diamondgirl19
03-01-2008, 12:59 PM
I posted on the addiction board and someone responded that I should come to this board instead. So here's my question:
I have been on pain meds for almost 3 years. The first 2 years I was taking Ultracet (8x a day) and the past year have been taking Ultram & Vicodin or Percocet for breakthrough. I started taking them because I have recurring back pain. I was sent to a pain management doc. who does epidurals and soon realized all I had to do was say I was in pain and he would write a prescription. I never knew it was that easy to get this type of medication.
I can honestly say that I don't need the meds on a daily basis but I enjoy taking them. I like to lead an active lifestyle and the medication gives me the ability to do whatever I like to do. If I stop taking the medication, I can lead a sedentary life but I'm not able to play golf, tennis, etc. Is this a proper reason to take pain meds? Lastly, I should add that I enjoy taking the pills and don't feel that I can stop on my own.
I definitely take more than what's prescribed but before I speak to my doctor and tell him this, I want to be sure I'm not shooting myself in the foot. If he labels me as an addict, what will happen? If I tell him that I have been taking more than I should, what would his likely response be? If I tell him that I need the medication in order to play sports, is that a legitimate reason to write prescriptions for me? I have tried anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers in the past but they make me feel extremely tired. I am the mother of a elementary school student so I need to be able to function on a daily basis. There is no time off for me.
Has anyone been through this? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks for listening.
I have been on pain meds for almost 3 years. The first 2 years I was taking Ultracet (8x a day) and the past year have been taking Ultram & Vicodin or Percocet for breakthrough. I started taking them because I have recurring back pain. I was sent to a pain management doc. who does epidurals and soon realized all I had to do was say I was in pain and he would write a prescription. I never knew it was that easy to get this type of medication.
I can honestly say that I don't need the meds on a daily basis but I enjoy taking them. I like to lead an active lifestyle and the medication gives me the ability to do whatever I like to do. If I stop taking the medication, I can lead a sedentary life but I'm not able to play golf, tennis, etc. Is this a proper reason to take pain meds? Lastly, I should add that I enjoy taking the pills and don't feel that I can stop on my own.
I definitely take more than what's prescribed but before I speak to my doctor and tell him this, I want to be sure I'm not shooting myself in the foot. If he labels me as an addict, what will happen? If I tell him that I have been taking more than I should, what would his likely response be? If I tell him that I need the medication in order to play sports, is that a legitimate reason to write prescriptions for me? I have tried anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers in the past but they make me feel extremely tired. I am the mother of a elementary school student so I need to be able to function on a daily basis. There is no time off for me.
Has anyone been through this? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks for listening.
Sponsor
cmpgirl
03-01-2008, 02:32 PM
Hi Diamondgirl:
I'm not positive, but I think you will probably get a lot of responses here. So, that being said, the last thing I want to do is seem judgemental, but it seems you want some honest feedback, so here goes; (my opinion, anyway)
If someone takes narcotic pain medication, simply because they like the way it feels, and is happily seeing a Pain Management Specialist, who just writes whatever they are asking for, this is not (again, just my opinion) a good thing.
Just so you have an idea of who posts here on a regular basis, we are all dealing with serious, chronic and debilitating pain...every day of our lives. We don't take pain meds to be able to just do "social" or "athletic" activities. We are prescribed these medications so that we can just function on a day to day basis. ie. getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed without assistance, taking care of our homes and families they way most people would be able to do. Anything beyond that is pure blessing.
I would think, if you are questioning your situation, there is a reason. And I think you already know what a Dr. would say if you told him the truth.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what, as you referred to it, "addiction vs. pain management" means.
Just my opinion......
I'm not positive, but I think you will probably get a lot of responses here. So, that being said, the last thing I want to do is seem judgemental, but it seems you want some honest feedback, so here goes; (my opinion, anyway)
If someone takes narcotic pain medication, simply because they like the way it feels, and is happily seeing a Pain Management Specialist, who just writes whatever they are asking for, this is not (again, just my opinion) a good thing.
Just so you have an idea of who posts here on a regular basis, we are all dealing with serious, chronic and debilitating pain...every day of our lives. We don't take pain meds to be able to just do "social" or "athletic" activities. We are prescribed these medications so that we can just function on a day to day basis. ie. getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed without assistance, taking care of our homes and families they way most people would be able to do. Anything beyond that is pure blessing.
I would think, if you are questioning your situation, there is a reason. And I think you already know what a Dr. would say if you told him the truth.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what, as you referred to it, "addiction vs. pain management" means.
Just my opinion......
ozzybug
03-01-2008, 03:19 PM
Diamond-
If you look closely at your post and then look deep within yourself, I think you will find the answers you seek. If you are asking for these meds because they are "so easy to get", and then taking them simply because you really like taking them, take more than prescribed and are affraid to tell your doctor about this only for fear he will stop prescribing, then there is a good chance a problem has already, or at the very least is developing.
