Chronic pain

[brandi1leigh]

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot.
Is anyone concerned that the DEA has changed hydrocodone to a schedule II drug?
I have a lot of chronic pain. I see my neph at dialysis every other week. But I don't think he's ever written me a paper script for anything. He always has the nurse just call it to my pharmacy. Starting in October this will no longer be allowed. I fear he may refuse to give me pain killers anymore because of the hassle. He's already been pushing me to go to a "pain specialist." But so far I've refused because I had finally found a balance with my meds to deal with my pain (scoliosis back pain, diabetic neuropathy, restless legs and possible fybro).
I had finally reached a point where I thought I was getting control of the pain, and now I feel so frustrated that I'm going to be back at square one. I don't abuse painkillers. I never take more than prescribed, but I have a pretty high level of pain. I feel like every time I take a step forward, something puts me two steps back. I've been on in-center hemo for almost 5 years, and every time in start to get my feet under me, some new problem (in this case federal law) pops up and makes an unbearable situation worse.
I'm just so frustrated and worried that my quality of life is going to get even worse.

[Sydnee]

it does bother me. found out yesterday when picking up my pills from the pharmacy. it's a small family owned pharmacy, they recognize you when you walk in. they commiserated with me when they told me the news. hopefully it will not be a problem. i use them for severe pain at bedtime, brings it down to mild pain.

[Charlie B53]

DEA also reclassed tramadol that I have been taking for years for chronic pain.  It isn't enough but it helps a lot AND I don't feel the usual druggedness like I get from traditional narcotics.

Dr can still write up to 5 months at a time and have them sent by mail from the VA.

A couple of months ago I started wearing the fentanyal patch.  Started at 12mcgms/hr for 2 months, now at 25 mcgms/hr.  Still not sure just how much it is helping as I have so much problems with my joints.  LOTS of inflammation and pain everywhere.  I used to take lots of NSAI, which is probably the main reason my kidneys have failed, so many years of anti-inflamitories.  They worked very well, my joints seemed normal and I could get up, get around work, play, have a normal life.  Then the kidneys wouldn't take the abuse, stopped the drugs and I can't hardly move.  I spend a LOT of time just holding still.

[jeannea]

I am very concerned about how it will affect patients in real pain. There are a lot of people using the med and not abusing it. As with everything else in this world, a small percentage ruin it for the rest of us.

I read an article in the local paper. A mom said she was happy about this. Her son had started with Vicodin and eventually moved to heroin. He died. For me the key word is eventually. It wasn't direct vicodin to heroin like they're saying is the reason for this decision. I truly wonder if this can really make a difference in the number of heroin users. Drug addiction is much more complicated than that.

Anyone on it legitimately will have to do much more work to get it. Because people in chronic pain need to be driving around to the doctor more often. Because the doctor needs to have more appts with you when he knows you're in pain. :sarcasm: I know there are families in pain out there because they lost someone to heroin but I don't believe this is the solution.

[brandi1leigh]

Thanks! It helps just knowing I'm not alone. Every time I think I'm getting a handle on things, everything changes. I'm sure I'll figure out how to make this work and something else will pop up.

[kristina]

Sorry Brandy for what you go through, I am not on dialysis yet
but I do know about going through this vicious circle of feeling helpless during chronic pain-episodes...

Over the years I have tried all sorts of “pain-killer-specialists”, but they had no answers for me
(and they were of no help whatsoever) ...
... and to be quite honest, I have no idea whether they really have any answers at all...
... especially for patients (like me) who cannot take any pain killers whatsoever
because of my suffering from drug-intolerance and allergies... and a very fragile kidney function over many years...

What has always helped me, is, to “park myself” on the sofa, take a rest and occupy my mind
with anything that could possibly “occupy my mind” during such an episode,
i.e. I watch an interesting video-thriller or anything silly of that sort...

Fortunately “my” pain-episodes” always subside after a while and "allow" me to have a little rest...

I wish you good luck in dealing with this problem and you have all my sympathy.

Best wishes from Kristina.

[Rerun]

Brandi, just call TODAY and get an appt to see a pain specialist because he is going to be booked fast.  Get in there and get what you need.  Don't wait for your neph to say no.