mikesgirl
05-18-2007, 06:28 PM
Hi all,
I have a chronic back issue (SI) that flares up sometimes. I can be fine for a while, sometimes even a couple of weeks, then I can flare up for a week or more.
The problem is that I was starting to abuse my meds. I was taking hydro (10mg only) or tramadol 50-100mg once a day, every day. I started to rely on them for emotional support, and to help me forget about things that are bothering me.
2 weeks ago today I decided to try to basically quit them except when NEEDED for PAIN. In that amount of time, of course I got a flare-and took one hydro on Monday. Today I really hurt too, and just don't know what to do. The part of me that hurts wants them for the pain but I don't want to get back into a bad habit so soon. I am also going through a stressful time with some other issues and find myself wanting them just for that.
I really do hurt today though.
I am lucky that I don't need them daily all the time. Can I get to a point where I really am taking them just when I need to? It feels like such a struggle right now.
Thanks all....K
I have a chronic back issue (SI) that flares up sometimes. I can be fine for a while, sometimes even a couple of weeks, then I can flare up for a week or more.
The problem is that I was starting to abuse my meds. I was taking hydro (10mg only) or tramadol 50-100mg once a day, every day. I started to rely on them for emotional support, and to help me forget about things that are bothering me.
2 weeks ago today I decided to try to basically quit them except when NEEDED for PAIN. In that amount of time, of course I got a flare-and took one hydro on Monday. Today I really hurt too, and just don't know what to do. The part of me that hurts wants them for the pain but I don't want to get back into a bad habit so soon. I am also going through a stressful time with some other issues and find myself wanting them just for that.
I really do hurt today though.
I am lucky that I don't need them daily all the time. Can I get to a point where I really am taking them just when I need to? It feels like such a struggle right now.
Thanks all....K
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curiousforever
05-18-2007, 06:40 PM
When you find yourself reaching for them - and you're not sure if it's pain or stress - can you take a walk, or do stretches or get a thermacare out and wait at least 45 minutes to see if that helps first?
The pills shouldn't be the first thing you reach for. I've been on them for over a year at this point - and it's taken quite awhile for me to do it 'right' - as in not reaching for them first thing. I use lidoderm patches, thermacare, hot bath/shower, stretches, etc.
Actually when I get stressed or mad - I end up cleaning.... strange I know. But it helps stress and pain to move and it takes your mind off of it. (at least for me.)
The pills shouldn't be the first thing you reach for. I've been on them for over a year at this point - and it's taken quite awhile for me to do it 'right' - as in not reaching for them first thing. I use lidoderm patches, thermacare, hot bath/shower, stretches, etc.
Actually when I get stressed or mad - I end up cleaning.... strange I know. But it helps stress and pain to move and it takes your mind off of it. (at least for me.)
mikesgirl
05-18-2007, 07:27 PM
You make good points. :)
I tried the lidoderm, I wish they had worked! Usually the only thing that really helps me hurt less is rest/time. I get flared up doing certain things (overdoing work, too much walking) and then nothing helps but WAITING. The narcotics just make me forget about it for a while. I do ok when I am keeping busy, but when I try to relax or sleep, that's when it gets to me.
I take NSAID's with little effect, and I have had steriod injections twice. No help. :( Heat doesn't help, and stretching sometimes makes it worse. I think part of my stress and frustration is the fact that nothing REALLY helps.
Eventually I hope to figure it out....
I tried the lidoderm, I wish they had worked! Usually the only thing that really helps me hurt less is rest/time. I get flared up doing certain things (overdoing work, too much walking) and then nothing helps but WAITING. The narcotics just make me forget about it for a while. I do ok when I am keeping busy, but when I try to relax or sleep, that's when it gets to me.
I take NSAID's with little effect, and I have had steriod injections twice. No help. :( Heat doesn't help, and stretching sometimes makes it worse. I think part of my stress and frustration is the fact that nothing REALLY helps.
Eventually I hope to figure it out....