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

[Runtoparadise]

@SKR PM me BL bestie, really want to know how you got on today.

Or call me if it just gets too hard

Rtp xx

 

[Runtoparadise]

Dixichik,

I'm sorry I couldn't help solve your pain issues by "adopting" your sweet self dear lady.

While I do "ahem" consider myself a PM expert after all i've been through the last ten or so yrs, I'm saddened that I can't help with your GI issues or the cost of meds that your PM feels may help!

Rather than post a PM I prefer that it's publicly said that other than what I've suggested eg: patches, compounding pharms, lozenges... I have no more to offer. Due to continuing requests from new as well as current members I need to let it be known that I'm certainly limited in PM adoption requests.

Certainly yours is a complex case & I feel you need to get each specialist to agree to a teleconference as to how better manage your pain relief & continued care.

I'll definitely stay in touch, & love to hear of any progrssion, take care dear friend.

Rtp

 

[SKR]

^Yeah Jigga, those bastards (pharma) will have a pill that you can take that significantly or completely blocks the bodies ability to become tolerant to opiates and they just shelve that fucker so as to make sure it doesn't see the light of day. Maggots.

 

[stefx85]

@suicidalnod- So I decided that im trying the non-medical marijuana and take a drive to the cbd the other day. Now im near Johannesburg and there are alot of Nigerian drug dealers here so I stop the car and ask if they have something to smoke and the guy says hes only got skunk? So I asked for the Durban poison variety but no cigar he says its harder to get than I think but he will see if he can hook me up some later time.
Ive just been smoking it and have never taken it orally and I am interested in making canna-butter. The smoke came with some seeds and I have planted them already! Haha! I must state that the high is somewhat narcotic and not at all stupefying. Im quite a virgin to marijuana but have smoked beforehand and was outa my mind. This time round not at all the case. Which I find interesting. Anyway will keep you updated and such. Oh and thanks for the link found it interesting cheers

 

[SKR]

@SKR PM me BL bestie, really want to know how you got on today.

Or call me if it just gets too hard

Rtp xx

Your inbox is full to bursting!! Lol ��

 

[Felonious Monk]

^Yeah Jigga, those bastards (pharma) will have a pill that you can take that significantly or completely blocks the bodies ability to become tolerant to opiates and they just shelve that fucker so as to make sure it doesn't see the light of day. Maggots.

Cannabis has actually been shown to do just that. A large minority or slight majority of opiate users who are concurrent cannabis users in PM respond slower or no tolerance increases, and a decrease or elimination of withdrawal symptoms. I'd have to look it up to find the study but I think it's on pubmed

 

[hatrix]

So I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience with having pain from an IBS related disease. Like Ulcerative colitis or crohns. I have one of the two, haven't had the test yet to determine exactly which.

I'm 22 and it has really started to flair up lately. I've had problems like this for as long as I can remember though, its just exponentially worse now. Stabbing pains in my lower intestinal area, VERY bad cramps related to having to go to the bathroom... It can be very bad to where I can't comfortably sit down. I was put on some medication that helps with the cramps, but none of it is pain medication and I keep experience bad bits of pain daily. Is this something that can be treated with opiate painkillers or will doctors stray away from them?

 

[SKR]

Cannabis has actually been shown to do just that. A large minority or slight majority of opiate users who are concurrent cannabis users in PM respond slower or no tolerance increases, and a decrease or elimination of withdrawal symptoms. I'd have to look it up to find the study but I think it's on pubmed

Well if I'm a case in point it doesn't work for me unfortunately FM. I've been married to cannabis for 22years, more than half my life and it hasn't helped maintain or stabilize my opiate tolerance. And unfortunately on average cannabis exacerbates my pain. Helps me sleep and relax a little but doesn't help my pain.