I read in one of your other posts in another area that your hubby doesn't know the extent of the problem and that you need a starting point. Please, let this be it.
There is a difference between addiction and dependance. Dependance is a physical occurrance that happens when your body becomes occustomed to having certain medications on a regular/ongoing/long term basis. Addiction is more about the addictive actions a person does, i.e. taking meds for the shear pleasure, because you like the way they make you feel. Anyone whose body is dependant on medications would feel and go through withdrawl if they stopped those meds abruptly just as someone who is addicted would. But, again, the difference is in a person's actions and psychological state. Dependence is purely a physical thing that naturaly occurs.
We all want to live an active lifestyle. I, for one would love nothing more than to be able to go skiing or play softball again, or ride a bike with my husband and kids again. I'd give almost anything to be able to play basket ball with my son again, or even be able to keep up with all the things I love and need to do as a mother and wife again without it causing me to spend two days in bed recovering in excrucaiting pain. But, this isn't a reality for me. It never will be. Chronic, daily pain will be a part of my life for the rest of my life unless a miracle happens.
You asked for suggestions. I strongly urge you to speak honestly with your doctor about this before you find yourself in a really bad place. If you are having true chronic pain issues and your doctor is knowledgable, he should be able to find other methods to help treat your pain.
I'm not saying that you don't have a need for medications, but there is a line that we, as pain management patients have to be very careful not to cross. There is a huge responsibility for us to bear if we want to have the priviledge of being able to have our pain treated properly and appropriately.
Are there other ways you try to lower your pain? Things like ice or heat compresses, TENS unit, anti-inflamatories, hot baths, gentle stretching excercises? Healthy and effective pain management doesn't always involve simply taking medications.
I wish you the best and hope you will talk with your doctor openly about what is happening. Being a PM doctor, he has dealt with this before and is more than likely equipped to help you through this and find a way to help your pain issues as well. He will appreciate your honesty and will take it from there.
If you look closely at your post and then look deep within yourself, I think you will find the answers you seek. If you are asking for these meds because they are "so easy to get", and then taking them simply because you really like taking them, take more than prescribed and are affraid to tell your doctor about this only for fear he will stop prescribing, then there is a good chance a problem has already, or at the very least is developing.
I read in one of your other posts in another area that your hubby doesn't know the extent of the problem and that you need a starting point. Please, let this be it.
There is a difference between addiction and dependance. Dependance is a physical occurrance that happens when your body becomes occustomed to having certain medications on a regular/ongoing/long term basis. Addiction is more about the addictive actions a person does, i.e. taking meds for the shear pleasure, because you like the way they make you feel. Anyone whose body is dependant on medications would feel and go through withdrawl if they stopped those meds abruptly just as someone who is addicted would. But, again, the difference is in a person's actions and psychological state. Dependence is purely a physical thing that naturaly occurs.
We all want to live an active lifestyle. I, for one would love nothing more than to be able to go skiing or play softball again, or ride a bike with my husband and kids again. I'd give almost anything to be able to play basket ball with my son again, or even be able to keep up with all the things I love and need to do as a mother and wife again without it causing me to spend two days in bed recovering in excrucaiting pain. But, this isn't a reality for me. It never will be. Chronic, daily pain will be a part of my life for the rest of my life unless a miracle happens.
You asked for suggestions. I strongly urge you to speak honestly with your doctor about this before you find yourself in a really bad place. If you are having true chronic pain issues and your doctor is knowledgable, he should be able to find other methods to help treat your pain.
I'm not saying that you don't have a need for medications, but there is a line that we, as pain management patients have to be very careful not to cross. There is a huge responsibility for us to bear if we want to have the priviledge of being able to have our pain treated properly and appropriately.
Are there other ways you try to lower your pain? Things like ice or heat compresses, TENS unit, anti-inflamatories, hot baths, gentle stretching excercises? Healthy and effective pain management doesn't always involve simply taking medications.
I wish you the best and hope you will talk with your doctor openly about what is happening. Being a PM doctor, he has dealt with this before and is more than likely equipped to help you through this and find a way to help your pain issues as well. He will appreciate your honesty and will take it from there.
diamondgirl19
03-01-2008, 04:06 PM
I originally posted on the addiction boards and the advice I received there was to come to this board because I started taking pain meds because of a medical condition. I sprained my back at the age of 13 and have had back issues for most of my life (I am now in my 40's). Besides just being prescribed pain meds, I have tried many other alternatives.
The response I received from the other boards was that I should be certain of what to say to my doc. because I don't want to label myself as an addict when I do have a legitimate need for medication. That person suggested that because I started on this path because of a medical need, I should have a long term plan and if I tell my doctor that I am an addict, I will be cutting myself off from any help I may need.
