Abuse of Opioids takes away from all the good it can do

Not well at all. I don't even drive anymore....

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that. How long have you not been able to drive? Not driving was incredibly frustrating for me. A loss of independence.

If you're comfortable, will you share more about your pain journey? What have you been diagnosed with that creates this disruption to your quality of life?

I can't go into detail right now. Hubby is taking me to dinner. (I don't cook much anymore) I have complex regional pain syndrome Type 2. I've had it since 3/2012. Caused by a routine venipuncture.

Enjoy dinner out with hubby. 😊 That's a nice bit of joy.

Perhaps when you have a moment, you will want to peruse CRPS discussions and connect with others who share your experience.

Anyone Suffering With Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome-
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/crps-anyone-suffering-with-chronic-repetative-pain-syndrome/
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - Feeling Blank:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/crps-and-feeling-blank/
And here is a discussion about moderation and modification and how it might help in dealing with chronic pain.

Moderation and Modification: How can it help your chronic pain -
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/moderation-and-modification-how-can-you-benefit/
Finding complementary tools in addition to or in place of medication can be very helpful in managing chronic symptoms. I look forward to learning what tools you have used to help manage CRPS flares.

Thanks. I know that stress tends to make the pain worse so I watch movies, listen to music, video games, to keep my mind off of it. I go on short walks and I have a gwee gym to exercise my arms, but I can't do anything that's too strenuous on my back. They've talked with me about the Botox shots to the spine but I read an article on the NIH website that the shots actually might make the chronic pain worse for my specific condition, but it's just a band-aid like the pain meds so I think according to the article that the shots are too risky for me.

Omg I have a child that was finally diagnosed with syringomyelia ( ballon filled with spinal fluid in the spinal canal) at age 16 and is now 31 just wanted you to know there is an organization in Texas that is great. Not sure if you were aware of it. ASAP.org ( American Syringomyelia and Chiari Organiztion). They have year.y conferences usually held in July in different states. There is money available for some that can’t afford to attend on their own, not sure what the criteria are though. We have been to 3 or 4 over the years and learned so much. It is with that education that I learned that narcotics DO have a role in chronic pain pts. It allows people to have a life. Best of luck

I'm impressed by your understanding and self-awareness. Being young, I'd agree that conserving the use of "band-aids" and working a more holistic management approach will serve you better in the long run. You know your limits and day to day life best. From the sound of it, you do your research and are your own advocate. Good for you! Ultimately you've got to go with your gut along with consulting your medical team regarding trying the shots.

Central sensitization may play a roll in where sometimes injections can stir up the central nervous system and indeed create more symptoms by flaring up tissue and nerve response. The same can be said for opioids, they can create hyperalgesia which is counterproductive to pain-management. When a narcotic which is hopefully helping pain actually creates more. Respectfully, each person is entitled to there own journey and exploration of pain-management, but I get the whole band-aid thing and why you give great thought to your choices.

@dmk provided great info about ASAP.org and having a child with syringomyelia. This is my favorite part of Connect, networking and learning from each other for the positive. Priceless.

I wish you good luck in making a decision about Botox shots. Keep on keeping on with the positive distractions. Humor is one of my best distractions, along with nature and of course, my kids (my son is your age actually).

Find your joy today, Blake!

Yes, I agree. I take the same hydrocodone. I’m contracted with my PCP. I take no more than 3 a day. And I have been doing that for 3 or 4 years. It’s really the only thing that helps the most. Every doctor I’ve seen since in my area won’t prescribe them. They put on my paperwork to throw them out. For 1) you can’t just stop taking them. 2) you have to wean off. The problem is no doctor wants to prescribe them and people wind up with drug dealers on the street and you don’t really know what’s in it. I’ve never taken more than 3 a day and sometimes less. I’m 60 years old, leave me alone. I’m doing fine and have quality of life. I think the government just wants us all to die so they don’t have to give our social security.

When I was around 14-15 I had a spinal tap for the same problem and had my first shunt installed. Thanks, I did find out about ASAP recently but haven't had a chance to check it out.

Does you son/daughter have chronic pain? Or Scoliosis?

Thanks so much.