• 💊 OTHER DRUGS 💊 Welcome Guest
    Posting Rules Bluelight Rules
    Notable Threads 1 Notable Threads 2
    Dangerous Combos Addiction Support
    Emergency Services Benzo Guide v.1
    Addiction Stories Scary Case Studies
    Biology, Pharmacology & Drugs 101
  • Select Your Topic Then Scroll Down
    Alcohol Bupe Benzos
    Cocaine Heroin Opioids
    RCs Stimulants Misc
    Harm Reduction All Topics Gabapentinoids
    Tired of your habit? Struggling to cope?
    Want to regain control or get sober?
    Visit our Recovery Support Forums

Harm Reduction The Pain Management Mega Thread Version 4

Status
Not open for further replies.
I don't know where you're located but I can't get anything but the plastic ER's. I've heard folks on these boards talking about the new generics for awhile but the pharmacies around here still don't have them. My personal PM experience is that I took Oxycontin for years and recently got switched to Opana ER. It works reasonably well but it's a total bear if you don't take it regularly. I've heard the WD's are about as bad as they come. I hope I don't have to deal with "that" anytime soon. Good Luck with the new med decision!
 
I know that my regular pharmacy has the Opana ER's. The name brand. I am going to ask if they can order the generics. I found the order code and everything through my RX insurance website. So I know they are available. I refuse to get name brand if a generic is available. If I end up getting the Endo name brand and they don't work and there is no other option for a generic then I will try Dilaudid. I don't think I am going to try the Fentanyl. I have read that they take a long time to work and that they keep you up. Even with Oxycodone, if I take my final dose for the day and take it early, so that my plasma levels are high, I wont be able to sleep. So I have to make sure that I take it at bed time so that it takes affect when I am sleeping.

From reading online I see that a lot of people don't like the new Opana ER's because they are tamper proof and cannot be crushed. This is not my intent. I just want to make sure that I get as much of the dose as possible. The fentanyl patch seems like an awesome choice for people that don't want to take massive amounts of pills.
 
Another good way to check the price differences between prescription medications is to look at your insurance plan's "formulary," which is a list of all the covered medications. They tend to be broken down into "tiers," with each prescription of a drug in, for example, tier 1 having the exact same copay. It can be really helpful to check it out beforehand just to verify your options and seeing what is / isn't covered to make sure you can get the best deal and treatment possible.
 
2010Sterling GT, wise decisions in the choices you are making concerning your meds. I wish that when I was so new at taking the pain meds that I would have been as thorough as you in checking up on all of these pain meds. I can let you know that the Dilaudid has always worked best at managing my pain. There is a new extended release on the market that is called Exalgo and whatever you do, stay away from those. This is one of those meds that the pharm. company reported that 1 pill works for 24 hours and it only worked for me well for no longer than 8 hours, but if they would change them to 3 times a day, this is a good form of Dilaudid derived pill. Dilaudid itself works well for my pain but doesn't have a very long duration period of controlling my pain. Good luck to you and keep us up to date.:)
 
Legitimate Pain Management Stories

Hello everybody,

I know there's a lot of discussion on the forum regarding opioids and their use in pain management, and I thought it could be beneficial to start a thread sharing stories from legitimate pain management patients to share their concerns, histories, experiences, and receive support from other members with similar situations.

Personally, I am in the process of getting into a more "typical" pain management program. I have scoliosis that has gotten significantly worse in the past two years, to the point where I absolutely cannot sit in a chair for more than 1.5 hours without feeling as if somebody was putting bricks on top of my lumbar spinal segment. I can no longer focus, think clearly, work well, or even socialize appropriately as I feel desperate to get home at the end of the day so I can lay down for a while, do more stretching, and just relax (physically and mentally).

In addition, I also have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that exacerbates these issues. I've been on Stelara, a biological immunosuppressant injection that has been able to clear up my skin pretty well, but hasn't helped much with joint pain due to inflammation. Lastly, I also had a very severe episode of anorexia nervosa 3 years ago that caused me to drop down to 75 pounds and almost die. During the time, as many doctors have now told me, they believe my scoliosis and joint issues were made worse due to grinding between the structures from losing so much tissue, muscle, and fat between them in such a short period.

