My patience is being tested
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
My patience is being tested
I haaaaaaaate pain. I hate pain. My ear is killing me. My wisdom tooth is infected and it spread the infection to my ear and throat. the doctor cannot pull it before the infection is gone. Th doctor says that because there's no space for my wisdom tooth , I was chewing my inner cheek and it got infected too. He offered to give me codeine and I said no. I feel like my ear drums are about to explode and like water in my ears. I am in so much pain. I know I cannot control pain killers. Tried it before and didnot work so there's no reason why it should work now.
((((Jane)))). I am sorry you are in so much pain. I agree with Anvilhead. Try some ibuprophens and maybe put something warm on the side of your head. Hang in there, make sure you take those anti-biotics and get that thing's butt kicked!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Middle of MO
Posts: 666
Just because we are addicts does not doom us to enduring pain. There are non-narcotic painkillers that *may* work. Even if an opiate is required, it doesn't mean we have to lose all we've gained. Being honest (completely) with our doctors, by voicing our concerns, can make all the difference.
There are guidelines available for treating addicts in pain. It may mean small scripts, weaning off whatever is given, etc.
There are guidelines available for treating addicts in pain. It may mean small scripts, weaning off whatever is given, etc.
Last edited by Dee74; 01-11-2010 at 02:01 PM. Reason: removed brand name
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
There are guidelines available for treating addicts in pain. It may mean small scripts, weaning off whatever is given, etc.
Jane, I struggled with chronic infections in a molar for four months. I kept putting off having something done with it because the tooth was in a bridge, and a root canal was costly. My dental insurance didn't kick in until September, so I did round after round of antibiotics (and I HATE antibiotics -- I've had a cold for three weeks, and I swear, the antibiotics have contributed by weakening my immune system). Each time, it took a little longer for the antibiotics to kick in, but at the longest, I had relief from them in four days. I can't take NSAIDs (asprin, ibuprophen to help get the swelling down), so I got by with Tylenol. It was tough, especially because I put it off, but if you have the work done promptly once the infection is gone, you won't have to go through it again.
Be faithful to the antibiotic schedule, get yourself a good numbing agent (Anbesol or something like that), and I found staying still as much as possible helped. I slept on extra pillows -- having my head level with or lower than my heart made it thump harder.
And I'll pray "this too" passes quickly.
Peace & Love,
Sugah
Be faithful to the antibiotic schedule, get yourself a good numbing agent (Anbesol or something like that), and I found staying still as much as possible helped. I slept on extra pillows -- having my head level with or lower than my heart made it thump harder.
And I'll pray "this too" passes quickly.
Peace & Love,
Sugah
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Middle of MO
Posts: 666
I was also a pill-head, so I know what you're talking about. But for me, the "grin and bear it" approach won't cut it. I've had to be proactive, and there are resources that are helpful. In the methadone literature, there is a "letter to your doctor" that is designed to be copied and presented to doctors and dentists. It not only has broad guidelines, it offers a number an interested doc can call for specifics.
There has been an awakening in the pain-control field in recent years, but we addicts are still at the mercy of whatever person is treating us. I know in my own case, even after informing all my docs of my history, an accident put me in the hospital with severe injuries that, due to my honesty, caused me to be under-treated for pain. It wasn't until years later that I learned that under-treating an addict is as bad or worse than overuse of painkillers.
We cannot predict what will happen. But taking the time to make sure our doctors are informed *ahead of time* of our problems, can make a world of difference. I've certainly had my share of egotistical docs who believe "its my way or the highway", but the good ones appreciate a bit of education and honesty. Once you have an advocate who truly understands, your chance of avoiding suffering without awakening the beast are greatly enhanced.
There has been an awakening in the pain-control field in recent years, but we addicts are still at the mercy of whatever person is treating us. I know in my own case, even after informing all my docs of my history, an accident put me in the hospital with severe injuries that, due to my honesty, caused me to be under-treated for pain. It wasn't until years later that I learned that under-treating an addict is as bad or worse than overuse of painkillers.
We cannot predict what will happen. But taking the time to make sure our doctors are informed *ahead of time* of our problems, can make a world of difference. I've certainly had my share of egotistical docs who believe "its my way or the highway", but the good ones appreciate a bit of education and honesty. Once you have an advocate who truly understands, your chance of avoiding suffering without awakening the beast are greatly enhanced.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
Well why don't you have a drink of whiskey or something then? That should help and it will disinfect it somewhat. Or is that a no-go also?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
Same here D. NO mind altering substances for me. Actually my pain is much less today. In few days I'll remove my wisdom tooth and then things will be finally solved.
