Opioids

[mcginnmx]

Trigger: Sucide and Death

Okay for my mom for the the past five years has had trouble with Cigna. She might have kepl fel syndrome. Now the doctors are pushing and pushing opioids cause she might not be able to get surgery. An you see as proven opioids are addictive. I lost my cousin to overdose and my uncle to overdose by sucide. I lost 6 members that year 2018. I warn her all the time not to go near it but now she said if she doesn’t get this operation she will have to go to opioids option which is the very last option. My step father and I have been trying to talk to her out of it. I am afraid if she takes opioids she will be killing herself. I told her my opinion and she replied “ You don’t know what it is to wake up in constant pain, to just lay here on the couch, and do nothing all day” I want to have a happy life but not a short one even if she is near her 60s...

[Beingindependent Volunteer]

That’s a very difficult situation. I hope she chooses what’s best for her.

I’m sorry you’re going through this.

[Nathalie99 Partner]

I am very sorry about your traumatic losses in the past, mcginnmx.

I have heard of situations where those types of painkillers were successfully used and there weren't any issues. I know these things can be really bad but it's not universal.

I've heard of positive experiences.

Being near 60s means that she is still fairly young and I really hope she can get that surgery and maybe a second opinion. It's worth fighting for.

[Jobug]

I understand her position because I also live in constant pain. I encourage you to do some homework on alternative medicines and therapies she could do.

Go to her doctors appointments with her if you can do that you can voice your concern to the doc that is prescribing these meds. Maybe he or she can put your mind at ease. But if you share that overdose is common in your family and there have been suicides, likely they will change her meds or at least not give more.

Honestly, the doc should know this if they don’t already. Most docs won’t give opioids if there is a family history like yours with the suicides and overdoses.

Meantime, look for anything that you really can do to help her to lighten her load in any way. If it’s back pain then get some salves and ointments that’s help with pain. Ask her if she would go to get a massage or a chiropractor adjustment—those both can help with pain...then make the appt for her.

Also if she isn’t already, she could probably benefit from counseling. With chronic pain it makes you depressed. When you can’t do anything, that makes the pain worse and makes you more depressed. It’s a Horrible cycle.

Hope that helps with ideas.

[Midori]

When you live in a 60 year old body you still feel young, also frustrated that you can't do what you used to do, and it is easy to fall into depression with the pain. I'm 72 and Inside I still feel 20, although I know I'm not. I have managed to suppress my pain by my own methods.

Long term, opioids are not a remedy, as the more you take, the less effective they become, and the more depressed your Mom will get.

I'm assuming you are in the States, and I guess Cigma must be your Insurance Company?

Are you having Insurance problems getting the operation?

Could Crowdfunding perhaps be a remedy to afford the operation?

I'm sorry, but I'm making huge assumptions here, but I don't really know how the system works there, except that you have to pay for everything, even if a Doctor only breathes in your direction.

Cheers, Midori