Re: addiction to the pain killers?

[Guest guest]

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.

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4:01 PM

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

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4:01 PM

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

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

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

>

>

[Guest guest]

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.

>

>

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

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

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >