Recommendations from your experience please- one addict to another? insurance issues

[bergerbuns]

Howdy,
Was active in AA for two years and then found pain killers due to injury that became unbearable with over the counter meds. Was active still in the program but never felt as if i truly belonged anymore b/c i was using a mind-altering substance. Been on for five years from pain management clinic and decided one month ago the insanity had to stop. Told my pain mgmt doc and he tried weaning me from opiates with clonidine but we all know how that went found a DO who prescribed suboxone and for the past 3 weeks it helped with addiction and pain. He filled me a new rx and insurance won't cover one penny... so i'm at the point of paying $600 for suboxone per month or $500/month for the generic, which is not doable. Another option is to go back to pain meds b/c i can go back to $20/month but that's not the route i want to take anymore. I also have the option of going to methadone but that's also not an option for my addiction. I would like to ask if any of you have found a medication that works to assist with detox short term along with pain. My primary will prescribe this. I cannot go back to where i've been and cannot go thru withdrawals again due to being the single income for the family with two kids and a job that has 0 support for addiction. I hope next year to have my triple fusion once i get better insurance. I've read short term valium and soma will help to get thru with pain and withdrawals, any advice? I am talking with my sponsor daily and just looking for your experience on other options.
Thanks.

 

[MrRoot]

Hi there and welcome to Bluelight.

I know suffering from a pain and not wanting a narcotic pain killers can be a pain in the ass. You'll end up having a dependency or might even start abusing the drugs so quitting them may sound like a good option.

Do you have neuropathic pain? Have you discussed about if there are some other treatments to your condition?

Lyrica and Neurontin have helped people to get through withdrawals and it is prescribed for neuropathic pain.

What kind of drugs you are currently using?

Are you aware of post acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS which might appear even after legit pain management?

 

[bergerbuns]

thank you so much for the quick reply! yes i decided to find other alternatives as i of course became hooked on the opioids. i have spondylisis, spondylilsthesis, 2 bulging, 2 herniated, nerve root damage, and pars defect. Only other med i take is cymbalta 120mg for the nerve root pain and depression. I am aware of PAWS and have experienced this... hence why i'm looking to you all for a long term therapy method comparable to suboxone to help me out of this nightmare. I've done tons of physical therapy, acupuncture, epidural steroid injections, nerve root injections, etc. Two orthopedic surgeons say i need a triple fusion but won't do it b/c of my age and that i have many more years of wear and tear and that pain mgmt. is only option for now. I can "control" this pain i know with an anti-inflammatory but need to get out of opioid hell for now...suboxone was first choice but thanks to american insurance this is not an option right now. So, looking to you all for something to relieve PAWS for about four months and then go at it on my own with acupuncture, yoga, and anti-inflammatory.

 

[Moreaux]

I think MrRoot is right - gabapenton (Neurontin) should be something you look into. It helps with withdrawal, PAWS, and pain. Most American insurances cover it, and it's available in generic. Good luck!

 

[cj]

There is nothing comparable to suboxone or methadone really. If you stop opiates your going to have withdrawals and they are going to hurt. Now there are ways to lessen the misery but lessen is the operative word especially after being dependent for a few years. You also get the other evil of being in legit pain so your going to be hurting from your injury and in opiate withdrawal. I wont question your decision to get off opiates as that is not my place but truthfully your in for a tough fight.

Lyrica is the first med I would request from the doctor followed by clonidine, soma, valium, and Seroquel. Some good pot would help as well. Your going to need at least 5 days off work to get through the nasty part. Also since you have been taking suboxone the withdrawal is not going to really start until 36 hours after your last dose. Also your symptoms may linger for a little longer since you have been taking suboxone.

My stock advice to people who want to get completely off opiates for good is too go to a good long term rehab program. But since that isn't an option I at least recommend you get into therapy and try to figure out the root of your addiction. Your going to be extremely vulnerable to relapse for at least the first 6 months. Hopefully you can find a way to deal with your pain. I imagine its going to be difficult to stay off the painkillers otherwise.