Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 I have a very close friend that went from being a traveling nurse working a ton of hours, super mom etc and then suddenly started with ibs and lost 80-90 lbs. and went thru tons of testing and two years later is non functioning, in constant pain, foggy brain, tremors, falls sometimes, I have convinced her to see my infectious disease doc….i believe she has late stage lymes. The trouble I have with fibro is ….how do you take a perfectly good functioning person and turn them to an invalid without any explanation? Does your doctor say that this is secondary to something else? Do you have other symptoms than pain? I have met others that said it was post lymes fibro and that there is a big investigation now that it may be linked to lymes or another bacterial infection. Do you take meds? How do you get relief. She feels totally without any hope and I FEEL for her. On the lymes test she had 68 out of 70 symptoms. Any thoughts on that? JP Re: addiction to the pain killers? people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 4:01 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 4:01 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 People with Fibro tend to be a bit chubby, and don't usually look sick. Also, tremors and falling are not anything I have heard about Fibro. There could be some Thyroid problems, also neurological like ms, lyme, meniere's, ra, etc. I believe your friend needs to go to a competent rheumatologist and a good neurologist and have herself tested for all the possible causes of her condition. Sometimes we go to doctors, don't get an answer and have to go elsewhere. It's quite common. Your friend could ask for a referral from the best hospital near her to the chief of each of the departments. Roni On 5/26/07, JP <jpbonner65@...> wrote: > > I have a very close friend that went from being a traveling nurse working > a > ton of hours, super mom etc and then suddenly started with ibs and lost > 80-90 lbs. and went thru tons of testing and two years later is non > functioning, in constant pain, foggy brain, tremors, falls sometimes, I > have > convinced her to see my infectious disease doc….i believe she has late > stage > lymes. The trouble I have with fibro is ….how do you take a perfectly > good > functioning person and turn them to an invalid without any explanation? > Does your doctor say that this is secondary to something else? Do you > have > other symptoms than pain? I have met others that said it was post lymes > fibro and that there is a big investigation now that it may be linked to > lymes or another bacterial infection. > > Do you take meds? How do you get relief. She feels totally without any > hope and I FEEL for her. On the lymes test she had 68 out of 70 symptoms. > > Any thoughts on that? > > JP > > > > Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 People with Fibro tend to be a bit chubby, and don't usually look sick. Also, tremors and falling are not anything I have heard about Fibro. There could be some Thyroid problems, also neurological like ms, lyme, meniere's, ra, etc. I believe your friend needs to go to a competent rheumatologist and a good neurologist and have herself tested for all the possible causes of her condition. Sometimes we go to doctors, don't get an answer and have to go elsewhere. It's quite common. Your friend could ask for a referral from the best hospital near her to the chief of each of the departments. Roni On 5/26/07, JP <jpbonner65@...> wrote: > > I have a very close friend that went from being a traveling nurse working > a > ton of hours, super mom etc and then suddenly started with ibs and lost > 80-90 lbs. and went thru tons of testing and two years later is non > functioning, in constant pain, foggy brain, tremors, falls sometimes, I > have > convinced her to see my infectious disease doc….i believe she has late > stage > lymes. The trouble I have with fibro is ….how do you take a perfectly > good > functioning person and turn them to an invalid without any explanation? > Does your doctor say that this is secondary to something else? Do you > have > other symptoms than pain? I have met others that said it was post lymes > fibro and that there is a big investigation now that it may be linked to > lymes or another bacterial infection. > > Do you take meds? How do you get relief. She feels totally without any > hope and I FEEL for her. On the lymes test she had 68 out of 70 symptoms. > > Any thoughts on that? > > JP > > > > Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 Hmmm. I didn’t know that. She probably didn’t know that either. She is seeing the id doc in two weeks, she saw a rheum that blew her off, told her to see mine, she is wonderful, I know she has seen a neuro and she is scheduled for another brain scan. I will pass this info on to her. I have been telling her that I didn’t believe this was fibro.... JP Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 Hmmm. I didn’t know that. She probably didn’t know that either. She is seeing the id doc in two weeks, she saw a rheum that blew her off, told her to see mine, she is wonderful, I know she has seen a neuro and she is scheduled for another brain scan. I will pass this info on to her. I have been telling her that I didn’t believe this was fibro.... JP Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Hi Mark from Boston, I have spinal stenosis w/mylopothy and fibro I have been taking Lyrica, Baclofen and Valium for the spasms and the pain in my legs, feet and arms from the fibro for the last 2 years. It is a fact that with fibro you don't really get the exercise you need and the med's some time cause fluid build up especially in your legs and ankles. To get a little more info on me take a look at my blog and you can get an idea of what has been going on with me for the past 2 almost 3 years!! Always the best, Mark from Boston Hey and anyone visits leave a message it always picks my spirits up Thanks again!!! markfrmboston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Hi Mark from Boston, I have spinal stenosis