Medication Management
Its_me_jen
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Salina, Ks
Posts: 8,547
Medication Management
Just looking for some people who may dealt with something similar.
My RAF injured his leg years ago (14?) resulting in lots of metal in his leg. Since I've known him he's just been dealing with the pain. In the past, he was on narcotics which he ended up abusing. He didn't like how they made him feel so he quit those and used MJ for the pain. He is also an alcoholic. He has no desire to go back to any of that. He's been sober for 2+ years.
Recently, the pain had been bad enough that he's not able to do the things he needs to do to live, i.e. work and school. He's been sent home from both on several occasions because he just couldn't handle it. He likes to play the tough guy, it doesn't hurt, role.
At any rate, we talked about it and he decided he had to see a doctor to discuss it. We did that. He was upfront and honest and the doctor was great. She prescribed him Ultram (which we are both aware can be abused, much like any drug).
I've agreed to hold the pills and give him enough for the day. It's been going great, no problems as of yet, but I can't help but worry. What if I don't see signs of something or whatever.
Any one been in a similar situation that can share some wisdom?
My RAF injured his leg years ago (14?) resulting in lots of metal in his leg. Since I've known him he's just been dealing with the pain. In the past, he was on narcotics which he ended up abusing. He didn't like how they made him feel so he quit those and used MJ for the pain. He is also an alcoholic. He has no desire to go back to any of that. He's been sober for 2+ years.
Recently, the pain had been bad enough that he's not able to do the things he needs to do to live, i.e. work and school. He's been sent home from both on several occasions because he just couldn't handle it. He likes to play the tough guy, it doesn't hurt, role.
At any rate, we talked about it and he decided he had to see a doctor to discuss it. We did that. He was upfront and honest and the doctor was great. She prescribed him Ultram (which we are both aware can be abused, much like any drug).
I've agreed to hold the pills and give him enough for the day. It's been going great, no problems as of yet, but I can't help but worry. What if I don't see signs of something or whatever.
Any one been in a similar situation that can share some wisdom?
I AM CANADIAN
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Niagara Region, Canada
Posts: 2,578
I have not been in any situation...but gosh...i do feel for the guy and his pain...but just remember
3 C's
u cant control this
u did not cause this
and there is no cure...
he is in my prayers
~Maggie
3 C's
u cant control this
u did not cause this
and there is no cure...
he is in my prayers
~Maggie
Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Starting over all over again
Posts: 4,426
Hello PaperDolls 
We have a forum on the subject of dealing with pain medication while being in recovery. You may want to browse through the posts and "stickies"
Recovery and Pain Management - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
Mike
We have a forum on the subject of dealing with pain medication while being in recovery. You may want to browse through the posts and "stickies"
Recovery and Pain Management - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
Mike
Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Starting over all over again
Posts: 4,426
Originally Posted by PaperDolls 
...I posted it here since it's not my pain management ..... more on the topic of dealing with a recovering SO having to go through it.
Mike
Its_me_jen
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Salina, Ks
Posts: 8,547
Actually, he's already a great dancer so that's out ..... but the other tips are great. 
I often wonder if my "hiding place" is good enough.....and then I feel bad for thinking that way. But whatever, I shouldn't feel bad. That's the point of me having the pills.
On the positive side, we expect that he will have health insurance in the next year or so and then more options open up, like seeing a specialist, possible surgery, etc.....he really doesn't want to do this for the rest of his life.
I often wonder if my "hiding place" is good enough.....and then I feel bad for thinking that way. But whatever, I shouldn't feel bad. That's the point of me having the pills.On the positive side, we expect that he will have health insurance in the next year or so and then more options open up, like seeing a specialist, possible surgery, etc.....he really doesn't want to do this for the rest of his life.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 775
I have pain issues too.I need to stay away from Ultram but I do get steroid shots which help alot.I have also gotten Botox shots believe it or not it helps quiet down the pain.The pain Dr. will help with all of these
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 447
Tramadol is a good alternate for those who have chronic pain due to injury or chronic disease (arthritis).
but here's the thing.
addiction is scary but you can be physically addicted without being psychologically addicted.
