dealing with chronic pain and its psychological effects at 18

[panic in paradise]

funny isnt it, you feel like a druggie asking for MMJ or Marinol (pot) but not Opioids...
marinol is insanely expensive and junk, but is the same thing as "pot" at the end, if you dig...?

" i cannot afford medicine as i am unemployed dues to the fact i cant stand to speak to customers a majority of the time. "

be prepared to hear things like; "well, arent there are plenty of jobs where you dont have to talk, and are sitting?"

- sorry, but, trust me as this is my life too and have heard similar comments...be prepared - have a logical rational response, but, you need to get a hold of this young, before it is allowed to further escalate with out any sort of plan, and back up planS.

one of my concerns is that my spine and other joints are fusing and growing tumors, so is my colon, my pelvis is dissipating, i throw up a lot and have been pooping blood again(new cell death in colon have checked every other October) - i took these two black boxed drugs, ignorantly, they have been many times worse then the seronegative-spondoathropy, the osteoarthritis, the everything else this list will never end, thats the nature of it
- my white blood cells are literally eating me alive inside then out.

etc

become fascinated, learn, look to be involved with health care maybe, or dealing with people in the same situation as yourself, when you are older...start preparing.

you are going to need to find a single doctor that you have a relationship with, trust, if you like them or not the trust on both parts is going to very valuable later, in twenty years.


IDK -
i heard the same stuff, as i asked the same things -

 

[turbonegro]

its hard to get a job when u cant even speak in the interview comfortably would be my response. as far as medical care i feel like im about out of options as far as what medicaid will pay for, which will be even less after i turn 19.

i do want to become a dr, eventually and i have studied the disorder extensively, to the point i know either one of two things is wrong with my jaw: either my cartilage disc slipped outta place or its simply worn away, and on the other side it is definately wearing away from being favored for so long. i have a dr i trust and the more i think about it the more i want him to be the central point of my care for this disorder, he is simply that caring. but i cant afford anything other prescriptions at this point and i guess that's what i'll have to tell him. if he isnt willing to prescribe me something so i can make it through the day, ill simply ask him to refer me to someone who will, though i doubt that will be a problem

ill keep u guys updated, thanks for the support.


P.S. if the mods dont mind, id kinda like to keep this open just so i can vent once in a while because its damn-near theraputic for me and gives me hope when im in alot of pain and at my lowest

 

[zombiesarepeaceful]

I admire you guys, PIP and the OP....just my .02

 

[TINK]

Going on 16 years of dealing with chronic pain. 11 years addicted to opiates and 6 years clean. TMJ can be fixed without pain meds.

but i cant afford anything other prescriptions at this point and i guess that's what i'll have to tell him. if he isnt willing to prescribe me something so i can make it through the day, ill simply ask him to refer me to someone who will, though i doubt that will be a problem

That may be how you feel because you are so frustrated, but you may have other options that you are not aware of. There are alot of organizations out there that help people get the care that medicare/medical/medicaid does not cover. I work in the health care industry and I know of a lot of places that might be able to help. Where do you live? I don't need to know specifically, but l assume the US and since its medicaid I assume CA? You should contact me, I can probably find an assistance program for you.

You are way too young to let this condition continue to go untreated. And, don't tell me that once you get the pain under control you will be able to focus on getting the rest taken care of, because I have played that game in my life before. If you really want help and not just to get high on pain medications reach out to me.

Take Care

 

[turbonegro]

Tink, without saying too much because i don't want everyone to know where I live, I have been to most of the clinics you sent me. It seems because they are not specialists in the disorder they dont know very much about it and dont want to risk trying anything, not even a cortisone shot because they say they can't safely get into the joint. The one specialist I have seen doesn't accept medicaid but said he can easily give cortisone shots, he is the one who referred me to PT, and although i cannot afford to see him again, he said that should physical therapy or a splint (which i already have) will not work, i should consider joint replacement. I am absolutely against doing anything permanent to my jaw because everything I've read states that it makes the problem worse almost as often as it makes it better.

On another note, I'm feeling better this morning, probably because I'm at home and havent had to speak to anyone, but its nice. The thing I'm dreading is eating..yogurt and jello get old after a while but its extremely painful to chew even something as soft as ramen noodles

one day at a time i guess

 

[TINK]

Sorry to hear that. I was really hoping one of those places could help.