 

[ShroomySatori]

^Just chop the OP's up with a razor blade and eat the pieces if you're worried about the pill not digesting etc....certainly works for me. It's my tolerance that has me screwed now so I have to start taking a significantly smaller dose for a while to get this damn tolerance down! It sucks, I've been on oxy for over 12 months non-stop and have never gone through withdrawal but I feel that those that do go through withdrawal often because they've used all their script early really benefit because when you get back on the pills they should be more effective than compared to someone like me who is never off them. I dunno, but I hate this pain and I hate this addiction.

That sounds like something I wrote. I started chopping them with a razor blade actually, very finely, then to a capsuleand I notice they work a little faster, but still extended. I hate the addiction, but I literally can't walk without oxycodone in my system. I'm forced into it if I want to have any sort of reasonable level of functionality at all. It totally sucks. But getting on benzos for my panic attacks was a very similar last-resort option and it's even worse of a fate.

 

[Shain77]

Here is my report on first try MMJ. I didn't want to smoke it, so I made cannamilk. I used a commonly available recipe, but used less MJ than was called for. I took it before going to bed, and took no other drugs at all. The dosage was 0.25 grams of 9:9 THC/CBD weed. I'.m going to tell you right off, the dose was way too high. 45 minutes later I had to put my book down because it was too difficult to read. I fell asleep shortly after that. Now, getting to sleep without any painkillers or muscle relaxers was great, but the rest of the night was not. I woke up 3 hours later super high, and having to go potty. I managed to stumble to the washroom, but could not "go". It took me a long time to empty my bladder, I don't know how long because i was so high, but it was not fun (i never have this issue, so it was the weed). I woke up a few more times in the night due to high I think, but it was not from pain at all. The painkilling effect did last all night, and I woke up a little stiff, but not in pain. The worst part of it was the next day. I continued on very lethargic, not at all rested, and with an upset stomach.

The entire day after was wasted. I couldn't do anything but lay around and feel like garbage. I went to bed at 6 pm with my regular meds and no weed, and woke up a few times in the night to stretch and reposition. (back to the grind).

So, did it work as a painkiller? Yes. Was it worth it? NO! I will try again when I can plan another day to lose (with a minuscule dose), but today I'm doing up a turkey for my family.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving all

 

[DixiChik]

Shain...THANK YOU for your update! I expect it to take a lot of trial and error, which I know is frustrating. Oh, and HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING to you, friend! I LOVE that you're "doing up a turkey for your family"...That's good stuff that makes me smile! Enjoy your day as best we folks in pain "not managed" can!

I'm still hopeful that YOU can break the code with MMJ for us who need to FUNCTION, yet feel even a modicum of pain relief.

RTP...No apologies necessary. I have the lowest of expectations after 40 years of pain, yet even those aren't met. I learn more from reading here and observing than I could ever learn from just one person. It's okay. You did "adopt" me, remember...months ago? I always said that you should take care of YOU first. You did...no harm, no foul, no hard feelings. I don't have abandonment issues. lol

Thank you, though, sweet dear lady. Your experience with Oxycodone for pain (ramping to massive doses over years) was the best teacher, as it unfolded. It has confirmed my fears of taking that road. I know that you questioned my resistance to lean into Oxy "if" I were in pain. You couldn't comprehend my answer, as you believed Oxy to be your magic. You, friend, are "living" out your answer. No regrets, here.

I'm actively seeking alternative methods to relieve my crippling pain, as I deal with the added pain/wreckage of my GI tract via failed pain management.

I'm happy for both of us, RTP. I'm happy that I didn't dive into prescribed Oxy, knowing it's not my answer. I'm happy you're trying to come up for air, by getting OFF the Oxy. Kudos on the Bupe transition for you! I am ecstatic for your relieved pain. As I said in my PM, my condolences to you and sweetchild for the loss of your dad/her granddaddy. I know that you two can love each other through this loss. (((HUGS)))

I will post my ER weekend nightmare later.

 

[Morphling]

Dixi....have you tried any mixed opioid/naloxone products? They're supposed to greatly reduce the constipation you get from taking pain pills...

