Harm Reduction The Pain Management Megathread (Chronic and Acute Pain Discussion) v6
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Have an appointment for the methadone clinic on jan 5th but realized I had family court the same day. But I already had to wait like 10 days on a waiting list and will just have to reschedule for like the 6th or so. Probably best I can do. I know it normally only works for 8 hours for pain but it seems like at higher doses (80mgs) that it works a bit longer.
AnnaBanana333
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Wishing everyone a healthy and painless 2016.
I was prescribed Cymbalta last year; it has been approved for lower back pain. Believe it or not, it reduced my back pain by at least 20%. It is also approved for nerve pain. Unfortunately, over the course of the year, I gained 14 pounds! So I made a plan to taper off (I admit too quickly; but I am vain and wanted the pounds gone). This reduction and exit of Cymbalta was one of the worst experiences of my life. I asked what would happen if I took an SNRI if I wasn't depressed; they said it shouldn't matter. Ha! Going on was WEIRD, going off was suicidal. But while I was on, it was super effective. I lost weight at first (gained 10 pounds from neurontin), but slowly gained it back. If it wasn't for the weight gain, I would probably still be on it, but woe is the person trying to get off too quickly.
I hope this message finds everyone at least happy, and happiness can only help our pain, right?
Hugs and drugs.
Yours, AnnaBanana
I was prescribed Cymbalta last year; it has been approved for lower back pain. Believe it or not, it reduced my back pain by at least 20%. It is also approved for nerve pain. Unfortunately, over the course of the year, I gained 14 pounds! So I made a plan to taper off (I admit too quickly; but I am vain and wanted the pounds gone). This reduction and exit of Cymbalta was one of the worst experiences of my life. I asked what would happen if I took an SNRI if I wasn't depressed; they said it shouldn't matter. Ha! Going on was WEIRD, going off was suicidal. But while I was on, it was super effective. I lost weight at first (gained 10 pounds from neurontin), but slowly gained it back. If it wasn't for the weight gain, I would probably still be on it, but woe is the person trying to get off too quickly.
I hope this message finds everyone at least happy, and happiness can only help our pain, right?
Hugs and drugs.
Yours, AnnaBanana
THCified
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I've herniated disks in 13 Segments of the spine and after getting all the lower potency Opioids i got first switched to Morphine before i got Oxycodone and am now on Hydromorphone (16mgs extended release daily on a regular base and 5,2mgs/day, 2 x 2,6mgs, of instant release pills if needed).
It's by far the best Compound i've ever had to handle the pain, virtually free of any side-effect(s) and extremely effective of making me able to function properly. I'm also taking Gabapentin regularly @ 2400mgs/day for numb feelings in my extremities (arms/hands and legs/feet) and it also helps me great, better than Lyrica - which i had before of that (even though many prefer Lyrica over Gabapentin). Subjectively i've found Gabapentin to be prefearable as it's more effective and free of side-effects.
It's by far the best Compound i've ever had to handle the pain, virtually free of any side-effect(s) and extremely effective of making me able to function properly. I'm also taking Gabapentin regularly @ 2400mgs/day for numb feelings in my extremities (arms/hands and legs/feet) and it also helps me great, better than Lyrica - which i had before of that (even though many prefer Lyrica over Gabapentin). Subjectively i've found Gabapentin to be prefearable as it's more effective and free of side-effects.
What type of headache? Is the pain all over, one sided, constant, coming/going? 1)Hopefully, she's had her eyes examined. If not-that's a good first step. 2) Topomax RX sounds like she's being treated for migraines. Has she tried a triptan? In light of any cardiac issues, these are the most effective abortive for migraines. The topirimate takes a long time to help. It's a hard medicine, imo. 3) Narcotics are highly ineffective for treatment of headaches. They even make it worse. 4) Down below Botox is suggested, this is the gold standard, best solution.