 

[turbonegro]

..and the cycle continues, PT wont take medicaid nor will the oral surgeon, and now my PCP's office has called me back saying to go back to the oral surgeon
i, yet again, asked to be referred to pain management but he's gone for the day so i wont know til monday whats going on. i am supposed to see the surgeon on the 21 but if i cannot make some kind of payment they admit that they would only see me one more time at the most

i feel like im about to blow up on the next dr who tries to pawn me off. is it possible to go to a PM clinic without a referral if i have xrays and my medical records or am i screwed all around?

maybe now this would be better in the chronic pain thread, idk. i just wish i knew SOMETHING i could do at this point

 

[turbonegro]

im considering checkin into the psych ward for a while..just wondering if maybe they can help me get the help i need all around. anyone have any experience with inpatient in the mental ward that can tell me what to expect? i just feel lost and hopeless right now..i feel like ive finally gone crazy and no ones willing to help me return to my normal self

 

[panic in paradise]

i have considered this many times.


and change my mind when i consider how i dont need a psych-ward stay on my record too now - that will not look good, and be a decent reason to avoid any narcotic/benzo prescriptions, or end up with a dual-diagnosis, when it may be totally un-needed - you will need the stuff later, and especially the lack of tolerance.


i would seriously start looking hard into Ayurveda - in twenty years you might look back and realize how doing so was one big step into life.

vent, please, but do avoid doing so at all costs if doing so, will only let you sink into these thoughts, feelings, and pain - rather then swim on top and through as needed.

 

[turbonegro]

i have considered this many times.


and change my mind when i consider how i dont need a psych-ward stay on my record too now - that will not look good, and be a decent reason to avoid any narcotic/benzo prescriptions, or end up with a dual-diagnosis, when it may be totally un-needed - you will need the stuff later, and especially the lack of tolerance.


i would seriously start looking hard into Ayurveda - in twenty years you might look back and realize how doing so was one big step into life.

vent, please, but do avoid doing so at all costs if doing so, will only let you sink into these thoughts, feelings, and pain - rather then swim on top and through as needed.

im reading up on it..what i can understand anyway, half of the stuff seems to be in indian or some foreign language. how would i go about pursuing this? try to understand right now im not exactly in my right mind and im having trouble focusing because im in alot of pain so any advice whatsoever on where to start would be extremely appreciated

also..that last sentence makes no grammatical sense to me? are u trying to say not to dwell on my problems or did i completely miss the point?

i was just thinking that if im in a hospital they HAVE to treat me, both psychologically, which i desperately need right now because of things that keep happening in my life (dozens of friends lost over the last 3 years, and now my ex, who is dating my best friend, is on suicide watch and refusing contact with anyone), and physically because my condition is well documented by their ER department and everytime I've been in there they give me a shot, as well as painkillers/muscle relaxants for the next day or 2

i think im gonna wait til tuesday, that way i can hear back from my PCP and the oral surgeon will be back from vacation so he can tell me over the phone what he thinks my next step should be..i just feel like im about out of options right now and if i didnt have benzos on hand i would be freaking out, and it would be a horrible deal for everyone around me

sorry if im not makin sense, im obviously doing/taking whatever i can to dull the pain, though its barely helping


EDIT: nvm, i got what u were trying to say, and no its not the venting thats making me feel so down, its my life situation, things that i have no control over. venting actually helps me mentally/emotionally, but it only goes so far when things in my life just keep spiraling downward, if that makes sense

also, i looked more into ayurvedic remedies, and yet again, i cannot afford to buy these herbs. i have $2 to my name, and i know for a fact medicaid wont cover them. im interested in the idea but itll have to wait until i am able to get some sort of income. i know ill find a way to survive and this aint gonna kill me or anything but its just hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, i just turned 18 and my life is nothing but pain, i feel like ive lived the life of a 70 year old and been robbed of my youth. thanks for reaching out, u made me snap outta my hopelessness for now, its just waiting thats killing me and the fact that im supposed to be having the time of my life at this age but cant because i can barely speak and its embarrassing to be out in public when u hardly ever have any social interaction with anyone

u guys are all so caring and i cant thank u enough..i had some horrible ideas goin through my head before i started this thread, but the more u guys post the more i realize i need to fight this in any way i can, the hard part is finding a way that i can fight it, u know?

