Greetings! (And was hoping to post this in Pain Megathread)

[AnnaBanana333]

Hey! I've been a reader for a long time, first time poster. I still work full time, but my discs have collapsed (L3-4, L4-5, L5, S1). I've been in pain management for 7 years. I fell when I was 9, and I believe that's what caused the first fissures in my discs. Played hard sports (field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball), and have thrown out my back for years. When I was pregnant in 2007, I experienced sciatica for the first time. I couldn't take anything when I was pregnant; only took Advil back then, anyway. Took so much I burned a whole in me stomach. After an endoscopy, was told I could never take NSAIDS again. Tried a few years ago and threw up.

Currently taking Opana ER 10, 2x day, Oxycodone 15, 4 x day, and just added Oxymorphone IR 5, 1x day. Plus 5 mg Valium 1x day. Since I've in PM for years, I've tried everything and rotate here and there. Came off of Cymbalta this summer (Cymbalta withdrawal was by far the worst experience of my life. Fortunately, I'm not under medicated, so I haven't experienced any other withdrawal. Nope; when I was on 50 meg of Fentanyl every 72 hours, every third day was horrible until they switched me to 48. Fent works well, but not worth the withdrawal every two days, because of my metabolism, I would start to feel creepy at hour 45, then 42, etc. (btw, if you call the company, they will send you those Tegadrem patches for free).

Well, I thought I'd introduce myself and say that I enjoy the support that this forum gives. As everyone says, it's really difficult to relate unless you've walked in these shoes...with a cane. Hope I can offer help, or jokes on occasion. I make a thin, crispy chocolate chip cookie (when my back isn't out), and I'd send one to all of you virtually if I could.

Will be here until my spine fuses on its own (opted not to have 3 level fusion, as it's going to happen on its own; just painful while it does).

Hope everyone has a good laugh some time today. The only way I can manage this life of chronic pain.

 

[DixiChik]

Hey Anna and WELCOME! I may be wrong, but I think I "know" you. Do you remember me? If so, it's good to see you again. If not, I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

I totally empathize with your pain and you're opting out of spine surgery. I too was told that extensive surgery could be performed with hardware on both cervical and lumbar. The Neuro was honest enough to say "Don't do it. It will rapidly become failed surgery syndrome and you'll be even worse off".

So I am HERE, seeking the smarts of those who've managed their pain through chemistry. I'm currently taking Oxycodone, but don't like it at all. There's gotta be a better way...without stretching a good rope to make a necklace. I, too, have a wicked sense of humor, often macabre. Don't mean to offend. It's a survival skill.

Your cookies sound YUM. I've discovered new LEMON oreos...I know, not chocolate but I LOVE LEMON too! I make mad crazy good "knock you naked lemon bars" but haven't felt like living lately. I continue with my career, home, and family responsibilities, including my 89 year old mom. (lovingly, wink-wink, referred to as spawn of Satan).

Hope you get a good night's rest! TTYS

 

[DixiChik]

Hey AnnaB...Can't send reply until you clear your inbox, sweet. I'll just post here for now, as I copy/paste.

NO APOLOGIES necessary, sweetie. She too had a wicked sense of humor. She's also been on the Fentanyl patch during the time I did my trial. Sadly, it didn't work for me. I'm still searching for the Holy Grail of just taking the edge off some level of my decades-long pain. I won't bore you with my crap, but you can type my name in the search space at the top right of BL home page and read if you want.

I don't recommend. It's long.

It's good to meet you, AnnaB. I hope we can help one another!