w/mylopothy and fibro I have been taking Lyrica, Baclofen and Valium for the spasms and the pain in my legs, feet and arms from the fibro for the last 2 years. It is a fact that with fibro you don't really get the exercise you need and the med's some time cause fluid build up especially in your legs and ankles. To get a little more info on me take a look at my blog and you can get an idea of what has been going on with me for the past 2 almost 3 years!! Always the best, Mark from Boston Hey and anyone visits leave a message it always picks my spirits up Thanks again!!! markfrmboston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Who said people with fibro are fat? One of the best treatments for fibro is tons of exercise Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Who said people with fibro are fat? One of the best treatments for fibro is tons of exercise Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the symptoms > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot of > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > 4:01 PM > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 LOL I didn't say fat, I said tend to be a bit chubby. It's even in the books about Fibro. When I was first diagnosed I did lots of research, through reading and classes and support groups. I learned a lot. However, the main thing I learned from every Fibro person I met is that whatever drugs they were on regularly did not really stop the pain. They would go from drug to drug, but nothing really took away the pain. That's when I decided to try to live without them, except for occasionally. So far these facts about pain killers and Fibro have not changed, but it will be interesting to see what they eventually find out about Fibro and how to treat it. Roni On 5/27/07, BLEECKERST10012@... <BLEECKERST10012@...> wrote: > > Who said people with fibro are fat? One of the best treatments for fibro > is tons of exercise > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile > > Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the > symptoms > > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot > of > > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > > 4:01 PM > > > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > > 4:01 PM > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 LOL I didn't say fat, I said tend to be a bit chubby. It's even in the books about Fibro. When I was first diagnosed I did lots of research, through reading and classes and support groups. I learned a lot. However, the main thing I learned from every Fibro person I met is that whatever drugs they were on regularly did not really stop the pain. They would go from drug to drug, but nothing really took away the pain. That's when I decided to try to live without them, except for occasionally. So far these facts about pain killers and Fibro have not changed, but it will be interesting to see what they eventually find out about Fibro and how to treat it. Roni On 5/27/07, BLEECKERST10012@... <BLEECKERST10012@...> wrote: > > Who said people with fibro are fat? One of the best treatments for fibro > is tons of exercise > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile > > Re: addiction to the pain killers? > > > > > > > > people on this site suggested it was fibromyalgia when i put the > symptoms > > out there. i then had it confirmed by a rheumatologist. there are a lot > of > > good web sites out there about fibro. just try googling fibromyalgia. > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > > 4:01 PM > > > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/817 - Release Date: 5/24/2007 > > 4:01 PM > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 sorry about that ronni, so what do you do for the pain then? my fibro is so intense that there is no way i could do this without the pain killers. the pain wakes me up in the morning after a night of surface sleeping and i take the oxyir and i lay on the couch until it kicks in. the pain is horrible. and i have a very strong pain tolerance and very active life. but fibro pain is incredible. what do you do? marsha ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 sorry about that ronni, so what do you do for the pain then? my fibro is so intense that there is no way i could do this without the pain killers. the pain wakes me up in the morning after a night of surface sleeping and i take the oxyir and i lay on the couch until it kicks in. the pain is horrible. and i have a very strong pain tolerance and very active life. but fibro pain is incredible. what do you do? marsha ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 The pain is always there when I wake up in the morning, like I was hit by a truck, some days two trucks. I know this is how it will be for a couple of hours. I don't plan anything to start until I've had my couple of hours to myself. If I have to, I get up earlier so that I will still have the time. A nice warm shower, then a cup of coffee and a bagel are what I have for breakfast, because being hungry is not good I found out. The key, of course, is sleep. The only drug I take is Ambien for sleep. 5 to 10 mgs. depending on how tired I am and how much I thing I need it. Before this, I wasn't sleeping at all, or rather that half-in-half-out kind of sleep every night, and then the pain was excruciating the next day. I try not to take anything during the day, but once in a while (sometimes it flared up badly) I will take Ibuprofen 2-4 depending on how much I think will help for that particular time. I take vitamins, Policosanol for cholesterol maintenance, and natto kinase for keeping the blood flowing (like an asperin, but not the bleeding side effects). That's pretty much it. Anything else is only if I become ill and they say I have to take it. So I do temporarily but never after the bottle is done. Roni On 5/28/07, BLEECKERST10012@... <BLEECKERST10012@...