to a fire inside of me. I had to get off of the methodone at once! I could not wait or do a long taper plan as the clinic recommended. I went through a dangerous rapid detox under anthesia. Then after some time off of opiates I discovered that I developed 2 herniated disc in my back from heavy work. I did not know this but the methodone was hiding the injury and pain. The MRI photos show 2 dics pertrudding over 3 centimeters and are herinated. I have severe pain in my lower back which shoots down my legs and into my feet. This pain does not let up it is constant. I don't have any medical insurance and am resorting to chartiy, in my state. I am lost and confused and I dont know what to do. My condition, at the moment, is that Im in severe pain but still have the stomach problem that just wont heal and do not know what to do. It takes several months just to get a appointment with a Dr. here, because of a hurricane disaster. I fill like I have no options. Does anyone have any advice? Any input, on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
DAVE:confused:
I am 41 years old. I started using prescription narcotics when I was about 25. I did not have a known medical condition to warrant the drugs I was using at that time which were usually loritab and soma. After years of abuse and out of control I finially enter a methodone clinic with neglect and regret. I stayed on methodone for 8 years (85 mgs.daily) Then I developed stomach problems that I can only describe as very painful and would not heal no matter what I did. My daily intake of methodone only felt like pouring fuel to a fire inside of me. I had to get off of the methodone at once! I could not wait or do a long taper plan as the clinic recommended. I went through a dangerous rapid detox under anthesia. Then after some time off of opiates I discovered that I developed 2 herniated disc in my back from heavy work. I did not know this but the methodone was hiding the injury and pain. The MRI photos show 2 dics pertrudding over 3 centimeters and are herinated. I have severe pain in my lower back which shoots down my legs and into my feet. This pain does not let up it is constant. I don't have any medical insurance and am resorting to chartiy, in my state. I am lost and confused and I dont know what to do. My condition, at the moment, is that Im in severe pain but still have the stomach problem that just wont heal and do not know what to do. It takes several months just to get a appointment with a Dr. here, because of a hurricane disaster. I fill like I have no options. Does anyone have any advice? Any input, on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
DAVE:confused:
Sponsor
22buddy
12-22-2006, 03:26 PM
If and when you are seen by doctors your alternative to oral drugs will have to be a pain pump to bypass the drugs going into your stomach. It sounds like you have developed ulcers.
The fact that you became addicted and abused the drugs will make getting them for a real problem extremely difficult I would assume.
This sounds like a real heartbreaker. I will be praying for you.
This really shows how every decision we make today affects our tomorrows.
I am not sure what avenue to take are you seeing a doctor now for your back now?How do you know about the disc injury and how is it being treated?
Lisa
The fact that you became addicted and abused the drugs will make getting them for a real problem extremely difficult I would assume.
This sounds like a real heartbreaker. I will be praying for you.
This really shows how every decision we make today affects our tomorrows.
I am not sure what avenue to take are you seeing a doctor now for your back now?How do you know about the disc injury and how is it being treated?
Lisa
makinit
12-22-2006, 09:25 PM
Lisa,
Thanks for replying. After I went through rapid detox and came home I began feeling better after a while, except that I started haven pains in my back and it started to get worse, going through my legs into my feet. I did see a acupuncure, but that didnt help. Then I went to my local charity emergency room and I got lucky with a ER resident that ordered a MRI. They did refer me to big charity(approx.45 miles away) It took months just to get that done. I did get to see a ortho their but she was against any drugs before she even looked at me or the MRI. She said that my condition was operable, but told me that a spine specialist had to see me for this. I now am waiting in pain until my next appointment, which is on april 25, 2006. I must do something before then it is really effecting my life. Are these pain pumps just as addicting as the oral and can they control the dose that is pumped instead of me. I guess what Im asking is how do they work?
thanks, David
Thanks for replying. After I went through rapid detox and came home I began feeling better after a while, except that I started haven pains in my back and it started to get worse, going through my legs into my feet. I did see a acupuncure, but that didnt help. Then I went to my local charity emergency room and I got lucky with a ER resident that ordered a MRI. They did refer me to big charity(approx.45 miles away) It took months just to get that done. I did get to see a ortho their but she was against any drugs before she even looked at me or the MRI. She said that my condition was operable, but told me that a spine specialist had to see me for this. I now am waiting in pain until my next appointment, which is on april 25, 2006. I must do something before then it is really effecting my life. Are these pain pumps just as addicting as the oral and can they control the dose that is pumped instead of me. I guess what Im asking is how do they work?
