how do you manage chronic pain

[painhater]

I have been reading many of the posts here and feeling so scared about the dreadful withdrawal and suffering that goes on. I have a chronic pain condition and have been taking percocet for 1.5 years, I know I already have a dependency as I feel the withdrawal symptoms when I do not take it. I have just started lyrica and hope that it decreases my pain to the point that I can get off the percocet entirely. I assume it is better to slowly wean down your percocet dose before stopping but I am so afraid of the suffering I must face to get rid of it. Some days I wish I was just 'strong' enough to handle my pain and not have started these stupid things to begin with. I would be very grateful for any feedback.
Thank you

[bandnmom]

I did alot of research. I have actually changed my diet some and started Yoga. Seems to be helping a little. Maybe look into something along those line. I'm not sure what is the cause of your pain but it won't hurt to try.

[painhater]

I hope the lyrica helps...there really are not too many options really. If the lyrica only helps a very little bit, then I must find a way to cope with the remaining pain or continue on the percocet and get even more dependent.I should be in bed by now and I was reading through the posts from the lady with the husband going through withdrawal (I think about a week or so now) I was crying my eyes out feeling so bad for him and her and so fearful of going through the same thing, I admit it,,,,I am a wimp.

[painhater]

Thank you for your reply I truly appreciate it, It is so sad that something that the doctor gives to help turns out to be the worst thing ever. I suppose I must be terribly naive as I always believed that if you took narcotic meds for pain, there would be no addiction/ dependency etc. Silly fool I am, wish I could turn back time as I know stopping them will be tough.
Thanks again
Jeannette

[bandnmom]

I also have  a chronic pain condition..Rhuematory Arthritis. I became addicted to my Vicodin. I have been clean know for 90+ days. It has not been easy by any means. My doctor put me on Lyrica. It did take a while to work. I would say at least 4 weeks. The pain relief was minamal. Good luck to you. Hope this helped

[usarmymedic1]

i have used meditation and biofeed back to help focus the pain away does not get ride of the pain what it does is helps your body deal with the pain.

chris