Just a pain vent...

So sorry you are having extra pain, RM.  I can sympathize because I've been having a hard time recently too.

I got a long-handled pad for applying lotions at Bed Bath and Beyond, although you should be able to find them elsewhere and online.  It's a soft pad with a sealed outside so it doesn't absorb anything.

Maybe you will do better with the PA, but if she doesn't work out ask to see the doc right on the spot or ask for another appointment.  My doc wants me to cut down on pain meds too, and he's had me trying all sorts of non-opiates, which so far all have had awful side effects.  I always start with a half or quarter dose.  I've learned that  am sensitive to lots of meds.  Everyone is different, so try what they give you - I presume he is giving you something to replace what he takes away!  Just cutting off us CP'rs is cruel.

RM I am sorry that you are so miserable. Usually around October of every year most people that suffer with CP start seeing increases in their pain, thanks to the old barometer jacking with us. I am glad you decided to come here and vent, everyone needs a good healthy vent every now & then.

Yes, it is a real roller coaster to have a good day and then have the rug yanked out from under you. The old inward battle of I really am on way too much medication to begins to start in and then you are on your kneeling crawling around because of pain and it seems like we can't just get enough pain meds in us to make it stop, then we think maybe this once I will take a little extra. It just screws with our heads so much no wonder we feel like we are on a run away mine train.

My thoughts on what I would do is take what I am suppose to and even on the days I feel real good and back off. I have always had a very healthy respect for medication of any kind. I know there are people that take more than how its written on their bottles but I am not one of them. Call me a chicken, but thats just the way I am. Nor, would I ever tell anyone to take more than they are suppose to either. I would never go more than one day of lowering my dose of them either to help prevent scenes like where you are now. I do know this is not what caused this to happen but it can. The problem is our bodies become accustomed to a certain amount of medications every day, when we don't feed them that amount they rebel in every way possible.

I am a surprised to see that you are still with the PM dr that you are currently seeing. I thought several months ago you were in search of someone new because the one you see now is such a flake. Always wanting to decrease your meds but has no clue who you are and what you take. Those kind scare me to death and make me wonder if they are dipping into the medicine cabinet at the office where all the samples are at. I could not tolerate a dr that acted the way yours does simply because I would be a bundle of nerves worrying if the ax is going to be dropped this month or not. I have way too much to worry about and having to worry about my squirrelly dr is never going to be one of those worries. Now you say a PA is on the horizon, oh, I would so be out of there and with a new dr.

RM I hope that somehow you can get your pain level down, I can tell you are suffering badly and thats so unfair. Take care of yourself and try not to be a stranger. Hugs.

Hi there RM...I am so sorry you are suffering, there is not anything worse. Chronic Pain is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I know what you mean about having a stash, something I think all of us worry about is getting cut off of our meds. I have heard so many horror stories about peoples doctors cutting their pain meds. That is so unfair so many do not understand what chronic pain is. I hope things get better for you and you have a better day tommorrow.


Take care, amy

Hi RetiredMom,

Sorry you were having extra pain. I was having a day like that yesterday, too. My carpal tunnel is flaring like crazy and my back has been in spasms. Very, very frustrating.... I hope today is a better day for you....

I, too, hope you can find a new doctor. A good pain management doctor shouldn't be a luxury to any of us. We all deserve a doctor that knows and remembers us.... isn't constantly trying to decrease/mess w/ our meds.... isn't overprescribing, either (I know that's not common - but I've had this type of doctor, too)..... Anyway, I pray that you can find a doctor that you justly deserve.

Until then, hang in there and know we are here for those bad days.

--Tina

Thank you so much for all of your kind words.  I really appreciate all of my friends here.

I also appreciate you guys remembering how many problems I have had with my PM and how wishy-washy he has been with me and my care.   I WISH the new PM search were going somewhere, but there are so few choices here and I have to make some serious decisions before I burn a bridge....I'm sure you all understand.

At least for the last three months, I have had no problem getting the correct meds.  Of course, that could change very quickly at the next appointment.  That's why I do the stash.  I've done quite well with it except the days (like the one I made this post) and today.  Those days get worse and worse and more and more often.....I'm sad to say.

It was so very good to hear from you guys though and I've been checking in.  I think depression has been playing a role too and it makes it a little more difficult to log on and "chat".

I hope all of you wonderful people will find a pain free and happy Thanksgiving holiday with family or friends and a nice rest from whatever stresses you on a normal day.

All my best!!

RM