And it was going so well
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Originally Posted by Harveysmiles 
Davey, I have also relapsed and am beating myself up about it. I was trying to deal with side effect of a physical illness. The irritating thing is a small amount of alcohol helps with the symptoms but I cannot stick to a small amount. Going to discuss the issue with my doctor this afternoon. Don't hold out much hop to be honest.
Hey Harvey, obviously I don't know what your physical illness is but if it involves pain then please please ask about the pain clinic. They are so very fantastic. I have been drinking mostly to medicate the pain I have been in, of course after a while I became addicted on top of the need to control pain but now I'm on a good program to control that pain I find it way easier to say no to the drink. I made them aware of my fear of addiction and they promised to keep a close eye on the amount I'm taking. They also informed me of the different options, switching medications, altering doses etc and gave me access to alternate treatments for pain like massage that can help my condition.
They really understand.
Take care my friend.
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Oh and harvey, I didn't tell them about my alcohol problem. I imagine telling them about it makes treating any condition easier but I couldn't do it. So even if you don't admit your addiction they can still help your pain issues.
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DaveyT, everybody here respects you because you admit you a drinking problem and you don't lie about it. I started quiting 20 years ago and I never gave up, now I am going on 3 years sober.It has taken me a lifetime to quit, and I hope and pray it doesn't take you a lifetime. Rootin for ya. 
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There is so much more than can be done at a pain clinic than your GP can offer.
Like Davey says, there are drug free interventions, acupuncture, cupping, physio. All done by NHS trained staff.
There are also injections and interventions they can do in the clinic where you might stay for an hour or so.
The thing is when you drink to kill your pain, the pain will soon become tolerant to the drink. Then you need more drink and more drink to kill it.
A pain clinic might start you with one drug, then add another and completely tailor your medication to your needs.
You can't do that with drink.
Are you in the UK Harvey, I cannot remember if you said you were or not?
My best to you
xx
Like Davey says, there are drug free interventions, acupuncture, cupping, physio. All done by NHS trained staff.
There are also injections and interventions they can do in the clinic where you might stay for an hour or so.
The thing is when you drink to kill your pain, the pain will soon become tolerant to the drink. Then you need more drink and more drink to kill it.
A pain clinic might start you with one drug, then add another and completely tailor your medication to your needs.
You can't do that with drink.
Are you in the UK Harvey, I cannot remember if you said you were or not?
My best to you
xx
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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Pain clinic?
DaveyT,
Forgive me if this is off-base because I have not read this whole thread, but I just wanted to throw out a warning about not coming clean (pardon the pun) with the pain clinic about your alcohol history.
The only way these guys know if you already have addictive tendencies (stating a "fear" of addiction is not doing that), is to discuss it with them. You can ask for a consultation off the record, and if they won't do that -- leave.
Also, be aware that in some states, "Pain Clinic" is just another word for an opiate mill. Where I live, the legitimate ones do just what several here have described, using non-opiate means for pain relief, switching meds around to avoid addiction, etc. Even then, some people (like me) are quite efficient at convincing even a legit "Pain Clinic" of how "terrible" my pain is, just to stay on opiates too long after a legitimate reason to start taking them. In my case, orthopedic surgery and severe osteoarthritis.
Forgive me if this is off-base because I have not read this whole thread, but I just wanted to throw out a warning about not coming clean (pardon the pun) with the pain clinic about your alcohol history.
The only way these guys know if you already have addictive tendencies (stating a "fear" of addiction is not doing that), is to discuss it with them. You can ask for a consultation off the record, and if they won't do that -- leave.
Also, be aware that in some states, "Pain Clinic" is just another word for an opiate mill. Where I live, the legitimate ones do just what several here have described, using non-opiate means for pain relief, switching meds around to avoid addiction, etc. Even then, some people (like me) are quite efficient at convincing even a legit "Pain Clinic" of how "terrible" my pain is, just to stay on opiates too long after a legitimate reason to start taking them. In my case, orthopedic surgery and severe osteoarthritis.
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FT - you make a really good point and I am glad you have.
Our pain clinics in the UK are totally, completely different to the ones in the states.
They offer a very holistic approach to managing your pain.
In the UK as a whole, there is little prescribing of opioids unless you have a terminal cancer diagnosis due to the risk of abuse and misuse.
I think in Australia the pain clinics there make anyone prescribed an opioid sign a contract stating they will take them as directed, not gain any other source for a supply etc etc. If the contract is broken by the patient then the drugs are stopped.
Have you looked in capsaicin for your OA FT?
My best to you
Our pain clinics in the UK are totally, completely different to the ones in the states.
They offer a very holistic approach to managing your pain.
In the UK as a whole, there is little prescribing of opioids unless you have a terminal cancer diagnosis due to the risk of abuse and misuse.
I think in Australia the pain clinics there make anyone prescribed an opioid sign a contract stating they will take them as directed, not gain any other source for a supply etc etc. If the contract is broken by the patient then the drugs are stopped.
