Harm Reduction The Pain Management Megathread (Chronic and Acute Pain Discussion) v6

[iLikeTurtles]

maxximus you're right on about the ridiculous med prices and all those costs. I have TRICARE prime as well which is fortunate, though I'm a spouse. I'm glad you have it especially with those surgeries and whatnot. And thank you for your service FWIW.

 

[closeau]

Hey maxximus. That sucks you have to wait and suffer like that. Im real sorry man. Do you not take anything for it or does it just doesnt help. Thats awesome you pay nothing out of pocket. Yes, phar companies are like the mafia man. I pay 42$ a piece for my pain meds. Thats better than the 120$ a piece i was paying. Im on 14 different meds. The pain meds are the most and the rest vary. My Latuda is free. God, thats sucks about the IED. Man, again, my hats off to you and all who defend this country. People back here bitching about everything and youre over there having parts of the truck picked out of you. Yall are a different breed of toughness. Im in awe of armed forces. Im too old and almost legally blind but i stand behing every solider everywhere. Im not a gun guy and havent shot a gun in years and going to the range tomorrow to shoot my buddies AR-15. Im kina excited. I have plenty of people ill see on those targets. Also, i love your suicide line. Very clever and very true. Ill never give up. Ive made 3 attempts and you know what, im still here so that means something. No more of that shit for me. Thanks man and hang in there with your back

RTP, what can i say? Im hanging in there. Def feel much better back on my meds. I dont know how to say this but getting on this thread makes me feel fortunate. You and Dixi and Maxximus, i cant imagine. I mean, i had my colon out and im stuck with this dreaded ostomy but its like over. It hurts and i take my meds and pain goes to 6 or even 5 sometimes but yall are in an ongoing process and im so sorry about that. Your problems may seem insurrmountable but there not. What kind of meds are you on? Well, keep us posted and thanks for asking how i am. Take care

 

[DixiChik]

Hey Peeps!

Max, so sorry to hear you have to wait for surgery. I cringe when I read your story. Again, my utmost respect to you and those you served with. You have a good attitude to push through your pain, though I know it's rough. I'm so happy you found our "merry" band of pain peeps to share with. It helps to know there are folks here who listen and understand the lingo of pain. We talk and we vent. We cry and we laugh.

Oh, and LAUGHTER doeth good like medicine...Keep it coming!
I too have a dark (sometimes macabre) sense of humor. It's a survival tool to be able to laugh at myself. I hear the constant beeping of the dump truck backing up, to drop yet another load on my head. I keep a spade handy and several packages of flower seed, coz I figure something beautiful can come out of it.

Tickled pink to hear from SKR, Anna, and Whosa...RTP, it sounds like your neuro is on top of things. Indeed, stress can dig early graves for us if we allow it to prevail. Pain makes it impossible to relax on any level, but...Remember you have "sweetchild". You've been through a lot, but she is the sunshine that will heal you.

 

[DixiChik]

FUNNY...Look at the last several posts. We were all "together" if only through cyberspace. It feels good to know we're not alone. Wish we all felt a little better, gathered around our fire pit out back this evening.

Yea, I KNOW that wishes are a waste of time.

But it would be nice to sit around the fire and talk to one another. We could cook on our cowboy "stove", make some s'mores (Anna, you bring the special stuff) and share some homemade apple pie moonshine. No, we don't make it, but we have a steady flow if needed. It's just a little shot of happiness in a mason jar!

BTW...Y'all don't need to apologize or explain away your pain as "less than" anyone, especially me or mine. Pain isn't a contest, ever. I'm told I'm too graphic and that I scare the shit out of people when I speak of my disease. Well, they should be afraid...very afraid. That doesn't make me special. I've never been one to sugar coat a turd and convince you it's a chocolate truffle. I will, however, share one of Anna's special brownies with y'all! Everybody's welcome. Ya'll come!

Closeau...Please be careful on the shooting range. I understand visuals (faces) in the crosshairs. Mine are doctors and relatives...Told ya my gene pool might be murky at best!

