Went to doctor and was referred to pain clinic...

[tryin2bdone]

29 days since my last lortab.  Still feeling pretty crappy, lots of fatigue and muscle aches.  Went to doctor to see if they could help and was told because I have fibromyalgia that this is as good as it gets and was given a script for lortab and a referral to a pain clinic.  I am so discouraged that I have cried all afternoon.  And when I told my spouse what the doctor said he told me I just needed to go back on the pain medication so I could keep my job which requires travel.  I didn't fill the script and don't plan to.  I won't go to the pain clinic either.  But I don't know if I can keep this up.  I travel next week for work and I am not sure I can do it.  I just want to give up.  I feel like there is no hope and that I can't get any help from the medical community or my family.  Is there no hope?

[annibelle48]

Hi... I know it's been a while, but how are you doing? Have you gotten into the pain clinic yet? There are non narcotic meds that help with nerve pain...  (Neurontin is one of them)... I don't know if that might be an option for you. Also, drinking alcohol and/or taking any benzo's (anti anxiety narcotics) both cause more anxiety and muscle spasms... If you happen to be using either, it could be causing more trouble for you in your recovery. Just was thinking about you.... Let us know how you are

[tryin2bdone]

I just reread your reply to my post.  It has been 44 days and not a lot has changed.  I have been trying all kinds of different things for the pain.  Not much has helped.  Not only is it the pain, but I just don't feel good.  I still have so little energy and I still fight RLS (I have had intermittent RLS since I was 12 but this is way way worse).  I am still struggling with the idea that the way I feel is how it will always be.  But I know that if I take pain meds again that it is just a road to a dead end with a lot of misery.  So I am mostly feeling hopeless and depressed.  Right now I just can't see past this misery no matter what path I choose; taking meds or not.  I have set in my mind that December 13 will be 90 days and I will make it to that point.  I am just so afraid that when I get there things will be the same and then what?  Thank you again for your support and words of wisdom.  Maybe Christmas 2013 will be a good one.  I will hope for that.  

[Dane74]

Hey there, i can feel the anguish you are in currently, but i can tell you it does get better.  You are doing amazing at 29 days, truly you are, it takes time for us to heal, as for the pain, you have real pain and on top of coming off the loratabs your body is experiencing rebound pain, its temporary, it gets so much better.  Keep on fighting, be kind to yourself, do not expect much, but in time you will begin to feel better.  Around the 90 day mark is when you really have a turning point and start living.  You are doing great, its so worth it, and so are you!

[clean_in_ks]

First, congrats on 29 days off opiates!  I would like to encourage you to hang on and not lose hope.  I would disagree with what your doctor said "this is as good as it gets".  In my humble opinion it takes much longer than 29 days to re-evaluate pain levels.  You are still healing and your pain transmitters are re-regulating themselves.

Here's a link to 8 non-drug ways to treat fibro:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia-pictures/8-drug-free-ways-to-treat-fibromyalgia-pain.aspx#/slide-9

Many of these methods are utilized by pain mgmt clinics....and it's important for us to communicate that we are addicts and do not wish to be prescribed addictive medications if that's our goal.  Please don't let this one experience/doctor discourage you new journey.  It can and will get better~
H O P E = Hang On Pain Ends

[Sonrissa]

Why not try the Pain clinic? It's at least worth a discussion with them, right? Perhaps there are some alternatives. Check it out first before you simply dismiss it. Don't lose hope. I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes.

[annibelle48]

Yes, try the pain clinic route.... Please. There are other options to deal with pain and chucking it all because one doctor didn't have the answer is not fair to YOU. I have real things wrong with me and don't have the option of NSAIDs and I refuse opiates... Are you sleeping? A very large part of our healing and recovery is dependent on sleep. Please keep trying... I once was told on this site.."it is not a decision of no drugs=more pain. You can have no drugs=less pain". I didn't believe it at first, but I sure do now. Considering the opiate opens more pain receptors in our brains (2 can become 200!!! Fact... The drug reroutes patterns in our brain), you owe it to yourself and your recovery to give yourself time to heal. The extra pain receptors will shut down the longer you're drug free. No longer will your body scream in pain. There are options... Please go after them!!! You are VERY worth it!!

[ariley13]

Please keep the hope up. There are alternatives to opiates for most conditions. Just because your primary care dr can't treat your condition, doesn't mean no one can. That's why he referred you to the pain management clinic. They are pros at treating pain, and many can do it without opiates. At least you can try the stuff they recommend. If it doesn't work, then you can deal with it then. I have also had friends with fibro that have been treated by neurologists. That might be something to talk to the dr about. I wish you luck and hope you find relief soon.