Don't get me wrong, I am limited in many ways on many days. It's just not as severe some days as it is on others. My question was asked because I enjoy playing golf and tennis. I cannot play either without needing some form of relief afterwards. If I do no physical activity and just have my daily chores to attend to, then I probably don't need as much as prescribed for me. But if I want to go hiking with friends or play any sort of sports, I am limited without medication. I do alot of stretching and try to keep myself in good shape but its just not enough.
I do feel I have a problem but I also have a legitimate need for pain meds. Does this sound ridiculous? I am sorry if I upset someone who responded but I am just trying to figure out how I should proceed. In the past, when I have stopped taking any meds, I will start to not feel well after a period of time. I find that when I have the medication in my system, I don't have those ups and downs of chronic pain.
I don't want to upset anyone. And please tell me if I am being stupid. But spring is approaching and if I can't do the things I enjoy, then I will just be miserable.
If I explain this to my doctor, what do you think he will say? I need to proceed carefully and was wondering if anyone had any advice and/or experience such as mine.
The response I received from the other boards was that I should be certain of what to say to my doc. because I don't want to label myself as an addict when I do have a legitimate need for medication. That person suggested that because I started on this path because of a medical need, I should have a long term plan and if I tell my doctor that I am an addict, I will be cutting myself off from any help I may need.
Don't get me wrong, I am limited in many ways on many days. It's just not as severe some days as it is on others. My question was asked because I enjoy playing golf and tennis. I cannot play either without needing some form of relief afterwards. If I do no physical activity and just have my daily chores to attend to, then I probably don't need as much as prescribed for me. But if I want to go hiking with friends or play any sort of sports, I am limited without medication. I do alot of stretching and try to keep myself in good shape but its just not enough.
I do feel I have a problem but I also have a legitimate need for pain meds. Does this sound ridiculous? I am sorry if I upset someone who responded but I am just trying to figure out how I should proceed. In the past, when I have stopped taking any meds, I will start to not feel well after a period of time. I find that when I have the medication in my system, I don't have those ups and downs of chronic pain.
I don't want to upset anyone. And please tell me if I am being stupid. But spring is approaching and if I can't do the things I enjoy, then I will just be miserable.
If I explain this to my doctor, what do you think he will say? I need to proceed carefully and was wondering if anyone had any advice and/or experience such as mine.
cmpgirl
03-01-2008, 05:30 PM
Diamondgirl:
I guess the best way to explain the answers you are getting is that when you posted here, what you described was someone with occasional aches and pains, who liked to be active and figured that as long as you had a "Pain Doctor" who would prescribe whatever you needed, it was perfectly OK to take what you felt like.
What we are trying to tell you is that we are not just a bunch of people who get aches and pains when we play sports etc. We are chronic pain patients, with severe medical issues. We take pain medication just so we can function like normal people.
I don't think you realize the difference.
People who abuse pain medication make it very difficult for those of us who struggle everyday, sometimes just to get out of bed. And you pretty much said in your origional post that you take these meds, just because you like the way they make you feel.
I'm trying not to be rude, but it's very hard to read that someone who can obviously play tennis or golf is even seeing a "Pain Doctor". The people on these boards don't have the luxury of being able to "do the things they enjoy".
I hope this clears things up for you...
I guess the best way to explain the answers you are getting is that when you posted here, what you described was someone with occasional aches and pains, who liked to be active and figured that as long as you had a "Pain Doctor" who would prescribe whatever you needed, it was perfectly OK to take what you felt like.
What we are trying to tell you is that we are not just a bunch of people who get aches and pains when we play sports etc. We are chronic pain patients, with severe medical issues. We take pain medication just so we can function like normal people.
I don't think you realize the difference.
People who abuse pain medication make it very difficult for those of us who struggle everyday, sometimes just to get out of bed. And you pretty much said in your origional post that you take these meds, just because you like the way they make you feel.
I'm trying not to be rude, but it's very hard to read that someone who can obviously play tennis or golf is even seeing a "Pain Doctor". The people on these boards don't have the luxury of being able to "do the things they enjoy".
I hope this clears things up for you...
diamondgirl19
03-01-2008, 06:55 PM
That makes more sense to me. I'm so sorry for the confusion. I feel like an idiot talking about golf and tennis.
I do have constant back pain but nothing that keeps me from getting out of bed in the morning. You have helped me understand.
Good luck to all of you. I can't imagine what you must be going through.
I do have constant back pain but nothing that keeps me from getting out of bed in the morning. You have helped me understand.
Good luck to all of you. I can't imagine what you must be going through.
Executor
03-01-2008, 08:48 PM
Only you know what is best and you have to look deep within yourself for the answer. With that being said, I'd be very careful how I spoke to the Doc and pick your words carefully. The PM field today is very blurred due to some who aren't in any pain whatsoever and are either drug seekers and/or diverters. Thus, many Docs have become "gun shy" and extremely cautious.....And for good reason! The point being that if you say one wrong thing, depending on how gun shy your doc is, he/she may view you differently from that point on, which could adversely effect your care. You may not mean it a certain way, but it may just sound wrong, if that makes sense.
