Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

I am a pain pill addict! (or so they say)

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 2
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 template Next
  • #1

    I am a pain pill addict! (or so they say)

    I hope everyone had a nice Christmas.

    My Christmas was somewhat stressful to say the least. My sil and mom have concluded that I am a drug addict!

    Last week I saw my GP, he said he was a little worried about my opiod use.(30mg MS Contin every 12 hours) He then set up an appt. with a different uro at the University of Washington hospital. He thinks they either need to get me off the opiods or remove my bladder.

    My health condition was brought up over the holiday and family members said I should NOT be taking pain meds for this long.
    My sil even pointed out that "soccer mom's" are getting addicted to the stuff just to cope with life and maybe that's where I am!

    My mom (age 81) is now calling me saying very negative and hurtful things to me. "You are probably addicted, you need to tough it out and get some backbone and just deal with the pain" "You have NEVER been very tough".

    I saw my uro today. I told him all of the above.
    He explained once again that I am NOT an addict and I have no reason to worry. He also pointed out that maybe I should refuse to discuss my pain management issues with people. He thinks all of them actually caused an increase in pain from stress! Unfortunatly he upped my dose double
    He said that if they had to live with my bladder for 24 hours they would be begging for a much stronger dose of opiod than what I currently take. I have refused increased dose changes several times, so he knows I am "toughing out" a lot of pain.

    I do feel better now. I'm just sooooo upset over my family members reaction! Thanks for letting me vent!!
    Tags: None
  • #2
    One good way to avoid such family conflicts is to just plain not tell them what you are taking.

    Try thinking of it this way: If you had diabetes and required insulin to maintain a healthy life style, you wouldn't think twice about addiction to insulin. What you have is pain and if you are to live anything close to a normal life, you need to keep that pain controlled.

    If you are working with your physician and taking pain medications as directed, you are doing exactly what you need to do. You may need to be firm with your family that this is not up for discussion, but they will get the message.

    Warm encouraging hugs,
    Donna
    Stay safe


    Elmiron Eye Disease Information Center - https://www.ic-network.com/elmiron-p...mation-center/
    Elmiron Eye Disease Fact Sheet (Downloadable) - https://www.ic-network.com/wp-conten...nFactSheet.pdf

    Have you checked the ICN Shop?
    Click on ICN Shop at the top of this page. You'll find Bladder Builder and Bladder Rest, both of which we are finding have excellent results.

    Patient Help: http://www.ic-network.com/patientlinks.html

    Sub-types https://www.ic-network.com/five-pote...markably-well/

    Diet list: https://www.ic-network.com/interstitial-cystitis-diet/

    AUA Guidelines: https://www.ic-network.com/aua-guide...tial-cystitis/

    I am not a medical authority nor do I offer medical advice. In all cases, I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.     [3MG]

    Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool

    Comment

    • #3
      I think Donna put things extremely well.

      I am so sorry this has caused you more stress. I think your Doctor and Donna had some good suggestions.

      Big hugs, and best wishes for an easier New Years Holiday.
      kissing
      Rachel
      @[email protected]
      "Well the Secret O'Life is enjoying the passage of time." ~James Taylor

      Comment

      • #4
        He also pointed out that maybe I should refuse to discuss my pain management issues with people.
        Sounds like a really good, doc. I would rely on him for information on what you should and should not do and just not tell your family. They can't possibly have a clue.
        Kim

        Diagnosed August 2001

        Current IC meds: Elmiron (since 2001), Levaquin (one pill after intercourse to prevent UTIs), Effexor (for depression & anxiety)

        Past IC meds: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Hydroxyzine (Vistaril), Detrol LA, Lexapro (for depression & anxiety, but also helped my IC) (They all helped, but I was able to discontinue them.)

        I've been virtually symptom free and able to eat & drink whatever I'd like for about 8 years now.

