bro's back pain vs. my back pain.....

[Kristine]

Now, I can tell you that the cause of my back pain was due to not realizing the tension on a window when I tried to close it with my (at the time) 5 month old baby in my arms. I blew out my L5 disc.

My brother was hit by a Mack truck, on a highway, from behind and has major back pain and also has had operations on both arms due to carpel tunnel from the accident. However, they cannot definitively tell you what is wrong with his back. Sometimes I feel real bad because he seems to be in a lot more pain than I am. MRI's, myelograms, and other tests have shown no herniated disc or anything visible to the eye. They say there's really nothing they can do for him. He is now on a TENS machine but thats not really helping. He refuses to take pain meds due to his "addictive" past.

Anyone ever have this problem? Any ideas for him?

[myprodisc]

Hi Kris
"Addictive past"... I'd tell your bro that taking meds as prescribed for pain is not the same as taking drugs recreationally. Yes there will be temptations to take'm "for effect" but that passes. If he is really concerned and needs relief suggest that a close friend, one that knows his temptations, hold the meds and dispense to him as required. I took meds daily in increasing does for about 18 months and was concerned about stopping and withdrawl. I was told that when the pain stopped, the need for meds would stop and I would stop. And that is what happened. One day at a time
Scott

[Alastair]

Hi Scott,
I'm afraid that you are not correct in what you have said there. I was given Benzodiazepams (the Valium family) for 12 years under the supervision of doctors, plus loads of other things like morphine.

After my ADR and I was painfree, I had an awful job coming off this medication. I have been off it now for 18 months but still find I have withdrawal symptoms persisting in the form of very little sleep at night.

Although I think it's very well intentioned, if this person knows the medication offered; is one they have had to do an addict's withdrawal from, then I can see his point.

I can see your "safety net" by passing this on to a friend who would only hand it out as and when required, but I took my medication has prescribed and it didn't make my addiction any the less. May be if her brother knows what he has not taken, then a change in medication might be helpful. I can assure you that addiction to painkillers etc is extremely frightening.
Best wishes,
Alastair

[myprodisc]

Hi Alastair
Let me try and qualify my post. I did not intend to imply a person would not or could not experience pyschological or physiological addiction when taking as meds prescribed, that one would not experience withdrawl.

I am very familiar with the issues, concerns and fears of those in recovery when it comes to using mind altering medications (I will celebrate 15 years clean and sober next month). Many in recovery do not get or accept treatment because of those fears. The lesson we learn - there is a difference between self medicating and taking meds for real medical conditions.

Scott

[Alastair]

Hi Scott,
I agree with you sooo much -- - - after my experience I always try and "Play Safe" especially as its "Other Peoples" lives.

Thanks for reposting - - -I was unaware of your previous problem -- - brilliant, well done
Best wishes
Alastair

[mmglobal]

Kris, I'd consider getting your brother evaluated by some of the top docs in the world. They may have options that are not available to the average American doc.

Good luck,

Mark