DixiChik
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Hey Pain Peeps 
Hope everyone survived Christmas. I saw a quote that said "I'll be HOME for Christmas, but in therapy by New Years". Kinda funny, depending on your perspective. My husband and I had a quiet holiday with just the two of us, as we have no children. We have extended family, but they do their own thing since my dad died and my mom went into nursing home. We've tried to host the whole family, but...It's a tremendous amount of work and expense not shared by the families of my 5 older siblings. They think I should be the "mom", shouldering all of the expense, the cooking and cleaning (repeat). We decided to just say "fuck it!" this year.
Instead, the two of us went to a quaint family owned restaurant in a nearby Hallmark-esque town. Their specialty is steak cut to order, then seared over open pit in the center of the restaurant...YUM! After a delicious meal, we strolled around the town square in the moonlight. The store fronts were beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations and lights. The antebellum homes across the way were beautifully lighted, creating a cinematic view. There was a living manger scene, including animals. We took photos, but they don't do justice to the feast for the eyes.
It's been tough, as always, to be "merry" when I feel miserable. I've taken a combination of low mg Oxycodone and more Neurontin, along with Toradol for inflammation. I've done "okay" but I'm glad the performance is over. Steve knows I'm suffering, but I try so hard NOT to make that the focus of our time together...especially holidays.
He enjoys just "slugging" when we're off work. We're in a "show-hole" with nothing to watch on TV that we've not already seen. We're watching NFL football and looking forward to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day. SEC football is like religion around here...
The forum seems exceptionally quiet, which hopefully means that my peeps are in good shape for the shape they're in.
I see a couple of new (to me) names. WELCOME...Come in and stay a while, y'all.
Hope everyone survived Christmas. I saw a quote that said "I'll be HOME for Christmas, but in therapy by New Years". Kinda funny, depending on your perspective. My husband and I had a quiet holiday with just the two of us, as we have no children. We have extended family, but they do their own thing since my dad died and my mom went into nursing home. We've tried to host the whole family, but...It's a tremendous amount of work and expense not shared by the families of my 5 older siblings. They think I should be the "mom", shouldering all of the expense, the cooking and cleaning (repeat). We decided to just say "fuck it!" this year.
Instead, the two of us went to a quaint family owned restaurant in a nearby Hallmark-esque town. Their specialty is steak cut to order, then seared over open pit in the center of the restaurant...YUM! After a delicious meal, we strolled around the town square in the moonlight. The store fronts were beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations and lights. The antebellum homes across the way were beautifully lighted, creating a cinematic view. There was a living manger scene, including animals. We took photos, but they don't do justice to the feast for the eyes.
It's been tough, as always, to be "merry" when I feel miserable. I've taken a combination of low mg Oxycodone and more Neurontin, along with Toradol for inflammation. I've done "okay" but I'm glad the performance is over. Steve knows I'm suffering, but I try so hard NOT to make that the focus of our time together...especially holidays.
He enjoys just "slugging" when we're off work. We're in a "show-hole" with nothing to watch on TV that we've not already seen. We're watching NFL football and looking forward to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day. SEC football is like religion around here...
The forum seems exceptionally quiet, which hopefully means that my peeps are in good shape for the shape they're in.
I see a couple of new (to me) names. WELCOME...Come in and stay a while, y'all.
Good for you Dixie,I all too well understand being relied upon by ones siblings.I just have not been in the Christmas spirit and was glad to see the commercialism of this holiday move on.I am glad you have had a bearable few days.I know all too well the fake smile I must adorn to keep away any fake sympathy,not that I want any at all.I am at a crossroad I guess the 4x10 mg oxy a day is no longer cutting it and I knew eventually it wouldn't.I guess I will either go back to pain management or start doing things I really don't want to do.I am of mind that more than likely I don't have that long left to be here anyway so I should at least be able to be comfortable for the remainder of my stay.I can never do things in moderation,so I'm told.I don't know whether to add to what I have and take a chance on getting booted or go back to PM and fork over all that hard earned cash.If you wouldn't mind would you pm me your email again,I have looked and looked for it but can't find what I did with it.I have a fantastic case of crs.This war we fight with pain is one hell of a battle both physically and mentally.I will of course go down fighting but damn it sure gets old just trying to find some relief.I hope you and yours had a great Christmas and you find relief from the demons that claw at you every day.I do appreciate your positivity and it does more people more good than you realize.Here's wishing you a favorable day with decreased pain.Looking forward to the outback bowl where my beloved Vols will be playing.Good luck to your rebels in their upcoming game
CfZrx
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Hey Pain gang! Thanks for responses on weather=more pain! I am still working with low dose methadone and I have been clean ever since getting legit relief. I can't imagine oxymorphone being better than methadone, but maybe it's just as good at deleting pain? I've found being super high on thc works wonders for my pain 
DixiChik
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Hey...Glad you're getting relief, CfZ! Tell me, though, can you function (work) while high on THC or are you "couch-locked"?