Have you looked in capsaicin for your OA FT?
My best to you
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Capsaicin
Thanks for the idea, which I actually have not tried.
My osteoarthritis is under relatively good control with taking some weight off and staying mobile. That, plus double knee replacements that enabled me to walk again.
Now, as I am getting quite old, I have learned that life is not painless on any level, particularly not physically. I try to get the "younger" addicts to look at pain differently and to decide how much physical pain is an acceptable amount. With the exception of terminal cancer -- I'm talking about chronic type pain --> If the answer is "zero," then they are doomed to a life of misery, because even in the early days of opiate use, the "desired effect" is accomplishable only upon escalating doses. Especially when opiates are the only method employed.
For this reason, it is disturbing to know that some "Pain Clinics" do not try other methods to reduce pain to a level one can live with in relative comfort. Treating psychological pain is even harder, as many here can testify to.
My osteoarthritis is under relatively good control with taking some weight off and staying mobile. That, plus double knee replacements that enabled me to walk again.
Now, as I am getting quite old, I have learned that life is not painless on any level, particularly not physically. I try to get the "younger" addicts to look at pain differently and to decide how much physical pain is an acceptable amount. With the exception of terminal cancer -- I'm talking about chronic type pain --> If the answer is "zero," then they are doomed to a life of misery, because even in the early days of opiate use, the "desired effect" is accomplishable only upon escalating doses. Especially when opiates are the only method employed.
For this reason, it is disturbing to know that some "Pain Clinics" do not try other methods to reduce pain to a level one can live with in relative comfort. Treating psychological pain is even harder, as many here can testify to.
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FT thanks for that warning but it's not really applicable.
As mentioned already, the pain clinics in the UK are nothing like the ones in your country. They constantly monitor how much you are taking, any increases in medication are resisted unless absolutely necessary, opiates in general are just not prescribed for most conditions with doctors preferring the NSAID class of drugs. Unfortunately I can't take those as the last lot did some damage to my stomach/intestines which means they just don't suit me.
The pain clinic gives all sorts of other options to manage pain before they give you medications, I myself am being given specialist physiotherapy and massage and some other bits and pieces.
As for having zero pain or learning to have a threshold, well my condition is very painful and I've coped with it medication free for quite a long time. I am very used to pain and have a high threshold. When the pain clinic saw me they said someone with my condition should have been going sooner. Addiction isn't a problem here because they will monitor my intake, they heard my concerns and the truth is my condition is a lifelong one, so sadly I'll be taking these drugs for a long time.
The good news is of course they know all about tolerance and they plan to shift medications around, alter the doses and do everything else to help me. They are specialists, they are trained to notice addiction and won't let me get away with such a thing.
As mentioned already, the pain clinics in the UK are nothing like the ones in your country. They constantly monitor how much you are taking, any increases in medication are resisted unless absolutely necessary, opiates in general are just not prescribed for most conditions with doctors preferring the NSAID class of drugs. Unfortunately I can't take those as the last lot did some damage to my stomach/intestines which means they just don't suit me.
The pain clinic gives all sorts of other options to manage pain before they give you medications, I myself am being given specialist physiotherapy and massage and some other bits and pieces.
As for having zero pain or learning to have a threshold, well my condition is very painful and I've coped with it medication free for quite a long time. I am very used to pain and have a high threshold. When the pain clinic saw me they said someone with my condition should have been going sooner. Addiction isn't a problem here because they will monitor my intake, they heard my concerns and the truth is my condition is a lifelong one, so sadly I'll be taking these drugs for a long time.
The good news is of course they know all about tolerance and they plan to shift medications around, alter the doses and do everything else to help me. They are specialists, they are trained to notice addiction and won't let me get away with such a thing.
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Originally Posted by FT
Thanks for the idea, which I actually have not tried.
My osteoarthritis is under relatively good control with taking some weight off and staying mobile. That, plus double knee replacements that enabled me to walk again.
My osteoarthritis is under relatively good control with taking some weight off and staying mobile. That, plus double knee replacements that enabled me to walk again.
Its no problem.
Where in the world are you?
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Just an update. Still sober and so happy I am. I know there are of course dangers around every corner, I've been sober for a while before and then gone back to the evil bottle. At the moment however I am feeling strong and my sobriety continues. The effects on my health have been very clear, sadly the pain I suffer is about the same but other symptoms have reduced and that is great.
Today my legs are on fire so I'll be visiting my doctor tomorrow, I think I might be getting used to the medications I am on so maybe it needs adjusting or changing. Maybe I can get an earlier pain clininc appointment.
I just want to throw out another thanks to everyone here who helped me. The simple reality is I couldn't deal with support groups, but here online I found a great group who helped me through so much and showed me ways of managing my problem. I know if I ever falter then you guys will help me and that gives me even more strength.
So thanks to everyone who helped me.
