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← Return to Abuse of Opioids takes away from all the good it can do
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Abuse of Opioids takes away from all the good it can do
Chronic Pain | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (132)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for understanding. Usually I try to relax and listen to nature soundsI have downloaded and I am able to choose one that best takes my mind elsewhere at the time. I am retired and live a very stressless existence which helps as well. I have ever been. Type A personality anyway so stress doesn’t factor into my situation. It was more difficult when I worked as there were deadlines as usual.
Another thing I do is to realize I am not alone as I have two first cousins with tinnitus as well as my brother. So many sufferers!
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@willows - Good morning. Lucky for you not being type A! That leaves you in a much more adaptable mindset. Thankfully you have your cousins who understand tinnitus and you can comfort each other while brainstorming coping ideas, which it sounds like you're good at! Comfort in numbers.
Getting back to the topic of this original conversation about opioids - you sparked my interest. Having myself experienced both use and weaning off opioids, you've brought up an interesting thought to add -type A Personality. I can step back and see that my type A personality encouraged opioid use as I panicked, striving for immediate fix to pain and in denial of life changes. I was too impatient to learn coping strategies or seek other ways of management and none of my specialists stepped up by offering anything but meds, injections, implants, which inevitably stopped working. My type A was not patient or calm and just jumped into every available option. I take responsibility for using opioids, however at the same time our medical system is not built in a way of holistically supporting its patients with healthier options and a long-term plan to live in chronic pain and other chronic symptoms. I wasn't offered alternatives or supportive options.
I wish there was more of a comprehensive safety net from an earlier stage of pain that insurance will cover and doctors will assess and promote. There needs to be more comprehensive pain "rehabilitation" centers throughout our country that are accessible to all and the norm, not the exception. Perhaps one day.
I was blessed to find help at Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center, but by my own advocacy. Granted not everyone has the means or ability to attend a place like the PRC, which is my point. It should not be the exception, it should be the norm.
My final point is that a person suffering or in need of healthier chronic pain management has to also want that option. Has to be open to learning, has to be willing to put in effort and work to achieve change. It's not for everyone and I understand that.
Alrighty then, didn't expect that run on post this morning from myself!
@willows - Have a lovely day. I hope you find joy listening to your favorite musical artist or the softness of nature sounds. 😊