So, if you were in really, really intolerable pain

Member

To the point where you could not not sleep, or concentrate, would you

1) Suck it up, even though it meant being incapable of functioning at work (no ability to concentrate)
ture.
2) Take prescribed narcotics, and get some relief, but still be unable to function as well, but at least somewhat.

Actually, I'd like some opinions. Anti-inflammatories don't work anymore, and I am scared of prescription painkillers. At the same time, as I type this, my feet hurt so badly that I am crying. There are shoots of pain all the way up to my ankles. The toes sting and go numb, but not in a pain free numb. They burn, and tingle, and sting. EVerytime I put pressure on my right foot , it feels like the ball of my foot is cracking.

I am NOT a pain wimp. I ran nearly half a marathon on a femoral stress fracture.

I am just so afraid of getting addicted to pain pills until I get the surgery, but I cannot deal with not being able to think and function at work.

Added to that, Larrys' former restauarant partner/one of our best friends in Ohio died from incorrectly prescribed meds with pneumonia.

That scares the crap out of me, and I have another really good friend who had become addicted to the things.

It's clear I need meds until the surgery, but I do not want any long-term issues.

What would all of you do? Seriously.

Thanks very much. I'm tired, in pain, and going to bed, but I would appreciate your opinions.
All I get from anyone I know down here, other than the DH (whose opinion is to take the meds) is "Hey!! take the drugs, man! :Rolleyes:.

Member

when your surgery?

i look at it this way, i take the narcotics to sleep. i also tend to go to bed earlier so they are out of my system when i wake up. if i can't slaeep my thinking is not any different than if i was on the pain meds. I'm not a pain wimp either BUT lack of good sleep can cause so many other issues, physically, mentally and emotionally.

granted a few folks can get addicted, i was afraid of the same thing and i can say i ca quit at any time i want.. Mr. Green

seriously if your responsible with it you wont gt addicited to it. I don't take it every night, but if i have gone a few night in a row with major sleep disruptions i'll take one for a night, maybe even two nights in a row, if it's so bad that the pain bothers you at work well maybe it's time to think of using some time off.

POTFH

I think that if you are at the point where you are about to break down and cry then you need to take the meds to give your brain a break. Just be very regimented about when you take them and that you follow the directions. Especially if you have a ways to go before your surgery.

The Pinball

sorry to hear about this kristin Neutral

chronic pain is horrible.

personally, i couldn't take the pain meds. any kind of pain med will just increase depression in me and i believe make the entire situation worse. let's just say i'd try the meds if i were at your point and if i noticed any worsening of my mood, they'd be down the drain.

when is that surgery...that's a huge consideration in my mind.

Fresh, Hot & Wild

crazy cat lady

Sorry Kristin, that sounds rough. I don't think I could tolerate what you are describing, but I understand your fears of addiction, I watch Oprah, I've seen those soccer moms hooked on Oxycodone Shocked

.

When is your surgery? What kind of resources are available to you in the meantime? IE, Many hospitals have a "pain team" to help people deal with chronic (or even acute) pain. Does your doctor know how severe your pain is (or, does he care? if no, time for a new doc...or is this the previously mentioned katrina theorist doc)?

I haven't had my first 10 minutes of pharmocology yet, so I can't say with any real authority yet, but one of my profs mentioned that rate people who have pain and need the narcotics and then become addicted to narcotics was really low. She made a shocking comparison, illustrating things that were more addictive that now I've forgotten, kind of saying narcs aren't the only addictive or abused meds out there but most meds when used for the things they are prescribed for work without too much risk on most people. Again, I don't know, but I trust her info on this...doesn't help you though.

I'd talk to your doctor or nurses, and use terms like "my pain is a __ on a scale of 0-10 where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst imaginable" (at least, we get this beat into our heads, I would think your doctor would do) explain the daily activities that you are no longer able to complete as a result of the pain and mention your concerns on addiction to painkillers and get advice from them. I say use and abuse them, you or your insurance paid a lot for you to do so Mr. Green

good luck, that sounds tough. Neutral

Look at me!!! ©

I'm wondering when the surgery is as well. If it is soon then I would go ahead and take the pain meds. Don't worry about getting hooked on them. I had them after my son was born (and had 6 surgeries in one year) but I was SOOO aware of the possibility of addiction that I took them only when I needed them and got off them as soon as possible. I think you will do the same thing.

Oompa Loofah

I have run into your same issues. With the same illness, different docs believe differently on the "level of pain" I have therefore some will work to manage my pain while others are essentially telling me to suck it up. (Those are the ones that someday I hope they have a horrible pain and no one believes them so they'll know how it feels: but I digress)

Pain management is very important. If you have gotten past the ability to use OTCs then you need to move up. You can always control your dosage--but the most important thing: Take meds BEFORE your pain spikes. Otherwise you will end up taking more meds than you need. Preventive does work.

And all that Pffff is saying is spot on. The level of dependency is normal, but addiction is low.

Good luck. And stick to your guns. Pain is real although some doctors may not believe you.
We can pm if you would like.

Consider Tramadol--I have heard it is wonderful for pain.

Member

Take the meds. The folks where you live can't be all wrong if they know their drugs. Wink

I'm sorry you're suffering. What kind of surgery are you going to have?

Member

I had a severley extruded disk in my back and was given Vicoden (sp) I took it but at not nearly the dose prescribed by the doc.

If you're in that much pain get some relief. Can you look into a pain management clinic? Those guys know how to deal with the
pain with minimal medication.

{{Kristin31}}

Member

If I had a history of addiction I'd be as cautious as you. Otherwise, I'd take them to sleep while at the same time being vigilant to unwanted reactions to the med (depression, etc.). In any case, perhaps a talk ith your doctor (nurse practioner is even better in my book) may be both informative and reassuring.

EDIT to say... I don't mean to imply that you have had addiction issues... I don't have any idea... just putting the idea out there. Truly, I meant nothing malicious.

crazy cat lady

Look at me!!! ©

Oompa Loofah

Gone Fishin

But isn't 'addiction' really a personality trait probably most of us have? I mean seriously, distance runners are some of the most addictive personalities I've ever met. And yes, there's more than a few that have been alcoholics, drug addicts, workaholics, eating disordered, what have you, we really are the type that put on the blinders and go all out on one thing. So even though that sounds bad, I look at the other side of the coin and take note of how so many people 'trade' one addiction for another. The pain you have Kristin can be controlled with meds, and by all means, my two-cents is to take them. But when you need to stop, 'trade' that addiction with something else. Be fully equipped to start cycling or swimming or knitting or whatever to focus like crazy on a new addiction. I've got no medical training and this probably comes off like a bunch of poppy-cock, but it's just another opinion to throw in the mix.

So, if you were in really, really intolerable pain

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