Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

The whole world of pain treatment with opioids became a big, new thing a few years ago. Why make people suffer when you can easily give them relief with opiodes? It became a medical speciality. Then it was, of course, abused, sold illegally and lots of new addicts! So, overreaction once again and everyone on an opioid was labeled an addict. People were put in anything but opioids which were doled out in minuscule amounts after huge, painful events. The governments of states as well as the federal government and pharmaceutical industry got involved in strict regulation. That’s really why you’re suffering. I’ll tell you later about my own experience. I’m really sorry.

My name is Latha. I live in Arizona for the past 22 years having moved from Canada, where I lived for 17 years. I have 2 girls and 4 grandchildren, 2 boys and 2 girls. I have a history of RA for the past 32 years and have progressively got worse. I have tried every type of treatment you can name, mostly with no help for my pain. Biologics worked well and allowed me to work for 10 years and then the proverbial you-know-what hit the fan. I developed a serious lung infection and then it has been downhill all the way. No have had 11 surgeries and recovering after my 11th. A medical professional at Mayo introduced me to this group and thinks it might help me, so here I am! Thank you for allowing me to be a part.

Welcome to the group. I have RA too so I can really sympathize with you. I know you'll find great advice from this group. I sure have. Tell us more about the "proverbial you-know-what hitting the fan". I'm sure there are people out here willing to help you. Good luck and God bless you.

Hello @lathak, Welcome to Connect. I can't imagine what a struggle it has been for you having rheumatoid arthritis on top of 11 surgeries and a serious lung infection. One great thing about Connect is learning that you are not alone and there are a lot of members here to help and share their experiences with you. Since you mentioned RA, you might want to read through the following discussions where members have shared their experience and things that they've tried and what's helped.

-- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra-introduce-yourself-and-meet-others/
-- Rheumatoid arthritis questions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rheumatoid-arthritis-questions/

Are you able to share a little more about your symptoms and what causes you the most trouble?

It makes me want to scream and cry when reading stories of people being in chronic pain. I have degenerative disc disease and so far have had 3 spine surgeries, 1 laminectomy, lumbar fusion L4-S1, and cervical fusion C4-5. I've been dealing with cervical radiculopathy for about 15 months while experiencing a heart attack and triple bypass. Nerve pain is the worst. There needs to be a delineation between opioid abusers and people who need pain medication to manage their symptoms and life. It's simply maddening. I imagine if the people mandating the laws, government, had any of this disease, there would be plenty of opioids available. People have to be accountable for themselves and I don't think the blame goes entirely to doctors.
In 2007, when I had my last surgery, I had the medication I needed. Today, if you ask for hydrocodone, there seems to be a stigma surrounding your request. Things need to change. I can get a script for 30 pills, but if you're having a bad flare up, that amount wouldn't do much. I usually take, tylenol and ibuprofen and supplement with some hydrocodone if needed.

@retirement75 Amen to everything you said! I am exactly there right now, in a very bad flare and feel very nauseous and haven't slept. Things just aren't cutting it, but I'm still living and breathing, so I consider that enough for now... chronic invisible pain is the worst, especially when you have layers of it.

Hi @rivermaya34. I'm sorry to read you are in a bad flare. You mentioned having a doctors appointment a couple weeks back. If memory serves, you may have been visiting your neurologist and possibly discussing CSS and/or pain rehab. How did that go for you?

Hey there @rwinney! Yes, you are correct - good memory! So... my first appt (neurology) was very early on a Saturday morning and, after not sleeping and meds still kicking in, I completely forgot and didn't realize until I laid back down for a nap and woke up. The second appt was supposed to have been the other day, but my primary dr had a family emergency so I wasn't able to meet with him. I could probably send a message to my neurologist and ask, but I always feel it's better to talk things out in person. I have an appt on 3/23...haven't decided yet if I'll wait or ask beforehand. Thanks for checking in tho!