Harm Reduction The Pain Management Megathread (Chronic and Acute Pain Discussion) v6

[SluttyPeach]

Hey everyone, been MIA for the past week. Locked in the nuthouse. :/

I've read the replies, and it breaks my heart. Like, I want to help everyone but I don't know what to say or do. It's a damn shame people have to suffer like this! Is it really too much to ask for to want to feel like a functional human being??

There are two types of people who are treated like shit/swept under the rug by the medical community: chronic pain patients and the mentally ill/addicts. I grouped addiction in with mental illness because it IS a disease. We suffer, we beg for mercy, and we die younger.

I pray for all of us! Much love and such

 

[ScuicidalNod]

SNod...I wish you luck in finding the right fit for a PM specialist. It sounds as if you have many to choose from, but I also hear what you're saying about changing "what works for you".
.

The PM doc offered no help, told me to go back to primary care.
This has been the basic treatment I've received since returning to SoCal from my beloved Redwood forests and secluded beaches. All they say is "opioids have not been proven to reduce pain in non-cancer patients"

Please please draw out a pentagram and light a blue candle for me; in hopes that my appointment goes well tomorrow. It will be w/ a suboxone doc. who also handles PM as well.
If that goes the same, I'm considering a visit abroad for help, and if all else fails, going to a sub clinic...So desperate for meds. No one will continue my 'scripts here, 2 bupe patches left, that's it.

to all: I'ld love to give more feedback, be involved...Just can't type, use my hands more than a 20 min stretch. So sorry if i'm not involved more. many thanks, and a restorative slumber, or the ultimate comfort of the long sleep to all who desire.

 

[DixiChik]

KC...Got it and just replied. Thx.

Peach, I read about your dilemma and wondered how you were doing! I hope you're feeling stronger.

We cry a while. We laugh a while. Laughter, even maniacal is such a stress release!

 

[DixiChik]

Hey SN...So sorry you're having a bad run even after moving back for better PM. Did you say that you have neuralgia (nerve pain) also? I'm guessing you've tried either Neurontin or Lyrica or both? Some folks swear these help their nerve pain. As much as I personally dislike Gaba (Neurontin) I was FORCED to take it during my acute bout with SHINGLES VIRUS in my eye. I don't think I'd have survived the nerve pain in my tri-nerves. Even my PM doc called it the suicide disease.

Perhaps the new doctor will prescribe the meds that work for you, if you agree to try some of the adjunct nerve pain meds/modalities.

I will check back tomorrow. Sending positive thoughts your way for an understanding doctor!

(((HUGS))) though gentle ones.

 

[namnoc16]

Yeah I need to find a new pm doc because the last one my primary recommended (as I previously stated) got busted for Medicaid fraud. Day of my appointment there was a sign saying sorry we are closed and I remember thinking that fucker better be dead or have a good reason,turns out he did!
Anyway finding a PM doc in my area is a laborious task. All the ones in my area just want to do injections (no meds) and I've had about all of the painful fuckers. I feel like when I tell them I don't want injections they label me as a seeker but I've had trigger point,faucet,epidural and even blocker injections and I won't do them again. Don't know how much longer my doc is gonna continue writing my scripts but hope they continue till I can find a doc.
Anyone else have this much trouble finding a pain clinic? These places used to be all over the place now they are all about injections.

Oh and Dixi when my mom had dementia she used to go through other residents drawers and purses which was the total opposite of her charchter(never would have taken a penny that didn't belong to her). The worst part was she would hit on me and that was kinda awkward. I remember when she first started to get sick I found her crying one day behind her bedroom door and I said mom what's the matter and she "Eric what's happening to me" I'm crying now remembering that such a heart breaking disease.

 

[Jlosnow]

The PM doc offered no help, told me to go back to primary care.
This has been the basic treatment I've received since returning to SoCal from my beloved Redwood forests and secluded beaches. All they say is "opioids have not been proven to reduce pain in non-cancer patients"

Please please draw out a pentagram and light a blue candle for me; in hopes that my appointment goes well tomorrow. It will be w/ a suboxone doc. who also handles PM as well.
If that goes the same, I'm considering a visit abroad for help, and if all else fails, going to a sub clinic...So desperate for meds. No one will continue my 'scripts here, 2 bupe patches left, that's it.

to all: I'ld love to give more feedback, be involved...Just can't type, use my hands more than a 20 min stretch. So sorry if i'm not involved more. many thanks, and a restorative slumber, or the ultimate comfort of the long sleep to all who desire.