        *****************************

        “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl

        “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~ Brian Tracy

        Comment

        • #5
          I have been crying and worrying about this issue for months. My in-laws cannot understand why I am in pain. I had an Interstim device put in 6/30 and think that should have "fixed" everything. Now they think I am addicted to pain meds. They do not even believe in Tylenol....it has caused much friction between my Hubby and his family. My husband understands and my uro encourages me to take my pain med every 4-6hrs as needed...and not to wait for the pain to get bad. This of course interferes with my driving ability so I need help with carpool to and from school and rely on many friends. This is not understood by the in-laws..and I am SICK and TIRED of answering why I can't drive. I avoid telling them the details anymore but they still know we are using friends to help us out. Thank you for the advice. We do not want to take pills but we have no choice...I just wish people would understand and live in our bodies for just 1 day if necessary!! Best of luck to all...Tina C grouphug

          Comment

          • #6
            Yeah, after I started feeling better everyone wanted to know why I wasnt back 100% and I tried to explain to them about the side effects of the meds. At 50 mg of elavil I could barely stay awake much less act normal again. And I can imagine if you are on pain meds, the pain may go down, but people probably wonder why you are tired or "act in a daze as people used to ask me." Would like everyone to treat us as if we were "insulin" dependent but, unfortunately, people are still not familiar with IC and do not treat you the way. They act more like we have nothing more than a tension headache. I know about the family problems issue also and I wish you good luck with that. Like we need more stress

            Comment

            • #7
              grouphug grouphug grouphug You are not an addict. I am not an addict. We need pain pills to help us cope with our daily actives of life and for the pain. Hope you feel better soon. My family also thinks I am addicted to pain pills but I am not. I take them as prescribed. I have a wonderful urologist and primary care physican. My pcp is learning alot about ic and how painful it can be. Let us know how you are doing.
              Hang in there , There is hope.
              There is hope. Prayer works.

              Love, Debbie

              Comment

              • #8
                grouphug grouphug grouphug I am so sorry you had to go through that. They have no right to judge you. I am so sorry you are in so much pain, and so sad they are not helping you.

                I agree that your meds should be between you and your doctor.

                Wishing you the very best.
                Faith, Hope, and Love,
                Katrina

                I believe God is using me. He uses me for God. Things I gain from all my suffering are meant to help others. I hope I can help you too. Email me or start a chat if you like my help or anything. I CARE!Illnesses: IC,IBS, IBD, GERD, PFD, Epilepsy, Endo, Allergies, RLM,Rapid heart beat, low blood pressure,Gastritis,Gall stones,Tendonitis,migraines, Shingles, Prolapsed pouch,ext. fatigue (current problem) I have seen periods of remission and I have seen them end and return. At this time remission is over and working on getting it back!

                IC Volunteers are not medical authorities nor do we offer medical advice. In all cases, we strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.
                or find me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/kat671?ref=profile
                Be the Miracle! & Pay it Forward!
                [email protected] please contact me...I am here to help!

                Comment

                • #9
                  I agree with the other gals, you are defintely not an addict! I also take narcotic meds, and had this discussion with my Uro and my hubby and my mom were in the room at the time. I told him I do worry about getting addicted, but the pain is sometimes so debilitating that I cannot make it without the meds. My Uro agreed and said that he would let me know if he thought I had a problem. I am lucky that my family is supportive, my brother does sometimes make comments, but like Donna said, I just do not discuss it with him...I know that the talk shows and news feel as if they are doing a good service to all of us, but there needs to be the other side of the story, about those of us who legitimately need the pain meds. It really is nobody's business but ours, but it does make it hard, sometimes...Good luck to you, and know that we support you here. It does sound like you have a wonderful Dr., and I also do, and am so thankful for that... grouphug
                  Kandy
                  Always try to do the right thing; it will astonish some people and gratify the rest- Mark Twain



                  DX: IC-2003, Systemic Lupus w/secondary Sjogren's-2009, Total Hysterectomy with BSO-2005, IBS-forever it seems, Renal Tubular Acidosis, Vitamin D deficiency-2008, Vulvar Vestibulitis-2002, Pudendal Neuralgia-2008
                  I also try and manage depression/anxiety, Migraines, Too many kidney stones to count-starting in 1991 to the present
                  I had my 1st urethral surgery at age 4, have had urethral syndrome from then on.
                  Failed treatments: Elmiron both instilled and oral caused severe increase in liver enzymes
                  Elavil and Ditropan-severe bladder retention
                  Currently on pain mgmt, lidocaine gel topically also gives some relief after initial 2-4 min burning when applied.
                  Prior treatment included pelvic floor therapy and TENS unit, both of which I still do as needed.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Donna hit the nail right on the head. I only talk about my meds here, where I feel safe or with my dr and hubby......outside of that, I don't talk about it. It's none of anyone else's business and if someone called me an addict I'd have to bop them in the head so it's my choice not to go there.

                    Outsider's can be so cruel when it comes to chronic pain issues, and then, there are the ones who are just plain old mean banghead banghead
                    teri
                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                    Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow".

