getting off narcotics (pain meds)

[yorkiegirl]

I would like to hear from anyone who has ideas about how to go about getting off narcotics for pain management. I can't find anything to replace the narcotics, so I continue to take them. The pain clinic who prescribed them told me I am not hooked, that all I have to do is quit, but I can't. I try every day of my life yet am unable to stop taking them, the pain level is so severe. Yes, I know all about how they actually can make my pain level worse. Yes, about 15 professionals (uros, nurses, alternative health care people, etc.) have all told me to quit. But when I'm here alone and in pain, well . . . what to do? Meditation just isn't cutting it. Would appreciate any help at all. Can't afford expensive drug rehab--plus, if the pain clinic says my dose isn't high enough to warrant it, I couldn't go to one even if I could afford it. I am convinced that I won't/can't get better until I quit the drugs. But my body won't let me . . .

[Katherine]

I had to go threw detox for 72 hours and that was the only way I got off of them I did not stay at rebuild hospital just a medical one and it is covered by most insurance. Then I went to NA. sending prayers and hugs your way .
There is no one answer for every one There is non Narcotic meds out there will help ask a pharmacy they can help or your family doc. I use them and they work for me.sending lots of prayers and hugs you way.
[email protected]

[ICNDonna]

What does your doctor say about your medications? And the pain control doctor? If you are seeing a physician for pain control and he/she feels you need pain medications to live a normal life, my suggestion is to listen to them. Are the health care professionals who are giving you advice those you have consulted to treat you?

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

[auntiedeb]

grouphug grouphug grouphug If you are taking the pain meds as prescribed you are not addictied. You need to have them to live your life without pain. I like Donna's question also. what does your dr say and your pain dr say? Pray about it first hon. gentle hugs.

[havingsuccess]

I agree with Donna, if you are in pain then why stop taking them. Most addicts take the meds whether they need them or not. If you are in pain girl then take the pain pills and be grateful that they help. That's just my advice!!!

Success

[yorkiegirl]

The reason I want to get off narcotics relates to Dr. Anderson's book, "A Headache in the Pelvis." He says more than once in his book that if you are on narcotics, your chances of getting help from internal pelvic floor therapy and stretching exercises are minimized greatly. I believe he states it even more bluntly than that. My uro wants me to try the IPFT and exercise route, but it will be a great hardship on me, as I live so far away from the hospital who provides the treatment and I certainly want to be in the best of shape and spirits when I undergo the treatment. As I mentioned in my earlier post, several professionals have told me to get off the narcotics because they believe the narcotics are actually increasing my pain--body not producing natural pain suppressors, instead waiting for the narcotics to do the job. Pain receptors are wide open, they say. Then there are the awful side effects. But I have tried just about every pain medication known to man, to no avail. They give me a terrible burn, even something as innocuous as valium for the anxiety. I'm not kidding, doctors hate me when they hear my history. Instills have failed, too. It's all so complicated . . . (aren';t we all?) I've even corresponded with Gaye Sandler; she recommends IPFT & stretching for the pelvic pain component as well. I'm running out of treatment options. Will post my story one day but it's so depressing! I know there is something out there for me and I am determined to find it which is why I keep coming back to the boards again and again for ideas.

[lotsofgirls]

Hi yorkie girl,
I went to pelvic floor therapy when I was in really bad shape and did acupunture. 3 weeks ago I went off the pain meds, but don't do it the way I did. I did the cold turkey thing because I didn't know better, and now I can see that I went thru withdrawl. You need to taper them off. I have replaced my pain meds with tylenol, and heat and rest. I have periods of too much pain and I go to bed with my heating pad, and eventually it passes. I gave them up because they caused a bowel problem, and one problem is enough for me to deal with. I may include break thru meds again, I am seeing a pain clinic in Jan, if they recommend it. I found the PFD therapy helped my pain enough that I could try to reduce the meds, so maybe you need to do that first, and I can't say the acupuncture worked, but for sure it didn't hurt anything.

Take Care,
Cath

[havingsuccess]

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck. You have determination and that is great. I know you will find the right answer. I was also determined and I have found my answer and am getting well. Keep your spirits up and you'll do it. Good Luck!!

Success

[Freckles]

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear your distress. I would love to get off of the narcotics as well, but to be honest I don't think I can live without them. I don't think you mentioned what you are on and your dosage. I am on fentynl patches changed every 2 days instead of 3 (75). I need more pain management then these provide but have made myself not go higher. I would love to live without them, but then I have to admit again to myself that I have a disease that is very painful and I need these to live my life. At some point I may try to wittle down but not there yet. I have 24 hrs a day pain. I'm not one of the lucky ones that it comes and goes. I will tell you this. When I walk everyday, and it's a huge committment when you're in pain, but it does help. I'm hoping to start up again soon and see if I can reduce my meds. If you can work up to about 4 miles a day I really think that will help you with getting off of them if you are determined. Those endorphins really do kick in. When I walk I can be pain free for hours. Of course I haven't done it since switching to the patches, so I don't know if I'll be able to. When I was taking demoral I couldn't walk. I would get so sick so I had to stop. My goal is to start again slowly next week. I think excercise is so important if you can do it, but don't overdo it at first and quit. You have to walk past the pain. The first mile is bad.... real bad.... but then it gets easier. Give it a try and let me know is it helps.
Good luck to you.
Karen

[punkewe]

Listen to your body, believe what it says

Don't deny yourself if you are in pain. If you need help managing your pain medications, ask a close family member or friend that you really trust, to keep track of your meds with you. If you are taking the prescribed amount and not getting relief, it's tolerance not a character flaw.

[ihurttoo]

Just wanted to let you guys know that this thread is several years old. Hopefully, the OP got the situation resolved and is feeling better now.

Hugs,
Amy

[Freckles]

Hmmmmm
I replied because it was sent to my email today as a response to a previous post my me.. I didn't even think to look at the date. I wonder why they send such old emails to your regular email address??? You would think they would have a time limitation application. ???

[ihurttoo]

Wow! I dont know! The only thing I can think of that might have happened is that someone might have replied to it and then realized that it was older and deleted their post. But, their post would have gone to your email and remained there, even if they deleted it here. That's the only thing I can think of! But, thanks anyway for replying! You never know, someone else may come along with the same problem as the OP and need advice but may not want to post, so your reply could definately still help someone!