thanks, David
Fabrashamx
12-22-2006, 09:58 PM
Hi Dave,
Any narcotic no matter what the delivery system is addicting and can cause you problems given your history, If I were you, I would ask for some non narcotic help such as toredol for the inflammation and possibly tramadol, although tramadol must be closely monitored for addictive potential as well. Maybe they could put you on a patch so as not to aggrivate your stomach trouble, but again, that is a narcotic and like all narcotics can be abused. I would make an appointment with an addiction specialist asap and see if he or she can help you, thats their job, to help people in exactly your situation, Best of luck to you and please let us know how it works out, we care!
~Fabby :wave:
Any narcotic no matter what the delivery system is addicting and can cause you problems given your history, If I were you, I would ask for some non narcotic help such as toredol for the inflammation and possibly tramadol, although tramadol must be closely monitored for addictive potential as well. Maybe they could put you on a patch so as not to aggrivate your stomach trouble, but again, that is a narcotic and like all narcotics can be abused. I would make an appointment with an addiction specialist asap and see if he or she can help you, thats their job, to help people in exactly your situation, Best of luck to you and please let us know how it works out, we care!
~Fabby :wave:
zach016
12-22-2006, 10:57 PM
Hi David,
Sorry you are in the situation that you are!! If you have to wait until the end of April just to see the specialist, you will probably face a much longer wait for surgery - assuming that is what the Dr. will reccomend.
Having addiction problems in the past does not preclude you from using opioid medication in the future. There are many people out there that are in that boat. It will probably be harder for you to find a good PM Dr. to treat you and when you do you will probably be subject to much more scrutiny than someone with no addiction problems in the past. If you go in and look up articles by PM Dr.'s (internet posted) talking about addiction and pain management, you will find that they address this issue often.
With your stomach problems it sounds like you will need something that can be absorbed thru your skin as in the Fentanyl patches, something that will disolve under your tongue or something by injection. Injection is most certainly eliminated but the first two will bypass your stomach.
Pain meds. are only one way to deal with back problems. Have you been told that the only option you have is surgery? I'd get a couple of opinions before I'd let anyone operate on my back. Too many horror stories!!
I'm assuming that you have seen a Physiotherapist yes? What about a Chiropractor? Get many recc. from friends and family before going to a Chiro. because IMO, you need a GOOD Chiro, not just an average one. I swear by Chiropractors but there is no way I would see a poor one more than once!!
I'd think that a pain pump would be a long way off for you. It requires surgery to implant it and I believe that they do an awful lot of testing and trying other things before they go that route.
I would try to see how I reacted to electric stimuli and see how that worked. Here at least, you can rent a personal unit and have it hooked up to your back. It doesn't work for everyone but for those that it does work well for they swear by it.
Good luck!!
Zach016
Sorry you are in the situation that you are!! If you have to wait until the end of April just to see the specialist, you will probably face a much longer wait for surgery - assuming that is what the Dr. will reccomend.
Having addiction problems in the past does not preclude you from using opioid medication in the future. There are many people out there that are in that boat. It will probably be harder for you to find a good PM Dr. to treat you and when you do you will probably be subject to much more scrutiny than someone with no addiction problems in the past. If you go in and look up articles by PM Dr.'s (internet posted) talking about addiction and pain management, you will find that they address this issue often.
With your stomach problems it sounds like you will need something that can be absorbed thru your skin as in the Fentanyl patches, something that will disolve under your tongue or something by injection. Injection is most certainly eliminated but the first two will bypass your stomach.
Pain meds. are only one way to deal with back problems. Have you been told that the only option you have is surgery? I'd get a couple of opinions before I'd let anyone operate on my back. Too many horror stories!!
I'm assuming that you have seen a Physiotherapist yes? What about a Chiropractor? Get many recc. from friends and family before going to a Chiro. because IMO, you need a GOOD Chiro, not just an average one. I swear by Chiropractors but there is no way I would see a poor one more than once!!
I'd think that a pain pump would be a long way off for you. It requires surgery to implant it and I believe that they do an awful lot of testing and trying other things before they go that route.