Suicidal- All my prayers going to you hun, I hope you get the PM you NEED!! I can relate to the long nights of no sleep, it can really be such a vicious cycle: no sleep = more pain + less energy. More pain = no sleep. I hope you get some meds that help you get through this storm.

Dixi- Wow girl you are seriously THE TOUGHEST woman I have seen! Thank God you and your siblings were resilient and made it through such horrible abuse. My heart breaks for your current conditions. I would totally mail you some brownies, I have an excellent "chef" out here in CA that has amazing edibles that really help my pain. I can't remember if medical MJ is available where you live?

There are so many posts I don't want to ignore anyone, my love and prayers go to all of you out there like me suffering from chronic pain. I saw my PM doc yesterday and had a list of notes/discussion points that I went through. I gave him a digital copy of all my surgery records and had the courage to directly say: "Norco and morphine do not work, I want different pain meds". I was so fearful of being labeled a "drug seeker" before but I can't go on like this anymore . And thank God, HE LISTENED AND CHANGED MY MEDS! ! HE put me on 25 mcg fent patches, 10 mg percocet 4x day for break thru pain. Put the patch on last night, gave the percs to my hubbie and told him to dole them out to me daily so I don't run short. I cannot describe the amazing relief I feel this morning! My pain levels are lower than they have been in the last 3 years.

I hope everyone has a good pain day!

 

[DixiChik]

(((HUGS))) to my cyber siblings in pain. I mean that, from my heart!

namnoc...I weep with you, my friend. Dementia is a wicked disease. I'm so sorry it robbed you of your mom.
Finding a PM around here is impossible, without 2 hour drive each way. That'd be tough (long term) to do monthly, IF you felt GOOD, which I DON'T. So...I'm stuck with mine for now.

Jlos...FANTASTIC NEWS, friend! I am so happy to hear it. It does my heart good to hear that your pain is finally managed. Please try to keep steady, with little if any dose increase. As always, don't depend entirely on the meds, and implement other modalities for wellness.

SN...I believe in the power of prayer. Today could be just what you need for a new PM doctor. Ask about the nerve pain meds I mentioned. They are miracle adjuncts to pain meds for many.

Everybody stay safe, especially those in the path of Jaquin (sic)

 

[FnX]

Please please draw out a pentagram and light a blue candle for me; in hopes that my appointment goes well tomorrow. It will be w/ a suboxone doc. who also handles PM as well.
If that goes the same, I'm considering a visit abroad for help, and if all else fails, going to a sub clinic...So desperate for meds. No one will continue my 'scripts here, 2 bupe patches left, that's it.

to all: I'ld love to give more feedback, be involved...Just can't type, use my hands more than a 20 min stretch. So sorry if i'm not involved more. many thanks, and a restorative slumber, or the ultimate comfort of the long sleep to all who desire.

NSFW:

Sorry for the size, can't remember how to thumbnail it, but I went and bought a candle for you.

 

[ScuicidalNod]

NSFW:

Sorry for the size, can't remember how to thumbnail it, but I went and bought a candle for you.

That means so much to me.
So much....Thank you.

 

[ScuicidalNod]

Finding a PM around here is impossible, without 2 hour drive each way. That'd be tough (long term) to do monthly, IF you felt GOOD, which I DON'T. So...I'm stuck with mine for now.


SN...I believe in the power of prayer. Today could be just what you need for a new PM doctor. Ask about the nerve pain meds I mentioned. They are miracle adjuncts to pain meds for many.

I had to drive 2hrs 45min (1way) to get to this doc.
He did not give me any answers I wanted. But, I really appreciate him not just shoveling more bullshit at me.
I'm already on very close to toxic doses of gabapentin, on muscle relaxers, IBU, any and all drugs they could attempt to substitute for actual PM(opioids).
I would love any suggestions for any nerve pain meds thou (not gaba ot Lyrica), to add to the arsenal.