Turtles...So sorry about your dad. I've witnessed similar horrors in my family. It never gets any easier. (((HUGS)))

 

[maxximus5431]

Hey Closeau, yeah right now I'm 120mg MSCONTIN and up to 100mg oxycodone for BT pain. I also take 2000mg of gabapentin. And I absolutely cannot take NSAIDS because I have reflux so bad half the damn time I'm sure I can breathe fire better than a dragon. And yup, now it's a waiting game. Plus the nerve damage that is done, will never improve. The 5 spinal surgeries were to save my legs. I think I'm going to ask the doc to change my oxy to dilaudid for breakthrough pain. Ive been on oxy or oxyCONTIN for years now and its definitely losing its efficacy. The amount of pain meds I'd have to take to truly relieve my pain make me a zombie, I just sit there and nod in and out. After my last surgery my surgeon out me in the ICU on heavy doses of ketamine to do what he described as a opiode mu receptor flush, so that oral opiates would be effective again. It worked great, but holy fucking shit, I never want to touch Ketamine again. I was hallucinating dead team members from Afghanistan, reliving all the firefights and the 4 times my vic was hit with an IED. I could smell the smoke and feel the heat. Luckily I had a nurse dedicated to JUST me and he had combat experience. He never left my side.
All in all I'm just tired of the rollercoaster. Even though I've never had an issue getting meds, because the obvious and blatant physical trauma I've experienced, I'm tired of others judgement. Especially pharmacists. It is not unusual for me to pick up 225 tabs of 10mg oxy and 150 tabs of 30mg ms contin. And the pharmacist will give me a dirty look or ask if I'm dying. Rude motherfucker. Last time I just took my shirt off to show them all the burns and scars. They need to stay in their lane and piss off. Lol
What meds have worked best for you?

 

[Cheezy]

Have any of you tried exercise or spirit healing for your 'pains'? I know it may seem silly but it would be better then draining the health services so less fortunate sick people cant even get treatment.. just my opinion

 

[maxximus5431]

Mracid I've had a consult for that system and my neurosurgeon has said it would be ineffective in my case because of the extent of the nerve sheath damage due to the fire and consequently burns in my IED explosion. SUCKS ASS

 

[maxximus5431]

Mracid I followed your situation and my advice is this, since you are a young man who is getting bounced by THE SYSTEM. Pending whatever insurance you have....go to an ER that is unfamiliar to you or your case. Tell them exactly what is hurting on your testicle and that you are also having difficulty originating a urine stream (sometimes can't urinate). That will fall under a neurological situation and REQUIRE hi res imaging, I.e. MRI/CATSCAN. Which will undoubtedly identify your issue or out to bed any fears you may be having from personal research and WEBMD. Which tells you probably your symptoms are that of cancer. Best of luck. This is just an idea, since your primary care doc is too much of a douche to order those tests concurrently

 

[Man in the Dark]

Have any of you tried exercise or spirit healing for your 'pains'? I know it may seem silly but it would be better then draining the health services so less fortunate sick people cant even get treatment.. just my opinion

What world do u live in man. Do you see that the people on the board are in serious pain especially those who where it with IED's and have other sever injuries. Please don't come at me with some bullshit agenda after the pain and anguish I and many on this board have suffered. Especially us Vets who stand up fought for your right to spew your bullshit. I see you are trolling and I see it on several Veteran issues, WTF is your problem.

 

[maxximus5431]

I have seen something on Webmd about a ''pacemaker-like'' device that actually blocks pain by delivering a low levels electrical signals to the spine or specific nerve to block pain signals from reaching the brain. http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/chronic-pain-relief-new-treatments?page=5

What world do u live in man. Do you see that the people on the board are in serious pain especially those who where it with IED's and have other sever injuries. Please don't come at me with some bullshit agenda after the pain and anguish I and many on this board have suffered. Especially us Vets who stand up fought for your right to spew your bullshit. I see you are trolling and I see it on several Veteran issues, WTF is your problem.

Wish I could drop his ass in Afghanistan and see if asks the locals on their form of spirit healing. Ass

 

[Runtoparadise]

Yo Cheezels.

Very rarely have I said this, in fact only once,- its in the BL user agreement to-

Not be a cunt.

Rtp

 

[maxximus5431]

runtoparadise I'm still learning how to utilize everything on this sight. How do I update my profile info and send private messages?

