injections yesterday... need to vent

I get injections every 2 months, but this time, I'm so sore... Not sure why. When he did the first injection it felt more painful then usual. It's hard to describe it. Anyways, now I'm having back spasms and I'm really sore and it doesn't normally do that after injections. The doc added morphine to my list of meds I'm taking. It doesn't seem to help tho. I already take Norco up to 5 Times a day and I'm afraid to try anything stronger for obvious reasons. Addiction comes along with being stuck taking these pills. And the stronger the drugs, the higher your tolerance is... Plus I just don't want to be all zoned out and sleepy all the time... I'm so sick of being in pain. Something's got to give. My back just keeps getting worse. I'm only 26 and I can't do simple things I should be able to do. I'm already on disability. I guess it could be worse right? I could be in a wheelchair, which I know I eventually will be. I don't really have anybody to talk to who understands what I'm going through... Severe scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and a few vertebrae have fused themselves together... And from all of this, my pelvis has shifted and my right leg is 3cm longer then the left. I fall all the time. I'm sick of it. Right now, I'm sick of feeling this way. Sick of the pain. Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

SSandT,

I'm sorry you are dealing w/ extra pain w/ theses injections. I've had that happen where a procedure that didn't do much at first...caused more pain the next time, muscle spasms, etc. Have you let your doctor know? I would definitely - at least at your next appointment - let him know you had a more difficult recovery this time.

The medication issue is a very personal choice. I understand some of your fears.... but have you tried any of the "stronger" meds orally? Taking oral morphine... or oral dilaudid... etc. doesn't "drug" most people - say like the IV version of these meds.

Especially if you are already taking 5 Norco a day.... you might find that a long-lasting medication gives you better pain control, and it might not have side effects like you worry about.

I can just hear the frustration in your post.... and, for me, I've accepted that I have to be on medication in order to bump up my quality of life. As RM said - my meds only knock me down about 2 points - I live w/ about a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale.... but, without medication, I'd be at an 8 or 9 - and not be able to do much of anything. So, I've had to accept that I'm "dependent" on these meds.... but, for me, that's ok.

I absolutely understand being sick of being sick and the pain. Most of us here can definitely empathize w/ that feeling. There are moments when I've had it w/ my health struggles.... and days where I literally have to force myself to put one foot after another - and continue making it through life.

Anyway, just food for thought re: the medications.... again, it's not the answer to everything... and it IS a very individual, personal choice. I do hope the soreness wears off and that you find that the injections have helped. Please keep us updated - and know you can vent at anytime here, lol.

--Tina

My insurance stopped covering my muscle relaxer (Flexeril) so I can definitely sympathize with the spasms, for the past few days they've been almost unbearable, I say almost because I have no choice BUT to bear them for now.

And yesterday I was where you're at. I cried a lot, I was angry and wondering why life is so unfair sometimes. But today has been better. Just hang in there, and try to get a muscle relaxer if the spasms keep going.

I was afraid of taking pain meds at first because I was afraid if I started that cycle it would just keep going, but when quality of life is zero, what do you *really* have to lose? If addiction happens (which in chronic pain patients is rare) then there are ways to address it.

But I decided I wasn't going to waste any more time feeling absolutely miserable unable to move or shower or dress myself, when I could take my life back (or try to) with the meds. I've been through every type of pain med there is almost, and I'm not addicted. But my quality of life and my sense of self has definitely improved on most days.

Its your choice; But if addiction is a beast, then so is the pain, and why let one beast (the pain) eat you alive in fear of another (addiction) that might never come?

I've found Robaxin works best for me. I tried Soma, made me sleepy but did work, Skelaxin didn't do a thing for me. My point is it make take a trial or so to find one that works for you. Never did take Flexeril that i know of.

I think you're using the term "addicted" when you really mean "dependent" the two are pretty different. Just because your body has become dependent on the Norco does not make you an addict...it just means that your body has gotten used to that particular substance and doesn't like it when you stop taking it.

I think a lot of the reason for the negative outlook on pain medication is because people don't realize that there IS a huge difference between the two, very rarely are those who have chronic pain "addicts".

So unless you'll do *anything* to get that next fix and you crave the high and you take as much of your meds as you need to to feel high with complete disregard to the instructions... and you'd rob old ladies for drugs or break into a pharmacy or the like, you probably aren't an "addict" so give yourself a break :p

Also, muscle relaxers (without any additives) aren't a controlled substance, so you wouldn't be seen as "drug seeking" for wanting them.