This doc., was the best I seen- sharp, articulate, listened well, even asked ME what I expected out of the appt. (I says his profes. advice, and end to pain{hafugginha}).
I limped out w/ a 'script for 60 Norco, and methadone.>.>.>>> My eyes got watery, and I might've even had a hint of a tear when he told me the 'done was the only drug that manages this level of pain, & specifically nerve*, when you're maxed on NSIADS asprin, gaba etc. I really dug the way he was like "sorry for the bad news, but I'm going to give it to you straight. You're going to be in pain the rest of your life. Sucks. But I'm not going to lie to you".

*I had detoxed high-dose methadone 1 and a half years ago, and have been opioid free untill 3 months ago... All that work, will power, pain, vomit...Merp.

 

[Whosajiggawaaa]

I've just noticed my OC 80 label ( my latest legit rx) says 60 tabs left on rx, must be a mistake cos I am certain i collected all 120 of em - that label has the date i collected the last 60 left on the script yet it says 60 tabs left in RX.
it MUST be a mistake on their part, I'm not going to take advantage of it tho, cos a good relationship with a pharmacist is almost as important as a relationship with a doc when it comes to hard opiate painkillers. and atm i have good relationships with my pharmacists and docs. If i capitalize on a mistake even if it is on their part it could put this in jeopardy. So I'mma wait some more for the due date. not too long now anyway.

 

[namnoc16]

Whosajiggawaaa I assume you aren't in the U.S.,correct? Or it might just be my state but I have to see the doctor for any prescription refill of a scheduled 2 narcotic.Pain in the ass sure the docs don't mind, I go every 25 days!

 

[DixiChik]

Whosa...You're in South Africa, right? I've read of your shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. Is that how you started on Oxy or had you used it recreationally before your injury?

I ask because so far it's the only med that my fucked up GI can tolerate. I don't like Oxy for pain relief. I've never used ANY drug recreationally...ever, sans alcohol. I see that your doses are frightening (for me) but don't get me wrong...I don't judge. I hesitate to lean too heavily on this opiate (or any other), as I fear my PM doctor won't follow through. He's batshit crazy and self-contradictory, on a good day.

BTW...Kudos on adopting the new dog. She's a beauty. My dad always had German Shepherd dogs. Is that her breed? My husband and I have Dalmatians (or did) They were a magnificent pair of sisters named Hotty and Toddy. Hotty died suddenly in July of heart failure. We are still grieving. We looked to Dal Rescue to adopt a new mate for Toddy but all we could find were males. She's rolling solo for now.

namnoc...Y'all sorta dodged a bullet with Joaquin didn't you? Wow, the Carolinas are getting hammered! Dejavu all over again.
Have you cranked that Honeyshine yet?

SN...I send cyber hugs as I feel your pain and sadness.

FML...As if it's not already seriously fucked...I fell backwards on the massive rocks around our pond/waterfall this weekend. I tried to catch my fall, but failed. My tailbone slammed against the rock, jolting my entire fucked up spine. My left hand/wrist jammed, but didn't break. I'm bruised from head to toe and my hand looks like a purple catcher's mit. I have a wrist brace and steady icing it.

It could have been SO MUCH worse. I know, but double FML...

To all my other cyber siblings in PAIN...Thinking of you. ((HUGS))

 

[Rachella666]

Are you still taking the dihydro & codeine? The weaker opioids may be blocking the oxy or morph from being able to fill the receptors.

A pharm refused to sell me cold & flu tabs with codeine when I was on oxy for this very reason. I would imagine the Stronger meds would bump the weaker ones off, but that was his opinion.

Rtp

Hiya, I was told to come off dihydrocodeine whilst on oxycodone, I was still prescribed codeine, I stopped taking codeine then, roll on withdrawals which I thought I wouldn't have due to the oxy, I'm so in pain and I want a fucking chainsaw to rip through my cast, wish there was such thing as a limb shop where you could buy and replace limbs. I hate fibro!!????

 

[Whosajiggawaaa]

^Hard opiates for fibro lol... Opiates don't work for fibro, none of them, any good rheumatologist would tell you that. Gabapentin or lyrica is what really helps there. Tramadol has shown some efficacy there cos of the SSRI properties but not the convential ones.
See a rheuomatologist if you really want to get better and do what's right for your condition and not just to get high under the guise of pain relief. Excuse my bluntness but that is what you'd be told by any fibromyalgia specialist, would put money on that, my mom had it before she got cancer.