 

[Kkaz13]

Hey guys! I've been a CP patient for almost 2 years and have a question.

Right now I'm on oxycontin op 20mg x2 and oxycodone 10mg 3-4x daily. I'm very lucky to be one of the few that the op's actually work really well for. I've been through just oxycodone/percocet, hydrocodone, mscontin, and opana for meds and this combo has been the best.

My question is regarding BT meds and tolerance. Would it be better to switch to a different BT med so im not doubling up on oxy? How is dilaudid for this? I hear it's garbage if it's not iv'd, which I will not do, but im not opposed to nasal ir plugging. I'd really rather just take it orally though.

Thanks everybody!!!

 

[Felonious Monk]

Well if I'm a case in point it doesn't work for me unfortunately FM. I've been married to cannabis for 22years, more than half my life and it hasn't helped maintain or stabilize my opiate tolerance. And unfortunately on average cannabis exacerbates my pain. Helps me sleep and relax a little but doesn't help my pain.

It was only useful with opiate tolerance for a segment of the population, some people saw no effect. I'm surprised it doesn't help you more with your pain though.

Shain, I'd definitely try less next time. Maybe just 25mg of plant matter extracted into milk the same way (so 1/10th of what you took yesterday). That should be a much less psychoactive experience. The CBD should already make it easier to tolerate but you took a significant dose with 250mg. You can work your way up from 25mg but with cannabis it's easier to do too little than too much.

 

[namnoc16]

Hey guys! I've been a CP patient for almost 2 years and have a question.

Right now I'm on oxycontin op 20mg x2 and oxycodone 10mg 3-4x daily. I'm very lucky to be one of the few that the op's actually work really well for. I've been through just oxycodone/percocet, hydrocodone, mscontin, and opana for meds and this combo has been the best.

My question is regarding BT meds and tolerance. Would it be better to switch to a different BT med so im not doubling up on oxy? How is dilaudid for this? I hear it's garbage if it's not iv'd, which I will not do, but im not opposed to nasal ir plugging. I'd really rather just take it orally though.

Thanks everybody!!!

I didn't even like dillies IV(many moons ago, don't inject drugs anymore) they had a great rush but they wear off quick. But for BT pain they might work because they are powerful just short acting(which you want for BT). I'd be concerned about the tolerance they'd build up though . They might jack your tolerance so the ops don't work for you as well.

 

[SluttyPeach]

I've already got a script for gabapentin (800mg 3x a day) and have taken this for a long time so I'll be fine

Been giving her a little extra since it helps her and she seems to tolerate it well.

 

[Runtoparadise]

Shain...THANK YOU for your update! I expect it to take a lot of trial and error, which I know is frustrating. Oh, and HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING to you, friend! I LOVE that you're "doing up a turkey for your family"...That's good stuff that makes me smile! Enjoy your day as best we folks in pain "not managed" can!

I'm still hopeful that YOU can break the code with MMJ for us who need to FUNCTION, yet feel even a modicum of pain relief.

RTP...No apologies necessary. I have the lowest of expectations after 40 years of pain, yet even those aren't met. I learn more from reading here and observing than I could ever learn from just one person. It's okay. You did "adopt" me, remember...months ago? I always said that you should take care of YOU first. You did...no harm, no foul, no hard feelings. I don't have abandonment issues. lol

Thank you, though, sweet dear lady. Your experience with Oxycodone for pain (ramping to massive doses over years) was the best teacher, as it unfolded. It has confirmed my fears of taking that road. I know that you questioned my resistance to lean into Oxy "if" I were in pain. You couldn't comprehend my answer, as you believed Oxy to be your magic. You, friend, are "living" out your answer. No regrets, here.

I'm actively seeking alternative methods to relieve my crippling pain, as I deal with the added pain/wreckage of my GI tract via failed pain management.

