Introduction and need info on Methadone - Pain Management Message Board

Rosebud54 · 09-23-2003, 02:32 AM

Hello, Where do I start, well I guess from where I believe my pain started. I was sexually abused from age 4 on up by an uncle, second grade teacher, a close friend of the family and a doctor. I have been through much much more as I grew up that it is too much to go into. But part of that is that, I was also physically abused badly. There are no scars on the outside but they are all inside. Yes, I have been to counseling for many years and different kinds and different ones. I have had many surgeries, I had my gall bladder taken out, hernia repaired twice, two c-sections. I had rheumatic fever at age 12 on up and I had a heart murmur. I had suffered with ulcers, and back pain and leg pain forever. Now I have complete deep body pain and stiffness. I have been told by my doctor after years of test that I have FMS in the worse way. I have so much pain through out my body and I have been on vicodin and soma, well these worked good but only for a short time through out the day and the pain and stiffness would come back as soon as the medication wore off. So my doctor told me that she wants to put me on Methadone. I asked her if it makes you gain weight because I have been trying so hard to lose and I am also on fastin to lose weigh. Well, as I was looking Methadone up on line, I found so many different opines on it, some say there is weight gain, some say weight loss. Can anyone who has used it or is on it PLEASE tell me how it is for you with the pain control and weight issue and any other things that you have found since on the Methadone. I would really appreciate any help. This board is going to be a great help for me I have been feeling very alone and need the support, thank you to those who have already answered my first post. Blessings, Rose

LookingToTommorrow · 09-23-2003, 01:13 PM

I don't know exactly waht to tell you about methadone. It will make you put ono weight because it makes you fell hungry all the time. It is weird because I will find myself eating a huge meal and then 15 minutes later feel like I didn't eat a thing. The drug is good for pain relief and for help with drug addiction but be careful b/c Methadone can be very addictive. If you don't watch out, you will find yourself extremely addicted to the drug and when you try and get off of it, you will have sleepless night with a lot of pain. So I wanted you to know that before you got started on it. It is a good drug but addictive and your weight will go up. Good Luck with whatever happens.

Rosebud54 · 09-23-2003, 01:45 PM

Thank you so much, Looking. I haven't started it yet and I was just about to but now I am going to have to think this through again. God only knows I don't need to gain any weight, that would make my health even worse. What good is it if I'm tired and over weight all the time. I asked my doctor if it makes you gain weight and she said no but I have looked it up and found information that shows it does except there are other information that shows the opposite, so that is why I came to the board for help. Thank you for your in put I will think more on this. Blessings, Rose

HockeyCrystal · 09-23-2003, 02:34 PM

Rose,
It may not cause you to gain weight. Please don't base your taking or not taking it on one person's experience with it. It could cause you to gain or not.. It doesn't mean it WILL for sure cause weight gain. Especially if you're already on something to lose weight, I doubt it's going to cause much weight gain if any at all... Please think it through before giving up on something that could possibly be the answer to your prayers about being in less pain.

I hope you find answers,
Crystal Rose... (My middle name's Rose)

grizzk62 · 09-23-2003, 05:45 PM

Hey Rose,

First let me say welcome to the boards. I have to agree with Crystal. I have been on methadone and have researched this particular med thoroughly. I may or may not cause wieght gain or loose of weight. It is a very potent Narc. Yes it is addicting but several studies have proven that a very small percent of chronic pain patients ever become addictted to there pain meds. So not to worry about that. Just beaware of that is all. Methadone is a great pain reliever when it has been titrated to the proper dose for you. You must take this med very slowly in the beginning and don't incress the dose with out talking to your Doc. This med is one of the few true long acting pain meds. It has not been altered like morphine or Oxycodone have to be longacting. The difference is methadone builds up in your system. The others do not. Thats why it is important to go very slow in the beginning like not increasing your dose except every 3-4 days between increases. Then you should be fine. You may have some other side effects. But these like nausea and sleepines should go away in a motter of time. Again this med has saved my life in the pain relieveing that it has giving me. Do take good care. And if I or others can be of further assistance. Just keep posting and we will be there.

Matt