 

[panic in paradise]

yes, i mean we can begin to stew/mill/stagnate in dead thoughts and spin the spiral you mentioned even faster by focusing on something so profoundly negative..


the herbs and stuff i dont pay much attention to - alchemist had pretty stunning 'pain-treatments' for TMJ...interesting to learn about only!

from what ive learned -
TMJ is a syndrome, and a symptom of hyper or hypo activity stemming from numerous possible causes. the actual TMJ bone is followed and effected in order by (literally and figuratively) the spine, then lungs, the stomach and digestive system - taking care of these, you will actually in time, assuredly have begun actually treating the cause of the pain. at some point, either of us will not be able to take opioids, and man we are in trouble then like no explaining. ..! indeed there are immediate results that are all unique to ourselves.

studying the body physiology, its cellular make up, psychology, eastern and western medicine and practices, practicing focused mindfulness ten minutes a day, we will live longer, not be in as much pain, and be people with a lot of passion and lust-for-life to give back to any~one. it works and actually effects our DNA and RNA, smooths out the oxidation process our the brain body and CNS experience - this occurs often in varying amounts, especially depending on stress levels, but every seven years there is a flush, starting at different times for us all, affecting us all differently. yet the benefits are the same.


im hurting like hell too -lol- and this is what i do, i focus on this crazy stuff because it has such a massive effect on peoples life, in every aspect.
;-)

 

[turbonegro]

it is definitely interesting, but i dont think it would help me very much. maybe the muscle pain so ill learn more about it, but my actual jaw was misaligned after a fight way back in middle school and didnt cause me pain for years although it would pop every once in a while, and over the years i think my cartilage was worn away or simply slipped outta place, so i highly doubt theres anything that can be done outside of surgery, which every organization devoted to the disorder says to avoid because not enough is known about the disorder and surgery is permanent.

i dont specifically want opiates, i would like a muscle relaxer that's not flexeril (makes me delirious) or robaxin, after those my dr gave up on prescribing muscle relaxers. i think i would benefit most from a fast acting benzo to take when im stressed and unconsciously clenching my jaw, but i understand the problems with prescribing those. i just want someone to work with me instead of pawnin me off, or give me cortisone shots or something. i thought my primary would be willing to help me but he said to go back to the surgeon who he didnt even refer me to, knowing i cant afford to pay for it and medicaid wont cover dental. thats why i was considering checkin in, because then someone will be forced to actually treat me

 

[Missykins]

Your university should offer students an insurance plan. At eighteen, you are still eligible for coverage under your parents' policy.

If you really cannot speak because of this condition then you should consider applying for SSI benefits, but you will have to convince them that you
have a disability (what they consider to be "temporary" and "curable" is not covered).

A physician cannot continue to prescribe medications w/o examining the patient, esp. controlled substances.

 

[yuhhhhh]

is it possible to go to a PM clinic without a referral if i have xrays and my medical records or am i screwed all around?

i'm sure this varies from state to state and clinic to clinic, but i don't think you would have much of a problem being seen since you have medical records. for years i went to a number of pain management clinics in houston with just a two page fake MRI report i typed up on my laptop.

 

[turbonegro]

Your university should offer students an insurance plan. At eighteen, you are still eligible for coverage under your parents' policy.

If you really cannot speak because of this condition then you should consider applying for SSI benefits, but you will have to convince them that you
have a disability (what they consider to be "temporary" and "curable" is not covered).

A physician cannot continue to prescribe medications w/o examining the patient, esp. controlled substances.

ur assuming im at a university that offers insurance (i attend University of Phoenix online) , and my parents insurance policy? that would be MEDICAID for my mom and the Department of Corrections for my father

ur also assuming i havent applied already, im waiting for the paperwork to go through. and my physician has already seen me many times for this, and prescribed controlled substances more than once

i'm sure this varies from state to state and clinic to clinic, but i don't think you would have much of a problem being seen since you have medical records. for years i went to a number of pain management clinics in houston with just a two page fake MRI report i typed up on my laptop.

this is what ill do then, i can easily get copies of my x-rays and various other records, and there are a few clinics around my town, and my condition is more than legitimate enough to be seen IMO

 

[TINK]

turbonegro I think it would be a good idea to seek some psychological help. Dealing with chronic pain is not easy. Even if you can't find someone who deals with chronic pain, just see someone. Your pain increases your stress level which makes your muscles tight.

I have had chronic pain for 16 years, and it wasn't until just 3 years ago I realized that my emotional state effects my physical state. It obviously doesn't cure it, but it minimizes it. I am currently in an anxiety group to deal with my anxiety and stress. Learning to relax and meditate. Getting to the mind/body connection. I also see a therapist once a month as well as a shrink.

There might be some medications out there that are not benzo's or opiates that might help relieve your pain. I know personally my shrink prescribed something to me that is used to treat depression but it also helps with my chronic pain and sleeping issues. If it is covered why not give it a try. What could it hurt.

