pain medcation

[hepc66]

i am  fed up  with take pain medcation for my  back  L4  AND  L5 IT HAS BEEN  GO ON FOR   ALMOST  4 YEAR IS THERE ANY WAY THAT CAN HELP MY BACK  GETTING  BETTER WITHOUT TAKE PAIN MEDCATION OF HYCODONCONE 10/500 PLS HELP

[againnot]

I am also a fellow back pain person.  I have been told a need a fusion.  Been to the pain mgmt dr., physical therapy, injections, pain meds, etc etc.  Next Wed I am going to a fairly famous dietician here in town to find out about foods that might help with inflammation.  I cannot take anti-inflammatories because of stomach/ulcer problems.  I'll let you all know of the outcome of that visit.  I'm grasping at straws now.  It's been 1.5 years of pure hell and depression from not being able to do the things I enjoy....walking gardening, vacationing...my whole life has changed.  However....a fusion scares me to death hearing about all the failed ones!

[bev62]

I know exactly how you feel. I have been living with chronic pain since I had a two level cervical fusion two years ago.  I'm now on Duragestic patches and Oxycotin and I felt that it wasn't giving me much relief until I ran out of medication while on vacation. When I finally got it back in my system I now realize how much it really does help.  I hate the thoughts of being on pain meds for the rest of my life, but if it helps me to have more of a life I'll gladly take it.  Chronic pain can really take its toll on you mentally, I also suffer from depression because of it.  I know it's hard for our friends and family to understand what we are going thru. And until you've had to experience it you wouldn't.  That's why it really helps having other people on this forum that's going thru the same thing and can relate to what we are feeling. So anytime you just need someone to talk to we will try to help any way we can. Good luck.

[jollyman069]

i have been a back and pain leg sufferer since real bad 1993, i think i ran the gauntlet on all kinds of ways to helo releive pain, for me nothing had worked. so i resugned myself to the fact i needed help with meds. now i dont have a fairy tale ending but i can function enjoy my grandbabies and my kids . that mean picnics hikinf some roiugh housing, plus and the best plus just being with them lughing and sharing, rathewr having to lay in a bed or chair. if there is anything u find that helps that isnt drug related pleae let us knoe i knoe manmy in here would be intrested good luck .... brian

[Tuckamore]

Hello, Geez I hear you. All of us have felt the way you do at one time or another. But Mollyrae is right. If they control your pain why would you want to stop them. Do not let others try to dis you for taking these meds to control pain. We are not street thugs looking for a high, we are CP suffers trying to get through this life with as little pain as possible, and often it's darn tough.

If you believe your pain can be controlled through other methods than I suggest you discuss these with a good Pain Management Physician. They will help you with the withdrawal and set you up with PT and/or other holistic or other approaches. We will support you in what ever decision you may make. I wish you much luck. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. And most importantly, take care of yourself, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hi Hepc: I'm sorry to hear of your back pain. Sometimes that old back can be so unforgiving. I know taking the daily pain meds can be such a pain...lol...but if they help you and relieve some of the discomfort then why stop. Have you thought about warm water therapy? I have had some good results with them. Also, have you had any physical therapy? Sometimes that can help as well. Then there is just plain old rest. When nothing seems to work I have to just lie down and take it easy for a while.

Other members will be on later and can offer you advise as well. Please take care.

Mollyrae