Anyone on pain killers

[SolaSaint]

Hi all,

I have chronic back and side pain and have been on pain killers for three years now. I try to stop taking them because I really don't like being on them but the pain is too bad to endure w/o them. I feel like I'm an addict sometimes but my wife keeps assuring me that the doctors have me on them so it isn't wrong. It is very frustrating, so I was wondering if anyone else is in this situation and how do you handle it? Thanks and God bless.

 

[Revmitchell]

Hi all,

I have chronic back and side pain and have been on pain killers for three years now. I try to stop taking them because I really don't like being on them but the pain is too bad to endure w/o them. I feel like I'm an addict sometimes but my wife keeps assuring me that the doctors have me on them so it isn't wrong. It is very frustrating, so I was wondering if anyone else is in this situation and how do you handle it? Thanks and God bless.

I blew my back out in 99. Two herniated disks and a fractured vertebrae. For someone with a history of drug and alcohol abuse this can be a problem. I avoid pain meds as much as I can.

1. Doing so means a great deal of self discipline.

2. Believe it or not the lack of sleep can heavily effect your back spams and pain.

3. Diet is also a factor. Be sure to eat healthy and balanced

4. Excersize and stretching. This is hard for someone who hurts with every movement but you need to make every effort do it. It pays off big when you do.

5. Consult with a physical therapist for pain management

6. Consult with a dietician for a better diet do not guess or leave it to chance.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Can you exercise?

 

[kyredneck]

Brother, IMO, your's is an old story that's happened many times over to good people just like you. I'll venture to say that you are indeed addicted, it's nothing to be ashamed of, these narcotic painkillers are regulated for that very reason, they are very addictive, and in cases like your's, nearly unavoidable. Trust me here, I know about pain, I've been there, done this, you have my empathy/sympathy, my heart goes out to you, but don't resign yourslf to this fate, yet.

If you're seriously concerned about it, I've one thing to say, don't fool yourself, it's going to take a lot of intestinal fortitude on your part, get professional help, and soon, and that would begin with your very own doctor. There may be some very viable ways to manage or even eliminate the pain whether it be physical therapy, change in lifestyle, weight loss, etc., or even something as simple as a change in your attitude.

When I think about it, when I dwell on it, I'm in pain all the time, but I make myself not dwell on it, and Naproxin and aspirin help tremendously.

 

[SolaSaint]

Thanks all, I have an appointment with my doctor next week. I'm going to ask about doing physical therapy again. I do need to lose some weight, probably 30-40 lbs. It is very hard to exercise. My foot is also in a lot of pain and I cannot run.

What I'm hearing from you all is you think I need to get off the pain medicine. Do you not think this is something I should accept as part of my life? I did get off pain meds about three years ago but I could not handle the pain. I would rather take the pills than feel the pain.. Just me. Thanks

 

[annsni]

Please don't just go to any physical therapist. There are some good ones out there but for your needs, you need a specific kind. This article was written by a dear friend of mine and my physical therapist. She's helped SO many with back issues in just a few visits including me.

http://lisamorrone.com/index.php/free-resources/finding-a-good-physical-therapist/

 

[kyredneck]

It's an extremely hard thing to break a narcotic addiction and learn to cope with the pain without those narcotics at the same time, but it can be done.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

 

[Revmitchell]

Thanks all, I have an appointment with my doctor next week. I'm going to ask about doing physical therapy again. I do need to lose some weight, probably 30-40 lbs. It is very hard to exercise. My foot is also in a lot of pain and I cannot run.

What I'm hearing from you all is you think I need to get off the pain medicine. Do you not think this is something I should accept as part of my life? I did get off pain meds about three years ago but I could not handle the pain. I would rather take the pills than feel the pain.. Just me. Thanks

Pain meds will most likely always be a part of your life. And there is no shame in that. But I would also say that if we who do honestly need pain meds are not doing all we can to minimize their use then we have something to work out in our lives.

 

[kyredneck]

Pain meds will most likely always be a part of your life. And there is no shame in that. But I would also say that if we who do honestly need pain meds are not doing all we can to minimize their use then we have something to work out in our lives.

We don't agree much but we agree here.

 

[Revmitchell]

I have something that keeps me in check with pain meds. I have gotten to a point where any pain meds makes me nauseous. So i have to be hurting pretty bad to want to take anything. BC Powders have become a great help.

 

[SolaSaint]

Please don't just go to any physical therapist. There are some good ones out there but for your needs, you need a specific kind. This article was written by a dear friend of mine and my physical therapist. She's helped SO many with back issues in just a few visits including me.

http://lisamorrone.com/index.php/free-resources/finding-a-good-physical-therapist/

Thanks Ann, I will see my doctor next week and he did send me to a good therapist about a year ago who seemed to be able to target the source of my pain but I was only allowed to go for about three visits. I plan on asking if I can see her again.

 

[SolaSaint]

does anyone else have the same issue and if so what kind of meds are you on? Thanks

 

[Revmitchell]

Vicodin and Morphine has been my friends

 

[SaggyWoman]

I tend to have a lot of general pain, sometimes lower back.

I am sure if I lost weight and exercised, it would help.

I had been on NSaids but found that it troubled my kidney function. So, had to get off.

I am currently taking a "non addictive" pain medication. I do not take it as much as prescribed....During the day, I usually spread it out at least every 6 hours or longer if I don't remember to take it. I have aches when I don't take it and can tell.

It isn't Vicodin or Morphine or hydrocodone though. Tylenol doesn't do a thing for me.

 

[kyredneck]

I'm one of the fortunate ones, pain meds and the 'mood altering' side affects of the narcotic doesn't set well with me, and, my older brother stepped in and advised/cautioned me at a very crucial time when I was becoming comfortable with the meds. I have a standing prescritption of Lortab available to me which I fill periodically just to have it on hand. That's all.

[add]

I just checked, the last script of 7.5 Lortab was from November 2011. The wife and I (her mostly, actually entirely) take them for aches and pains on occasion. I avoid them. I take Naproxin and aspirin.