The one big misconception about those in pain is that many think you have to be bed ridden or in a wheel chair to take narcotics. This just isn't true. To me, pain meds are justified to keep one from being in significant discomfort and to live a semi-normal lifestyle. Obviously, if you needed meds to run a marathon or climb a mountain, I wouldn't call that living in pain. But, if you need meds to do the routine things in life and/or get out and spend time with your family, then that's a different story. I don't believe in suffering. Taking pain meds is a cost to benefit ratio...Does the "cost" out weight the "benefit" or does the "benefit" out weigh the "cost." Again, only you know. But, I certainly wouldn't feel guilty for using them unless you think you truly don't need them, then of course, you're much better off without.
Good luck, and hope this helps.
The one big misconception about those in pain is that many think you have to be bed ridden or in a wheel chair to take narcotics. This just isn't true. To me, pain meds are justified to keep one from being in significant discomfort and to live a semi-normal lifestyle. Obviously, if you needed meds to run a marathon or climb a mountain, I wouldn't call that living in pain. But, if you need meds to do the routine things in life and/or get out and spend time with your family, then that's a different story. I don't believe in suffering. Taking pain meds is a cost to benefit ratio...Does the "cost" out weight the "benefit" or does the "benefit" out weigh the "cost." Again, only you know. But, I certainly wouldn't feel guilty for using them unless you think you truly don't need them, then of course, you're much better off without.
Good luck, and hope this helps.
123dietdrpepper
03-02-2008, 09:20 AM
[removed]. I need medication to wake up each day and do the simplest of tasks. And it saddens me that I have to FIGHT to get this medication just to help me with my day to day tasks and it is being handed out to someone that does not need it everyday freely.
However with my personal feelings set aside, I do understand what you are saying. You need meds from time to time but not every day. This I think you need to relay to your pm doctor. And together the two of you need to work out a plan on figuring out exactly how much medication you do need to get thru the month. Since you have not been exactly honest with him, you might have to go in and say that you would like to try and cut back on your meds and hopefully he will write the script for a lesser amount causing you to have to think twice before taking your meds.
As far as taking it for the sake of it, I believe you are crossing a fine line and you might consider passing your meds to someone else to hold and hand out because this could led into a major problem for you. Do you have a friend you can confide in or your hubby and then hand them your meds?
Mentioning the latter to your doctor may shoot yourself in your foot and end all relationships with you pm doctor and it might cause you problems further down the line.
Good luck and I strongly recommend you confide in someone you can trust.
However with my personal feelings set aside, I do understand what you are saying. You need meds from time to time but not every day. This I think you need to relay to your pm doctor. And together the two of you need to work out a plan on figuring out exactly how much medication you do need to get thru the month. Since you have not been exactly honest with him, you might have to go in and say that you would like to try and cut back on your meds and hopefully he will write the script for a lesser amount causing you to have to think twice before taking your meds.
As far as taking it for the sake of it, I believe you are crossing a fine line and you might consider passing your meds to someone else to hold and hand out because this could led into a major problem for you. Do you have a friend you can confide in or your hubby and then hand them your meds?
Mentioning the latter to your doctor may shoot yourself in your foot and end all relationships with you pm doctor and it might cause you problems further down the line.
Good luck and I strongly recommend you confide in someone you can trust.
hessie28
03-02-2008, 05:52 PM
I think there is a difference. I also have to take pain meds to get out of bed and function almost everyday. If the pain is not bad then I will not take the next pill until needed.
If you take when you don't need them then there may be a problem. Although I see your point. Taking them on a regular basis helps you function. When you don't take a dose it is like you are starting all over. The pain man. dr. told me that was my problem in the beginning. I was taking the meds every 12 hours so they were not working and I could not function.
Only you can know if you are addicted. Maybe you just have built up a tolerence.
If you take when you don't need them then there may be a problem. Although I see your point. Taking them on a regular basis helps you function. When you don't take a dose it is like you are starting all over. The pain man. dr. told me that was my problem in the beginning. I was taking the meds every 12 hours so they were not working and I could not function.
Only you can know if you are addicted. Maybe you just have built up a tolerence.
Backinthesaddle
03-03-2008, 09:53 AM
Im not going to add much besides that I have been on all doses and now max dose of Tramadol. It is none addictive. You may become dependant as stated before. That is why I take Tramadol among a few other things. I do take hydrocodone for bt. I have been on these and more meds since 2002. I have gone way past the time frame of the meds and felt fine. If I have a good day I dont take any. Never had a withdrawl feeling. Matter of fact during my pg I couldn't take Tramadol and had no withdrawl of I have to have it feeling.
tmvincent30
03-03-2008, 04:03 PM
I have been watching this post but i have a dirrerent way to look at things if i have a good day i dont take any but i have seen that if i wait and take until needed the pain sometimes gets soo bad i cant stand it. So there for i have taken some here and there not all the time but just to keep it in the system cause like i said i do not have any withdrawal affects if i do wait but i know how bad the pain is going to be and that is why i have learned to take it here and there.
