JBT

I broke my back in a car accident in 1992. I required surgery and had a spinal fusion. While i obviously have had pain since the surgery and alway will, unfortunately, i fell backwards on the stairs about a year ago and land on the fusion. Since then the back pain has increased dramatically. Sometimes to the point of being unable to walk. Moreover, i don't take narcotic pain medication because the side-effects outweigh the benefits. Although I partied hard in college, i outgrew it once i entered the workforce. Nevertheless, i have notice that more and more since i fell last year i have used alcohol much when i am dealing with excruciating pain. I am concerned i have or willl have a problem with alcohol. Regrettably, my doctors don't think surgery is an option. Has anyone out there experienced such a problem or have any advice for my situation?

totfit

Wow, if you currently do not have an issue with alcohol, then you may not develop one, though it is good to be cautious. That being said, alcohol is not the best "pain medicine". Probably one of the best pain management medicinals with the fewest side effects seems might possibly medicinal marijuana. I am not recommending it, but if I were in debilitating pain daily, I would likely use that as opposed to opiates or anything else other than NASCIDS. Those of course have some stomach side effects. I am not recommending MJ. I am just saying if I were in severe pain on a daily basis I might try it. Alcohol for me is a no-go, no-brainer. I have never had issue with another substance, but the Opiate train I most certainly would not want to even try.

saoutchik

JBT i am sorry to read that you are in a tough situation. Perhaps you could discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of all of the pain meds out there. If you factor the alcohol you drink by NOT taking them it might alter the benefits/side effects balance. It might buy you some pain free time ( or reduced pain) during which the chances of surgery option might improve

I wish i could be more help but i have no experience of spinal fusion. I do have experience of being an alcoholic and and so i really hope you can avoid that path.

I wish i could be more helpful and i hope you will get some positive advice - i wish you all the best

PS as i'm sure you know we are not allowed to give any medical advice (not that i am in a position to give any)

PhoenixJ

JBT- I collected 4th degree burns to 20% of my body from a cigarette, (1 year ago) blackout and a fibreglass splint which on turning molten burnt bone. I was dead 4 times. Lots of pain. Took 2 months of extreme determination and being held up even to walk again- because of that terrible, hellish pain. After leaving hospital I have refused any pain relief- one addiction is enough. If you are drinking too much to self medicate and the fact you have raised it here, to me means- you will not develop a drinking problem, you have one. I go to the specialist pain clinic here. One suggestion for pain- I do not know, but the antidepressant I am on is also used just for neuropathic pain with people who do not have depression. Perhaps talk to your doctor. I suggest you also talk to someone re the drinking. For me (I tried drinking for a few weeks after hospital- NOPE stopped that too) drinking was not just about pain- there was a lot more going on, as seems to be commonly the case. Take care- prayers to you. PJ

JBT

Thank you for all the responses. I get epidural steroid injections in my spine which help some. As far a narcotics, i was prescribed them in the hospital and continued taking them for two weeks after i got home. Because of the side effects i flushed them before my first followup visit. My doctor was shocked but as i told him the medicine was worse than the pain. I also received a prescription when i fell last year. Same experience, they didn't kill the pain and i experience night terrors when i take them. I am going to followup with my doctors and perhaps get a referral to a pain management specialist. Thank you all again for your time.

PhoenixJ

jbt- I find the pain clinic to be an excellent resource. There are so many other options than narcotics.

Dee74

I think following up and getting a referral is a great way to handle it JBT.
Hope things improve for you

D

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum JBT!!

Leaflet

I get terrible migraines- not the same as your back, I know, but I also used alcohol to dull the pain. It worked... until the next day when the pain came back plus a hangover. Alcohol is definitely not a good way to go, and it could even lead to further injury. Good luck to you, and I hope you find a solution. It's miserable to be in pain all the time. I'm sorry you're experiencing that!