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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Warning about pain meds
        
(Message started by: kcopelin on Aug 9^th, 2006, 6:51pm)

Title: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 9^th, 2006, 6:51pm

I know, I know those of us who use pain meds swear that they give us some quality of life. I have been on vicodin for over a year now. My refill wasn't mailed until yesterday-the VA was late on that-and I am in day three without pain meds. Withdrawl sucks. And I thought I was not dependent. My body thinks diffrently.
Here's what its like for those who haven't had the pleasure yet. First, you know the creepy crawlies you can get from Imitrex? Those, plus jittery, plus nauseous, plus cold sweats, plus can't sleep, plus tongue feels numb and food has no taste, plus can't focus or concentrate (excuse the spelling errors).
I checked it out on the web-once you get past the detox clinic ads-guess this is some pretty serious stuff. I called the VA clinic-they said if I still felt bad tomorrow to come in. Frankly, if I can stick it out through this detox, I'm not taking that stuff again. If I can't handle it, I'll go in and start a taper off.
There are alot of folks on this board who warned me, and have consistently said narcotics are a bad idea. I didn't listen-thought they were being judgemental. To them I owe an apology-y'all were right (Linda, and Cathi and Nani, et al)
Listen, if you are on pain meds and they are helping, just remember that they are not as innocous as they seem. I never felt buzzed.
Also, check out Flash's thread (actually its LeLimeys' thread) on "Can CHs be managed?"

Now that all that is said, please, friends, not even one "I told ya so" okay? I'm hurtin enough right now.
PFDAN y'all,
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Jonny on Aug 9^th, 2006, 6:56pm

Excelent post, Kathy....lets hope others will read your words and learn.

Hope you feel better soon, Baby :-*

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by LeLimey on Aug 9^th, 2006, 7:11pm

Superb post Kathy, and a very brave one too.
No I told you so's from me either hon, we all learn some lessons in our own way. I'm just so sorry you're going through this now.
If you need anyone to talk to or you want to vent just im me, I'll call anytime okay? We all help each other get through here, its what makes this place so magical :)
lots of love
Helen

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by rickyshot on Aug 9^th, 2006, 8:15pm

Thanks for the report. I have had experiences with pain meds too. Who can blame you. Most of us would do anything for relief or any sort of normal life. Have you tried alternative therapy ie clusterbusters. I am starting this week. Never thought I would do it but after some experiences with traditional meds it can't get worse.

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by lashultz on Aug 9^th, 2006, 8:20pm

[quote author=rickyshot link=board=meds;num=1155163893;start=0#3 date=08/09/06 Have you tried alternative therapy ie clusterbusters. I am starting this week. [/quote]

I have started too. After a little trial and error it seems to be working. Three days with no ha. Which for me is very good.

Lee

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Jonny on Aug 9^th, 2006, 8:25pm

on 08/09/06 at 20:20:33, lashultz wrote:

Three days with no ha. Which for me is very good.
Lee

[smiley=bigguns.gif] [smiley=headbanger.gif]

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Tattoo on Aug 9^th, 2006, 8:33pm

It does sneek up on you .I had the same thing a year back when I had my knee rebuilt . I started taking the pain meds and after a month the doctor said I should be ok without but ,I NEEDED them lol not realy funny but I can laugh now .Best wishes from me to you on your withdrawl .
GL Ron

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by nani on Aug 10^th, 2006, 9:55am

Thanks for the report, Kathy. I'm sorry you're struggling with this, but it will be worth the effort in the long run.
Good luck with whatever you decide to try in the future. hugs and pf wishes, nani

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Margi on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:09am

So sorry to read this, Kathy. We're here however you need us to be ok? Even if that just means sitting quietly by you, holding your hand. You CAN get through this. I admire your bravery and honesty for posting this. Thank you.

Big hugs,
Margi

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 12:41pm

So, night three of withdrawal-WIDE AWAKE at until 3 am-really bad for clusters-got hit hard-Kip 8 or 9-sucked down some O2 and rocked really hard...if I'd a had some Zomig-(which I don't because that hasn't arrived yet either)couldn't have taken it cause my body is too unstable (racing heart beat, fluctuating blood pressure)finally feel asleep @3:30 and woke up WIDE AWAKE at 5 a.m with a Kip 6. Sorry guys, I couldn't handle both. I went into the VA and got enough vicodin to get through til I see my doc on Monday. I will be tapering off by 1 tablet every other day-God I feel like such a failure, but I just couldn't do this anymore. Once I am totally off this crap-within one month-I will never take it again.
So my advice to others-if you decide to take pain meds, realize that you are probably going to be physically dependent on them, that you should not stop suddenly, and that withdrawal totally sucks.
You really should taper off.
After one month-I will defintely be ready to try clusterbusters!
PFDAN y'all,
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 12:45pm

I forgot to mention...y'all are such a blessing to me, I really don't know what I would have done without the support and prayers and vibes from y'all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Aw crap, now I'm crying)
PFDAN y'all
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Margi on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:01pm

Kathy, you're SO not a failure, NOR do you have any requirement to apologize. I'm sorry you had such a tough night. Now, dry your tears, straighten your back and feel the strength of this army behind you. Deal?