I don't have easy access to MMJ. I can get weed, but have no clue exactly what I'm getting. I'm a greenhorn with rx meds and street drugs are even more of a mystery. I have serious pain issues for which Oxycodone is prescribed through PM. Other opiates (Morphine, Fentanyl) have been tried, but no go for me. I don't take much of the Oxycodone either, because it provides very little relief...and is very short-lived.
My GI issues continue, though I'm taking Linzess. There's something horribly wrong in my belly. Yet 6 hospitalists and 2 GI docs have not bothered to get to the bottom of it. I'm miserable, but faking it til I feel it. I have some weed left, but I don't like smoking ANYTHING. Oh, how I wish that I had access to CBD/THC infused candies/gummies. I don't know if it would ease pain, but right now just a mood lifter would be a blessing. The depression of constant pain is more deadly IME than the chronic pain.
Hope that all of my pain peeps are feeling reasonably well today. Y'all check in when you can. Closeau, are you okay my brotha?
I don't have easy access to MMJ. I can get weed, but have no clue exactly what I'm getting. I'm a greenhorn with rx meds and street drugs are even more of a mystery. I have serious pain issues for which Oxycodone is prescribed through PM. Other opiates (Morphine, Fentanyl) have been tried, but no go for me. I don't take much of the Oxycodone either, because it provides very little relief...and is very short-lived.
My GI issues continue, though I'm taking Linzess. There's something horribly wrong in my belly. Yet 6 hospitalists and 2 GI docs have not bothered to get to the bottom of it. I'm miserable, but faking it til I feel it. I have some weed left, but I don't like smoking ANYTHING. Oh, how I wish that I had access to CBD/THC infused candies/gummies. I don't know if it would ease pain, but right now just a mood lifter would be a blessing. The depression of constant pain is more deadly IME than the chronic pain.
Hope that all of my pain peeps are feeling reasonably well today. Y'all check in when you can. Closeau, are you okay my brotha?
Hi Dixi and high to my pain pals! Hope you all have or are having or about to have a great day, may your pain be manageable enough to take the barrel from your mouth. Sometimes all it takes to save a life is for others' to acknowledge you have one.
ScuicidalNod
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Hey Dixi-
I truly believe the Herb will be your best ally for your GI. You must eat it, preferably daily.
I'll try to break this down quickly...
Basics of weed classification-
Indica: high THC, known for good sleep, couch-lock, muchies, and killing pain.
Sativa: high THC, known for energizing a person, great for art and creativity, long soaring highs, and pain relief.
Hybrids: high in THC, but some are now showing respectable CBD levels as well. These can run the gambit from Indica dominant, to Sativa dominant. Many, many, hybrids exist, as breeders customize their strain for pain relief, flavor, or the perfect balance between couch-lock and tree-hugging.
CBD: these are new strains being developed from decades of crossbreeding w/ hemp and high CBD cannabis. Now there are some truly remarkable strains available, know for pain relief WITHOUT the high, treating muscle spasms, ocular pressure and other ocular issues, and of course the miracle of stopping seizures.
What kind of weed are you getting?
Is it brick weed (brownish, nasty smell like hay, compressed buds, or even just shake)?
Or is green bud? If it's green, can ya just ask what kind it is?
Anywho...Don't smoke it. Your GI tract needs it in there, much more effective. Make Ghee:
Ingredients- coconut oil or butter, 1/2 cup. Marijuana, 1/2~1oz., I like to grind mine a bit, but not too fine. Sauce pan w/ enough water in it that all ingredients are covered, and will not biol over/scorch.
