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OK - this is a great segue to questions that have been weighing on my mind:
* Is addiction and/or drug dependence a 'given' with SFN? (I'm talking about opioids, anti-depressants, and/or anticonvulsants.)
* Am I destined to spend the rest of my life exploring various pain medications, anti-depressants, and anticonvulsants for the perfect cocktail that will relieve my pain?
* I am not even remotely depressed right now. Is it a given that I will eventually suffer from depression because of the pain?
Replies to "OK - this is a great segue to questions that have been weighing on my mind:..."
The answer is NO, not necessarily to all 3 questions. Please understand that yes, at this time there are no cures and limited proven treatments for SFN but, this does a not mean you will be a sufferer to such a degree of needing opiods or anti depressants. Pain Management for SFN can come in many holistic forms from changing diet to massage myofacial release, etc... Many factors go into treatment based on necessity...pain variations, underlying cause, earlier detection, other health factors.
Please do not let this forum scare you and keep in mind that each person's story and experience is that of their own.
I hope what you take from Connect is support, education and compassion towards your personal story.
Share all of your concerns with your Neurologist and they can make an educated suggestion on your needs...then, you and your body are in the ultimate drivers seat!
Rachel
Connect
Hi @iceblue
I'll answer your questions in order
1) Addiction and SFN really have nothing to due with each other. However, if you take drugs that have addiction potential like opioids (e.g. vicodin, MS Contin, percocet, etc.) then there is a risk of addiction.
2) Depends on how much longer you live. Since the treatment of SFN is not great with the current meds, you very well may spend years looking for the "perfect cocktail", and you likely will never find it, until new drugs come around
3) It is certainly not a given that you will become depressed, especially since you sound like you are doing well now.
Good luck!