Pain Meds

I'm sure its been posted on here time and time again....I'm just a nervous wreck. I have severe fibro, Lyme and arthritis in my knees and hips. I've been on the fentanyl patch for the last 9 years. I was as 75 mg every other day, with oxy 15's for break thru pain. I've been backed down to the 50 patch for about 5 months.....my next patch refill is for 25 mg, with oxy's going from 130 slowly down to 100 this time. I'm pretty nervous, the 50 patches were ok, I sure felt a lot more pain, but I learned to deal with it. My doctor wants to have my off of the fent patches by June-or July....I'm super nervous because I work full time and I'm just scared I won't be able to handle the pain. Tylenol and and Advil don't do a think for me, toradol I think didn't do too much for me either. What is everyone doing? Just hanging in there and dealing with it I guess?? What else can I do.....I just don't think this will help the way the FDA or whoever is controlling and taking pain meds away from responsible people.....I think it will be worse, people will find a way to ease the pain. Am I wrong??? I'm so scared. Thanks for Listening!!

This subject infuriates me as well! As a chronic pain patient with a severely painful and progressive disease, I was diagnosed and put on the proper pain medication by the only specialist in the US. She resides out of state and tried for over a year to get my HMO doctors on board with her protocol. They were only too happy to administer the chemo drugs but took me off of the Fentanyl patch in a 30 day period! I cried, knowing I was going back to the four walls of my bedroom again and would probably get worse. I developed type 2 diabetes and was put on different psych meds that caused life-threatening allergic reactions. The first was Lyrica and then, after ending up in the ER, they put me on Gabapentin. Same reaction...though I suspected it would, given that they are closely related to each other. When I had asked the doctor about that, he denied it....I have a prescription for Tramadol but I don't think it helps much. I have given up and the only reason I'm still here is because I have two children who depend on me.

Hi EK2019,

I am so sorry you are unable to get the pain relief you so desperately need. Your message makes my heart ache as I so terribly hate to see people suffer needlessly. I have no idea what is going on in the medical community where drs are making claims that opiate pain meds do not help pain. I am living proof this is not true. I know many others also who would reject such ideas. Offering psych meads may help with the mental aspect of treating pain but surely it is not the answer for total pain control. I almost feel there is some hidden agenda with the CDC and lobbyist organizations against opiate pain medication usage. I have had some interesting conversations with people claiming to represent a movement to eliminate pain meds from the drs arsenal of meds to control pain.

I would also like to say to you there are some wonderful Pain management drs out there trying to help chronic pain patients. I know of another grass roots organization called Don't Punish Pain, which is a group trying to stand for the rights of chronic pain patients.

Lastly I would like to say a prayer for you if this is alright with you. I am a God fearing person who lives my life by the Word of God without judgement of others. I am so sorry you feel you have no options and you are ready to give up. Please exhaust all avenues in your search for pain control. I care about how you feel and I would like to speak with you privately if you would care to. Just let me know and I will suggest another forum where we can exchange private messages and possible locate a dr willing to help you. I live on the East Coast of the US and my pain management dr really is kind and caring. As long as you follow the rules she will lower your pain levels significantly. I am living proof of this.

God bless you and please don't give up. Your children need you. There is a better life waiting for you
dmo

Hi EK2019,
I am sorry you are struggling so much. I think we all do at times. Pain is not easy, all would agree. And chronic pain is a whole 'nother challenge! I don't agree with Lyrica and Gabapentin being psych drugs. They are nerve meds and that is very physical. If you don't tolerate them well then they are not for you but it is too bad because I have had benefits from Gaba and wish you did as well. That said pain meds are for pain and nothing replaces the pain relief they offer. I think it is no mystery that pain patients are being discarded for political agenda. Seems like everybody agrees drug abuse is bad and are against it. The medical patients who need the meds are grouped in because they use the same substance. And I guess we are a pretty silent group...Most of us deal with the pain and don't yell it from the rooftops.

It is another year and things will have to improve soon. You never know what is just around the corner as far as treatments or medications. Stay strong. Your children will learn from your example!

Hope girl, I am sorry you are going through this. Although I don't use opiates I do agree that pain sufferers are being punished somewhat because of so much misuse by others.

I also have fibro and severe arthritis. Right now I am waiting for a date to have my shoulder replaced and I have already had a knee replaced. I have painful arthritis in both feet also. I cannot take anti-inflammatories but I can use tramadol which is moderatley helpful. I do gentle exercises and stretching ever single day. I keep moving. I also take Tylenol in the liquid form. I use Voltaren gel and Arnica gel on my feet and shoulder also.

Have you tried CBD oil? I live in California so it is easy to get here. I was leary at first to try it. But it really helps me. I started gradually until I found the dose that works, and it isn't much. My doctor knows I am using it. It has also helped with the headaches I get all of the time, probably from the arthritis in my neck and shoulders.

I hope you are able to find some relief soon.