I am waiting for another fusion in L-5 S-1 the fusion didnt take 5 years ago and caused the screws to break and are broken presently so i am in chronic pain and i have talked to PM doc and explained my thoery and he is not going to lower the amount i get every month cause he totally understands.
However i do take something called Percogesic its like tylenol but a little stronger and that helps also. It is OTC
I am waiting for another fusion in L-5 S-1 the fusion didnt take 5 years ago and caused the screws to break and are broken presently so i am in chronic pain and i have talked to PM doc and explained my thoery and he is not going to lower the amount i get every month cause he totally understands.
However i do take something called Percogesic its like tylenol but a little stronger and that helps also. It is OTC
brianpain33
03-03-2008, 05:42 PM
diamondgirl:
I am going to give you my honest opinion and hopefully my post is not deleted although I am carefully choosing my words. I am a recovering drug addict, but I also have chronic pain and need to take narcotic medications. Usually I tell people that if they are taking more narcotic medications that prescribed, taking them for the "high" or euphoria, doctor shopping, buying them off the streets, doing illegal or immoral activities to get the narcotic medications then you are more than likely an addict or getting extremely close to being one.
I guess the BIG, BIG, BIG question here is do you take them to be able to do the activities that you need or enjoy doing or are you merely taking them for the "high" that they give you. If you gulping down handfuls of narcotic meds to get that "high" then you are definitely an addict. However, it sounds like to me that you are taking a few more than prescibed so that you can push yourself to enjoy the athletic sports that you enjoy. You really do need to sit and think about things here because you are creeping down a dangerous road that you REALLY DO NOT WANT TO GO DOWN. Trust me you might wake up one day cut off from your doctors and look for other means to get your meds and then you have reached the point of being and addict.
I think that you need to decide how active you are or should be. We all know just how difficult it is to not be able to do the activities that you once loved. I used to love walking and running but I have chronic nerve pain in my feet and I don't belive that I will ever be able to run again. I would have to take massive amounts of narcotic meds to be able to run and then I probably would not be able to even move becuase I would be passed out. I would seriously think about slowing down and maybe giving up some of the activities that you are "greatly" pushing yourself to do. At this point if you tell your doctor that you are taking more meds that prescibed, you will probably immediately be cut off and a note will be placed in your file that you are a drug addict and you would have to endure withdrawl from the meds. Trust me I did this with my doctor when I reached the end of the road and this is what happened. I know what it is like to be cut off of Oxycontin and Percocet and send to rehab with only Ultram. However, I have learned to be responsible, learned that I will always have pain, and learned my limitations.
I would suggest cutting down on your meds and to only take what is prescribed, cut down and learn your limitations, and tell your doctor if the meds need to be adjusted. Please don't see this as an attack but merely as advice and suggestions.
You might wonder how I am able to take narcotic medications and be resposible. I will tell you that I live by myself and I have to be responsible or I know what will happen. I NEVER, EVER, want to experience a "high" off of my pain meds because that would set off my addiction. I was addicted to other "street drugs" which set off completely different receptors in the brain. I am on the fentanyl patch, Lortabs, Ultram, and Lyrica. I also know how guilty I would feel if I did get high off my meds and let myself, God, my sponsor, and my other 12 step friends down. I would also consider that a relapse and I have worked extremely hard to get the clean time that I do have. If I can prevent someone from becoming an addict then that is also very satisfying and gives me a good feeling. I am hoping that Chrissy will also reply to you and give you suggestions and her story on coming back on the road to recovery. You don't ever want to end up in rehab, go through withdrawal, be cut off from all pain meds, fight and fight to find a doctor that will treat you and not judge you as an addict. Hopefully this will help you to help yourself. Good luck and keep coming back for help and support on this board.
Brian
Brian
P.S. I just wanted to add one more thing that I have learned and you can also research. Basically if you take more narcotic medications than you have pain, this is when you really risk experiencing that "high" or euphoric feeling. So, if you are experiencing a pain level of 1 on a scale of 1-10 and you take 2 or 3 Vicoden then it would be almost a guarantee that you would experience a "high". I hope that made sense. There has been alot of research to prove this is true. Just make sure you are aware of this so that you don't risk experiencing the "high" which an addict will chase by taking more and more meds just to experience that over and over again.
I am going to give you my honest opinion and hopefully my post is not deleted although I am carefully choosing my words. I am a recovering drug addict, but I also have chronic pain and need to take narcotic medications. Usually I tell people that if they are taking more narcotic medications that prescribed, taking them for the "high" or euphoria, doctor shopping, buying them off the streets, doing illegal or immoral activities to get the narcotic medications then you are more than likely an addict or getting extremely close to being one.
