drug withdrawal questions

[PolliBibbs]

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[annapurna]

I can't speak directly to your question but I'm not sure that your goal isn't too ambitious. ADR patients, who tend to recovery faster, often still need narcotics for months after surgery. I'd ask about weaker doses at your post-op appointment and other non-narcotics for day-time use.

[Harrison]

Polli, sorry about your situation -- here's a few quick things for you:

1. I edited your email, as posting addresses to a public forum will invite spam to your inbox. You don't want that!

2. Private messaging from this application is secure and confidential. No one can read your messages except you and the sender.

3. Your situation is complex and urgent; most patients will have the benefit of consulting with a pain management doctor. Did you try to find one?

Thanks....

[Terry]

Polli:

You need to consult with your personal care physician to write up a withdrawal protocol to come off of the pain medication if that is your desire. I agree with annapurna though that your desire may be too ambitious. Your surgery is so recent that it will take some time to heal from it adequately to be pain free. It may take many months to feel really good. Listen to your body and let that be your guide.

Many fear getting addicted. Opiates affect the Mu-Opioid receptor site to block pain messages to the brain. Tolerance may develop rapidly from the shorter acting opiates though they provide better pain relief rather than the longer acting ones. It may be possible to become physically dependent from these medications which requires a comedown protocol from a competent physician who understands how to do this in a safe and sane manner. Opiate addicts use the drugs to experience euphoria which occurs when the medication is used to do anything other than block pain. It is almost unheard of to become an addict when you are using the medication as prescribed to treat pain. You also have to stay on top of the pain which means taking the medication as prescribed. If you miss doses and then start felling intense pain you have to play catch-up to get on top of the pain. Take the medication as, your body will heal better if you are not struggling with the pain.

I work in the substance misuse business and this is a issue for you and your doctor to figure out.

Hang in there.

Terry Newton

[PolliBibbs]

Thank u so much terry - i will talk with my surgeon on 11-14. I just don't want to get in the abusive situation I almost got in about 10 years ago. But I am also not a martyr. Thanks again

[Maddie]

I have spoken to other ADR patients who have gone through muscle cramping in their legs post-op. I have gotten strong cramps for no known reason, and this has worked for me as well. I assume the ratio is off in my body somehow.

They found that taking large doses of Magnesium or a calcium/magnesium supplement almost always took away the cramps. But certainly talk to your doctor.

Good luck with this. It is in the back of my mind as well...how hard will it be getting off the meds when the time comes.

[maz]

Terry I have just started Pregablin was given 150mg x 2 daily and after taking the first dose I must say I cannot imagine taking another 150mg today!! I feel very out of it and could not function if I were to leave the house. It seems the doc thinks 150 is a starting dose but I feel its too strong I know you used it in the past and think its good and I d want to stick with trying it as its about the only drug I havent excluded any advice?? thanks Maz

[Terry]

Stay on it as long as possible. Usually you will be able to work beyond the side effects if you give it a couple of weeks or so.

I did not like the medication at first and had some of the same issues. I started on it again as the doctor told me the same thing and I got beyond them. I was on the Lyrica for well over a year. You do have to wean off slowly when you do come off of it as there is a withdrawal syndrome.

Hang in there Maz and let us know how you do.

Terry Newton

[Sandra L]

Terry,

Agree with everything you've said. Had 4-level cervical ADR in April 08 at age 67 and I tried "tuffing" it out because I was afraid of addiction. My family physician said since I wouldn't take pain meds regularly, I was letting the pain get ahead of me. He also said that I would recover faster if my pain level was moderate. I've tried staying on meds around the clock for the last few weeks and it's working, although slowly.

Has anyone seen a chiropractor since having ADR? Sandy

[Terry]

Originally Posted by Sandra L

Has anyone seen a chiropractor since having ADR? Sandy

I have not and I used to go regularly prior to my ADR surgery. I am not thrilled with the idea of any chiropractor reefing on my neck or lower back after spending a fortune for the ADR surgery. I do not think it is a good idea any longer for my body. Just my opinion though others may have went after ADR.

Terry Newton