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The Pain Management Mega Thread v2.0

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muvolution said:
You need to let your doctor know that you have a medical marijuana card. As long as you are upfront and don't try to hide anything, there shouldn't be an issue. If they make you choose between mmj and them, you should find somewhere more sympathetic.
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^ This. All I had to do was show my pain management doctor my original 215 script and the only information he wrote down was the expiration date, and he said "Show me the new one at this time next year."

From a medical standpoint, Marijuana is tolerated, especially in California, and the drugs they want to make sure you're not abusing are the high-risk ones (cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, etc.) that could interfere with your judgement/ability to dose yourself with opioids.
Read the paperwork you have to sign with your clinic, it will explain all your rights and the rules you must follow, (usually subjecting to random UA. Every clinic I've gone to said they were going to do random UA and never did) it's mostly legal mumbo-jumbo, but it's VERY IMPORTANT.

Always read EVERYTHING before you sign it, especially the fine print. Get out those reading glasses, make sure you agree to the terms, it's a legally binding contract.
 
Yeah, I've been skimming it every day to make sure I haven't signed my life away.... I'm really anal about contracts (as everyone should be) and frankly, this one isn't too abrasive (comparatively to others that I've seen, or the one the orthopedic doctor tried to slap on me).

I'm unsure as to whether or not I'm going to say anything about the MMJ card unless he chooses to drug test me on the first visit. I really have no immediate plans to smoke as it doesn't really help with my pain (and as I stated, makes it weirdly worse).

Thanks again.
 
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You really should disclose that you're a legal MMJ patient. I wasn't going to tell mine either but towards the end of the appointment after he had the scripts written on the table, he asked if I took any other medications, herbal supplements and natural remedies included, and told me that failure to mention ANYTHING could result in me getting kicked out of the program.

Just show them the original 215 script, they shouldn't have a problem. What state are you in?
 
tricomb said:
You really should disclose that you're a legal MMJ patient. I wasn't going to tell mine either but towards the end of the appointment after he had the scripts written on the table, he asked if I took any other medications, herbal supplements and natural remedies included, and told me that failure to mention ANYTHING could result in me getting kicked out of the program.

Just show them the original 215 script, they shouldn't have a problem. What state are you in?
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I'm in California, so certainly in a place where it's at least quasi-widely accepted. It's a toss up for me though, because upon entering this program, I really have no issue not smoking again (as I really didn't enjoy it before I experimented to help with chronic pain) but as you're more experienced with the issue, I'll probably just take your advice :)

I think I just have a lot of fear stored up with the stigma of the whole thing. Some doctors are so weird about it (even with a prescription) and am afraid it would affect the care I get...but I guess that's just the sign of a bad doctor.

Edit - I have high hopes with this particular doctor because he was recommended by and is a friend of my physical therapist who I trust quite a bit. It would be a shame if the MMJ thing threw the whole thing out of whack.
 
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Where in CA? I'm in the bay area. Certain areas are more 420 friendly.

Doctors hopefully, though not always, know better than stigma. It's not the cannabis that doctors worry about, it's that they do not want any legal problems, or have ANYTHING interfere with their six figure income.

Understandable, surely.
 
gromit12 said:
I think I just have a lot of fear stored up with the stigma of the whole thing. Some doctors are so weird about it (even with a prescription) and am afraid it would affect the care I get...but I guess that's just the sign of a bad doctor.

Edit - I have high hopes with this particular doctor because he was recommended by and is a friend of my physical therapist who I trust quite a bit. It would be a shame if the MMJ thing threw the whole thing out of whack.
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I completely understand the apprehension and as someone who also lives in california and explaining/identifying mmj use to a pain doctor all I can say is:

You are more likely to have a better, more honest and open relationship with your pain doctor if you are completely upfront. Don't forget that medical marijuana's efficacy as a pain tool is unquestioned at this point. Pain doctors in medical marijuana states like california are completely aware that patients of all ages, creeds and whatnot have turned to mmj as an alternative treatment. It is nothing these days in a mmj state for doctors to see patients who use marijuana for that very reason and not just for getting high.

I've been through quite a few pain doctors for various reasons but always made my medical marijuana use an open fact. It helps build trust with your doctor and even if they make you choose between opiates and mmj for pain, you are demonstrating your intentions in using it. Being young doesn't help us in PM clinics but in my opinion medical maryjane is not seen in a judgmental and disapproving way.

Just my .02
 
^ Great posting. Take in mind that most pain management doctors see patients all across the spectrum. From people with migraines, to phantom limb pain. Some are there for chronic minor aches or pains, some are there with a debilitating disability (Paraplegia, Autoimmune disorders, etc.), or have terminal diseases (Cancer, AIDS, etc. )

I guarantee you are not the first patient your doctor has seen to use medicinal marijuana, and my doctor actually said that when my cannabis card expires (I paid way too much money for mine, at your typical "compassionate care clinic") that he would write me a recommendation for cannabis for free!

He was very glad I was able to effectively use cannabinoids to decrease my use of opioid medications (Their specialty).
And I am absolutely ecstatic that he will write me a 215 recommendation when mine expires. I'm glad I don't have to go back to one of those shitty "compassionate" care clinics who just want to scam you out of your $$$
 
Thanks for all the help guys...I still have the original 215 in my file cabinet so I'll just bring it along and see how the whole thing goes.

I really, really love this community. You folks are pretty awesome.
 
gromit12 said:
Thanks for all the help guys...I still have the original 215 in my file cabinet so I'll just bring it along and see how the whole thing goes.

I really, really love this community. You folks are pretty awesome.
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I was going to say, welcome to bluelight. I realize you've had an account for a little less than a year already, but I'm glad you're posting more!
You should checkout my favorite part of this forum, the OD Social.
 
tricomb said:
I was going to say, welcome to bluelight. I realize you've had an account for a little less than a year already, but I'm glad you're posting more!
You should checkout my favorite part of this forum, the OD Social.
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Thanks for the welcome! I originally made the account as a means to know more information on particular drugs I was being prescribed. I found this forum to be more helpful than anywhere else in terms of how it might affect me, dosage, risks, etc.

Now with this chronic pain journey (and knowing everyone here is so helpful and non-judgmental) I'll be posting here quite a bit more.

Thanks!
 
Yes, be sure to come back. We are not alone, Bluelight has quite a few chronic pain patients, and it's really awesome the support we have to offer eachother.
 
Hey all, not been posting lately.

Im going to be having a spinal cord stimulation trial soon hopefully, was just wondering uf anyone has an experience with scs, trying to get as many first hand experience info as i can. so any information would be appreciated. hope everybody is in as little pain as possible, i unfortunately am having a bad time lately.
 
^^^

Agreed. BL/This thread reminds me of the cheesy NBC infoads that would say "knowledge is power". In the real world of ever evolving substances, both legal and illegal, it is truly awesome to have a resource/community where information is available to all.
 
I love bluelight. A big part of treating chronic pain, is dealing with the psychological aspects as well. And this is done very effectively with group therapy, or so has been my experience.

Going to pain management classes at my clinic lead by a pain psychologist and pharmacist, with like 20 other patients. It's probably the most help I've ever gotten with dealing with the psychological torture chronic pain induces, like depression, isolation, feelings of inadequacy, etc.
 
We dont have anything like that in the pain management programs I have been under, I did see a psychologist for a while but it didn't do me any good I have had to try and test my own coping mechanisms. I managed to make quite a few friendships online with other crps sufferers and having a support network that understands helps immensely.

And bl of course :)
 
well it's a start, I highly recommend putting yourself out there, it makes you realize youre not alone, and that other people have it much worse than you, clearly in pain, yet still manage to put on a compassionate, empathetic smile and ask you how you've been.
 
Well I am hoping that once I get the scs, and it helps, that I wont be as housebound and will be able to forge more friendships with people in similar situations. Not that I have been able to find any local support groups as of yet so the internet is a very handy for support, think I would go completely nuts without it lol.

Are you in the US?
 
Hello people, just to remind you i'm now on methadone after (long story, short...ish) abusing my codeine, tramadol, dhc scripts, going back for refills early (which resulted in my pain meds being cut off totally as he was real concerned i may od) then going into the clinic & ole Doc spots the needle marks on my hand & wrist... (from morphine & heroin)

So i was referred to a clinc which has put me on methadone , 55 mg now, but i swear i could go down to about 40. They just kept upping my dosage as whenever i went into the clinic they'd ask me a questionaire which i scored high on (not a good thing) & they upped my dosage. However i feel the persistant wd symptoms were just the residual withdrawal from the heroin & opium.8(

Anyway, since starting methadone on the 17th of April, apart from bad muscle aches/cramps & major muscle spasms & jerking, i've been doing great! Pain free is like your body just took a really good shower, on the inside!

I've been more productive, i'm seeing a new girl, have been a better friend & family member. It truly is astonishing how much weight pain can put on you, & when it's lifted it is a bloody releif!:)
 
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That is brilliant that your pain is being managed :)

How did the surgery appointment go? Are you going to be having any?
 
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