I would try to see how I reacted to electric stimuli and see how that worked. Here at least, you can rent a personal unit and have it hooked up to your back. It doesn't work for everyone but for those that it does work well for they swear by it.
Good luck!!
Zach016
ar58
12-22-2006, 11:42 PM
David,
Can you tell me more about your stomach probelms? What are they? What makes your pains ( both back and stomach) worse ? what make them better? I may be able to advise some herbal remedies if you would like to try them.
Can you tell me more about your stomach probelms? What are they? What makes your pains ( both back and stomach) worse ? what make them better? I may be able to advise some herbal remedies if you would like to try them.
makinit
12-23-2006, 06:16 PM
Fabby, Thanks for your reply. The ER doctor that order my MRI did prescribe me naproxen and it not only cause severe pain in my stomach but did not give me any relief. And as for the Ultram I have researched it and it is very hard on the stomach. Not sure that is the best route for me. However, I am coureous about the patches. Are you sure they bypass the stomach. Please send me more documentention, if possiable on this subject. Thank you for your understanding! David
makinit
12-23-2006, 06:40 PM
Zach016, Thanks for your post. I have not seen a Chiropractor, but I will put that on my list of Do's. I have tried a Tens Unit (Lower back belt type ) that I ordered out of a sharper image magazine. It only gives me a small amount of relief on my lower back, where appied, but does nothing for the pain that shoots down my legs and into my feet. This pain is effecting my quiality of life, therefore I agree with you about me being precluded from pain meds because of my passed drug abuse. The only reason why I thought a pain pump might be choice is because I thought maybe they could control the amount that is adminerstered, but I do not know enough on this yet. Maybe you could tell me how this works. What is a Physiotherapist? Who sould I see for more opinions, on other options, rather than surgery and is putting off a surgery, that maybe needed, cause more damage over time? Are you sure that these patches don't effect the stomach in anyway? Your response is greatly appreciated... David
makinit
12-23-2006, 07:13 PM
Dear Arunsinghal58,
Thank You for your time. I did see a acupunchure. He also specialized in many herbs. I did not get any relief from either form. As this was my first route, because of my passed drug problem. These herbs have helped some of my family members, but their conditons were not back or stomach problems. I had a upper and lower endo. scope on my stomach from a Gastro. and the results were that he found Gastric erosion, Esophageal erosion and acute inflammation/reflux of the Esophagus. The only thing that helps pain in my stomach and esophaus is a G.I Cocktail that numbs it out, but it is only effective for a short time. As far as my back, I am still suffering! If you need more detail information, please let me know. Thank You so much!.....David
Thank You for your time. I did see a acupunchure. He also specialized in many herbs. I did not get any relief from either form. As this was my first route, because of my passed drug problem. These herbs have helped some of my family members, but their conditons were not back or stomach problems. I had a upper and lower endo. scope on my stomach from a Gastro. and the results were that he found Gastric erosion, Esophageal erosion and acute inflammation/reflux of the Esophagus. The only thing that helps pain in my stomach and esophaus is a G.I Cocktail that numbs it out, but it is only effective for a short time. As far as my back, I am still suffering! If you need more detail information, please let me know. Thank You so much!.....David
zach016
12-25-2006, 11:37 AM
Hi David,
I'm sure we sound like broken records here saying this but if you go back and look for a post from 'Shorline' he talks about the pump. He had one put in but I've been away for a while and am not sure if he is still using it. Since your desires are to get off of opioids asap I dn't think there is any way they would even consider implanting a pump in you.
I know that he liked it alot and yes, the amount and timing of the mediation is set by the Dr..
A Physiotherapist is a person who works with someone who is injured taking them thru stretching excercises, take you thru strengthening excercises. They use an excellent type of electric stimuli (many more options, power and pads) and they also have another expensive piece of equipment and my mind won't pull up the name of it!! LOL!! It breaks up any scar tissue that might be formed/ing. Also massage, accupuncture and accupressure - all based on what each individual needs.
I don't know if you have ever seen that informercial for 'Dr. Ho's Electric stimulator' on TV? It has been out for a long time and I ordered one the first time I saw it. It is about the size of a deck of cards and has two patches that you hook it up to. Runs on batteries. It helps a little bit but the machines that Physio has are much better.