I guess the BIG, BIG, BIG question here is do you take them to be able to do the activities that you need or enjoy doing or are you merely taking them for the "high" that they give you. If you gulping down handfuls of narcotic meds to get that "high" then you are definitely an addict. However, it sounds like to me that you are taking a few more than prescibed so that you can push yourself to enjoy the athletic sports that you enjoy. You really do need to sit and think about things here because you are creeping down a dangerous road that you REALLY DO NOT WANT TO GO DOWN. Trust me you might wake up one day cut off from your doctors and look for other means to get your meds and then you have reached the point of being and addict.
I think that you need to decide how active you are or should be. We all know just how difficult it is to not be able to do the activities that you once loved. I used to love walking and running but I have chronic nerve pain in my feet and I don't belive that I will ever be able to run again. I would have to take massive amounts of narcotic meds to be able to run and then I probably would not be able to even move becuase I would be passed out. I would seriously think about slowing down and maybe giving up some of the activities that you are "greatly" pushing yourself to do. At this point if you tell your doctor that you are taking more meds that prescibed, you will probably immediately be cut off and a note will be placed in your file that you are a drug addict and you would have to endure withdrawl from the meds. Trust me I did this with my doctor when I reached the end of the road and this is what happened. I know what it is like to be cut off of Oxycontin and Percocet and send to rehab with only Ultram. However, I have learned to be responsible, learned that I will always have pain, and learned my limitations.
I would suggest cutting down on your meds and to only take what is prescribed, cut down and learn your limitations, and tell your doctor if the meds need to be adjusted. Please don't see this as an attack but merely as advice and suggestions.
You might wonder how I am able to take narcotic medications and be resposible. I will tell you that I live by myself and I have to be responsible or I know what will happen. I NEVER, EVER, want to experience a "high" off of my pain meds because that would set off my addiction. I was addicted to other "street drugs" which set off completely different receptors in the brain. I am on the fentanyl patch, Lortabs, Ultram, and Lyrica. I also know how guilty I would feel if I did get high off my meds and let myself, God, my sponsor, and my other 12 step friends down. I would also consider that a relapse and I have worked extremely hard to get the clean time that I do have. If I can prevent someone from becoming an addict then that is also very satisfying and gives me a good feeling. I am hoping that Chrissy will also reply to you and give you suggestions and her story on coming back on the road to recovery. You don't ever want to end up in rehab, go through withdrawal, be cut off from all pain meds, fight and fight to find a doctor that will treat you and not judge you as an addict. Hopefully this will help you to help yourself. Good luck and keep coming back for help and support on this board.
Brian
Brian
P.S. I just wanted to add one more thing that I have learned and you can also research. Basically if you take more narcotic medications than you have pain, this is when you really risk experiencing that "high" or euphoric feeling. So, if you are experiencing a pain level of 1 on a scale of 1-10 and you take 2 or 3 Vicoden then it would be almost a guarantee that you would experience a "high". I hope that made sense. There has been alot of research to prove this is true. Just make sure you are aware of this so that you don't risk experiencing the "high" which an addict will chase by taking more and more meds just to experience that over and over again.
brianpain33
03-03-2008, 06:30 PM
OK, I thought of a few more things to say that I didn't think of. I was wondering what medications are you taking and how much? I would suggest going on a LA (long acting) medication so that you do not experience the ups and downs of a SA (short acting medication). You don't have to be in excruciating pain to be placed on a LA (long acting medication) These would include:
1. MS Contin (a form of morphine)
2. Avina (long acting morphine)
3. Kadian (long acting morphine)
4. Opana (long acting oxymorphone)
5. fentanyl patch (long acting fentanyl worn for 2-3 days)
6. Oxycontin (long acting form of oxycodone (the same active ingredient in Percocet minus the acetaminophen)
7. Methadone
8 Suboxone (long acting narcotic which has an opiod antagonist in it meaning it's pretty much impossible to get "high" off of it although it has a limit on the dose for pain relief)
These meds have alot of benefits compared to the SA meds and may give you better more steady pain relief.
Brian
1. MS Contin (a form of morphine)
2. Avina (long acting morphine)
3. Kadian (long acting morphine)
4. Opana (long acting oxymorphone)
5. fentanyl patch (long acting fentanyl worn for 2-3 days)
6. Oxycontin (long acting form of oxycodone (the same active ingredient in Percocet minus the acetaminophen)
7. Methadone
8 Suboxone (long acting narcotic which has an opiod antagonist in it meaning it's pretty much impossible to get "high" off of it although it has a limit on the dose for pain relief)
These meds have alot of benefits compared to the SA meds and may give you better more steady pain relief.