> wrote: > > sorry about that ronni, so what do you do for the pain then? my fibro is > so > intense that there is no way i could do this without the pain killers. the > > pain wakes me up in the morning after a night of surface sleeping and i > take > the oxyir and i lay on the couch until it kicks in. the pain is horrible. > and i have a very strong pain tolerance and very active life. but fibro > pain > is incredible. what do you do? marsha > > ************************************** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 The pain is always there when I wake up in the morning, like I was hit by a truck, some days two trucks. I know this is how it will be for a couple of hours. I don't plan anything to start until I've had my couple of hours to myself. If I have to, I get up earlier so that I will still have the time. A nice warm shower, then a cup of coffee and a bagel are what I have for breakfast, because being hungry is not good I found out. The key, of course, is sleep. The only drug I take is Ambien for sleep. 5 to 10 mgs. depending on how tired I am and how much I thing I need it. Before this, I wasn't sleeping at all, or rather that half-in-half-out kind of sleep every night, and then the pain was excruciating the next day. I try not to take anything during the day, but once in a while (sometimes it flared up badly) I will take Ibuprofen 2-4 depending on how much I think will help for that particular time. I take vitamins, Policosanol for cholesterol maintenance, and natto kinase for keeping the blood flowing (like an asperin, but not the bleeding side effects). That's pretty much it. Anything else is only if I become ill and they say I have to take it. So I do temporarily but never after the bottle is done. Roni On 5/28/07, BLEECKERST10012@... <BLEECKERST10012@...> wrote: > > sorry about that ronni, so what do you do for the pain then? my fibro is > so > intense that there is no way i could do this without the pain killers. the > > pain wakes me up in the morning after a night of surface sleeping and i > take > the oxyir and i lay on the couch until it kicks in. the pain is horrible. > and i have a very strong pain tolerance and very active life. but fibro > pain > is incredible. what do you do? marsha > > ************************************** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Mark. Thank u. My fibro is pretty ok right now. I have worked hsrd to control it thru diet. No sugar, no gluten, No milk. I exercise a lot and i have on on patch and cymbalta which really helps. Best marsha Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol. <http://www.aol.com.> com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Mark. Thank u. My fibro is pretty ok right now. I have worked hsrd to control it thru diet. No sugar, no gluten, No milk. I exercise a lot and i have on on patch and cymbalta which really helps. Best marsha Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol. <http://www.aol.com.> com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Marsha, If you don't mind me asking...what type of patch do you use? Is it the Lidoderm, that is what I use. But I always wondered about the stronger patches because I had gastric bypass surgery and I have malabsorption issues with vitamins, I figure I may also with the pain meds. Has anyone out there tried the stronger patches for breakthrough pain? I just got home from the hospital two days ago. I take Percocet (breakthrough), lyrica, and oxycontin twice a day. Everyone tells me I should not take the oxycontin because it is so addictive, but I am using it as instucted...as it was intended and it makes me able to get out of bed. I just went in to have my screws removed from my fusion, because I was having such PAIN. Well it turn out that it was " not all in my head " like my pain management Dr and surgeon suggested. I had to have 2 more disks fused, the ones that were being overused, compensating for the fused space T-9 --- L-3 Have a Good Sunday all.....Staci BLEECKERST10012@... wrote: Mark. Thank u. My fibro is pretty ok right now. I have worked hsrd to control it thru diet. No sugar, no gluten, No milk. I exercise a lot and i have on on patch and cymbalta which really helps. Best marsha Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol. com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Marsha, If you don't mind me asking...what type of patch do you use? Is it the Lidoderm, that is what I use. But I always wondered about the stronger patches because I had gastric bypass surgery and I have malabsorption issues with vitamins, I figure I may also with the pain meds. Has anyone out there tried the stronger patches for breakthrough pain? I just got home from the hospital two days ago. I take Percocet (breakthrough), lyrica, and oxycontin twice a day. Everyone tells me I should not take the oxycontin because it is so addictive, but I am using it as instucted...as it was intended and it makes me able to get out of bed. I just went in to have my screws removed from my fusion, because I was having such PAIN. Well it turn out that it was " not all in my head " like my pain management Dr and surgeon suggested. I had to have 2 more disks fused, the ones that were being overused, compensating for the fused space T-9 --- L-3 Have a Good Sunday all.....Staci BLEECKERST10012@... wrote: Mark. Thank u. My fibro is pretty ok right now. I have worked hsrd to control it thru diet. No sugar, no gluten, No milk. I exercise a lot and i have on on patch and cymbalta which really helps. Best marsha Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Re: addiction to the pain killers? Mark from Boston here, Marsha you should look into the Lyrica and Baclofen I take that along with the oxy ( 2 in the morning, 1 during the day 1 at night ) and the percocet for breakthrough pain up to 4 during the day. I usually take the valium at night to help me sleep. I was taking Amytriptolene put it gave me real bad nightmares some times my wife would find me having conversations with my dead father?? The first two work great for the fibro especially the pain and burning sensation in my feet!! Keep in touch, Mark from Boston ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol. com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Hi JP, There is a difference