Combine all ingredients in the pan and set on the stove, medium heat.
Stir, and wait for it to biol. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover(optional), and simmer 20~30min. Turn off heat, let cool on the stove an hour or 2, maybe more.
Do not touch, or stir ghee.
Carefully place the sauce pan in the 'fridge approx 4~6hrs. It is ready to come out when the butter/oil has solidified on top of the water in the pan. It is now Ghee.
Cut around the edge of thr pan w/ a knife, and remove the now solid ghee from the water.
You may have to scrape off a bit of herb stuck to the bottom, but I don't. It is minimal, not worth my effort.
Ghee can the be stored in the fridge, and substituted for butter in recipes.
Be careful the 1st couple cookies or whatev you bake, eat 1/4~1/2, wait 1.5 hours for full effects before eating more.
This will work w/ whatever herb you're getting, is easier on the lungs, and will begin to heal your GI tract. If you have access, I strongly recommend this for you Dix. I mean, the opioids are gonna hurt your GI, but you need pain relief, and more than that, MJ is healing, not toxic, like most of the meds we get
You can always PM me if my instructions weren't clear, or for more info. I been out of the loop for a minute, switching Doctors, the fuckin holidays, and of course, pain w/ lots of scans and tests.
Good day to the rest of you as well!
I truly believe the Herb will be your best ally for your GI. You must eat it, preferably daily.
I'll try to break this down quickly...
Basics of weed classification-
Indica: high THC, known for good sleep, couch-lock, muchies, and killing pain.
Sativa: high THC, known for energizing a person, great for art and creativity, long soaring highs, and pain relief.
Hybrids: high in THC, but some are now showing respectable CBD levels as well. These can run the gambit from Indica dominant, to Sativa dominant. Many, many, hybrids exist, as breeders customize their strain for pain relief, flavor, or the perfect balance between couch-lock and tree-hugging.
CBD: these are new strains being developed from decades of crossbreeding w/ hemp and high CBD cannabis. Now there are some truly remarkable strains available, know for pain relief WITHOUT the high, treating muscle spasms, ocular pressure and other ocular issues, and of course the miracle of stopping seizures.
What kind of weed are you getting?
Is it brick weed (brownish, nasty smell like hay, compressed buds, or even just shake)?
Or is green bud? If it's green, can ya just ask what kind it is?
Anywho...Don't smoke it. Your GI tract needs it in there, much more effective. Make Ghee:
Ingredients- coconut oil or butter, 1/2 cup. Marijuana, 1/2~1oz., I like to grind mine a bit, but not too fine. Sauce pan w/ enough water in it that all ingredients are covered, and will not biol over/scorch.
Combine all ingredients in the pan and set on the stove, medium heat.
Stir, and wait for it to biol. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover(optional), and simmer 20~30min. Turn off heat, let cool on the stove an hour or 2, maybe more.
Do not touch, or stir ghee.
Carefully place the sauce pan in the 'fridge approx 4~6hrs. It is ready to come out when the butter/oil has solidified on top of the water in the pan. It is now Ghee.
Cut around the edge of thr pan w/ a knife, and remove the now solid ghee from the water.
You may have to scrape off a bit of herb stuck to the bottom, but I don't. It is minimal, not worth my effort.
Ghee can the be stored in the fridge, and substituted for butter in recipes.
Be careful the 1st couple cookies or whatev you bake, eat 1/4~1/2, wait 1.5 hours for full effects before eating more.
This will work w/ whatever herb you're getting, is easier on the lungs, and will begin to heal your GI tract. If you have access, I strongly recommend this for you Dix. I mean, the opioids are gonna hurt your GI, but you need pain relief, and more than that, MJ is healing, not toxic, like most of the meds we get
You can always PM me if my instructions weren't clear, or for more info. I been out of the loop for a minute, switching Doctors, the fuckin holidays, and of course, pain w/ lots of scans and tests.
Good day to the rest of you as well!
DixiChik
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Hey SKR...WELL SAID and SO TRUE!
I can never keep straight the time difference of U.S. and Australia. I'm 4:05 in the afternoon, central time. What about you?