Whosa...You're in South Africa, right? I've read of your shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. Is that how you started on Oxy or had you used it recreationally before your injury?

I ask because so far it's the only med that my fucked up GI can tolerate. I don't like Oxy for pain relief. I've never used ANY drug recreationally...ever, sans alcohol. I see that your doses are frightening (for me) but don't get me wrong...I don't judge. I hesitate to lean too heavily on this opiate (or any other), as I fear my PM doctor won't follow through. He's batshit crazy and self-contradictory, on a good day.

BTW...Kudos on adopting the new dog. She's a beauty. My dad always had German Shepherd dogs. Is that her breed? My husband and I have Dalmatians (or did) They were a magnificent pair of sisters named Hotty and Toddy. Hotty died suddenly in July of heart failure. We are still grieving. We looked to Dal Rescue to adopt a new mate for Toddy but all we could find were males. She's rolling solo for now.

namnoc...Y'all sorta dodged a bullet with Joaquin didn't you? Wow, the Carolinas are getting hammered! Dejavu all over again.
Have you cranked that Honeyshine yet?

SN...I send cyber hugs as I feel your pain and sadness.

FML...As if it's not already seriously fucked...I fell backwards on the massive rocks around our pond/waterfall this weekend. I tried to catch my fall, but failed. My tailbone slammed against the rock, jolting my entire fucked up spine. My left hand/wrist jammed, but didn't break. I'm bruised from head to toe and my hand looks like a purple catcher's mit. I have a wrist brace and steady icing it.

It could have been SO MUCH worse. I know, but double FML...

To all my other cyber siblings in PAIN...Thinking of you. ((HUGS))

Yeah in SA. And yeah started it after a diff injury not the shattered shoulder ball and socket - a snapped humerus. By the time I shattered my shoulder I was already on 300 mgs of oxy +. It's slightly less now but still leaves a lot of room to be desired.
Hoping gabapentin will help me space out my doses.
Hopefully get my big OC rx filled (the insurance one, 120 pm) either the end of this week or next week. Have got 20 oc 40s and 20 oxynorm IR 20s to tide me by till then. 20 or so of each. my count might be a lil off maybe slightly more or slightly less.

 

[namnoc16]

Hey dixi made 5 gallons of my honey shine mash and it's bitter sweet my buddy wants his still back after 8 months.

 

[DixiChik]

OUCH...Whosa, I cringe just reading of those injuries! That HURTS just to think about it. I'm sorry for you, as those injuries will sadly give you lifelong pain.

Flashbacks of near death car wreck during my HS years. It almost killed my mom, my sister and her unborn child, and...me. I guess, in hindsight I'm thankful that I didn't get hard opiates post-hospitalization. Of course, all 3 of us were airlifted to trauma centers in the mid-south area, where we stayed for WEEKS. By the grace of God, we all survived (including my now 38 yr. old niece). So, yea...I'm older than dirt, but still scratching (most days) to stay on the green side, rather than the roots!

See...This is WHAT scares the shit out of me...Most people I read of taking the Oxycodone rapidly increase their dosage/tolerance. The rebound pain it leaves me with sucks, so I can see where one might think "more is better". I actually don't, not for me. Call me crazy...many have, but I stand firm. Yes, I hurt like HELL. But, greater is my fear of the Oxy not helping long-term, needing to take it in mass amounts, just to survive. I'm 54. I've hurt for most of my life. This pain from traumatic injury and disease ain't going nowhere. It's a choice between a fucking rock and a boulder for me.

Idaknow...I use multiple modalities to keep myself in motion. Unfortunately, that motion was "off" this weekend...thus, more injury!

namnoc...Hm-mm-m, imaginary "happy dance" just thinking of honey shine. I love even saying it! Yes, the simple things in life make it tolerable for me (most days). Do you cultivate your own bees and/or honey, then flavor your product? Folks around here do the BEES in a big way.

SO GLAD you dodged the hurricane bullet and your family is safe! Lord I know what it feels like to have flood waters hit the crown molding of our (then new) home! I've also witnessed the kindness of strangers who offered to boat us into our place to rescue our cats. Both were floating on logs of our firewood. I weep for the folks affected "this time". Sorry, I seem to digress.