between addiction and dependance. Think diabetics and insulin- they never get away from the meds. They for years, they are dependent on the meds. Chronic pain folks are a much the same. It's a shame many of the pain meds are abused and used illegally. There is a nasty stigma attached to the meds we depend on. Here is some info that may help: ------------------------------------ Pain pills: Avoiding addiction There's little risk of becoming addicted to prescription pain medications if you follow your doctor's directions for use. The injury was months ago and you've done everything your doctor suggested — stretching, strengthening exercises, ice, heat — but you still hurt. Over-the-counter pain remedies aren't helping, and you'd like to try something stronger. But you're also somewhat hesitant. What about all the celebrities who've wound up addicted to prescription pain medication? Would that happen to you? The short answer: Probably not. What is addiction? Pain specialists define addiction very precisely. The key component is that an addict uses a drug compulsively, despite the fact that it causes harm. A prime example is cigarettes. Most smokers know that cigarettes damage their health. Many want to quit, but can't overcome the craving. That's addiction. People who are, or have been, addicted to one drug are at higher risk of becoming addicted to other drugs. Addictive disorders also tend to be inherited. If you have family members who abuse drugs or alcohol, you're at higher risk of the same problem. Drug addiction - Addiction vs. dependence Some people confuse addiction with physical dependence, a condition that results in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Many types of nonaddictive drugs — including corticosteroids and beta blockers — can cause physical dependence. These types of drugs should not be stopped abruptly. Instead, the dosage should be reduced gradually, so the person can be weaned off the medication. Addiction and physical dependence often occur together. But you can have addiction without physical dependence, and physical dependence without addiction. Addictive pain medications Some of the most addictive pain medications are opioids, a family of drugs that have effects similar to those of opium or morphine. Commonly prescribed opioids include codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon, others), meperidine (Demerol, others), hydrocodone (Vicodin, others), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, others), oxycodone (OxyContin, others) and morphine (MS Contin, others). Who's at risk? The vast majority of people who take their pain medication as directed never become addicted, even during long-term use. The key is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by a physician. Frequent assessment and follow-up with your doctor will ensure that you're taking the safest and most effective amount of medication. The addiction risk is higher for people who have a family or personal history of drug or alcohol abuse. This additional risk is lessened in people participating in 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and who have family support. Mistaken identity People with unrelieved chronic pain sometimes act in ways that appear to be addictive. They may be preoccupied with maintaining their supply of medicine or anxiously watch the clock so that they won't miss their next dose. These behaviors, called pseudoaddiction, typically stop once the person gets satisfactory pain relief. It also is common for people to develop a tolerance to their pain medication, needing higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This is normal, and not a sign of addiction. In some cases, tolerance proves to be helpful, as many of a drug's side effects may disappear once your body becomes more used to the medicine. Be honest with your doctor Tell your doctor if you have had a particular side effect from a pain medication in the past. Also share your personal and family history of substance abuse or addiction. Your doctor needs this information to choose the type of pain medication that will work best for you. More information on this topic is located at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pain-pill-addiction/PN00056 -------------------------------------------- God bless you, Moderator, Chronic_Pain_Assistance > > I was discussing my current problem with my sister in law, she is a doctor. > She does some consulting with a drug and rehab facility and strongly warned > me not to start taking things such as oxycontin etc including percocet, well > I have been on percocet for 8 months and I really thought it would be short > term but I don't seem to be getting any answers right now. And I wonder if > anyone else has been warned about addiction or has become addicted, or had > any concerns about it. Do you really worry about it? If so, what do you > do? > > JP > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.6/815 - Release Date: 5/22/2007 > 3:49 PM > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Hi JP, There is a difference between addiction and dependance. Think diabetics and insulin- they never get away from the meds. They for years, they are dependent on the meds. Chronic pain folks are a much the same. It's a shame many of the pain meds are abused and used illegally. There is a nasty stigma attached to the meds we depend on. Here is some info that may help: ------------------------------------ Pain pills: Avoiding addiction There's little risk of becoming addicted to prescription pain medications if you follow your doctor's directions for use. The injury was months ago and you've done everything your doctor suggested — stretching, strengthening exercises, ice, heat — but you still hurt. Over-the-counter pain remedies aren't helping, and you'd like to try something stronger. But you're also somewhat hesitant. What about all the celebrities who've wound up addicted to prescription pain medication? Would that happen to you? The short answer: Probably not. What is addiction? Pain specialists define addiction very precisely. The key component