I'm happy for both of us, RTP. I'm happy that I didn't dive into prescribed Oxy, knowing it's not my answer. I'm happy you're trying to come up for air, by getting OFF the Oxy. Kudos on the Bupe transition for you! I am ecstatic for your relieved pain. As I said in my PM, my condolences to you and sweetchild for the loss of your dad/her granddaddy. I know that you two can love each other through this loss. (((HUGS)))

I will post my ER weekend nightmare later.

Dear Dixi,

After certainly more than my entire lifetime spent in pain I'd sure hope that you'd not expect answers from some random who's not even completed their medicine post grad. I find relying on actual doctors the best route, & if at first you fail,-then try & try again.

I accepted your adoption request in the hope I could help, alas, your GI symptoms seem to be the bigger issue wherein perhaps a stoma would be facing your fear but allow you adequate PM.

I never believed oxy to "be my magic, bu couldn't comprehend someone in 'crippling pain' " to not want to take it.

I'm on a disability pension as well as raising a young child,- know when I started Gabapentin it was around $400 per month, plus the cost of another ten or so scripts each month, but I just had to cut back in other areas to make do! So I'm also aware that some meds aren't covered, but at times a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

Thankyou for bringing my struggle with oxy into this general discussion. If it had worked for your pain then just maybe it would be relevant. Perhaps you need to rethink your pain & what it responds to. Opiates may well not be the answer. As long as you're able to be working & exercising something OTC may help you through the worst of your pain.

"Living out my answer", while you "have no regrets"?

I feel you misunderstand my motives for moving on to subutex.

When you are actually in crippling pain you will & do move on to absolutely anything that allows you the freedom of movement. I think it is the best pain relief for myself that ive ever experienced.

So much of my mobility & quality of life has been regained!

Bupe patches only go so high. Sublingual is differential. Some Drs do believe in the ceiling dose while others take it case by case.

Yes, now I travel further by taxi to these specialists. One a four hr round trip another up to eight hrs, but IME it's so been worth it as coming off opiates is absolutely not an option.

Continue to live with no regrets.

While I live out my answer.

Rtp

 

[DixiChik]

RTP...I'm sorry if I offended you. That was not my intent. You seem defensive, as I was simply responding to your post (#167 dated 10/10) that clearly stated that you preferred the public forum vs. messaging. How did my post offend?

(Please go back and read what you said, as I don't know how the "quote" function works)

It seems that you took my remarks NOT as I intended. I know that can happen. Let me clarify, as I want no hard feelings. I even offered you my personal email, which I welcome you to contact me anytime.

When I say "you're living your answer"...Meaning, you ask me "Why I don't take the doses of prescribed Oxy if my pain were severe?

I answered "I feel the rebound pain is worse. The dose doesn't last. I can see needing MORE to
chase the pain that will be forever. I did not want to ramp doses and become dependent."

I simply mean that now perhaps you understand my answer, because you are "living" my answer, with your recent med changes. It seems you are "living" the need to seek alternative to your pain, as I feared I would do. IF I HAD gone full throttle with the Oxycodone, my pain would not be managed. I'd be chasing that magic dose forever.

I guess my delivery is off. "I have no regrets" referred to MY personal choice to NOT take Oxycodone. I will never regret not depending on such a "short acting" med for "long acting" debilitating pain.

Wow, I can only say that I truly understand that you are overwhelmed with your pain, your loss of your dad, and the insanity of this world of hurt we live in. I empathize with your need to lash out...

But, please know that I have no ill will towards you...ever. My email is always OPEN and I leave a candle in the window for those who are hurting, lost and in despair. I know the path CPPs travel. I offer my addy as a place to "come apart and rest awhile before you come apart".

I send you peace, love and hope.

 

[DixiChik]

FOLKS...I'm dead, but can't die...only suffer.

My PAIN SAGA is fully noted through long, long, posts and threads. That's the full time "won't heal/no cure" stuff. I also posted last week of my fall on rocks that severely sprained my wrist and hand. It also jammed my spine as I fell backwards and slammed my tail bone into a boulder.

