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Chronic Pain
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Posted 5/25/2021 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Long story short! My body is a mess, my fault, 20's-30's of physical use/ College Football, Semi Pro Football, and years of Rodeo (Bull riding)
I have had bilateral knee replacement, collar bone trim, lower back L4/L5 ( Everything from injections, nerve blocks, diskography) (WILL NOT EVER FUSE)
I have taken every supplement at one time or another known to common man!
For a year now, been under doctor's pain management control with 4 daily 7.5 Hydrocodone. Now this does help and minimize the pain, and I ONLY TAKE THEM FOR PAIN! I really don't feel any effects from them, and YES, many will say I am physically addicted. I have cold turkey quit multiple times, with little to no side effects (Thank the Lord)
However, here is my concerns??? The LONG Term effects of this type of medication and 2nd, it really slows my metabolism, resulting in weight gain, and next, and like most, have ""bad"" days, where the pain is above the norm, what do I do? I really don't want to pop more pills.
I am being 100% honest, and I hope someone might have some suggestions and/or ideas!
Posted 5/25/2021 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I also take opiates for pain. I have been taking them for about ten years. I did have a double fusion and would not recommend it. I see by the bold print you think others may judge you. This is a support forum and thus should not have members judging others.

Anyone who takes pain meds for a while will tell you they produce no high feeling. Maybe a bit the first few months or so but after that it only reduces pain. Unfortunately opiates do slow the digestive tract down quite a bit. Also a few other problems depending on what type pain med you take.

My advice to you is take them if you need them. I have spent way too many nights walking the floors in pain. I think not taking them is worse for you than living in pain each day. Being in pain produces anxiety and depression. Take care of yourself as best you can with exercise and diet.

I just started prednisone a few days ago for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I am waiting for my Rheumatolgist app which is not for another few weeks. Primary care and pain management both agreed to start me on pred till my new dr takes over. I am worried about long term use of prednisone also. Bad things can happen on pred along with opiates. I just cant take the pain and stiffness any longer. Follow the advice of your drs and best of luck to you.
Posted 5/26/2021 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi BC, you said you had a diskography, which a diagnostic test, did they determine which disc was producing your pain. Have you had any back surgery? What about any current testing such as an MRI?

Taking pain medication is a personal choice. For me it's about quality of life. I first started on pain medication about 20 years ago. Eventually over the years I had to start taking it daily. I have not had issues with weight gain, I strive to remain as active as possible. Some days are better than others. I use a lot of OTC things to help out. Summer is soon going to be here so I will spend time in the pool, that helps me a lot. I also have a jacuzzi, actually we are on our 2nd one. Yes, it temporary relief but they have come a long way with them compared to our first one. You asked about what to do when the pain is above normal, my advice is don't take an extra pill, you will run short & your dr will not give you an early refill.

I will have to think of some more things, I've been at this a very long time!
Posted 5/26/2021 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Susie, Yes in my L4/L5 I have had nerve block injections, and area steriodal injections. I have been diagnosed per MRI with spondylosis w/o myopathy. 2 Different back surgeons both said "fusing" is the only long term fix. I won't do that, it will create more issues over time. I take my med's as prescribed, with great help, it just gets old waking up and hurting.
A friend had a pain pump put into their back with "snail venom" being used as the medication. I had to research and it is very new.
Posted 5/26/2021 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
BC, the "snail venon" is a drug called Prialt & was approved by the FDA in 2004. It's not new, perhaps it's new to your friend's dr. It's still considered a controversial drug with a lot of pain mgt drs because of the potential side effects. If you have read anything about Prialt in pain pumps all sites state it should only be used in pumps when a patient has severe pain & failed to respond to all narcotics typically used in pain pumps, it's a last resort. I have had 2 pain pumps & my drs will not use it with pump patients. All medications have potential side effects, however, none of my pump drs are willing to subject their patients to those potential side effects. We've had a few past members here that had bad experiences Prialt.

You can discuss a pump with your dr, however, but a certain criteria that has to be met & then getting insurance to approve on. They can be a good tool to lower the pain level.
Posted 5/26/2021 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
I do not intend to minimize what you're going through with what I'm about to say...only sharing my experience...

How is your bone density? I just recently went for a scan and discovered I'm declining. My PCP told me to start taking a calcium supplement and I've been actually enjoying a bit less lower back pain. Who knew?

Now, this may not be the case for you but you did ask for anything that might be helpful, so I posted what I've been experiencing and never guessed would help me.

I have 2 herniated/bulging discs and have been for facet joint injections with mixed results. I also use a t.e.n.s. unit on my lower back from time to time, which has also been helpful to me.
Posted 5/26/2021 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the advice! I will look into any and all suggestions! For those who live or have lived in pain, they understand, that quality of life is very important! Thanks again!!!!!!
Posted 5/31/2021 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Have you looked into Extended Release opiates? They are taken twice a day instead of 3-4 times a day. They came out with a extended release Hydrocodone several years ago. The name of the drug is Zohydro ER.

It is vital to pace yourself. It takes time to learn how to do it successfully. Patients with chronic pain can no longer live their lives like they don't have chronic pain. Many years ago, doctors did not have guidelines and limits on how they prescribe opiates for chronic pain like they do now. But, that is best for most patients. Back in the 80's & 90's chronic pain patients could pushed themselves doing things they should not be doing. Unfortunately, that lead to new injuries on top of making existing injuries worse.

It is also important to exercise regularly several times a week. It reduces pain once you find the right level for you. It also helps with weight gain and over all health. There are many forms of exercise. You do not have to go to a gym or do high impact exercises to be exercising. Like other things it takes time to find what is best for you. You might want to talk to your doctor. He might be able to send you to a physical therapist or refer you to a local hospital that has exercise facilities. You would have help in finding what is best for you to do on your own.
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