For those w/ chronic pain addiction is very much expected. Physical addiction...not the escalation of psychological that is.
A dr with any remote experience w/ addiction can explain it.
but it's up to the person to monitor their use. you really don't need to baby him or dole out meds...he's an adult. By taking control of his care you are enabling and making yourself sicker..as you continue to be his caretaker and taking responsibility for his addiction. It is up to him and his dr to handle this. Not you.
I would suggest you try alanon. It will do wonders for your outlook and give you tools to use to get YOU healthy.
but here's the thing.
addiction is scary but you can be physically addicted without being psychologically addicted.
For those w/ chronic pain addiction is very much expected. Physical addiction...not the escalation of psychological that is.
A dr with any remote experience w/ addiction can explain it.
but it's up to the person to monitor their use. you really don't need to baby him or dole out meds...he's an adult. By taking control of his care you are enabling and making yourself sicker..as you continue to be his caretaker and taking responsibility for his addiction. It is up to him and his dr to handle this. Not you.
I would suggest you try alanon. It will do wonders for your outlook and give you tools to use to get YOU healthy.
Its_me_jen
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Salina, Ks
Posts: 8,547
Willy - I just saw your post about the TENS unit. I'll suggest it to him.
blwn - I know where you're coming from and I'm hoping the way we're going about it is healthy.....or as healthy as it can be. I don't feel I'm enabling an addiction at this point but helping with his recovery. So far there's been no tension or weirdness. I just want to keep it that way and act appropriately if that happens.
I've been to alanon but only sporadically. I've been thinking of going back recently for a number of reasons. I suppose this is just one more reason to add to my list.
My main reason (excuse) for not going is that I'm working my AA program, and with sponsees, pretty intensely and the thought of working the steps as an alanon at the same time seems overwhelming to me. May be I just need to get over myself, huh?
Thanks for all the input!!
blwn - I know where you're coming from and I'm hoping the way we're going about it is healthy.....or as healthy as it can be. I don't feel I'm enabling an addiction at this point but helping with his recovery. So far there's been no tension or weirdness. I just want to keep it that way and act appropriately if that happens.
I've been to alanon but only sporadically. I've been thinking of going back recently for a number of reasons. I suppose this is just one more reason to add to my list.
My main reason (excuse) for not going is that I'm working my AA program, and with sponsees, pretty intensely and the thought of working the steps as an alanon at the same time seems overwhelming to me. May be I just need to get over myself, huh?
Thanks for all the input!!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In a good place
Posts: 4,482
PaperDolls, has anyone suggested an NSAID, in addition to painkillers? Inflammation causes pain, too, and an NSAID will reduce or eliminate inflammation. I have chronic pain and need a knee replacement for 20 years now; I've been bone on bone this entire time. I have other musculoskeletal issues, too, that have required surgery or will soon. I've played hard and beat myself up!
Anyway, I take a rx NSAID as needed, and always when I take a narcotic. The narcotic quiets my initial agony when it gets bad, but the NSAID makes the additional pain causing inflammation stop. This formula works for all pain I have, including dental work. I don't usually take narcotics past the first day for any of my ills, but I'll take the NSAID for several days. I remembered the other day, too, that I have many braces/sleeves for compression and stability. I felt like a real idiot for forgetting that!
Anyway, I take a rx NSAID as needed, and always when I take a narcotic. The narcotic quiets my initial agony when it gets bad, but the NSAID makes the additional pain causing inflammation stop. This formula works for all pain I have, including dental work. I don't usually take narcotics past the first day for any of my ills, but I'll take the NSAID for several days. I remembered the other day, too, that I have many braces/sleeves for compression and stability. I felt like a real idiot for forgetting that!
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