A day in the life: Chronic pain and the fear of prescribing medication to those who suffer has created a world where depression is more worrisome than the risk of overdosing on legitimate opioids
I feel like I’ve been on a down slope. Many of the things you’ve described I feel daily. Thanks for your honesty and always admire that You are all about Understanding what the hell is going on. Which then leads to you finding a solution if possible.
We need so much more of this style in everything.
Sorry about your situation with pain meds.
I had to jump off the pain meds train years ago. As I was using them as antidepressants and it alll became too much. This was way before fetynal showed up.
But I will say. If and when I find myself in a chronic pain situation. Yes. That’s what the medicine is for..
A family member passed away a decade ago, and he felt as you did (that he was being treated like a criminal, hated the constant drug tests, etc) for the prior 4 years. So the problem has been in the US for awhile. And it is a problem. I would like to see how many of the current fentanyl deaths are from
kids wanting a high, and how many from adults looking for pain relief who can't get it from their doctors.
Yes. I think by just saying blanket opioids are the problem, the actual problem is overlooked. A 10 mg. Hydrocodone is not the same thing as fentanyl or heroine or even oxycontin. They are all opioids, but they are not the same.
Thank you for sharing about your family member. Because I know what I know now, I feel really sorry for their situation. It needs to change.
Brandy- Sorry to hear what you had to go through. And you’re right, the medical system is doing nothing for chronic pain. Being tossed from one doctor to another. Being given bandaid treatments that only make the whole thing worse over time. Not to mention rising health costs that make living a sane life pretty close to impossible. Thanks for sharing.
It’s not you who criminalized opioid overuse. It’s people like me, who have chronic non cancer pain and also ended up addicted to the medications that caused the need to pee in cups, be looked at with cynicism, and feel like a criminal. People fail to realize that addiction is as “legitimate” as chronic noncancer pain. Having been in recovery for the past 25 years from opiate addiction, I have had opioids for surgical pain a few times. I absolutely welcome every single accountability put in place and personally add even more to prevent ever going back to active addiction. And it only takes one to start the process.
After a car accident in which I was rear-ended, I wasn't able to raise my arms or turn my head without sharp pains, and many times "electric" nerve shocks in the cervical section of my neck and shoulders. I tried many things to avoid surgery, I was beginning to have other pain from compensating my posture to Avoid the original pain. Anyway, being a single father, I had to work, I had to continue being active with and for my sons. I had spinal surgery. 5 days afterward my body began to cramp, just like a horrible calf cramp that you can't fix. I was twisted up on the ground, one of my boys was present, he was crying his eyes out. I came to in the same hospital I had my first surgery in I was is terrible pain, highly medicated and gave permission for the second surgery to repair the first. You had to be there. Afterwards 6 or 7 days later I was released with a bottle full of opiates and given a doctor to follow up with. Not a "pain clinic" but an actual neurologist. She quickly determined that I would need to continue pain medications as I engaged in PT and after a couple months told me I would probably be taking medication for the rest of my life. I worked in an office and gradually began working again but I did a lot of standing pushing my chair off to the side a lot. I'm very sorry this is droning on, I finally after a year and a month told my neurologist I couldn't continue the routine I was trapped in, I told my still teenage boys I would be resigning and began to gradually stop taking the opiates. The sickness wasn't what I was told to expect, I thank the Holy Father for that, but I hurt badly and started experiments with NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. I ended up so stove up and hurting so badly one day several months afterward i asked my son to drive me to emergency. Nearly 2 years after my surgeries. The ARNP on duty saw my distress immediately and without my asking she brought a 10mg Hydrocodone pill in a cup. She did ask if I was allergic to anything in that family. I was so grateful. A half hour later a young doctor came in and said "I've ordered an MRI but it looks like you've already been treated by (the nurse)" and gave a pointed scowl in that direction and continued " I won't be writing a prescription, you can leave after your scan and find your drugs somewhere else." That was my introduction to the complete reversal of the medical profession's policies on acute and chronic pain and the character assassination of those using or in need of medication since I had told my neurologist I was done with them. My "office job" was licensed addiction professional and as I returned to it I heard everything you can imagine during that period of time. I didn't take anything regularly for many (to me) years. I'm an older man and my primary, after ineffective corticosteroid injections, convinced me to keep Tramadol 50 MG on hand. It's very helpful in my daily activities and emotionally. I'm not exactly sure when things changed, perhaps they haven't in hospital settings. I know this- the medical profession should never teach that a medication that treats pain is a red flag- government should never influence the medical profession in any way- Doctors are never effective when staying strictly within a "model" and will never be effective if they think they are practicing medicine when they do.