As far as putting off surgery I'm sorry if I sounded like I was telling you to definately not have surgery. I was only speaking about what I would do prior to having a back operation which is pretty much anything and everything because *I* think that once you have your first back surgery you are never the same. I'm sure that there are many who have one and only one surgery and are 'fixed'. But reading these boards and talking to Shorline about his surgeries, I believe the odds of having major problems go shooting up. But that is just me.
Regarding the effect on the stomach, opioids - taken in any fashion - affect the stomach. Taking them via injection, patch or under the tongue is alot easier on it though!!
Good luck!!
Zach016
I'm sure we sound like broken records here saying this but if you go back and look for a post from 'Shorline' he talks about the pump. He had one put in but I've been away for a while and am not sure if he is still using it. Since your desires are to get off of opioids asap I dn't think there is any way they would even consider implanting a pump in you.
I know that he liked it alot and yes, the amount and timing of the mediation is set by the Dr..
A Physiotherapist is a person who works with someone who is injured taking them thru stretching excercises, take you thru strengthening excercises. They use an excellent type of electric stimuli (many more options, power and pads) and they also have another expensive piece of equipment and my mind won't pull up the name of it!! LOL!! It breaks up any scar tissue that might be formed/ing. Also massage, accupuncture and accupressure - all based on what each individual needs.
I don't know if you have ever seen that informercial for 'Dr. Ho's Electric stimulator' on TV? It has been out for a long time and I ordered one the first time I saw it. It is about the size of a deck of cards and has two patches that you hook it up to. Runs on batteries. It helps a little bit but the machines that Physio has are much better.
As far as putting off surgery I'm sorry if I sounded like I was telling you to definately not have surgery. I was only speaking about what I would do prior to having a back operation which is pretty much anything and everything because *I* think that once you have your first back surgery you are never the same. I'm sure that there are many who have one and only one surgery and are 'fixed'. But reading these boards and talking to Shorline about his surgeries, I believe the odds of having major problems go shooting up. But that is just me.
Regarding the effect on the stomach, opioids - taken in any fashion - affect the stomach. Taking them via injection, patch or under the tongue is alot easier on it though!!
Good luck!!
Zach016
pain research
12-30-2006, 04:11 AM
Hi David
Hang on, it will all be OK. You have a painful back injury but it is not hopeless. You do not have arthritis or spinal cord damage. You can get better.
Don't go off the deep end worrying about surgery and all the future possibilities such as pain pumps. Back surgery is very risky. Surgery is always a last option after everything else has failed, after there is nerve damage and, etc., you are not at that stage yet.
Some of the people on this board have incurable pain, and they have very serious problems with their backs. So please do not take everything you read here as god's word. They are speaking from their experience and not what is necessarily best for you.
You will not be referred for surgery for two slipped discs (especially with your insurance situation). Odds are your back will heal in time. But it will heal faster if you can get to a good chiropractor, do physical therapy and do every other alternative treatment you can find.
So here is my advice:
Use all of your ingenuity to get free treatment and other 'charity' help, even if you have to barter for it (such as promising work in the future for chiropractic treatments today).
1. Get on meds for the ulcers: that needs to be done anyway.
2. Get into a recovery program for addiction.
One thing at a time, remember? The first thing is that you need to handle the addiction, because if you do need narcotics for your back, you will need to be prepared for the challenge of using them responsibly as best you can. Are you in a twelve-step program? You should be, if you want any doctor to take you on.
Go to the addiction boards here and read up: you will find some people who are on pain meds for pain, not addiction. They can help you. I doubt if a pain doctor will take you unless you are in counseling and in a program. So get to work and prove that you will be a good patient.
3. Use non-narcotic treatments first and give them 1000%.
You must prove that you have done ALL YOU CAN before they will give you narcotics. So get busy and start trying to get better with non-narcotic treatments. And document everything that you are doing.
Ask your doctor for Lidoderm patches, a non-narcotic anesthetic patch for pain. Use them on your back and alternate them with the Tens unit (Tens during the day and Lidoderm patches at night).
Go to a chiropractor religiously, and physical therapy religiously, and you may be able to pull out of this without using narcotics. Wouldn't that be for the best? I am already a little worried that you have not been giving it your all in this area already. If you went to a chiropractor two or three times a week, from the very beginning, you might have been better by now. The longer you wait, the worse your back injury will be, because the discs compressing the blood flow and nerves may be making the damage permanent. Understand? If you cut off blood flow to your finger, the finger will start to die, sooner or later. If you restore the blood flow, it can heal itself... same thing with your back. Get to a chiropractor and hurry!