 

[closeau]

ZNegative, im sorry about your dad. I lost my mom to cancer last Nov and still just in shock and devastated. Your dad should def be on an extended release. Oxycontin is the usual choice. Thats what my mom was on. But ive had ms contin which is just er morphine but it has to be a high dose. Dont let them give you 30mg x 2 a day or some shit. Im on 60mg every 8 hrs without cancer. Id also see if they could change his ir from oxy to dilaudid. Im on it and it works well and worked for my mom. Im sorry you have a shit dr. Find a way cause like has been said, his pain will only increase with treatment. My heart and prayers go out to you and your dad

Mracid, i agree with you going to an ER that knows nothing about you. Start fresh with scans and hopefully your ok but at least youll know. Then they can treat you including the right pain meds. I would go today. Testicle pain aint nothing to fuck with but you know that. Good luck to you.

Maxximus my buddy, that med lineup sounds about right. You need it and i would have loved to see you take your shirt off at pharmacy. That ketamine shit sounds awful. Sorry you had to go thru that bro. Its not bad enough you and your brothers had to live it but you have to relive it. I cant imagine that hell and its only talking to guys like you that i relize i have nothing to bitch about. My buddy had PTSD really bad and ended up shotting himself in a haullucination. I respect no one more than you and your brothers who were over there and are still over there. Yoi keep hanging in there and i know yall dont like to talk about it and i dont blame you but if you do, im here. Its appauling how vetrens are treated in the very country the swore to protect. Dont get me started, lol. Ive been thinking about volunteering to help troops but i never served so why should they listen to me. Thats like me being a recovering alcoholic and talking to someone whos not an alcoholic. You aint lived it so fuck off kind of thing. I hope you have a good day and i finally have a day of rest so im just gonna chil so ill be on here. Later bud

And to everyone else like turtles and banana, i wish you well. Its so awesome to have this thread where were a community. Always good to get new people, most of the time, lol. If any of yall need to talk, im here for all of you as you have been here for me. Shout out to SKR.

 

[DixiChik]

Exactly...Fucking TROLL! You can hit your "ignore" button.

Let's not give 'em the attention they're seeking.

Good mornin' Max and RTP and Closeau! Max, I gotcha, my brotha...I've been here for maybe a year and still don't know how to do the "quote" thing. As for your profile update, click on 1.) your profile 2.) forum (top heading) will give you options 3.) click "edit profile". Add as much or as little info as you choose.

I'm pretty sure you have to hit 50 posts before you can send PMs. I "think" you can receive before reaching blue-lighter status, but I'll test to be sure. Check your inbox.

Hope this helps!

closeau...You shouldn't put yourself down like that! Volunteering in any aspect, whether to help vets or seniors (both thrown away by our society IMHO) would be such a BLESSING for them and for YOU, my friend.

I find that no matter how bad I feel, helping others helps ME. There is always a need...always someone who could use just a "Hello...How are you...Good to see you!".

We waste our entire lives in an attempt to be "successful". We look around in pain and heartache, witnessing others who are struggling (much like we are) only to find our vets and seniors wishing they were just "significant".

My pastor once told me that when you're feeling depressed, bake a cake for someone who's truly alone. Take it over and share your time with them. It will lift both of your spirits. Hey...some store bought donuts can do the same trick. I even take something as simple as Ritz crackers with peanut butter/marshmallow crème to my senior peeps. The smiles on their peanut butter/sticky faces are PRICELESS!

I'm looking into Vet volunteer programs locally. My dad was on Normandy in WWII. Props/Respect just don't seem adequate.

 

[Man in the Dark]

What world do u live in man. Do you see that the people on the board are in serious pain especially those who where it with IED's and have other sever injuries. Please don't come at me with some bullshit agenda after the pain and anguish I and many on this board have suffered. Especially us Vets who stand up fought for your right to spew your bullshit. I see you are trolling and I see it on several Veteran issues, WTF is your problem.

Wish I could drop his ass in Afghanistan and see if asks the locals on their form of spirit healing. Ass

Oh, he would get all the healing he deserves.

 

[Man in the Dark]

Exactly...Fucking TROLL! You can hit your "ignore" button.

Let's not give 'em the attention they're seeking.

Good mornin' Max and RTP and Closeau! Max, I gotcha, my brotha...I've been here for maybe a year and still don't know how to do the "quote" thing. As for your profile update, click on 1.) your profile 2.) forum (top heading) will give you options 3.) click "edit profile". Add as much or as little info as you choose.