I refused to go to the ER, because I didn't want to suffer through their incompetence. I knew I was fortunate to have no breakage of bone, so I braced and iced the insane pain. This happened on 10/4 (Saturday). By Wednesday, 10/8 my left side was distended and painful to the touch. Again, I KNEW the ER would do nothing, so I pushed through until Friday.

By Friday morning, I was howling every time I moved. It felt as though something was about to rupture in my side. I didn't know if it was my weak kidney, or pancreas, or the "crimp" in my left colon. I called my GP, who was out of town until Tuesday. Her NP said to go to my local hospital for a CT scan NOW.

My husband took me, as I couldn't walk upright. The CT scan showed large amount of stool "trapped" above the "crimp" in my left colon. I was not at all surprised with my nightmare GI system. The doctor's a hired gun contract from a larger city for weekends, but what follows is still IMO considered negligence at it's most fundamental.

Both my husband and I explained repeatedly that I take DAILY mega doses of Miralax, softeners, etc. Shouldn't those "liquefy" the stool and allow it to pass? If not, how is this prescription of Lactulose going to do the trick? Do I have an obstruction? "No, CT shows massive amount of stool NOT moving through left colon flecture". I asked him if it's not an obstruction, but stool can't flow, what is to prevent perforation of colon and rupture?

He said "I guarantee this Lactulose will get you going. It gets everybody going". He said "you have every right to be in pain, as you have a colon filled with stool and a bladder filled with infection. Take this laxative and Cipro". DONE and done.

It's now Monday, 4 painful days later. I have taken everything pharms have to offer, even colonoscopy prep grade. I have given myself repeated warm water/oil enemas. I have eaten nothing but drank clear broth since Friday. I feel rumblings and bubbles in my belly that sound like a clogged pipe with Drano. Last night, I started to experience bowel movement (exit) of bright goldish/brown watery spewing out. There was really no sign of stool that was softened or broken down, just this strange color water release.

This has happened a total of 6 or 7 times throughout the night, as I clung to a heating pad on my belly in between runs. This morning, my side is still very sensitive to touch. My rectum is begging for mercy. My head is splitting. My spine is trashed from "sleeping" upright all weekend.

I am SO AFRAID that I still need medical intervention. I've read that a colon scope tube can be thread by a GI spec through to the "twist" in the colon, sometimes straightening out the twist. I BEGGED the ER doctor to do SOMETHING or transfer me to a facility that would. He blew me off. (I get blown off more often than if I had a penis, I swear!) He should have taken my case more seriously, but "most" don't. Who suffers? ME! (and my poor hubby)

I plan to see my GP first thing Tuesday. I can't tolerate the opiates from PM because of this problem. My colon is not "normal" without opiates. My bowels don't move twice a week without opiates, so do the math. If I survive until then (death is welcome) I'm going to ask once again for Linzess, no matter the cost. I'm going back on Voltaren for inflammation/pain. I'll risk ulcers over obstruction. It's taken 19 months of MORE agony than baseline pain I started with, to be heard by PM doctor.

I am so sick and so tired. I welcome any kind suggestions. Please refrain from asinine or smart ass comments, as the ER "doctor" was loaded with those. IMO, I wasn't the only one who is FULL OF SHIT!?!

Noteworthy: I would never wish my pain onto my worst enemy. PAIN is not a pissing contest. It's an individual burden we bear, often alone, without competent medical intervention. I vowed years ago that I would not submit to further abdominal surgery that can result in colon resection/removal w/colostomy bag. I know this procedure has saved many lives, but I cannot endure MORE than I already have, just to "exist". I don't live. I work. I never say "no, I can't" to anyone who needs me. I put on a brave persona, but I AM the WALKING DEAD (often limping, actually).

 

[DixiChik]

Hi Morphling! No, I'm not familiar with that terminology. Can you tell me more? Any HELP is so very appreciated! TIA