 

[Speed King]

Hello everyone. I've been missing for about a week. I just got a new primary care doctor and got my referral to pain management. I'm switching due to my current pain doctor only suppose to be treating cancer patients with cancer pain. Anyway, I was told that I would get a call in the next two days for a new pain management doctor. The new primary doctor I got today(fortunately cannot do anything about what I do) flat out said that opiates do not work for fibromialgia, said that the new PM doctor may take me off my medicine, then said later in the visit that if my current PM doctor says that I'm on whatever medicine and dose I'm on, the new doctor may or will continue me on that medicine.
I really do not know what to think. I have my last face to face with my current PM doctor on the 12th I believe. I figure i can get her to, within reason, make sure my pain script is where it should be, so it will be a smooth transition to the new doctor.
Am I dreaming? Can anyone relate or share on my new situation?

 

[DixiChik]

Hey SK...I don't know definitively what to tell you, as Pain Management seems to be a "Forest Gump" thing. Ya know, box of chocolates...never know what you're gonna get.

My PM is never the same guy twice. No, literally, his demeanor/personality changes each time I see him. It's a horror story I've documented in gross detail in my DC threads/posts.

It sounds as if your GP, though "new to you" is taking a "no opiate stance" like most are, due to DEA protocol. As I'm sure you know, it is now RARE for one's GP to prescribe anything stronger than NSAIDS/maybe Tramadol (even that's been rescheduled). We who suffer from incurable, intractable pain are forced to go through the cattle call of PM.

My suggestion would be to obtain all of your medical records/test results from past injury/illness/disease. I'm OCD about organization, so I keep mine in large 3 ring binder w/tabs according to specialist/surgeon, subdivided into tests, reports and films on discs. You'll need to be open and honest IMO about what meds have/haven't worked for you. You'll need to take a submissive approach when meeting your new PM doctor. Allow him to lead the conversation, you are to follow his initial suggestions of meds/dosage etc. Basically, if he doesn't choose to take your case, you have no recourse but to try another.

What type of cancer did/do you have, if you will share? WHY won't your oncology PM doc continue to oversee your PM? My cancer surgeon retired and left me in the lurch. I was left twisting in the wind and had to start over. My disease is not technically cancer, but it does mimic it's cell mutation and aggressive consumption of my vital organs.

It appears as though your cancer doc is your best hope in referral and suggestion of starting doses. Please remember, though, that this new doctor does not have to abide by your current plan. I would make notes w/pertinent questions to ask your current doc on your upcoming "farewell" visit. I know nothing of Fibromyalgia except that it involves wide spread nerve pain. In that case, Lyrica/Neurontin would be considered "gold standard" for nerve pain. I've heard of milder opiates used in conjunction, but that will be at your PMs discretion.

I hope things work out for you. I really do.

 

[ScuicidalNod]

Hello everyone. I've been missing for about a week. I just got a new primary care doctor and got my referral to pain management. I'm switching due to my current pain doctor only suppose to be treating cancer patients with cancer pain. Anyway, I was told that I would get a call in the next two days for a new pain management doctor. The new primary doctor I got today(fortunately cannot do anything about what I do) flat out said that opiates do not work for fibromialgia, said that the new PM doctor may take me off my medicine, then said later in the visit that if my current PM doctor says that I'm on whatever medicine and dose I'm on, the new doctor may or will continue me on that medicine.
I really do not know what to think. I have my last face to face with my current PM doctor on the 12th I believe. I figure i can get her to, within reason, make sure my pain script is where it should be, so it will be a smooth transition to the new doctor.
Am I dreaming? Can anyone relate or share on my new situation?

Ya, mmmmmk.
I Just had some dik4 of a doc tell me opiates haven't been proven to kill pain for anything besides cancer.
I'm smellin' what yer cookin' Speedking.
After that, I just looked for a suboxone doc that also did PM, and he was the best so far, and gave up a 'script for this non-cancer pain patient.
I'm on permanent disability though, and have medicare, so it might not be so easy for you to shop around like me- 5 PM appoints, 5 different doc.s in the last month.