As a result of all these problems, I've been on an increasingly large amount of psychiatric meds for depression, anxiety, and insomnia that I believe could be offset by proper pain management. I can't sleep without ambien every night, and I take valium to help muscle pain due to tension and stress (primarily caused by secondary issues resulting from the back pain and spine issues.) I know I should've acted upon the scoliosis much earlier considering it was diagnosed when I was 12, but never did.

At this point, all I want is a doctor who will be able to tell me how severe my spinal issues are, what my treatment options are, and would be willing to really listen and use integrative eastern & western medicine to help me. I've been getting oxycodone from a close friend who gets way more than she needs, but I hate feeling like I'm self-medicating (which, by definition, I am.) I am nervous about going into a doctor and finding out they'd want to do surgery instead of anything else, or that they will not adequately treat my pain due to the taboo reputation pain meds have taken on.

I am not just a drug seeker looking for a way to get meds, I truly feel that I need them and that if I don't start getting proper pain mgmt treatment soon, I'll end up abusing something like alcohol pretty badly. There was a period when I would drink a bottle of wine every night because of the back pain, but I was thankfully able to quit on my own.

So, sorry for the ultra-long post, and feel free to add your personal stories or support others going through difficult times here, as well. I know people can get very frustrated if they're forced to switch meds, taper before they're ready, etc, so having a supporting group of others who know the deal could be of use.

Take care & be well!
 
Sorry to hear that bro, my back is also fucked, don't know the exact diagnosis yet, getting an MRI scan in 3 weeks and that should tell me, I injured the bottom right disc deadlifting in the gym and its just got worse and worse every day since, I am in total agony every single day om on meds but they don't even work as good as they should, not looking forward to the results of this scan cos I know its gna be bad news but oh well lifes a bitch.
 
I'm so sorry to hear that, benzoman. I really hope the MRI results will at the very least help with getting some more effective treatment, and that you'll be able to get some relief. I totally know what you mean about meds not putting a dent in it - I've taken percocet and vicodin ES in the past after a couple situations left me in worse-than-usual pain, and 10mg of oxycodone when I was 15 would hardly help at all. That was one of the reasons I kind of gave up until now in terms of seeking better treatment, so hopefully a good PM doc will be able to be a bit more aggressive and understand the necessity more.

It really is shocking to me how much chronic pain can interfere with general day-to-day living. After taking 30mg of oxycodone IR a few months back after slipping on some ice and being on a plane in excruciating knife-in-the-spine style pain, I was literally amazed at how much better I felt. Not buzzed or high, even, just plain "normal." Sometimes it's easy to forget what that can feel like after getting used to something.

Hope you're able to hang in there & that you're able to get some better treatment options soon!!
 
Sorry to hear about your troubles! Chronic pain is one of the most awful afflictions I can imagine. *Hugs*

Most of the people here use opiates for recreational purposes, but it's possible to use them medicinally while still getting some pleasurable effects as well. The two are not mutually exclusive.

I understand the desire to treat the underlying cause of your pain rather than masking symptoms. Western medicine is sorely lacking in that area. It's either surgery, drugs or a combo of the two. If you're looking to get prescription opiates, there are a few basic rules to follow:

*Never ask for a drug by name.

*Be descriptive about your pain--the type (stabbing, dull, achy, etc); what makes it better/worse, and how long you've experienced it. Keeping a symptom journal can help.

*Be willing to try other drugs and treatments first. Keep going back to the doc if they don't work. (Even if you've already tried something, be "compliant". Or at least make them think you are).

*Use caution when telling your doctor about underlying mental conditions or past drug abuse issues.

*Don't abuse the meds they give you. If you frequently "lose your prescription" or run out early, you will be cut off.

Keep learning about your condition and trying different ways to manage it even if you get a prescription. Once opiates lose their effectiveness due to tolerance, there are few options left. They should be used as a last resort for severe pain, not a constant companion.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the tips, LadyCodone! I totally agree that keeping an open mind through treatment is incredibly important, and I definitely will be as descriptive as possible to the doc when I see him / her. To be honest, I really don't even care that much what they end up giving me as long as it helps. The last thing I'm planning on doing is selling, giving away, or deliberately acquiring meds to abuse them, so I'm pretty much OK with anything they suggest that I haven't already tried and failed with. I live in NY, though, so I'm sure it will take a while to build up a trusting rapport with my doctor that would allow for any type of more aggressive medication-utilization. The concept of getting PM acupuncture is something that excites me, however, so I'm definitely willing to work on a more integrated eastern / western medicine approach.

