Posted by Todd Owen (152.163.206.191) on January 26, 2000 at 21:01:32:
In Reply to: Pain meds posted by Donna on January 25, 2000 at 13:01:05:
Donna,
Rather than waiting for the doctor to educate me, I have gone through and done so myself. I understand what the addiction cycle is and how it can happen. I also understand about rebound headaches and how they can happen as well.
The addiction cycle begins when the pain meds are taken at a time when they are not necessary. When that happens, the body gets both the physical and mental dependency on the drugs. When the drugs are taken constantly, a tolerance is built up, and eventually the bad side effects are seen. This is why I am very glad to have a family doctor who is reluctant to provide drugs when they are not needed--he won't prescribe anyone antibiotics when they have the flu. He watches quite closely what I take and how often I ask for refills. It took me over nine months to go through 40 Oxycontin pills. I have a coworker who also suffers clusters and have seen him take Lortab well beyond the suggested levels, and in a matter of a few weeks have the neuro cut him off. A few days later he suffers a horrendous rebound headache. I don't want to go through that.
I have not yet had a doctor tell me they think I am going through any pain pills too fast. Surprisingly, I have had my family doctor note that I must really hate popping pills for my headaches. I do hate it, with quite a passion. I don't like taking anything until I hit about a six on my pain scale. Too afraid of getting strung out on the stuff. I am grateful that I am not the only one looking out for my welfare, though I do not expect them to. I still watch what I take, and avoid pain meds at all costs. But sometimes they are a necessary evil, a way to make life bearable. If the day comes I never have to take another pill, I'll be happy.
In the meantime, I take any and all advice on maintaining some semblance of a functional life while suffering the pain of clusters and simultaneously avoiding addiction.
Todd