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Hello dandy8,

                      I am sooo sorry to hear about the way you have been treated in regards to your taking pain meds
                      ( opiates ) to manage your IC pain. I to take Hydromorphone Contin 3mg 8 a day as well as
                      break-through hydromorphone 4mg everyday. I also get the BIG Hassel from Mom and some family members about the meds I take. BUT they also don't and never will understand what kind of pain I suffer with. Right now I have been in a IC flareup for almost two weeks now, ( A VERY PAINFULL ONE) that doesn't let up for even a secound. Its soooo extremly hard to even want to go on when it just never lets up. I was soooo thankfull when I found this IC web-site, that you have NO idea. To be able to talk to people again, and share how it feels is unbeleiveable. Where I live we have Very little support groups left as there is just not the funding for them. Please take care, and I look forward to seeing you on board again, as with everyone else.
                      BIG HUGS to you and Hang in there as I feel your pain literally.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Like everyone has stated-----it is none of anybody's business except your doctor's and husband's. My IC doctor has plainly told me not to ever tell anyone about my pain medications. This is a private issue to me and I plan on keeping it that way. I do have some nosey family members but I always put a halfway smile on and say I am tuff and I am o.k. If they really knew they would think I had a problem too. If you can live your life taking meds to help you that is what it is all about. Screw everybody else!!!!!!!!! Thank God we have this site where we can understand each other and not feel guilty. I have posted about feeling guilty several times--it must be a Mom thing!!! I do find myself thinking about this alot----I can't get it off my mind sometimes!!!

                        Tami
                        [email protected]

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          I agree with all of the postings here. But I just wanted to add one more thing. A person with chronic pain who is taking prescription medication at the prescribed dose does NOT get addicted to their medication. We become TOLERANT!!! Not ADDICTED!! Two totally different words although alot of people think they are one in the same. When we go into a Dr's office and our meds have to be increased because the dose is no longer effective it's because our bodies have become used to that dose, or tolerant. Someone who misuses their meds, takes them out of the prescribed dosing schedule, and at higher doses are addicts. During the last several weeks I have gone off of all of my pain meds because of my pregnancy. I went through severe withdrawl symptoms and my family said it was because I was addicted to those meds. NO, it was because my body had been used to those meds being in my system every day for the last two years. It's much the same for a coffee drinker. If someone who has been drinking 3 cups a day for two years tries to quit drinking it, their body will go through caffiene withdrawls. Does that mean they are coffee addicts???? I don't think so!
                          IC Angel: Proudly supporting the Children and the Elderly with IC.


                          E-Mail: [email protected]

                          http://www.myspace.com/lilmiss200595


                          Revelation 21:4
                          "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Kelli,
                            You Go Girl! And thanks to all of you who support each and everyone of us here every day, including me! It really does make such a big difference just to be "understood"...
                            Take Care,
                            Kandy
                            Always try to do the right thing; it will astonish some people and gratify the rest- Mark Twain



                            DX: IC-2003, Systemic Lupus w/secondary Sjogren's-2009, Total Hysterectomy with BSO-2005, IBS-forever it seems, Renal Tubular Acidosis, Vitamin D deficiency-2008, Vulvar Vestibulitis-2002, Pudendal Neuralgia-2008
                            I also try and manage depression/anxiety, Migraines, Too many kidney stones to count-starting in 1991 to the present
                            I had my 1st urethral surgery at age 4, have had urethral syndrome from then on.
                            Failed treatments: Elmiron both instilled and oral caused severe increase in liver enzymes
                            Elavil and Ditropan-severe bladder retention
                            Currently on pain mgmt, lidocaine gel topically also gives some relief after initial 2-4 min burning when applied.
                            Prior treatment included pelvic floor therapy and TENS unit, both of which I still do as needed.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              I think Kelli and Betsie expressed their feelings about pain control very well, and I totally agree. I am very relieved to know that I have pain medication to help me through a tough spell with IC, and I certainly would not take it,if I did not need it to combat my pain. I think it is our personal business between us and our physicians, and it helps us to lead fairly normal lives. Like I said way to go Kelli and Betsie you expressed exactly the way I feel about the pain medication issue. Take care Iris hi
                              Today and every day you are loved, so don't be anxious about tomorrow, God will take care of you tomorrow; Live one day at a time.

                              Comment

                              Previous 1 2 template Next
                              Working...
                              X