4. Find a doctor who specializes in pain management and who is capable of having an addict as a patient. Some pain doctors are also addiction doctors. You may need a psychiatrist. Don't be afraid: the better the doctor, the luckier you are. In the old days, you avoided doctors: now they will be your best friends.
Many addicts are in pain management. You will have to be very good and do whatever they tell you to prove that you are being honorable, but it can be done and it will be done. If you do not get a doctor who treats you with respect and who understands your issues, search until you find one. You need to be taken care of by a doctor who understands addiction, and who will treat you with whatever is necessary to control the pain.
If the above non-narcotic treatments are not enough, then you will need the Duragesic (Fentanyl) patch along with the meds for the ulcers. The Fentanyl is probably the only narcotic for you now with your stomach problems.
5. And finally believe that this is not forever. You will get better. Good luck.
Hang on, it will all be OK. You have a painful back injury but it is not hopeless. You do not have arthritis or spinal cord damage. You can get better.
Don't go off the deep end worrying about surgery and all the future possibilities such as pain pumps. Back surgery is very risky. Surgery is always a last option after everything else has failed, after there is nerve damage and, etc., you are not at that stage yet.
Some of the people on this board have incurable pain, and they have very serious problems with their backs. So please do not take everything you read here as god's word. They are speaking from their experience and not what is necessarily best for you.
You will not be referred for surgery for two slipped discs (especially with your insurance situation). Odds are your back will heal in time. But it will heal faster if you can get to a good chiropractor, do physical therapy and do every other alternative treatment you can find.
So here is my advice:
Use all of your ingenuity to get free treatment and other 'charity' help, even if you have to barter for it (such as promising work in the future for chiropractic treatments today).
1. Get on meds for the ulcers: that needs to be done anyway.
2. Get into a recovery program for addiction.
One thing at a time, remember? The first thing is that you need to handle the addiction, because if you do need narcotics for your back, you will need to be prepared for the challenge of using them responsibly as best you can. Are you in a twelve-step program? You should be, if you want any doctor to take you on.
Go to the addiction boards here and read up: you will find some people who are on pain meds for pain, not addiction. They can help you. I doubt if a pain doctor will take you unless you are in counseling and in a program. So get to work and prove that you will be a good patient.
3. Use non-narcotic treatments first and give them 1000%.
You must prove that you have done ALL YOU CAN before they will give you narcotics. So get busy and start trying to get better with non-narcotic treatments. And document everything that you are doing.
Ask your doctor for Lidoderm patches, a non-narcotic anesthetic patch for pain. Use them on your back and alternate them with the Tens unit (Tens during the day and Lidoderm patches at night).
Go to a chiropractor religiously, and physical therapy religiously, and you may be able to pull out of this without using narcotics. Wouldn't that be for the best? I am already a little worried that you have not been giving it your all in this area already. If you went to a chiropractor two or three times a week, from the very beginning, you might have been better by now. The longer you wait, the worse your back injury will be, because the discs compressing the blood flow and nerves may be making the damage permanent. Understand? If you cut off blood flow to your finger, the finger will start to die, sooner or later. If you restore the blood flow, it can heal itself... same thing with your back. Get to a chiropractor and hurry!
4. Find a doctor who specializes in pain management and who is capable of having an addict as a patient. Some pain doctors are also addiction doctors. You may need a psychiatrist. Don't be afraid: the better the doctor, the luckier you are. In the old days, you avoided doctors: now they will be your best friends.
Many addicts are in pain management. You will have to be very good and do whatever they tell you to prove that you are being honorable, but it can be done and it will be done. If you do not get a doctor who treats you with respect and who understands your issues, search until you find one. You need to be taken care of by a doctor who understands addiction, and who will treat you with whatever is necessary to control the pain.
If the above non-narcotic treatments are not enough, then you will need the Duragesic (Fentanyl) patch along with the meds for the ulcers. The Fentanyl is probably the only narcotic for you now with your stomach problems.
5. And finally believe that this is not forever. You will get better. Good luck.
makinit
01-06-2007, 01:56 AM
Thank you senor member,
This makes me feel a little better about what I should do. I will try everything I can, before using narcotics. Thanks for the information. I fight with the pain and my addiction daily. Thanks for the support!!
