6 months off the opiates: have to deal with the pain

[NeverAgain127]

Hi guys:

I celebrated six months off opiates, but now I'm dealing with neck, shoulder, back and arm pain issues.   Scary stuff..my doctor mentioned "thoracic outlet syndrome" which can cause embolisms and all sorts of nasty stuff.   I'm seeing my 2nd orthopedist next week.

Sometimes I think about the opiates and the pain relief I got from them, but then I remember that they stopped working and caused me so many other problems.

I was dx'd with mild hypertension and put on meds for that.  I think the oxycodone was masking a lot of these problems...

So:

Back pain
High BP
and...everyone's favorite friend:  DEPRESSION.

My physician told me that after so long on the opiates (8 years at least) that it would take me a full year for my brain to be rewired correctly.  

I don't want this to discourage anyone from quitting, but it just goes to show how POWERFUL these drugs are.  

[NeverAgain127]

Thanks Ike...how are you feeling these days?

As I type this, the pain radiating from my neck down my arm and to my hand is horrible.   Sigh.   Doctor tomorrow.  Will keep you posted.  Much love to everyone, Robin

[refills]

Ah Robin I really feel for you. To think we are trying and have this other major stuff happening. Sure does make if very tough. Say's a lot about your resolve. The mess it all leaves our brains does speak of the damage opiates and other meds can do. You are remarkable and a great example for others to follow. Hope your day is as special as you are...ike

[NeverAgain127]

Thanks Gnarly...surgery is the LAST resort for me.  I'm scared about post surgical opiates if I do have to go this route, but we'll cross that bridge IF and WHEN we come to it.

I'll never, ever EVER get dependent on opiates again.  It's just not gonna happen.

[gnarly_1]

Hi....well the pain ishue hits me to even after over 5yr claan  but it is managable im at a 3 to 4 every day I take a combo of tylonal asprin and ibuprofine all at the same time  then use ice for 15 min the heat for 15 min  give this a try it works for me  im ok with that level of pain  it sure beets beeing chained to a bottle as time goes on it will get better I to did the pills then methadone for years and it also stoped working P/M me for more information...........Gnarly