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:03pm

(Sound of kathy sucking in snot)
Deal.
Thanks friends.
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:04pm

oh my gosh that sounds hideous...disregard the sound of snot sucking.
please
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Margi on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:06pm

LMAO -see? You still got it, darlin! ;)

Isn't laughter through tears just the best emotion there is?

(I believe that was a line in Steel Magnolias, too. But it's so true.)

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:11pm

Why, Scarlet, I do believe y'all are right about that. Hope all y'all have a good day.
::)
(I really do talk like that sometimes, ya know)
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by nani on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:22pm

LMAO... you are so NOT a failure, kathy. We're here for you and we stand with you. I sometimes have to suck snot when I laugh too hard, too. Oh...and cross my legs. ::)

BTW... Lee....YAY!!!!!!!!! Glad to hear it, bro.

hugs, nani

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by rickyshot on Aug 10^th, 2006, 1:49pm

Kathy Your post is so helpful and just strengthens my decision to clusterbust. Oh please God let it work. Anyhoo having been down the road of narcotics before I agree with the tapering. And yes I have wimped out before when nothing else was available. WEnt to ER and got morphine for a kip 10. Who wouldn't is the question. You are NOT a failure. This is not a contest but a quest for some semblance of a normal life and free from pain.

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by thebbz on Aug 10^th, 2006, 3:57pm

Hey Kathy,
Hope your doing well with the withdrawl. Any junkie knows to have a stash for such times, you need to get with the program.....just kidding. I had a hell of a time with the xanax, so I can relate. Cold turkey can dangerous so be careful.(wear a helmet)..all the best to ya
BTW:VA sucks
jb

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2006, 6:07pm

thanx bbz... :o...wear a helmet!....that's what I did wrong!
PFDAN to you John!
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Radha on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:43pm

dont be so hard on yourself, when you have so much pain, we have to do what we have to do just to get thru it, i hope the withdrawal isnt too bad, take care
radha

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by sandie99 on Aug 11^th, 2006, 3:59am

Kathy,

I'm so sorry that you're hurting right now... Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us. It took guts. I hope that you'll feel better soon.

[smiley=hug.gif] & vibes are on their way.

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by mynm156 on Aug 11^th, 2006, 7:30pm

Wow.. Dose of reality. Good Job. I am one of us that does get some relief from Stadol. I so far have been fortunate I really fear abusing it but for me the fear of not having it when I need it helps keep me in line at least so far.

Good Vibes and lots of Cluster luv!

mynm156

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by purpleydog on Aug 12^th, 2006, 12:03am

I'm sorry you had to go through that Kathy. One thing about pain meds, is your body does become dependent. I know you didn't have any choice, but one thing is, never just stop any pain meds when you've been on them for a long time. Your doc will help you wean you off them, as you are doing now.

Good luck with the alternative, I hope it works for you.

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Radha on Aug 12^th, 2006, 12:43am

you have to do what you have to do to get thru the pain, its not your fault, i reallly the withdrawal isnt too rough, take care and wish you the best
radha

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by Sandy_C on Aug 12^th, 2006, 10:47am

Kathy, you are not a failure! You are just the opposite. By posting this thread you are helping so many others by pointing out the addictive qualities of narcotic pain meds, and the dangers of trying to stop "cold turkey".

Get yourself weaned off, honey, slowly and carefully. Then, start your new plan of attack.

You are strong! Just hang on.

Sandy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by gore2424 on Aug 12^th, 2006, 4:00pm

Last week I was still sick from a wasp sting (second time in a week) and I forgot to change my 75 fentanyl pain patch. I was 60 hours late and had withdraws but have 10 mg morphine shots which I can take 3 per 24 hours so it wasnt too bad not like twice last year the VA was 7 & 8 days late delivering my patchs and I didnt have anything to help except the two ER visits I had to make. So I know now that if was to go off (if found something else that is better than what all I take now) I would have to decrease the pain meds under the supervision of a DR. Terry

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by kcopelin on Aug 12^th, 2006, 10:16pm

Terry,
I'm glad you had a back up, and sorry you go through this with the VA as well. For anyone who doesn't know, the chance for abusing the patches are much more minimal becasue you wear them one at a time. There maybe better options Terry-check out clusterbusters.
But you'll have to detox and that is a totally individuals
decision.
Best wishes!
PFDAN
kathy

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by gore2424 on Aug 13^th, 2006, 12:28pm

I really do have the chronic clusters most of the time at bay pain level 3-4 as I am right now on my current meds I have a right side headache 24/7 but those bad days the shots help me big time. Would only conder changing if I knew 99.9% sure anything else I will try is better for me right now. In May 2002 I had the right trigeminal nerve cut no turning back numb right side of face for rest of my life but was at ropes end then so was kinda last try as back then no meds helped me. and Yes I have printed out the cluster buster facts to present to my neuro at my next appointment the 23rd plus all the info I would like the neuro to have from news in OUCH. Terry

Title: Re: Warning about pain meds
Post by smfaison on Aug 13^th, 2006, 2:26pm

I don't know if this qualifies or not. I was given Stadol to take when all else fails. I have been on Topamax and was using Relpax as an abortive. But my spell turned real bad about 10 days ago. I was using the max on the Relpax and couldn't take any more so I was having to use the Stadol. The first couple of times it worked great sending me to la-la land. But the more I used it, the less effective it was. So now I have just added Prednisone and Depakote to the mix and it seems to have stopped the spell. I wish I had managed the stuff better!