Talk About ~ 7 Nov '11

Another crazy myth about living in chronic pain. Some of these do seem a bit oversimplified or way too obvious, but there are people out there who are truly hurt by some of these myths. Our strength together where we can support each other will make life so much easier and enjoyable too.

So, on with #4~

Chutz

Myth #4: The side effects of opiate painkillers turn people into zombies and can stop their breathing.

Fact: Most side effects are mild, tolerable, treatable, occur at the beginning of therapy, and fade with time. Common side effects include constipation, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Careful adjustment of dosages and attention to patient concerns help alleviate most side effects.

~~~~

I can tell you from experience that the pain meds I've taken for the past several years didn't slow me down much. I drive, shop, have grandchildren over, take care of our home, grocery shop and for many years I worked teaching at a local college. I worked part time but that was mostly by choice but there was never a time when my medications altered my ability to teach. At times my pain gave me issues but not the medicine. I was careful how and when I took the narcotic medication - I have a healthy respect for it - but it certainly didn't turn me into a walking zombie...lol

This is a pet peeve of mine, and not just for pain medications. Many people have this stereotype about psychiatric meds as well.

Well, anyone who has met me can tell you I am not a "zombie" and I have been on meds for 10 years. The time that I am a zombie is when my fibromyalgia is not well controlled - then I can sometimes barely get out of bed, feel so fatigued that I can't participate in activities, and can't really think straight. And taking the right pain medication can get me from doubled over in bed moaning to up and moving about when I have severe pain.

Jim is right that when not used properly, these effects can be true. The respiratory depression is potentially serious, but is very rare if the medications are used properly.

I have COPD and I am on oxygen. When my pump was first put in the first year I suffered a lot because of my PM dr. His big fear was the medication affecting my breathing. After a year of continued suffering with a pump I demanded he either give me the proper dosage on increases or take the pump out. He increased it by 20% several times instead of the lousy 10% he had been giving me and it did not affect my breathing at all.

I have ran into several drs since having the pump and they all have the same fear.