New to this and seeking answers
 

I am a Registered Nurse by trade and have alot of health problems and an addiction to the medications I am prescribed by my doctors. I have Type 1 diabetes, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and I take over 16 medecines just to regulate these conditions. As far as work goes, I have not worked in over a year and am currently receiving disability benefits. I have been on xanax for 4 years now along with ambien cr to treat my panic disorder as well as for the insomnia that the RA and fibro bring. I am also on lortab10/500 for pain and have been on that for almost a year. The problem is that the constant pain, lack of sleep, increased depression and anxiety have made all of illnesses worse and as a result, I noticed that my use of my medecines has escalated. I was taking about 3mg of xanax a day for the anxiety and am now up to about 4-5 mg a day just to feel normal. The pain from the RA and fibro has also increased and I went from take 1-2 Lortabs a day to about 4-5 a day. My doctors are aware of the drug use escalation, but I need help!

Welcome to SR RNintrouble :)

You'll certainly find a lot of support here - and ideas on where to find more support too.

Any time my Dr seemed unfazed by my escalating med use I'd probably look at getting a second opinion on my situation - have you considered consulting a pain management specialist or clinic perhaps? :)

D

Hi RN, :welcome

I am sorry to heal of your many physical ailments. I agree with Dee tho, if your current doctors aren't concerned about how you feel about your medications then it may be time to look for a second opinion.

It must be really tough, being on that much medication. I don't deal with many chronic physical conditions, but I do suffer from some mental stuff. At one point several years ago I was taking I think 5-6 or 7 meds every day, and I know it made me feel way out of it and not like myself.

Best wishes,

Welcome to the famiy.:) I too would look for a second opinion as your escalating dosage doesn't seem to be worrying your doctors. It's worrying you and that demands attention, from another doctor if necessary.

Welcome to SR!

Hi and Welcome,

I, too, would be looking for another dr if mine wasn't concerned about escalating doses of medication.

There are ways to deal with anxiety without using meds. I have generalized anxiety too and I have found some great books with tips to help me to deal with the anxiety, and at times, the panic. Meditating is helpful, and so are breathing techniques. Yoga is also very helpful and of course, de-stressing your life as much as possible. :)

Welcome to SR, RN. Are you seeing a therapist and a psych as well? A psych may put you on less addictive kinds of meds for your anxiety.