Dealing With Pain

[Rockhound]

Since weaning myself off my pain meds, so I can more safely drive my vehicle, which I had chosen not to drive since being on the pain meds, is getting harder and harder to deal with.

My pain meds have or rather, usually reduced my pain threshold to about 50% for the most part and in some areas it appeared to have reduced it to nearly 0%, since now I am experiencing pain in those areas, like I can't remember, having not had to deal with it in those areas for such a long time.

Life or rather my quality of life, even though I can drive my vehicle without the fear of causing an accident, due to the effects of a narcotic, has actually been reduced, since their are times when the pain is so bad, I am reduced laying in bed with out the strength to anything else. Even lying in bed becomes intolerble at times, I had forgotten how much of my anxiety was connected to my pain level and how often my panic attacks seemed to co-inside with my pain level.

I just don't know how much longer I will be able to contend with the pain, just because of my fear of being in an accident brought on by the affects of the pain meds. Now I fear I may be in an accident, becuase my attention was hampered while dealing with the pain and not on my driving.

I got to go now, because the pain in my hands, while typing is interfereing with my spelling the words I right, I have to keep making corrections as I go along, because my fingers don't seem to want to do or rather type the characters my fingers should reach to, twitching in pain as a move about the different key strokes.

Besides, it's time I should be thinking about something to eat for luch, which brings on a whole new set of pain issues from sitting to standing.

Rockhound Rider :P B) B)

[Testvet]

I gave up driving in 2001 it was like having my legs taken out from under me, but driving would have killed me, and trying to exist without the percocets for my pain, I would rather be dead people do not understand what chronic pain does to those of us with it

damned if you do and damned if you don't

well I gave up and went with the pain meds I have a better quality of life with them I mentioned something to my shrink a few years ago about trying to get my license back and he said NO rofl that was the end of that I have people I can call if I realy need something when my wife isn't around but that doesn't happen very often...

[gp747]

Skunk,

Try purchasing your ensure at the local hospital or nursing home instead of rite aid, or where-ever. It was way way cheaper for us when we were buying it for my father-in-law. Also, you may ask for a CBC blood test. Make sure when you next see your doc you dont eat or drink past midnight so they can get a fasting test and check your white count. A high white blood cell count can cause exactly what you are talking about, it can also be accompanied with a low red count, or maybe other variables. I feel for ya man. You too Rock. I have delt with this issue for 7 years, and have been on the brink with it a few times. If that happens, call and talk to someone... it helps.

I also chose to discontinue driving.. well it's a dead issue now, but when I still could with hand controls, I wouldnt due to the pain meds. I just didnt want to kill someones kid, ya know. I appreciate your decision with this Rock, since my daughter is on the roads too. However, there comes a point sometimes when you just have to give stuff up. Sometimes it seems like thats all I have done.... anyway God Bless man.

Bob Smith

thanx sixth i know a lot of vets pain would make mine seem trivial,and they pull through i will take your advise and tell my doc . i will also see about the ensure,it really would be a big help to get it cheaper. my daughter is an licensed practical nurse she may be able to help me get it cheaper.

really appreciate the thought and advise.

skunk

[Bonzai]

Ensure is made by Abbott, and they have a Patient Assistance Program. Please see the following link for more information:

Abbot Patient Assistance Foundation (Medical Nutrition)

Hope this helps,

Louis

Edited August 24, 2009 by Bonzai

[john999]

I take oxycodone and vicodin. I drive but I am always aware that I am somewhat impaired. I am extra careful about everything. I do notice that the pain meds have increased my anxiety about being away from home because I am afraid the pain will get worse and I will have to really dope myself to function. This is no fun. I want to go on a vacation but I am afraid of my pain getting out of control due to extra stress. When the pain really starts to pound you it is very difficult to consider weaning yourself off meds. If I could take a pill that would just relieve the pain and leave my brain intact that would be great, but I have not found that drug. I have been on and off pain meds for 10 years. The pain does greatly limit what I can do compared to what I used to do.

[gp747]

well my doc did prescribe hydrocodone and it worked fine at first. however the pain has worsened since and the dose i take is the lowest i think 5/500. however i do have hep.c and i am wondering if it is wise to be taking all that acetaminophen,500 mg three times a day with a liver disease.

every time i go in they do a blood test and say my liver is ok,but for how long with the 1500 mg doses a day of acetaminophen?

[Testvet]

500mg is not really a serious dose I was taking 1500mg 3 times a day for years before they gave me the percocets and hydrocodone is a lower level of pain killer than oxycodone although both use the same acetaminophen to cut them with.....if I was you I would keep taking the pain pills especially if the hydrocodone works...