This makes me feel a little better about what I should do. I will try everything I can, before using narcotics. Thanks for the information. I fight with the pain and my addiction daily. Thanks for the support!!
pain research
01-06-2007, 04:14 AM
Hi Makinit (Dave)
I hope you are hanging in there, and that you are making some progress with the pain and your addiction. I went back and read some of your posts, about getting off of drugs. You are an amazing person! You are so strong, I just can't believe it. To keep fighting the way you do is just incredible. I am so impressed with you.
I don't want you to think I was being glib about all the things I suggested. I know it all takes money and/or also a lot of work to get things done. I am wondering now if you have been to a good internal medicine specialist or gastro-enterologist. I know you have been on charity and to the emergency room, but I think you need some professional help with that stomach.
I am praying for you today. I know you will get better. Please tell me you are going to a chiropractor. And please tell me you are not doing any heavy lifting or anything else that could strain your back again. I picture you as the kind of guy who would get some pain relief and then get back to work. No No! You've got to let it heal.
I was very touched when you called me 'senior member.' My screen name is Pain Research, but my real name is Lily. But you can call me 'senior member': it makes me feel like Yoda! On the other hand, he is short and not human... and very strange looking. Oh well. ;-)
Good luck, Dave. Keep believing in yourself, even if you stumble. You'll make it. You deserve some good luck now.
I hope you are hanging in there, and that you are making some progress with the pain and your addiction. I went back and read some of your posts, about getting off of drugs. You are an amazing person! You are so strong, I just can't believe it. To keep fighting the way you do is just incredible. I am so impressed with you.
I don't want you to think I was being glib about all the things I suggested. I know it all takes money and/or also a lot of work to get things done. I am wondering now if you have been to a good internal medicine specialist or gastro-enterologist. I know you have been on charity and to the emergency room, but I think you need some professional help with that stomach.
I am praying for you today. I know you will get better. Please tell me you are going to a chiropractor. And please tell me you are not doing any heavy lifting or anything else that could strain your back again. I picture you as the kind of guy who would get some pain relief and then get back to work. No No! You've got to let it heal.
I was very touched when you called me 'senior member.' My screen name is Pain Research, but my real name is Lily. But you can call me 'senior member': it makes me feel like Yoda! On the other hand, he is short and not human... and very strange looking. Oh well. ;-)
Good luck, Dave. Keep believing in yourself, even if you stumble. You'll make it. You deserve some good luck now.
IZZY'SMOM
01-06-2007, 04:25 AM
Hi there,
I am thinking of you and hoping and praying for you through your trials...seriously. I know that you are a super stong person from reading prior posts, but sometimes you just need support for whats going on right now.
WE are here for you, and please let us know how you are doing. I hope you rest well, and have a nice weekend. You are amazing!~
:angel:
xoxoxoxoxoxo
IZZY'SMOM
I am thinking of you and hoping and praying for you through your trials...seriously. I know that you are a super stong person from reading prior posts, but sometimes you just need support for whats going on right now.
WE are here for you, and please let us know how you are doing. I hope you rest well, and have a nice weekend. You are amazing!~
:angel:
xoxoxoxoxoxo
IZZY'SMOM
babyboomer6
01-09-2007, 01:30 AM
Hi, I am going to throw my two cents in here. I am a chronic pain patient and have been riding the roller coaster for 14 yrs. Until about four years ago, I too had terrible stomach problems. They finially diagnosed an ulcer and removed a fourth of my stomach.(gastronectomy) It was the best thing I could have done. I had been on heavy pain meds(had serious broken wrist and many surgeries for it) Anyway, I developed an ulcer that was as chronic as the pain. As I said they removed it, and now "that"pain is gone. But I suffer from fibromyalgia, spinal arthritis, osteoarthritis, beginning stages of Rheumatoid arthritis.I had a spinal fusion 6 months ago that didn't go too well. Anyway, I have never got off of pain medicine.So as far as addiction, I know I am terribly tolerant to pain meds.(I have developed a tolerance to certain pain meds) But I am not an addct so to speak. I don't seek out drugs to get high. I still have to be careful so I don't develope another ulcer. Methadone does not bother my tummy st sll. And the fentynel patch is great. I take nexium everyday to keep my tummy from eroding. I hope this helped a little bit. God Bless!!! babyboomer6