 

[trickfire]

Well, in all honesty, you will have to keep trying to find a Dr. that is not weary about prescribing narcotics. If the pain is affecting your life on a daily basis it is necessary for you to at least symptomatically try and control it. You really should do some research on meprobamate. It is not a narcotic, at least here in Fl it's not. See what the Dr. thinks about that. If you are in as much pain as you say you are, then you are a canidate for opiates, hydrocodone 5 mg is not very strong but it is ok if you have no tolerance. Do you self medicate with any drugs such as marijuana?

 

[turbonegro]

turbonegro I think it would be a good idea to seek some psychological help. Dealing with chronic pain is not easy. Even if you can't find someone who deals with chronic pain, just see someone. Your pain increases your stress level which makes your muscles tight.

I have had chronic pain for 16 years, and it wasn't until just 3 years ago I realized that my emotional state effects my physical state. It obviously doesn't cure it, but it minimizes it. I am currently in an anxiety group to deal with my anxiety and stress. Learning to relax and meditate. Getting to the mind/body connection. I also see a therapist once a month as well as a shrink.

There might be some medications out there that are not benzo's or opiates that might help relieve your pain. I know personally my shrink prescribed something to me that is used to treat depression but it also helps with my chronic pain and sleeping issues. If it is covered why not give it a try. What could it hurt.

the nortriptyline helped at first, and just upped the dose again to 50mg but it doesnt seem to be doing any good anymore. maybe i just dont notice it as much. as for sleeping, im fine with my restoril. it doesnt make me drowsy just relaxed and when i do choose to sleep i can always be sure ill be asleep until i want to wake up
long story short im moving to a small town friday and im dreading looking for a new dr. but i do have an old psych i saw back in middle school here, if she is still practicing, and i wouldnt mind seein her at all. i also used to know several counselors there so im actually looking forward to the potentially huge step up in psych treatment. but like i said it took me forever to find a primary i actually respect and like because he would talk to me like an adult not kid and certainly never like a kid just looking to get high and not looking to get help.

Well, in all honesty, you will have to keep trying to find a Dr. that is not weary about prescribing narcotics. If the pain is affecting your life on a daily basis it is necessary for you to at least symptomatically try and control it. You really should do some research on meprobamate. It is not a narcotic, at least here in Fl it's not. See what the Dr. thinks about that. If you are in as much pain as you say you are, then you are a canidate for opiates, hydrocodone 5 mg is not very strong but it is ok if you have no tolerance. Do you self medicate with any drugs such as marijuana?

i know a bit about meprobamate, though im re-reading things i read in the past now, and it might be a narcotic but it is schedule 4. carisoprodol is a prodrug? the more i read the more i think this would help alot in a few different areas. the hydrocodone is ridiculous and barely helps but it is my drs attempt to work with me while i go through PT. i have to respect his honesty, its why i like him. i will ask him about the meprobamate though if i can get in before friday. it probably wont happen though and if not i will ask to see whoever's available in the clinic and ask them.
i self medicate mainly with marijuana, at pretty small amounts when im not with friends, and very occasionally with whatever opiates are available. somethin ive noticed thats weird though is stimulants dont seem to make it any worse or better. i dont do anything but smoke and take my prescriptions usually though, and smoking seems to make it almost feel like its repositioning itself sometimes. especially when i put my mouthgard in while im high. it really helps more than anything with my facial muscles and helps boost whatever NSAIDS or opiates i take as far as pain in the joints themselves, but its expensive, and i cant work a typical job, so i dont get to smoke all that much.

so for now its move, wait, and see..like always
at least now i have more of a sense of what direction i want to go in next

 

[Missykins]

I would get a job, any job that you can do, so that you can have health insurance. The University of Phoenix is not cheap, so how do you swing that?

Pain clinics typically do not accept medicaid patients, which is unfortunate. Pain clinics are under a great deal of scrutiny now because many
of them are simply pill pushers. A number of them in Florida have been closed.

It's unlikely that a "psych ward" will do much for you. Medicaid may not even provide the prior authorization.

 

[brighton]

some ways ive learnt to cope with being in pain this year (im 24 and have had pretty shitty wrist pain all year)

distract yourself. change location/rooms/go sit in the sun/take some paracetamol even its just for the placebo effect

deep heat/tigar balm - i dont know what its called in the states or if it will burn your eyes if you put it on your jaw.....

avoid activities that increase your pain - self explanatory

try non opiate meds before going on opiates daily - gabapentin, epilim, pregablin etc


your lucky in that your ED will treat you. i have been flagged as a drug seeker as i dont have anything to back up my pain ( the doctors cant find anything wrong) and it sounds like you have a treatable condition. remember that!!!!!