is that an addict uses a drug compulsively, despite the fact that it causes harm. A prime example is cigarettes. Most smokers know that cigarettes damage their health. Many want to quit, but can't overcome the craving. That's addiction. People who are, or have been, addicted to one drug are at higher risk of becoming addicted to other drugs. Addictive disorders also tend to be inherited. If you have family members who abuse drugs or alcohol, you're at higher risk of the same problem. Drug addiction - Addiction vs. dependence Some people confuse addiction with physical dependence, a condition that results in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Many types of nonaddictive drugs — including corticosteroids and beta blockers — can cause physical dependence. These types of drugs should not be stopped abruptly. Instead, the dosage should be reduced gradually, so the person can be weaned off the medication. Addiction and physical dependence often occur together. But you can have addiction without physical dependence, and physical dependence without addiction. Addictive pain medications Some of the most addictive pain medications are opioids, a family of drugs that have effects similar to those of opium or morphine. Commonly prescribed opioids include codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon, others), meperidine (Demerol, others), hydrocodone (Vicodin, others), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, others), oxycodone (OxyContin, others) and morphine (MS Contin, others). Who's at risk? The vast majority of people who take their pain medication as directed never become addicted, even during long-term use. The key is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by a physician. Frequent assessment and follow-up with your doctor will ensure that you're taking the safest and most effective amount of medication. The addiction risk is higher for people who have a family or personal history of drug or alcohol abuse. This additional risk is lessened in people participating in 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and who have family support. Mistaken identity People with unrelieved chronic pain sometimes act in ways that appear to be addictive. They may be preoccupied with maintaining their supply of medicine or anxiously watch the clock so that they won't miss their next dose. These behaviors, called pseudoaddiction, typically stop once the person gets satisfactory pain relief. It also is common for people to develop a tolerance to their pain medication, needing higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This is normal, and not a sign of addiction. In some cases, tolerance proves to be helpful, as many of a drug's side effects may disappear once your body becomes more used to the medicine. Be honest with your doctor Tell your doctor if you have had a particular side effect from a pain medication in the past. Also share your personal and family history of substance abuse or addiction. Your doctor needs this information to choose the type of pain medication that will work best for you. More information on this topic is located at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pain-pill-addiction/PN00056 -------------------------------------------- God bless you, Moderator, Chronic_Pain_Assistance > > I was discussing my current problem with my sister in law, she is a doctor. > She does some consulting with a drug and rehab facility and strongly warned > me not to start taking things such as oxycontin etc including percocet, well > I have been on percocet for 8 months and I really thought it would be short > term but I don't seem to be getting any answers right now. And I wonder if > anyone else has been warned about addiction or has become addicted, or had > any concerns about it. Do you really worry about it? If so, what do you > do? > > JP > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.6/815 - Release Date: 5/22/2007 > 3:49 PM > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 You are right . That is excally how my doctor described it to me when I told him I didn't want to get addicted to the meds for my chronic pain. I am diabetic also and he said I need insulin ot live and I need the meds to live also. It is a dependence not a a addiction. june > > > > I was discussing my current problem with my sister in law, she is > a doctor. > > She does some consulting with a drug and rehab facility and > strongly warned > > me not to start taking things such as oxycontin etc including > percocet, well > > I have been on percocet for 8 months and I really thought it would > be short > > term but I don't seem to be getting any answers right now. And I > wonder if > > anyone else has been warned about addiction or has become > addicted, or had > > any concerns about it. Do you really worry about it? If so, what > do you > > do? > > > > JP > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.6/815 - Release Date: > 5/22/2007 > > 3:49 PM > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 You are right . That is excally how my doctor described it to me when I told him I didn't want to get addicted to the meds for my chronic pain. I am diabetic also and he said I need insulin ot live and I need the meds to live also. It is a dependence not a a addiction. june > > > > I was discussing my current problem with my sister in law, she is > a doctor. > > She does some consulting with a drug and rehab facility and > strongly warned > > me not to start taking things such as oxycontin etc including > percocet, well > > I have been on percocet for 8 months and I really thought it would > be short > > term but I don't seem to be getting any answers right now. And I > wonder if > > anyone else has been warned about addiction or has become > addicted, or had > > any concerns about it. Do you really worry about it? If so, what > do you > > do? > > > > JP > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.6/815 - Release Date: > 5/22/2007 > > 3:49 PM > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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