Brian
tmvincent30
03-03-2008, 10:39 PM
I think everything was well said Brian!!!
cmpgirl
03-03-2008, 10:45 PM
Diamondgirl:
I haven't posted on this thread in a couple of days, but I wanted to say that I hope I didn't totally offend you with my previous posts. As I said in my last post on 3/1, the way you described your med dosing in your origional post here, led me to believe that you were trying to get someone to tell you that it was OK to consistantly take more than what was prescribed, just because you liked the way it made you feel.
If you do, indeed, have ongoing or chronic pain, I'm not saying you shouldn't be able to get some help in alleviating it. I had also seen your origional post at the addiction/recovery boards and you said straight out that you were hiding your med consumption from your husband and you frequently were taking the meds, even when you didn't have pain. You even mentioned that your husband just assumed you were just taking them "recreationally".
I am very much aware that for true chronic pain, a patient should keep a consistant blood level of their meds, so that they don't get really bad pain flares. It's how I live day to day, but as Brian said, taking meds to the point of getting a high, even if its once in a while, is a very slippery road to go down.
I don't ever want anyone to think that I would question anyone's right to live a functional life. That was just not what you were portraying in your initial posts. I do wish you luck in finding the answers that you seek. I hope you can look at your present situation and be as honest with yourself and with your husband as you can be.
I'm sorry if I came off as harsh, but this is a daily struggle for all of us. Take care and I will be praying that you find some peace of mind. cmpgirl
I haven't posted on this thread in a couple of days, but I wanted to say that I hope I didn't totally offend you with my previous posts. As I said in my last post on 3/1, the way you described your med dosing in your origional post here, led me to believe that you were trying to get someone to tell you that it was OK to consistantly take more than what was prescribed, just because you liked the way it made you feel.
If you do, indeed, have ongoing or chronic pain, I'm not saying you shouldn't be able to get some help in alleviating it. I had also seen your origional post at the addiction/recovery boards and you said straight out that you were hiding your med consumption from your husband and you frequently were taking the meds, even when you didn't have pain. You even mentioned that your husband just assumed you were just taking them "recreationally".
I am very much aware that for true chronic pain, a patient should keep a consistant blood level of their meds, so that they don't get really bad pain flares. It's how I live day to day, but as Brian said, taking meds to the point of getting a high, even if its once in a while, is a very slippery road to go down.
I don't ever want anyone to think that I would question anyone's right to live a functional life. That was just not what you were portraying in your initial posts. I do wish you luck in finding the answers that you seek. I hope you can look at your present situation and be as honest with yourself and with your husband as you can be.
I'm sorry if I came off as harsh, but this is a daily struggle for all of us. Take care and I will be praying that you find some peace of mind. cmpgirl
shannonjord08
03-04-2008, 10:21 AM
I have to agree with the person that said that when people obtain these pain meds for just pure pleasure and euphoria, it makes it harder for people who do have legitamate pain. I'm just at the beginning stages of finding out that I have a lot of back problems. I was given Ultram and Vicodin, but the Vicodin just isn't working. I called my doctor yesterday to let him know that it's not working and didn't want to take more to get relief. I still haven't heard anything back from him yet. It's not fair that the people who do need this medicine for pain can't obtain it because of the people who abuse it.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but I too have 2 young kids and I need to be able to take care of them and need the pain meds to just do that.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but I too have 2 young kids and I need to be able to take care of them and need the pain meds to just do that.
deljo
03-04-2008, 12:53 PM
I have been seeing a Pain Management MD for back & leg pain. I am bothered mainly when I stand and walk. I'm ok sitting and have no problem sleeping. If I go shopping I need to go where I can hold on to a cart. I can't walk in Malls or anyplace where I can't have support. I have had back injections and caudal blocks with limited relief. Yesterday the PM MD asked if I wanted pain meds. After a brief thinking period I told him not yet. It is a fear of mine to become addicted. Believe me I know what severe pain is. I can't walk 40 ft. down the hall at work to the restroom without holding on to the railings. I'm ok sitting and have a desk job. I feel the pain all the time but sitting it isn't severe enough to need opiates. Good luck in trying to break the habit of using the meds for everyday activities. Its my understanding that the more one uses opiates the greater the need becomes. I am not being judgemental just concerned for you.
deeannek
03-04-2008, 05:05 PM
It scares me to death to see someone taking meds to get high. Not so much for the person taking it as for the rest of us that rely on these meds to function. I have had both a cervical and lumbar fusion and continue to live with pain that is at least a six out of ten everyday. Heres what scares me: When people start going to pain management and using them like a drug dealer basically, What happens to those of us who are legitimately in need? The FDA cracks down and suddenly we might not be able to get what we need. Everytime one of those Hollywood types ODS or doctor shops it hurts people who need these meds. I am sorry about the rant but I truly worry about this stuff because it does in the long run affect me. That said I hope you get some help .
brianpain33
03-04-2008, 05:41 PM
After a brief thinking period I told him not yet. It is a fear of mine to become addicted. Believe me I know what severe pain is. I can't walk 40 ft. down the hall at work to the restroom without holding on to the railings.
