Hi all! Though holiday weekends are something to look forward to, we know they can also be full of activities which can be hard on those with chronic pain. How was everyone's long weekend? Were you able to manage the pain and enjoy some fun and relaxation? Wishing you all the best!
Hi!They can be.This last weekend, didn't do anything special except go 2 church.Enough 4 me!i think I managed my pain well enough.Although,can be challenging!Wish you the best 2!Friend,LE
<p>I have had chronic pain for over 40 years and use strong medicine to fight it. My concern is that there are groups trying to ban opioids for everyone except cancer patients and temporary short term use. 19lin</p>
Hello. I hadn't heard that some groups were wanting to ban pain medications. I do know that after 11 years of trying to find the cause of my pain, it continues and has gotten worse. There has been no Doctor or treatment that has helped me longterm. And I have been to numerous doctors, practitioners etc. and have had and tried every treatment out there available performed, with the exception of a major surgical procedure. I have had one minor back surgery. My fear is that I will be confined to a wheelchair. I take a pain pill for sleep only, unless my pain gets so bad that nothing else relieves it. I do believe that unless you have experienced pain and know how the chronic condition works, you do not understand it. It is a situation that isn't understood by many. Our culture is so OC about physical superiority. It is a mindset and pervasive in our culture. Therefore, pain sometimes isn't "legitimate". It is important to be active, and people are very lucky if they "just have their health" and can remain active. I had been active-a swimmer, runner, etc. but can no longer swim, do yoga, etc.-even walk. I continue to hope and pray that there is some doctor out there who can help me regain my life. Until then (and numerous appointments and medical bills), I have to rely on a minor opioid medication. I certainly hope that pain medicine isn't banned. Unless those people trying to deny it to patients legitimately in pain truly understand what chronic pain is, they should not be making any significant medical decisions. It needs to be left in the hands of the patient and their doctor. Hopefully their doctor isn't only practicing for greed and has the patient's best interests at heart. Those "high profile cases" involving the very wealthy who have overdosed should not be the guideline to set the standard.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
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Sent from Windows Mail
I completely agree. I've seen some many studies and documentaries where people end up on heroin because they can no longer get what they need from a Dr. Or because they have no insurance and the prescriptions are too expensive. Its becoming disgusting how the government is trying to take away our rights to try to live normal lives. My primary had the best saying when I first started seeing him. When I told him about my previous primary not willing to prescribe me anything more then muscle relaxers and ibprophen he said "well obviously she has never had a back ache". I'd been complaining of lower back pain over and over to her. He wrote me a script and ordered xrays. We then found my fusion had failed and my rods were fractured. She never listened enough to even order an xray. Back to the point I believe many people will turn to illegal drugs and or suicide if they ban these modern day miracle drugs. Without the relief I am given from these small pills I doubt I would be able to get out of bed, let alone live a half way normal life raising my daughter and supporting my family.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
@frankjr - I'm one of those who have been down the road of seeking relief via narcotics, as well as the road of seeking relief via suicide. Some of my doctors agree that my chronic pain would be treated well with opiates, but the clinics they work with have chosen to put tight limits on them, and would drop me if I were to use medical marijuana, which is legal here in Oregon.
Have you tried going on an extended road trip? That presents some real logistic challenges.
I wonder sometimes what relief we might find if there were proven alternatives. Have you tried any? I know that many people have had good results for a variety of issues. I tend to be somewhat hard to convince. I do hope you find local medical care soon.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
Have you tried Gabapentin? I was skeptical but have found that it certainly takes the edge off the pain and my narcotic use has been cut in about half.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
Hello Jimhd,
Just a short note: I have had chronic pain in my spine for the last 59 years. It is terrible, but what I wanted to mention is that if you are close to Portland, I know there is an acupuncture clinic in Portland that is part of the POCA community. I can't remember what POCA stands for right now, but I know they have a sliding scale. I live in Tucson, and found an Acupuncture clinic that is part of POCA and I only play $20 a visit. Now I am on SSDI right now because of my back, and I do get some relief from Acupuncture treatments. It only lasts for about 10 hours -- sometimes much less when I experience a flare up, but for the most part, I have been able to cut back on the narcotics during those 10 hours. Unfortunately, the pain comes back with a vengeance but the acupuncture seems to help a bit. I have to sleep a great deal after the treatments, so if that happens to you, I am told its normal.
If I can find the actual name of the clinic I will forward it to you in a few days. I return on Thursday for my next treatment and I know the clinic I go to is part of the POCA community. I Wish you all the Best,
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
Small world I'm from Tucson but now live in Show Low. My Dr is in Tucson that's where I drive down to every month. Where do you do accupuncture in Tucson?
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
My primary is for medical marijuana band would like me to use it. It is legal in Az with a medical card. The problem is I run a federally licensed business and carry a firearm. You lose you right to own firearms by getting your card and I would lose my job. I have in the past tryed it and did receive some relief however I don't like how my head feels. I couldn't function the way I do now.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
I have not, haven't even heard of it before I found this website yesterday. I will ask my Dr. Next appointment. I have to see him every 30 days so it won't be very long thankfully. Off to work, hope eveyone has a nice day.
I wish I could go swimming as I am disabled and swimming is about the only exercise I could do, but the only swimming pool is too far away and too expensive. Also it is not doctors who are restricting opioids although some doctors are involved. <br />
Due to untimely deaths from over doses the thinking is that eliminate opioids and stop the deaths, but in some journals on pain their are studies that show a high rate of suicide among chronic pain suffers. The limiting of opioids is more likely result in increased suicides as well as more suffers going out side the law for dangerous illegal drugs. I do not see anything good coming from these restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent from Windows Mail
@mollykillefer - I have tried every medication available for neuropathy, including Gabapentin, plus a number of off label meds. None helped. Lyrica put me in the hospital. I'm now tapering up on Azathioprine, which is supposed to slow the progress of neuropathy.