Today my legs are on fire so I'll be visiting my doctor tomorrow, I think I might be getting used to the medications I am on so maybe it needs adjusting or changing. Maybe I can get an earlier pain clininc appointment.
I just want to throw out another thanks to everyone here who helped me. The simple reality is I couldn't deal with support groups, but here online I found a great group who helped me through so much and showed me ways of managing my problem. I know if I ever falter then you guys will help me and that gives me even more strength.
So thanks to everyone who helped me.
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Hey guys I have a quick question, don't worry I'm still sober 
Yesterday was weird, I woke up with one hell of a headache, but it died off after a few hours. Thing is I felt just like I was withdrawing from alcohol, is this a common thing to happen? I'm fine today, no problems but yesterday it felt exactly like day 2-3 of withdrawal.
Yesterday was weird, I woke up with one hell of a headache, but it died off after a few hours. Thing is I felt just like I was withdrawing from alcohol, is this a common thing to happen? I'm fine today, no problems but yesterday it felt exactly like day 2-3 of withdrawal.
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Davey! Good to hear from you.
I have had that happen on a few occasions. This last time was because I have cut down my carbs to very low levels but decided to cheat and have a Venti Mocha Frappaccino. Holy Moly! I woke up with the worst carb hangover headache. It was very similar to my drinking days. I drank beer so of course the alcohol and the carbs from it were just crazy amounts.
Have you changed anything recently? Eaten differently, used different laundry soap or possibly changed something scent based? Any recent changes in medications?
I have had that happen on a few occasions. This last time was because I have cut down my carbs to very low levels but decided to cheat and have a Venti Mocha Frappaccino. Holy Moly! I woke up with the worst carb hangover headache. It was very similar to my drinking days. I drank beer so of course the alcohol and the carbs from it were just crazy amounts.
Have you changed anything recently? Eaten differently, used different laundry soap or possibly changed something scent based? Any recent changes in medications?
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Hi DaveyT-
Good to hear from you. Just wanted to chime in and say that the first few months after I quit I had good and bad days for no apparent reason...physically. Some days I would feel dizzy or sick or hung over. In fact I felt pretty terrible for my entire first month. It passed eventually. Glad to hear your still sober, Jess
Good to hear from you. Just wanted to chime in and say that the first few months after I quit I had good and bad days for no apparent reason...physically. Some days I would feel dizzy or sick or hung over. In fact I felt pretty terrible for my entire first month. It passed eventually. Glad to hear your still sober, Jess
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Thank you for the replies, it has put my mind at ease and after doing some more reading it appears this isn't uncommon. I guess after years of abuse my brain is starting to sort itself out, I imagine all of the receptors take time to adjust and from todays reading it seems it can take months or years.
Oh well just another reason to stay sober
Oh well just another reason to stay sober
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I've been trying to keep my updates about once a month but just a quick thanks to everyone who put my mind at ease. Seems the symptoms I had were just a thing that can happen after a while being sober. I feel a lot better today.
The pain I've been in lately has been rather awful. I'm resisting an increase in my medication becuase I want to leave it as long as possible before having to increase things as it sapces me out a bit. I think in the next few weeks I'll have to discuss some changes. I'm also goig to talk to my doctor about NSAID's again. Despite the damage they did to my intestines I'm hoping they can supplement my pain management with those non addictive things.
It's up to the pain clinic though.
The pain I've been in lately has been rather awful. I'm resisting an increase in my medication becuase I want to leave it as long as possible before having to increase things as it sapces me out a bit. I think in the next few weeks I'll have to discuss some changes. I'm also goig to talk to my doctor about NSAID's again. Despite the damage they did to my intestines I'm hoping they can supplement my pain management with those non addictive things.
It's up to the pain clinic though.
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Sorry your chronic pain has been worse lately Davey but I'm so happy to know you are working closely with your pain management specialist.
I remember well you trying to cope on your own and waiting for your appointment to come around.
Always good to hear from you.
I remember well you trying to cope on your own and waiting for your appointment to come around.
Always good to hear from you.
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Originally Posted by Received
Sorry your chronic pain has been worse lately Davey but I'm so happy to know you are working closely with your pain management specialist.
I remember well you trying to cope on your own and waiting for your appointment to come around.
Always good to hear from you.
I remember well you trying to cope on your own and waiting for your appointment to come around.
Always good to hear from you.
Yes I remember those days and I'm an idiot for trying to hang on by myself. I realise that most of my alcohol abuse comes down to the pain I was in. I must say I'm glad I have hidden this from health professionals as it's not a great thing to have on record.
Still working with them closely on the pain management has been great. I should be seeing them this week unders an emergency appointment. My doctor says it's very unlikely I will be given NSAID medications after the damage they did to my stomach/intestines. Hopefully they can combine some other medicines to deal with the pain.
I must say I don't much like the foggy feeling I get with the higher doses of what they are giving me. Sometimes I feel a little spacey and not quite here after taking them. A couple of hours pass and I feel normal again but those few hours feeling weird are not pleasant.
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