Connect
← Return to Long-term depression
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@kdo0827 As a result of chronic pancreatitis, I have lived with chronic pain for about a dozen years. I have taken both opiods and methadone and been up and down the dosage tables several times. The withdrawal from either is not what you would call a walk in the park. You will think at times that you may not survive the experience, but as long as you follow a reasonable process of weaning yourself off the medication, you will survive. Spend some time reading about the things you can expect from your body over some period of time and I think that can vary for anyone as can the severity of any symptoms of withdrawal. You will see some things that may help minimize the symptoms and some work for some and other things for other people. If you are committed to being off pain medication, you will make it, but realize that after 3-4 years your body craves it like oxygen and be kind to yourself in terms of time.
Replies to "@kdo0827 As a result of chronic pancreatitis, I have lived with chronic pain for about a..."
@gman007 What causes pancreatitis?
The largest percentage of cases are caused by alcohol abuse. When I was diagnosed, That was estimated to be 15-20% and the rest primarily ideopathic. With better imaging techniques, it has become obvious that there are many causes; I have a congenital defect known as pancreas divisum, which limits drainage. In absolute terms, poor drainage is usually the cause of very bad inflammation and that is where the pain comes from and it is severe. Nurses who have experienced childbirth, kidney stones, and pancreatitis and they have to the lady told me pancreatitis was the worst pain. Lots of opiates take the edge off, but you best learn to live with a fair amount of pain because in an attack/flare, nothing really stops the pain. Is that good enough? BTW, I poured enough alcohol on mine to fan the flames of a bad situation until diagnosed and have been sober for the 12 years since. I hope you are not asking because you think you might be encountering it?
I can attest that it is the worst pain. I pray that you have a much easier day today.
That is why you were taking methadone? I was operated on in Jan. 2014 at our State's Medical University and they did not have access to the extended release opiate I was taking and felt like they could most closely mimic it with methadone. My pain mgmnt. doc was furious, but they tried to contact him about 5 times and he would not return their call, so I just wrote it off to him being a jerk. With our current "opioid Epidemic" every pain mgmt. doc I have come in contact with has a very bad God complex. In talking with others, it is very common. You are scared to death you are gonna not be able to get your pain meds and so you practically kiss their behinds and just hope they don't decide to cut you off. They are making very good use of a problem that they and their ilk, and general practitioners created instead of trying to take care of those who are not "drug hunters". Soapbox relinquished; sorry. If you can make it without your pain meds, I will certainly be praying for you, because I know what a limb you are climbing out on, but your faith sounds very strong and that is the best pain reliever from where I sit.
??????
thnks and god speed !
Connect
Thanks for your response. I too have pancreatitis-not fun at all. Did you go off the Methadone? If so what were your symptoms? I'm scared to do it but I truly feel it's what God is telling me to do.