Normal

[klopper22]

Hi. This is my first post here (I put this in the wrong spot before). I have been an off-and-on abuser of alcohol and drugs over the last 24 years. They have both played hell on my life and marriage. I quit the alcohol some years back. But now, I need pain meds for my back. I have dorsal scapular syndrome and moderate to severe pain in my upper back, neck and shoulders almost all the time. My reason for taking pain meds is not to get high, although it is a bi-product of the pills I do enjoy.

My question: If you are an addict and have chronic pain, CAN U EVER BE NORMAL? WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO LIVE A DECENT LIFE - NOT IN PAIN BUT ALSO NOT USING UP MY MEDS TO FAST SO THAT I GO THRU WITHDRAWALS? I have just gone thru my 5th day of withdrawal from oxycontin. I was prescribed 20mg 3 x daily but I was taking six a day . I am feeling mostly normal again THANK GOD!!! I tried to get my dr to write a script of regular percocet today to get some releif. I told them the oxycontin hasnt worked out. He said I need to go in and talk to him. My appt is Monday and I dont know how to explain being out of the meds early. He has been a great dr and I dont want to lose him. I really would like to get away from oxycontin because it is so strong and addictive. I have not ever had an abuse problem with vicodin and am thinking of asking if I can go to that. But what do I say about running out early? Should I say it is because of the nature of the way the OC make me feel is why I used more than prescribed or what? I am so regretful of using them up too quickly. i am in a bad position now.

All I want is to be mostly pain free and to take pain medicine without feeling like this>>> :ghug: about them. That is what I want.

Any help will be appreciated.

[Latte]

I would ask for a referral for a pain management clinic and be honest with them.

[Sugah]

Originally Posted by klopper22

All I want is to be mostly pain free and to take pain medicine without feeling like this>>> :ghug: about them. That is what I want.

Any help will be appreciated.

That's what I wanted, too, but it wasn't possible for me. I had proven over and over that I could not take narcotic pain medication, or any other type of pain medication that altered my mental state. And I had a lot of pain. So, I had two choices. I could continue on with the narcotics, dramatically lowering my quality of life and at the same time, drastically shortening it, or I could learn to live with the pain.

I always get the feeling that it's an unpopular position when I state it, but I'll do it anyway: You can learn to live with significant pain and be happy at the same time.

If you want to live a life not dependent upon narcotics, it is possible, but you have to want it more than anything. If that be the case, I suggest finding a therapist or guide who specializes in meditation and relaxation techniques and learn from them.

And if you haven't yet discovered NA or AA, they're worth looking into, too.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[marionette]

Hi, Klopper and everyone.

I only just found this message board/forum a few hours ago so apologies if I'm repeating information posted elsewhere or otherwise gaffing, but your post caught my attention.

Have you been to see a good Massage Therapist yet? From what I read, dorsal scapular nerve compression is an atypical form of thoracic outlet syndrome and, as such, might be helped immensely by proper massage/bodywork.

Best,
Marionette

[klopper22]

I have thought about that, but short on extra funds. I do need to do that tho. TY so much for the replies.

:ghug:

[marionette]

I know the price per hour can sometimes make massage seem like a luxury, but the long-ranging benefits far exceed the price when you find someone good. I maybe should have mentioned that I'm a massage therapist so, if you're interested, I might be able to help you locate a qualified MT in your area. Message me if you're interested, and again -

Best,
Marionette

[klopper22]

Ok, it is a new day...day 8. The clear headedness continues. I still don't want oxycontin or any other opiate. Besides seeing what they did to me (akin to alcoholism) I don't have ANY back pain.

I am so thankful for this time in my life because I am looking at it with no clouds in the way, and I have believable hope. My wife even felt comfortable enough to talk with me about my plans with my meeting with the doctor (in which I plan to fully disclose my opiate experiences and new freedom from back pain). This is a fragile time for her and I am so grateful to see a little of her hope that this can get better. It is up to me to keep her hope alive and I am so wanting to do that.

I have prayed a lot for freedom from back pain and opiate dependency. Will I relapse? I don't know. I hope not. But having this time of clarity is going to help me to reverse some of the damage that's been done. I am going to work like a honey bee to make the most of it. I pray that God will help me to get as much accomplished as possible.

It has been said many times that nothing worth having usually comes without great effort and sacrifice. I lost close to $1,000 dollars because I couldnt work this week, I had RLS, depression, diarrhea and further strained my marriage. The way I am feeling now along with a little interaction with my wife makes the week's experiences seem trivial.