I'm pretty sure you have to hit 50 posts before you can send PMs. I "think" you can receive before reaching blue-lighter status, but I'll test to be sure. Check your inbox.

Hope this helps!

closeau...You shouldn't put yourself down like that! Volunteering in any aspect, whether to help vets or seniors (both thrown away by our society IMHO) would be such a BLESSING for them and for YOU, my friend.

I find that no matter how bad I feel, helping others helps ME. There is always a need...always someone who could use just a "Hello...How are you...Good to see you!".

We waste our entire lives in an attempt to be "successful". We look around in pain and heartache, witnessing others who are struggling (much like we are) only to find our vets and seniors wishing they were just "significant".

My pastor once told me that when you're feeling depressed, bake a cake for someone who's truly alone. Take it over and share your time with them. It will lift both of your spirits. Hey...some store bought donuts can do the same trick. I even take something as simple as Ritz crackers with peanut butter/marshmallow crème to my senior peeps. The smiles on their peanut butter/sticky faces are PRICELESS!

I'm looking into Vet volunteer programs locally. My dad was on Normandy in WWII. Props/Respect just don't seem adequate.

You are right Dixi no need to feed into his BS. I just pisses me off to be direspectful to people that are sick and in pain no matter how they were injured. We are all here for support not to be belittled. I always read your post and I pray for your health, as you are one of the most caring posters on the board along with many others. I like your idea about the cake and helping those who are truly alone as I participated in something similar around the holidays and couldn't believe the impact it had on me and how better it made another person feel. Thanks for all that you do Dixi

 

[DixiChik]

Hey MAN! Thank you for your kind words, but no need to give me credit. I don't mean to be "preachy". I have a temper like a wildcat and often a mouth like a sailor. Cheezy remarks provoke me, too. That's their total ignorance speaking. Karma's a BITCH. I feel great empathy for those who suffer in pain or grief or loneliness. I feel great anger for those who are apathetic. I secretly would like to rip off their head and shit down their throat (yep). My constipation...er, conscious...doesn't allow me to implement that strategy.

Take care and keep posting. We all need one another...

 

[closeau]

Im going to try that. I had 2 kcups left and we dont have any water which really sucks if you can imagine and i use spring water so i offered them coffee which i never would have done cause my living situation sucks and im better off keeping to myself. They were good but just me offering helped my attitude cause i was down about being here and seeing all my friends on here suffering. I feel much better. I mean take AA. The whole program after you honestly work the steps with a sponser is helping other alcoholics. Ive had the oppurunity to be on that side and it really is what keeps you sober and improves your happiness. I love the cake idea. Im def gonna look into the vet volunteer stuff around here. I know Duke or VA right across the street has something. First i need a paying job first, lol. All those years of busting my ass and ss taking all that money out of my pay and when im unable to work they give me some money but not enough to live on. Ive fallen behind on cell snd prescription drug bills. I had to call them and promise payment on my payday. I have 62$ to last to the 1st. I basically screwed. Ill get out of it but the anxiety def intensifies my pain. Its amazing from a male perspective how opiates kill testosterone. Used to be able to grow a beard in a week now its like 2 months and without getting graphic, no drive whatsoever. These things dont bother me that much. Id much rather have the pain relief. Ive got some problems and i do shit i wish i didnt but im just another dude trying to have a normal life. Not there yet but im only 40, almost 41. Seems like i was just 20. Anyway, helping others is the key for sure. Thanks for the post Dixi

 

[AnnaBanana333]

Hey Maxximus,

That is TERRIBLE!! Who are they to judge?? I am so sorry that you have to go through that. I used to get looks, too, but I go to a mom and pop shop now, and they know my story. They are so nice and understanding. How dare they??

I've also found that when I've been on any particular type of opiate for long, my body gets used to it, and I switch. I'd say I switch forms a few times a year?

But out there is NO excuse for how they treat you. Hope you have a restful weekend.

 

[Runtoparadise]

Hey Max, seems Dixi answered while I was mkng zzzz's.

Are you using a PC or your smart-iphone?

I find the phone option (there's no app, log in through google), so much more streamlined & functional. Plus there's the added advantage of always hvng it with you if, like me, u have long travelling &/or wait times for appts.

I think GLs can send one PM per day, though this wasnt the case when I joined up,- I've heard it mentioned a number of times now.

Rtp