Getting off pain meds!

[ponch456]

I've had pelvic pain for the past 4 yrs and been to 8 different drs. last dr at the clevelend clinic diagnosed me with pelvic floor disorder so i've been going to a pmd and been getting 120 mg avinza&750 norco.I'm tired feeling sluggish from theses meds!Pretty much ween myself off the norco the avinza pretty hard into my 3rd day of weening off the avinza!I'm going to get off it no matter how bad the pain gets!!!Feeling really depressed lately!!It will get better!!I'm 46 yrs old male...Thnx

[Trelau]

Hi, I was trying to send you a message, for some reasons it seems I can't and I can't either post a note. ???

I wanted to add that there are many threads I read but do not answer because I'm not a doctor, I don't know what to say/do.

[namnam46]

Hi Ponch,

I, too, am reducing my meds since my surgery in September and wanted to get some of my Fentanyl reduced down.  HOWEVER, I'm doing it with my Dr.'s blessings so that I KNOW what I should do IF my pain flares up.  That way you have a PLAN in place and it will be accomplished with the LEAST amount of pain and so far with me NO WITHDRAWAL at all and that's reducing my Fentanyl Patch - which is supposed to be one of the most difficult ones to lower.

Jaybay, is correct that you AREN'T Dr. Shopping when you are seeing different Dr.s to try to get a diagnosis.  Dr Shopping is when you go to different Dr.s to try to get the  medication that you want and they won't give it to you. She's correct - it should be called "Drug Shopping" NOT Dr. Shopping.  :)

Good Luck......Sherry

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ponch,

A tardy Welcome to the Pain Management Community. I am sorry to hear about your pain.

Yes pain controlling medications can make you a bit sluggish and can even increase  depression that often accompanies chronic pain. However unmanaged chronic pain can be even worse. It's a double edged sword and my heart goes out to you.

We all must do what we think is best for us. I certainly understand your wanting to reduce or cease your PM medications. Please consider going through this weaning process with the assistance of your physician. That is truly is important.  

Our community extend support and information to you.....but it is always best to consult your physician on medication related issues.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that you will keep in touch with us. The journey through chronic pain can be challenging and and down right tough!

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Jaybay]

You only get "red flagged" if you go to many different doctors asking for, and even obtaining, multiple prescriptions for narcotics.  The term "Dr. Shopping" really should be called "drug shopping."  Simply consulting doctors for an opinion and diagnosis is not a problem - well, other than the pocketbook!

ponch, I can't blame you for going ahead and discontinuing the pain meds.  Of course, it's always better to include your doctor in these decisions so he can offer alternate therapies, but it's always up to the patient to decide what to take or not.  If you can find something else that will help with your pain without making you depressed, go for it!  Opiate therapy isn't for everyone and in some cases causes more trouble than it's worth.

Is your condition something that surgery can help?  It sounds almost like a hernia-type problem.  I also understand that most men can't stand to think about any kind of surgery in such a sensitive area.  Bottom line, whether it's surgery or meds, you have to do what's right for you.  Best of luck!

[Kimba777]

Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue