Chronic pain

Old 11-15-2012, 07:28 AM
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Chronic pain

Last night AH mentioned that he is trying to wean himself off morphine.

I haven't mentioned much about that - he is addicted to morphine and fentanyl. he has chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. This have never been an "issue" much in our relationship he doesn't abuse them. Prescribed to him. So about a year ago we looked into getting him off of these by his desire. They really aren't effective he has been taking them so long but are a necessity to keep him from withdrawel.

We visited all of his doctors and asked opinions. We saw 4 = it went half and half - half said it would be better for him and he would be fine, half said he would never be able to because of chronic pain. We were one step away from self admittance in a rehab in their office and he backed out.

Aside from just being sick of taking pills and the multitude of Dr's morphine no longer agrees with him. makes him very sick when he takes it.

So I had a lightbulb moment and asked if this was a motivation to start drinking. No answer. yes the fact that he is drinking and taking these drugs scares the crap out of me.

He did say he is at the point that he wants to try to get off of all of it tired of the noose.

My question is if any of you have dealt with someone with addiction issues and chronic pain and rehab. Perhaps a better question on another forum but I have only posted here.
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Old 11-15-2012, 08:21 AM
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What is his chronic pain from, if you don't mind me asking?
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Old 11-15-2012, 08:48 AM
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A host of things. His pancreas spasms because of the chronic pancreatitis. He also had a whipple procedure on his pancreas he developed scar tissue along the insision which also causes a lot of pain and nerve damage. Paired with just an overall crappy (excuse my pun ) digestive issue due to the chronic pancreatitis.

But no need for anyone to reply an opinion I hoodwinked myself momentarily. I have seen no evidence of drinking since Saturday. Paired with last nights discussion I was feeling hopeful....then on the way to work it hit me. He mentioned he has his pain management appt tomorrow. Because of DEA crackdowns he will be urine tested and his pills counted. He isn't drinking because of the urine test. If he is feeling like getting off the meds its only to drink. Substitution of addictions. So here is my guess for tomorrow.

#1 Dr.
#2 Liquor Store
# 3 Drinks *****!!!
#4 Make up for days missed
#5 Fake wife out when she gets home ( yeah not so much)

Anyway. I was thinking about getting in touch with the treatment center here that specializes in chronic pain but nahhhhhh. If he wants it he will go.
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Old 11-15-2012, 09:15 AM
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Thanks for answering my question, dear. I am in long-term recovery (22 years) and have chronic pain issues from spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and have suffered from migraines since age 19.

I was sitting here thinking how insane it is to have chronic pancreatitis and yet continue to drink when possible. Then I remember my insane thinking and actions when I was still active in my disease.

Sending you warm hugs of support!
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Old 11-15-2012, 10:16 AM
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Thanks freedom for your kind response.

I can only tell you my theory as to how he can drink with Chronic pancreatitis - he has been sober for 10 years. Relapsing for maybe 5 months at least 3. During one of his hospitalizations for a flare up (long before he was drinking again this was thanks to a plate of fried fish) he and a pancreas specialist were talking about his history. AH mentioned that after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (prob 15 years ago) that he woke everyday with pain and the only thing that stopped it was drinking. The specialist said this is a common phenomenon with pancreatitis and they don't know why - because it is the worst thing you can do if you have it. Seems it would be the opposite.

I have noticed when AH is drinking now he doesn't complain of stomach pain. The past two or 3 days he has not been drinking and he is in pain its not withdrawal its intense sharp, stabbing pain in his side.. Most unfortunate.

Sorry to hear of your chronic pain - I don't have it but live with it - so I feel ya.
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