Chronic pain and addiction

[elsa]

Hi everyone,

I have posted occassionally and I read constantly, however I just wanted to post where I am today. I have had 2 major back surgeries (triple fusions), and even after surgeries I was still in pain and required daily meds. As with others I found if I took one more than prescribed I felt even better, and if I took 2 more I felt great and so on and so on. I just could not stick to taking as prescribed. This has dragged me into a whole lot of trouble with myself, my husband, doctor etc. I have been going to NA for about 2 years, I got myself a sponsor, a therapist, and told my pain mgmt doctor what was going on.

3 weeks ago, I had a spinal cord stimulator inserted, this replaces pain signals with a tingling sensation. And I have to say that it is working. I have reduced my pain meds by 25%. My husband holds my meds and gives them to me as prescribed. He has them locked away, wherever...I do not know where. I can't say that the cravings are totally gone ( I am not sure they every will be), but I do feel like I am on the right path. I just keep on trying to do the next right thing.

Things at home are better (not great) but better, and if I continue on working with this new stimulator, I hope to continue to reduced my daily meds. In the meantime, I know I can not be in control of them. I tell my husband when my doctors appointment is, I hand him the prescription and he gives me as prescribed.

I am back to work, full time, and taking care of my house, my daughter and myself.

At this point, that is all I can ask for

I just wanted to tell you all what it going on, as far as I am concerned, the more people who know, the better for me.

Thanks for listening (reading)

Elise

[northbelle]

Wow elsa...YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
love north

[Scarlet22]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I may have to deal with chronic pain issues as well-and it helps to see someone who is finding a health path to go. It's hard to think all or nothing-black or white. Life just isn't that way at all.

I really appreciate you talking about this!

Hugs and Peace,

[StagebearNJ]

Thanks, Elise, for posting that. I hope that others also find some comfort that taking necessary medication can work with the right support and structure.
Best,
Bear

[sleepyhead]

I'm so happy for you! I tried that stim thing but it didn't work. I became addicted to Oxy and Norco then methadone. I'm off all of those and have pain but don't want to be in that druggy haze. I prefer the pain.
Congrats on lowering your pain pills!

[hopefully tryin]

Thanks for the info and how you are doing.
I am in a similar situation. Except I do not have anyone to give me my meds as prescribed.......so I try on my own th ebest I can to take them as prescribed. I am def not taking them to get high anymore which I know is a step in the right direction. My Dr wanted me to have a spinal cord stimulator but I haven't done it yet just to scared I guess. Just wanted to say thanks for the post and I know that pain control can be acheived with my meds and by not overdoing it. It is hard sometimes though because the addict in me says " take one,two,three more etc."
I know I can take control of my life again! and it looks like you are too.
Thanks

[Jane63]

Elsa...sounds like you are on the right path!! Keep hanging in there!!
Best wishes and {{Hugs}}

Jane