Thanks again for both your guys' advice! I appreciate it greatly and will let you all know how things go when I eventually see the specialist. Take care!
 
Hey midnight11,

Hope you get some relief.

Been thru the ringer with drs, pain meds, PM or pain management, done everything. Its a fuckng sham. I am super fed up with drs, with everything. Been clean from opiates for a bit now and just trying to manage best as possible. Its no way to live but im working on getting strenth back to try more stuff. I think the big thing is to try and not let the pain rule your life, ya know? Its hard not to get so caught up in it all.

Be thankful if you can get any relief and i hope you can.
 
Was diagnosed with Lyme disease 3 years ago (more or less to the day), and somehow It developed into some kind of arthritis.
My wrists and ankles are pretty much the only effected areas.
From June to October I was on every kind of NSAID known to man, until they finally figured that I had Lyme.
In the beginning of October I was treated with antibiotics, and also got Tramadol (200x2 extended release/day).

The Tramadol did help with my pains, but it also made me unbelievably nauseous. After a couple of weeks they gave me Tramadol IR, which worked perfectly without any nausea. I was on the Tramadol for about two years, stopping last late summer/autumn to see if I was troubled by neuropathic pain, one side of their trials was for me to try medication that weren't opioids. Gabapentin, lyrics, TCAs and all kinds of shit, none that worked.

After a couple of months with no pain relieve I was prescribed buprenorphine patches (Norspan), that worked so and so. This January I was sent to a "pain clinic", where I got started on Tapentadol as the patches weren't working very well. Tapentadol is the medicine that I've liked the most so far! The DRs say that the inflammation and destructive parts of my arthritis are gone somehow, but that my brain still sends out pain signals or something.

I live in one of the Scandinavian countries, have had 6 docs in 3 years and am now looking for a 7th, since they released me from the pain clinic now that I've got meds that work. They've said that the only thing that can help me is opioids (I've tried a shit ton of other stuff and nothing has helped) and I just hope that I don't get fucked by the system now that I need a new Doc, been through a lot of shitty doctors and such on my journey.

Written on my phone, also not a native English speaker so go easy on my writing!

/Rev
 
Revisionism your english is better than some...most native english speakers. Thx for sharing. Lymes is difficult. I know someone with it and they really struggle. Hope your next doctor takes good care of you.
 
Just read every bodies stories. I'm about to see the doctor in a few hours. I hope it goes ok. I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with my back though I think lumber-facet syndrome (sp?) is the current guess. It doesnt really matter though. I'm in an area that is very conservative with pills. Oh and a new doctor cuase I know live in a new area. I just want either Neurontin or Tramadol as I know they both work for me. That may be difficult. Just gotta hurry-up and wait to find out. If I could get my wish I could get both and take tramadol as needed. Its really hard being a young guy going to the doc for back pain without some bad x-rays or something. But I need to keep trying this pain slows me down at work and I can only do about 30 hrs a week lately. Luckily I make decent money so its not an issue. But if I could get some medicine I could pick up a side-job and get out of debt by the end of the year.

Update: recommendation of even more physical therapy. No meds of any kind offered despite the fact my acid reflux prevents me from taking NSAIDS. Fuck this shit if I get my money right and still can't get the proper meds I'm moving back home where doctors aren't assholes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
weekend addiction said:
I just want either Neurontin or Tramadol as I know they both work for me.

QUOTE]

I just told my doc I tried tramadol and It worked and she gave me it, u shouldn't have much trouble getting tramadol, u may have to go through 30/500's 1st and go back say they don't work.
Click to expand...
 
Are you referring to Ultracet/Tramacet or Codeine with Tylenol? Just got confused as your dosages are wrong for both. Ultracet contains 37.5mg of tramadol and 325mg of paracetamol and Tylenol #3 contains 30mg of codeine and 325 mg of paracetamol. If you were referring to T3's, they would probably first try tramadol as it's unscheduled (besides the few states that have it as a C-IV, but less controlled regardless), and Codeine is C-II (C-III when paired with paracetamol).

