Pain meds

[pchildre]

I was wondering if anyone else is noticing a difference in their care because of the opioid epidemic. I know this a major problem and concern, but there are some of us that need pain relief for the correct reasons. I have two bulging disks, spinal stenosis, disk degeneration, and the worst is the neuropathy is my leg. The burning pain is more than I can handle on most days. I had to take FMLA from work because I am in so much pain. I am prescribed percocets and gabapentin. I am still in agony. The doctor really didn't want to give percocets, she wanted to do hydrocodone. About 10 years ago the neuropathy flared up like this and I was prescribed fentanyl patches by the neurologist. We lived in a different state though. This is 10 years later and we live here. For chronic pain you have to go to pain management. I wish they would do what helped me so much last time. It looks like the doctors would look at your history and realize what gave relief. I am at the point of hardly being able to get out of bed on many days.

Does anyone have suggestions? I have had nerve blocks and they have made the pain move further down my leg and more painful. Something has to be done!

[Hidden]

I’m so sorry they treat chronic pain patients legit ones even working with pain drs like addicts at the hospital I am very sick and nothing I can do sometimes I think it’s just too hard. When will they figure out that there are some responsible people in the world that use these meds to just live.

Julie😥

[pchildre in reply to Hidden]

I had a complete break down today. I cried nearly the whole day. I am tired of breathing without living. They have to fix this pain. Someone in pain 24/7 can only take so much.

[painismysecondname in reply to pchildre]

I empathize. See my intro post.

[katieoxo60]

Oh how I sympathise with you Pchildre, those with severe pain do need stronger drugs if only to lessen the pain, cure is often not an option. My opiods have been reduced with my consent but due to constant muscle pain in my arm/shoulder I have asked for physio. However I beleive the wait is six months, doctor has advised me to return if the pain gets worse I have multi arthritis too which requires on going pain releive with booster drugs when there is a flare up. I have problems of allergy to certain drugs added to the unpredictability of the pain level. Like you and many others, we have a genuine need to survive each day. I do cope, do you ? because I need the drugs when I can't cope at a higher dose which I am sure you do too. But how do we convince those in charge that opiods are a necessity for many in constant pain.Theres even research results out that might change the drugs given for lung conditions too as other drugs are cheaper and apparently work as well., where will it all end?

[pchildre in reply to katieoxo60]

I don’t want to be on tons of meds forever, but I can’t live this way either. To tell you the truth, I think when I had the pain patch there was a less possibility for addiction. I also have horrible stomach problems so oral meds make this worse.

[katieoxo60 in reply to pchildre]

Hi again, I don't understand why pain patches are not used more often as they are slow release so last 24hrs usually, are not so addictive as you say, less risk of stomach or internal organ damage. Must be cost or restriction on usage, similar to needing to sign for opiods at the chemist. Understand the stomach issues, I have biliary tract damage but also have asthma which restricts what I can take for pain. Maybe more research is needed in respect of interaction and long term use of drugs for pain, but that won't help us right now will it.? My freind used the patches but also needed paracetamol. Did you say injections did not work for you.? My late husband had a course of steroids for six months which worked quite well for him, but you have to come off them slowly which takes several months. You need to try alsorts till you find what worksa best for you with least harm to your system. Good luck in the new year.

[Enzo777]

I honestly believe it depends on where you live. Here in US, each state has different laws regarding opiod prescriptions. As of 1/01/18 many laws came into effect. Luckily, in NC, chronic pain patients are exempt from these. As are cancer patients and palliative care patients. Now, post surgical patients are allowed a certain amount of opiods after surgery and certain amounts for acute pain, ER visits etc. I am blessed that I have not been affected by these laws. My heart breaks when I read or hear about patient's in pain being denied medications by their pharmacy, Dr etc. It is hard enough to live with agonizing pain, but atleast Im living and able to function. More and more people will now not be able to work and go on disability. The state's with the toughest ridiculous new laws will be losing many tax dollars and realize that a horrible painful mistake has been made.

[pchildre in reply to Enzo777]

I am in Arkansas. I am not sure if our laws have changed or not. I am a teacher. Teaching is my passion. I have missed it so much. I nearly loss my marriage of 21 years, I am always cranky and sometime flat out mean, I feel I have lost most of my friends, and I hardly leave the house. I decided that I must teach. This is what I worked so hard for. This is what I love. I will be starting back to work tomorrow. I just pray I can hold up.

[PatriciaMarie]

Loss of HOPE...that’s the most dangerous. Surviving isn’t enough, after more than TWENTY YEARS of debilitating conditions, medical professionals DUMPING PATIENTS based on diagnoses! I’ve lost my home, my family, friendships, and any possibility of a loving intimate relationship. I’M DONE BEING DISMISSED. TIME TO GET HEARD! Don’t “take” your life...TAKE IT BACK!

[pchildre in reply to PatriciaMarie]

I have lost so much. I just need to know how to be heard