How was your Christmas holiday? FUN, FUN for the little one, I'm sure! Kids make Christmas worth celebrating, IMO.
I can never keep straight the time difference of U.S. and Australia. I'm 4:05 in the afternoon, central time. What about you?
How was your Christmas holiday? FUN, FUN for the little one, I'm sure! Kids make Christmas worth celebrating, IMO.
DixiChik
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Hey SN...Good to see you, my dear! We must have been posting at the same time, as I missed your post when responding to SKL. I can certainly relate to the tests, scans, pain, and...computer problems. My wifi shut down just now while trying to post. I had to replace my laptop, so I'm still adjusting...GR-R-R. I'm not fond of typing anything beyond a brief text on my phone. I prefer the feel of a keyboard of some sort.
Thanks for the heads up on the weed. I've been told that it would be far more gentle on my fragile GI system. Idaknow enough about weed to know what I have. It looks like crushed oregano, am told by provider that it's heavy Indica. It makes me super-stupid, giddy wasted. Yes, I NEED pain relief every day, but I have to maintain super mental clarity and energy. I will PM you my addy, as I could use some schooling on edibles.
I'm so glad you're back. Stick around. I can be "misery" but I LOVE company.
The pain i felt today over anxiety about major issue that was dropped in my lapvlike a bowling ball at 8 this morning has me reeling. I messed up in a couple ways but wont elaborate. Ill give details if you PM me. Just dont wanna trigger anybody. Right now my pain is great but i had to fudge some stuff to get it to that point. I know cannabis was mentioned earlier and i didnt really read but i know it helps me sooo much. If i could just have both meds and weed id be so much better. Im seeing head of pain clinic Jan so im gonna cone out and ask him what options we have cause i know its alliwed for certain patients. Idk but it saved my ass today. Dont wanna fail my pee test but i should be fine one day 20 days before test. I dont really care anymore. Im so sick of standing and the whole process makes me wanna puke it hurts so bad. Freaking anxiety does it!!! Anxiety is worse thing for chronic pain and having no car and having to now find a place to live was enough stress to make a call and something else i wont mention. Im always very open to my cannabis use to Drs and a lot of them are cool with it, just not pain clinic. Hell, im on heavy duty bipoar med and lithium and koonipin and she doesnt care i smoke. Well see but somethings gotta give. I almost feel id be better off without the expensive opites and stick with my magic cure. Well see. Cant smoke after tonight. Last month or maybevoctober i thought i was getting off meds so i smoked a coupke of times one day and usually im upfront about it but forgot and it was clear. It says 7-13 days for moderate use. Sorry if im rambling. Ive had a rough dayuntil about an hr ago, lol. So my fellow pain sufferes, whats your take, cannabis vs opiates? Y
THCified
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Even though being in constant pain is plain-ass-shite, the depressive state it causes is, just as you said, perhaps even more worse! It can turn you into a total piece of shit!
DixiChik
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Indeed, THC...If I can overcome the feelings of "this pain is fucking forever", which it is...I can live in the moment. It's a struggle that takes more than I have to give. I get SO PISSED at this disease and what it's taken from me. I get even more angry at apathetic doctors and surgeons who know so little about treatment. Talk about a POS...I know many who hide behind their white coats, "posing" as champions of women's health.
Funny, but not...The very same GYN cancer specialist that blew me off in 2010 is now the LEAD dept. head/surgeon advertising early detection for UMMC women's cancers. Bitch makes my blood boil...I know, anger issues.
Funny, but not...The very same GYN cancer specialist that blew me off in 2010 is now the LEAD dept. head/surgeon advertising early detection for UMMC women's cancers. Bitch makes my blood boil...I know, anger issues.
oreocub
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I had moderate hip and leg pain starting last year and found low to moderate doses of DXM always seemed to cover most pain, but obviously this wasn't a good long term solution especially when I had to get daily tasks done. I tried hydrocodone but hated the itchiness and anxiety it brought. Does anyone else have experience with using DXM as a pain killer? I remember seeing a study that proves its an effective pain killer, but anyone just my thoughts.
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