I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in June, and it has given me significant relief.
I discussed with the neurologist about possibly revisiting the neuropathy meds, when things have leveled off, with a possible goal of getting off morphine. I don't have a problem with continuing the morphine, as long as it's helping.
@bob815c - Acupuncture is available locally, but our budget is just too limited to permit any additional expenses.
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Hi!They can be.This last weekend, didn't do anything special except go 2 church.Enough 4 me!i think I managed my pain well enough.Although,can be challenging!Wish you the best 2!Friend,LE
Hello. I hadn't heard that some groups were wanting to ban pain medications. I do know that after 11 years of trying to find the cause of my pain, it continues and has gotten worse. There has been no Doctor or treatment that has helped me longterm. And I have been to numerous doctors, practitioners etc. and have had and tried every treatment out there available performed, with the exception of a major surgical procedure. I have had one minor back surgery. My fear is that I will be confined to a wheelchair. I take a pain pill for sleep only, unless my pain gets so bad that nothing else relieves it. I do believe that unless you have experienced pain and know how the chronic condition works, you do not understand it. It is a situation that isn't understood by many. Our culture is so OC about physical superiority. It is a mindset and pervasive in our culture. Therefore, pain sometimes isn't "legitimate". It is important to be active, and people are very lucky if they "just have their health" and can remain active. I had been active-a swimmer, runner, etc. but can no longer swim, do yoga, etc.-even walk. I continue to hope and pray that there is some doctor out there who can help me regain my life. Until then (and numerous appointments and medical bills), I have to rely on a minor opioid medication. I certainly hope that pain medicine isn't banned. Unless those people trying to deny it to patients legitimately in pain truly understand what chronic pain is, they should not be making any significant medical decisions. It needs to be left in the hands of the patient and their doctor. Hopefully their doctor isn't only practicing for greed and has the patient's best interests at heart. Those "high profile cases" involving the very wealthy who have overdosed should not be the guideline to set the standard.
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1 ReactionI completely agree. I've seen some many studies and documentaries where people end up on heroin because they can no longer get what they need from a Dr. Or because they have no insurance and the prescriptions are too expensive. Its becoming disgusting how the government is trying to take away our rights to try to live normal lives. My primary had the best saying when I first started seeing him. When I told him about my previous primary not willing to prescribe me anything more then muscle relaxers and ibprophen he said "well obviously she has never had a back ache". I'd been complaining of lower back pain over and over to her. He wrote me a script and ordered xrays. We then found my fusion had failed and my rods were fractured. She never listened enough to even order an xray. Back to the point I believe many people will turn to illegal drugs and or suicide if they ban these modern day miracle drugs. Without the relief I am given from these small pills I doubt I would be able to get out of bed, let alone live a half way normal life raising my daughter and supporting my family.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@frankjr - I'm one of those who have been down the road of seeking relief via narcotics, as well as the road of seeking relief via suicide. Some of my doctors agree that my chronic pain would be treated well with opiates, but the clinics they work with have chosen to put tight limits on them, and would drop me if I were to use medical marijuana, which is legal here in Oregon.
Have you tried going on an extended road trip? That presents some real logistic challenges.
I wonder sometimes what relief we might find if there were proven alternatives. Have you tried any? I know that many people have had good results for a variety of issues. I tend to be somewhat hard to convince. I do hope you find local medical care soon.
Jim
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHave you tried Gabapentin? I was skeptical but have found that it certainly takes the edge off the pain and my narcotic use has been cut in about half.
Hello Jimhd,
Just a short note: I have had chronic pain in my spine for the last 59 years. It is terrible, but what I wanted to mention is that if you are close to Portland, I know there is an acupuncture clinic in Portland that is part of the POCA community. I can't remember what POCA stands for right now, but I know they have a sliding scale. I live in Tucson, and found an Acupuncture clinic that is part of POCA and I only play $20 a visit. Now I am on SSDI right now because of my back, and I do get some relief from Acupuncture treatments. It only lasts for about 10 hours -- sometimes much less when I experience a flare up, but for the most part, I have been able to cut back on the narcotics during those 10 hours. Unfortunately, the pain comes back with a vengeance but the acupuncture seems to help a bit. I have to sleep a great deal after the treatments, so if that happens to you, I am told its normal.
If I can find the actual name of the clinic I will forward it to you in a few days. I return on Thursday for my next treatment and I know the clinic I go to is part of the POCA community. I Wish you all the Best,
B
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1 ReactionSmall world I'm from Tucson but now live in Show Low. My Dr is in Tucson that's where I drive down to every month. Where do you do accupuncture in Tucson?
My primary is for medical marijuana band would like me to use it. It is legal in Az with a medical card. The problem is I run a federally licensed business and carry a firearm. You lose you right to own firearms by getting your card and I would lose my job. I have in the past tryed it and did receive some relief however I don't like how my head feels. I couldn't function the way I do now.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have not, haven't even heard of it before I found this website yesterday. I will ask my Dr. Next appointment. I have to see him every 30 days so it won't be very long thankfully. Off to work, hope eveyone has a nice day.
@mollykillefer - I have tried every medication available for neuropathy, including Gabapentin, plus a number of off label meds. None helped. Lyrica put me in the hospital. I'm now tapering up on Azathioprine, which is supposed to slow the progress of neuropathy.
I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in June, and it has given me significant relief.
I discussed with the neurologist about possibly revisiting the neuropathy meds, when things have leveled off, with a possible goal of getting off morphine. I don't have a problem with continuing the morphine, as long as it's helping.
@bob815c - Acupuncture is available locally, but our budget is just too limited to permit any additional expenses.
Jim