I have colossal respect for those who experience Pain. I believe that Faith is measurably effective in coping/dealing/adjusting to life with pain. Find a good primary care doctor and a Preacher who rightly divides the Word. Thanks for this space.
Wow. You have been through the wringer, too. I am so very grateful to hear your story. There are just too many people suffering daily for no real reason. It's cruel and inhumane. I noticed they have pulled back on some guidelines but now, the doctors won't even think about it. They won't put themselves at risk. I have no idea how they sleep at night knowing they promised to first, do no harm. I can't take the humiliation so I pray a lot. Thank you for your experience.
I have RA and other I injuries. If you ever want to message me I can tell you how I broke free and am happier,healthier and fitter now. Sending you so much love!!❤️❤️🙏
I haven't forgotten you, I am still trying to get myself free of all the work and obligations on my plate right now. Your circumstance deserves a thoughtful reply in order to be of help. So try not to stress (I know, hard to do when everything is on fire) and I will be there to help, that is a promise, I just need more time. Hang tight!
Awesome, I'll reply in the chat after I get some work out of the way, and I have a packed weekend, so I don't know when exactly, but you will hear from me at some point. The most important thought I can leave you with is that you are not alone and that we all need to refuse believing in the gaslighting BS from our so-called medical establishment and government, but I repeat myself. They don't give a damn about your 'health,' it is ALL about control and the prohibition of your access to the substances that are on this earth to help heal us and support us.
More later when I get the time, hold on to your hope!
I am sorry to say that I haven't found a permanent solution. Some things seem to work for a while and given me hope. They seem to wear off after a few months. I've had to accept that I can't really lift my arms over my shoulders with any weight whatsoever without paying for it for days. I used to love having toned arms and doing small weights but I haven't been able to get that back. I still have fevers at least half the month and I can't ride anywhere for more than 2 hours without serious pain so I mostly stay home. There are many reasons to be hopeful about new technologies, but for now, I'm just taking each day as it comes. Would love to have my life back one day. Sorry I don't have better news.
Thanks for the update, but troubled to read of your continued suffering. I recently encountered a difficult 6-year period of moderate-severe Fibromyalgia (symptoms). After years of searching, I found near-complete pain relief with Kratom. (Kratom use is controversial, but the pharmacology of the active components, Mitragynine and 7-OH is well understood.). I drink homemade Kratom tea daily, and am now finding my Fibro. symptoms are in remission !! Our ailments may have nothing in common other than chronic pain. Perhaps Kratom could provide meaningful relief to you.
YES! Kratom works wonders for me to augment other supplements. Also, try Bromelain as an anti-inflammatory, it is made from the enzyme of pineapple stems and beneficial in other ways too. Found at most organic supplement stores.
It’s another new year; but it’s now another year I have not hear or seen any comments about progress in managing your chronic pain ? I hope you can provide some update, and I wish for good news.
If you are still connected to this post try finding a Certified Rolfer for your chronic pain.
Don’t know your issues, but if your body is out of alignment building fascia where it didn’t belong, a good Rolfer can break that down and get the body back in better alignment.
I think there are many more of us than anyone with the power to change the rules is willing to admit.
Yes, I have been tested for everything they can test for, I think. Sometimes, they throw around the fibromyalgia, but not one doctor is willing to make a definitive diagnosis.
I feel your pain, literally and otherwise. I wish nothing but the best for you and all like us who suffer needlessly from cruel and unusual practices. I truly do.
Just found your blog.
I hear you Brandy.
I feel like I’ve been on a down slope. Many of the things you’ve described I feel daily. Thanks for your honesty and always admire that You are all about Understanding what the hell is going on. Which then leads to you finding a solution if possible.
We need so much more of this style in everything.
Sorry about your situation with pain meds.
I had to jump off the pain meds train years ago. As I was using them as antidepressants and it alll became too much. This was way before fetynal showed up.