Ok, I do realize that many, many people like you are worried and concerned about being addicted. It is a sad thing that there are so many misunderstandings about people with chronic pain being able to use narcotic medications responsibly without getting addicted.. This is why I continue to tell my story and be honest about sharing the fact that I am a recovering addict and I do take narcotic medications (fentanyl patch, Lortabs, and Ultram). I know there are alot of misunderstanding, as well, about recovering addicts being able to take narcotic medications. Here are some tried and true facts that help me:
1. only 1%-5% of chronic pain patients taking narcotic (opiod/opiate) medications become addicted to them. this means they could take them for any length of time from 2 weeks - 40 years and this still remains the same.
2. you really only have a problem if you experience the "high" or euphoric effects (which usually happens if you take more pain meds than you have pain). This means you must, and I repeat must always have some level of pain or you will (like 90-100%) likely that you will experience a high at this point and then this is when the line starts to get blurry between taking them for the pain and taking them for the feeling. For example, if you are taking pain meds and your pain level gets down to a 1, and then you decide to go ahead and take 2 Percocets because you are "allowed to". This is when you will probably experience a "high" because you will go past the point of feeling any pain and go from a pain level of 1 to 0.
3. If you take your meds for a legitimate medical reason, take them as prescribed, don't get early refills, don't doctor shop, abide by your PM contract (if you have one), your chances of becoming addicted are probably less than 1% at this point.
If anyone and I mean anyone has any questions concerning addiction and using pain medications feel free to ask the questions on this board or use the Addiction & Recovery board. And, you don't have to be an addict to post on the other board either. I have been on both sides (although I was addicted to a street drug). But, I have seen the addict who is homeless, jobless, their families have abandoned them and they have no where to turn but they don't know how to stop using narcotic medications. And I have also see the other extreme where a person that has legitimate severe pain is "freaked" out of their mind and absolutely does not use pain meds or uses them so sparingly it doesn't even make a dent in their pain. I will try to help anyone with any questions they may have and feel free to research the points that I have made and make up your own mind. But do get the facts and don't come up with decisions based on what someone else has told you, or your family members (who might not have any experience with these meds), or even some doctors(that don't understand addiction vs. dependance). I feel that I have gained experience the hard way and that it is my duty to help others clear up misunderstanding and make choices based on facts.
Brian
Ok, I do realize that many, many people like you are worried and concerned about being addicted. It is a sad thing that there are so many misunderstandings about people with chronic pain being able to use narcotic medications responsibly without getting addicted.. This is why I continue to tell my story and be honest about sharing the fact that I am a recovering addict and I do take narcotic medications (fentanyl patch, Lortabs, and Ultram). I know there are alot of misunderstanding, as well, about recovering addicts being able to take narcotic medications. Here are some tried and true facts that help me:
1. only 1%-5% of chronic pain patients taking narcotic (opiod/opiate) medications become addicted to them. this means they could take them for any length of time from 2 weeks - 40 years and this still remains the same.
2. you really only have a problem if you experience the "high" or euphoric effects (which usually happens if you take more pain meds than you have pain). This means you must, and I repeat must always have some level of pain or you will (like 90-100%) likely that you will experience a high at this point and then this is when the line starts to get blurry between taking them for the pain and taking them for the feeling. For example, if you are taking pain meds and your pain level gets down to a 1, and then you decide to go ahead and take 2 Percocets because you are "allowed to". This is when you will probably experience a "high" because you will go past the point of feeling any pain and go from a pain level of 1 to 0.
3. If you take your meds for a legitimate medical reason, take them as prescribed, don't get early refills, don't doctor shop, abide by your PM contract (if you have one), your chances of becoming addicted are probably less than 1% at this point.
If anyone and I mean anyone has any questions concerning addiction and using pain medications feel free to ask the questions on this board or use the Addiction & Recovery board. And, you don't have to be an addict to post on the other board either. I have been on both sides (although I was addicted to a street drug). But, I have seen the addict who is homeless, jobless, their families have abandoned them and they have no where to turn but they don't know how to stop using narcotic medications. And I have also see the other extreme where a person that has legitimate severe pain is "freaked" out of their mind and absolutely does not use pain meds or uses them so sparingly it doesn't even make a dent in their pain. I will try to help anyone with any questions they may have and feel free to research the points that I have made and make up your own mind. But do get the facts and don't come up with decisions based on what someone else has told you, or your family members (who might not have any experience with these meds), or even some doctors(that don't understand addiction vs. dependance). I feel that I have gained experience the hard way and that it is my duty to help others clear up misunderstanding and make choices based on facts.
Brian