Lenina- Thanks that's sweet. I wil definately post more there. You folks are amazing.
Lenina- Thanks that's sweet. I wil definately post more there. You folks are amazing.
Jane, your determination is inspirational for me to see. I was only off 50-60- mg per day for a few days and I succumbed to another script. I wasn't even "that" sick--runny nose and aches but getting around and working. It's the depression that I can't stand. Now I am taking pills and still depressed...I will try again.
As for general immune support, buy colloidal silver at your local health food store. It is a natural antibiotic and immunce support builder. I take a capful three times per day for general maintenance. I took several slugs for two days when I felt a bladder infection coming on (also sprayed the area) and it passed--no antibiotics!! There is no alcohol in colloidal silver. Not much taste.
Take care.
As for general immune support, buy colloidal silver at your local health food store. It is a natural antibiotic and immunce support builder. I take a capful three times per day for general maintenance. I took several slugs for two days when I felt a bladder infection coming on (also sprayed the area) and it passed--no antibiotics!! There is no alcohol in colloidal silver. Not much taste.
Take care.
Hi Jane,
I wanted to let you know that I think you handled this situation very, very well. I have had my share of problems with my teeth, partly as a result of years and years of popping pain pills myslef, and until the last year or so, I always gave in and took narcotics. My dentist offered them repeatedly even though he was fully aware of my addiction issues. He felt that it was unnessecary for me to suffer however, I was fully aware that my suffering would be far worse in the long run if I went with the pills. I ended up taking a couple of days off and stocking up on Aleve and Melatonin. I knew rest and relaxation would be most helpful so I slept. A lot. It took about 2 days for the antibiotics to kick in and the difference they made was crazy... I felt so much better. It sounds like that's where you might be now. Be prepared to endure some additional pain when the actual extraction takes place but I'll bet you surprised yourself this time being able to tough it out with the resources you had... you can do it again. Oh! and cold compresses (as mentioned above) really helped me to. Take Care and Good Luck!
I wanted to let you know that I think you handled this situation very, very well. I have had my share of problems with my teeth, partly as a result of years and years of popping pain pills myslef, and until the last year or so, I always gave in and took narcotics. My dentist offered them repeatedly even though he was fully aware of my addiction issues. He felt that it was unnessecary for me to suffer however, I was fully aware that my suffering would be far worse in the long run if I went with the pills. I ended up taking a couple of days off and stocking up on Aleve and Melatonin. I knew rest and relaxation would be most helpful so I slept. A lot. It took about 2 days for the antibiotics to kick in and the difference they made was crazy... I felt so much better. It sounds like that's where you might be now. Be prepared to endure some additional pain when the actual extraction takes place but I'll bet you surprised yourself this time being able to tough it out with the resources you had... you can do it again. Oh! and cold compresses (as mentioned above) really helped me to. Take Care and Good Luck!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
Jane, your determination is inspirational for me to see.
I wanted to let you know that I think you handled this situation very, very well.
And I'll pray "this too" passes quickly.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 862
I'm just trying to help, there's no need to laugh. I don't know if alcohol's a problem for you or not and it's quite a practical solution. There's no alimentary code saying you can't spit it out after and mouthwash really isn't strong enough.
This is going to sound dumb as hell, but when I had a filling fall out and had a major hole for awhile, when it would ache I'd put bits of garlic or onion in. It worked pretty good.
This is going to sound dumb as hell, but when I had a filling fall out and had a major hole for awhile, when it would ache I'd put bits of garlic or onion in. It worked pretty good.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: somewhere
Posts: 917
This is going to sound dumb as hell, but when I had a filling fall out and had a major hole for awhile, when it would ache I'd put bits of garlic or onion in.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Middle of MO
Posts: 666
Actually, alcohol is a drug for anyone! One of the reasons it took so long for me to get any kind of sobriety was my stubborn refusal to accept that "a drug is a drug". My first trip through rehab, I saw my "problem" as being IV cocaine use. Since (in my mind) I never had a drinking problem, I assumed I could continue "social drinking" as I saw fit. Listening to other peoples' stories over the years, I can safely say this kind of thinking is common. As I was told, one little three-letter word encompasses EVERY mood-altering drug: "I don't have a problem with <insert drug name here> YET".
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)