But I will say. If and when I find myself in a chronic pain situation. Yes. That’s what the medicine is for..
Get a new doctor. You can find one.
Got a friend with RA in her med 60’s.
Every day is a battle.
You are a force for all that is good.
Thank you
A family member passed away a decade ago, and he felt as you did (that he was being treated like a criminal, hated the constant drug tests, etc) for the prior 4 years. So the problem has been in the US for awhile. And it is a problem. I would like to see how many of the current fentanyl deaths are from
kids wanting a high, and how many from adults looking for pain relief who can't get it from their doctors.
Yes. I think by just saying blanket opioids are the problem, the actual problem is overlooked. A 10 mg. Hydrocodone is not the same thing as fentanyl or heroine or even oxycontin. They are all opioids, but they are not the same.
Thank you for sharing about your family member. Because I know what I know now, I feel really sorry for their situation. It needs to change.
Brandy- Sorry to hear what you had to go through. And you’re right, the medical system is doing nothing for chronic pain. Being tossed from one doctor to another. Being given bandaid treatments that only make the whole thing worse over time. Not to mention rising health costs that make living a sane life pretty close to impossible. Thanks for sharing.
It's so very expensive to maintain, isn't it? You are most welcome and I hope you aren't suffering today.
It’s not you who criminalized opioid overuse. It’s people like me, who have chronic non cancer pain and also ended up addicted to the medications that caused the need to pee in cups, be looked at with cynicism, and feel like a criminal. People fail to realize that addiction is as “legitimate” as chronic noncancer pain. Having been in recovery for the past 25 years from opiate addiction, I have had opioids for surgical pain a few times. I absolutely welcome every single accountability put in place and personally add even more to prevent ever going back to active addiction. And it only takes one to start the process.
After a car accident in which I was rear-ended, I wasn't able to raise my arms or turn my head without sharp pains, and many times "electric" nerve shocks in the cervical section of my neck and shoulders. I tried many things to avoid surgery, I was beginning to have other pain from compensating my posture to Avoid the original pain. Anyway, being a single father, I had to work, I had to continue being active with and for my sons. I had spinal surgery. 5 days afterward my body began to cramp, just like a horrible calf cramp that you can't fix. I was twisted up on the ground, one of my boys was present, he was crying his eyes out. I came to in the same hospital I had my first surgery in I was is terrible pain, highly medicated and gave permission for the second surgery to repair the first. You had to be there. Afterwards 6 or 7 days later I was released with a bottle full of opiates and given a doctor to follow up with. Not a "pain clinic" but an actual neurologist. She quickly determined that I would need to continue pain medications as I engaged in PT and after a couple months told me I would probably be taking medication for the rest of my life. I worked in an office and gradually began working again but I did a lot of standing pushing my chair off to the side a lot. I'm very sorry this is droning on, I finally after a year and a month told my neurologist I couldn't continue the routine I was trapped in, I told my still teenage boys I would be resigning and began to gradually stop taking the opiates. The sickness wasn't what I was told to expect, I thank the Holy Father for that, but I hurt badly and started experiments with NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. I ended up so stove up and hurting so badly one day several months afterward i asked my son to drive me to emergency. Nearly 2 years after my surgeries. The ARNP on duty saw my distress immediately and without my asking she brought a 10mg Hydrocodone pill in a cup. She did ask if I was allergic to anything in that family. I was so grateful. A half hour later a young doctor came in and said "I've ordered an MRI but it looks like you've already been treated by (the nurse)" and gave a pointed scowl in that direction and continued " I won't be writing a prescription, you can leave after your scan and find your drugs somewhere else." That was my introduction to the complete reversal of the medical profession's policies on acute and chronic pain and the character assassination of those using or in need of medication since I had told my neurologist I was done with them. My "office job" was licensed addiction professional and as I returned to it I heard everything you can imagine during that period of time. I didn't take anything regularly for many (to me) years. I'm an older man and my primary, after ineffective corticosteroid injections, convinced me to keep Tramadol 50 MG on hand. It's very helpful in my daily activities and emotionally. I'm not exactly sure when things changed, perhaps they haven't in hospital settings. I know this- the medical profession should never teach that a medication that treats pain is a red flag- government should never influence the medical profession in any way- Doctors are never effective when staying strictly within a "model" and will never be effective if they think they are practicing medicine when they do.
