I am new here also

This is my first time on this forum, I take 80mg a day of methadone but the pain still comes through it quite a bit. I have enjoyed reading some of what has been written on this web site and find the info helpful. I have had two back operations and It has not helped in fact in made things worse, I have two rods and six screws in my back and my back hurts all the time and my feet feel like they are on fire much of the time. My wife freaked out when she found out I was on opiate type pain meds but now she understands, she freaked out because I was a heroin addict until 10 years ago, I wish I didn't need pain meds but you can't always have all you wish for.  My doc is understanding to a point but the staff is another story. Thanks for listening.

In Pain Too

Hi, InPainToo,
I want to welcome you to the chronic pain forum of Healing Well. Sorry you have reason to be here. I've also had failed back surgery, after a bad fall, so I know what it feels like. I'm assuming you tried a lot of other modalities first like physical therapy, maybe even acupuncture. Even though we still have pain, most of us have to use a variety of strategies to manage the pain, and having to struggle to make peace with the fact that it likely will never go away completely.

With your history you would have difficulty with any other medications that might trigger a relapse, but fortunately methadone is being used for pain more and more frequently. It's possible you need a dosage adjustment. And I think as Jim had mentioned in your other thread, consideration of medications like cymbalta (an anti-depressant that helps with pain and depression) could be very useful. Seeing an Addictionologist would probably be best for you, because they can pull from all the medications that won't lead to a relapse.

A lot of people mistakenly think anyone who takes opiates becomes addicted, but that's different from dependence. However, in your case things could be different because of the physiology of many of the opiates. I can understand your wife's concern, but perhaps having her come to your physician with you might help. Understanding how methadone works in the body can be important, and may help ease her fears.

I don't know if any of this helps much, but thought I'd toss out some ideas. Also, some relaxation strategies which you can learn on your own or through seeing a therapist (psychologist, clinical social worker, etc.) who's trained in dealing with chronic pain can also be very helpful in teaching you many of these non-pharmaceutical methods.

Again, welcome.

PaLady

Hi In Pain Too,

Just wanted to add my welcome! This is a truly wonderful place for support! Welcome to the group!

Skeye

Hi In Pain Too,
I have only been on the forum for a few days now. Welcome. I am sorry you are having back pain. I have been having a lot of that of late. Take care and again welcome
Happy Puppy