Also just wanted to mention that this thread already exists in the "Other Drugs" forum - though it hasn't seen much attention as of late. Just know the moderators tend to dislike redundant threads and this might get closed, so I thought I'd let you know where you could continue to post. Though it's survived this long.

edit: Just noticed you live in Scotland. Preparations/control may differ there.
 
I was wondering what happened to this thread. I see its been a while since anyone posted in it.

I hope no ones posting in it because they have healed some and have less pain.

I have thought about a lot of y'all lately.

I'm ok. I still have my chronic pain and started fentanyl patch 25 mcg yesterday. It's ok. It has stopped me from taking the T4's as much.

I found out I have shrunk 2 inches in height. I lost a lot of weight. I filed for disability again. I hope I get it because I can't keep working. I hope to hear from y'all soon. I finally left my hubby so I am happier and more relaxed.

God bless all of you. I hope everyone has a great day.

~Coraline AKA Zoeylynn
 
I feel like shit today after going to the PM dr for my scoliosis and psoriatic arthritis. This guy literally just inquires about my psych meds for 15 minutes, telling me I should be on cymbalta instead of zoloft even though I've tried cymbalta and didn't find it useful at all. He doesn't refer me for a new MRI or x-rays, he just feels my spine for 2 minutes, and schedules me for a 3-point lumbar medial block and sends me on my way somewhat coldly with an rx for meloxicam.

I'm no expert, but I'm also not really comfortable going in for a lumbar medial without him having some more information. He also seemed dead-set on giving me no options at all whatsoever, AKA either do the lumbar medial and go from there or leave.

It was really frustrating as I've been waiting to see a PM doctor for about a month, and I KNEW for a fact the office policy is not to write an rx for controlled subs on first visits, but WTF? You don't need to be an asshole about it. I also thought it'd help that he works in the same hospital where I get treated for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with a 25-grand-a-year biological immunosuppressant medication, and have been for 2 years, but apparently not.

At this point I'm unsure of whether or not I should proceed with the lumbar medial, but likely will as it would be nice to get relief from that aspect of my current pain situation. I am still concerned and pissed though. My back hurts like a mofo as I type this and my joints are stiff as shit from the weather in my neck of the woods today. Blah.
 
Every country is different yeah, Here the pain procedure is 30/500 codeine/paracetamol (co-codamol), Tramadol and they see the next and final step up is Morphine, they forget about DHC and oxys and shit, I can't even get my doctor to give me over 300mgs of tramadol a day took me a few appointments and pestering here, next appointment I'm gna tell a different doctor I've been taking co-codamol as well and they should up the dose because of mixing opoids, I kina know how to play them but its for genuine reasons I've gotta do this shit !
 
My pain management story:

I was in a lot of pain for health problems, so I tried pain management.
I was prescribed opiates (oxcodone and morphine).
At first It was a godsend. My quality of life increased, I was able to actually go out and live life a little bit for a change.
Over the course of a year, my tolerance began to increase and although the dosage was slightly increased,
I became tolerant and addicted and began to run out of my prescription before the next refill.
I had to choose between increasing my dosage to the point of taking a pretty substantial amount of opiates, or ceasing my pain management treatment.
My job requires critical thinking on a consistent basis, and I'm not ready or in position financially to give that up in order to be taking high doses of opiates every day. I ended the pain management therapy. I went through some mild-severe withdrawals.
I'm stronger now then when I started the pain management, so I guess I can't complain. I have a lot of pain and discomfort but I've been lucky to not be completely debilitated. I have thought about getting a prescription for breakthrough pain, but I think that would be risky as far as becoming addicted and simply be an unneeded stress.
Hopefully I will not need pain management again for several years.
The End
 
Jktm said:
Also just wanted to mention that this thread already exists in the "Other Drugs" forum - though it hasn't seen much attention as of late. Just know the moderators tend to dislike redundant threads and this might get closed, so I thought I'd let you know where you could continue to post. Though it's survived this long.
Click to expand...

Actually I'm going to merge it in with that thread right now. There will be a redirect left on the BDD page for 1 week, so that everyone finds there way there just fine.

Also a friendly reminder, that giving advice on what to say to your doctor to get various medications, no matter the legitimacy is discouraged. Thanks to all for their future compliance.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top