I have colossal respect for those who experience Pain. I believe that Faith is measurably effective in coping/dealing/adjusting to life with pain. Find a good primary care doctor and a Preacher who rightly divides the Word. Thanks for this space.
Wow. You have been through the wringer, too. I am so very grateful to hear your story. There are just too many people suffering daily for no real reason. It's cruel and inhumane. I noticed they have pulled back on some guidelines but now, the doctors won't even think about it. They won't put themselves at risk. I have no idea how they sleep at night knowing they promised to first, do no harm. I can't take the humiliation so I pray a lot. Thank you for your experience.
damn
I have RA and other I injuries. If you ever want to message me I can tell you how I broke free and am happier,healthier and fitter now. Sending you so much love!!❤️❤️🙏
Yes. I would love any advice. I want my body back. Thank you. 🩵
I don't want to talk about it in this forum though. One day I may write about my journey.
I will never trust another Dr again.
We need to talk. I'm in awful pain but I'm finding ways to cope. I'll subscribe and hope you reach out. Peace & love.
👋 I am here and am more than ready to hear advice.
I haven't forgotten you, I am still trying to get myself free of all the work and obligations on my plate right now. Your circumstance deserves a thoughtful reply in order to be of help. So try not to stress (I know, hard to do when everything is on fire) and I will be there to help, that is a promise, I just need more time. Hang tight!
No worries! Thanks much for checking in. 😊
Awesome, I'll reply in the chat after I get some work out of the way, and I have a packed weekend, so I don't know when exactly, but you will hear from me at some point. The most important thought I can leave you with is that you are not alone and that we all need to refuse believing in the gaslighting BS from our so-called medical establishment and government, but I repeat myself. They don't give a damn about your 'health,' it is ALL about control and the prohibition of your access to the substances that are on this earth to help heal us and support us.
More later when I get the time, hold on to your hope!
(Sorry, a half year update please !)
I am sorry to say that I haven't found a permanent solution. Some things seem to work for a while and given me hope. They seem to wear off after a few months. I've had to accept that I can't really lift my arms over my shoulders with any weight whatsoever without paying for it for days. I used to love having toned arms and doing small weights but I haven't been able to get that back. I still have fevers at least half the month and I can't ride anywhere for more than 2 hours without serious pain so I mostly stay home. There are many reasons to be hopeful about new technologies, but for now, I'm just taking each day as it comes. Would love to have my life back one day. Sorry I don't have better news.
Brandy,
Thanks for the update, but troubled to read of your continued suffering. I recently encountered a difficult 6-year period of moderate-severe Fibromyalgia (symptoms). After years of searching, I found near-complete pain relief with Kratom. (Kratom use is controversial, but the pharmacology of the active components, Mitragynine and 7-OH is well understood.). I drink homemade Kratom tea daily, and am now finding my Fibro. symptoms are in remission !! Our ailments may have nothing in common other than chronic pain. Perhaps Kratom could provide meaningful relief to you.
Wishing you recovery in 2025,
WA (Bill) Samuel
https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/pharmacological/non-opioids/kratom-primer-miracle-medicine-herb-abuse
YES! Kratom works wonders for me to augment other supplements. Also, try Bromelain as an anti-inflammatory, it is made from the enzyme of pineapple stems and beneficial in other ways too. Found at most organic supplement stores.
It’s another new year; but it’s now another year I have not hear or seen any comments about progress in managing your chronic pain ? I hope you can provide some update, and I wish for good news.
If you are still connected to this post try finding a Certified Rolfer for your chronic pain.
Don’t know your issues, but if your body is out of alignment building fascia where it didn’t belong, a good Rolfer can break that down and get the body back in better alignment.
I had never heard of this and there are 3 places near me. Thank you! I will be giving it a try.
I think there are many more of us than anyone with the power to change the rules is willing to admit.
Yes, I have been tested for everything they can test for, I think. Sometimes, they throw around the fibromyalgia, but not one doctor is willing to make a definitive diagnosis.
I feel your pain, literally and otherwise. I wish nothing but the best for you and all like us who suffer needlessly from cruel and unusual practices. I truly do.