Physical Dependence/Addiction

[Pain_Man]

There's a lot of concern on these boards about "addiction."

Let's clear some stuff up with facts (always helpful) instead of media-driven fear.

First: Less than 1% of patients (without previous illegal drug use histories) become "addicted" to pain killers. The medical term is "iatrogenic addiction" ("iatro" is the Greek word for doctor).

so, unless you used to be a junkie or a coker, you're in little danger of addiction. Even with the latter (or meth, etc) you are in little danger.

Second: Physical dependence

EVERYONE WILL DEVELOP PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE if you take narcotic long enough. They alter your body chemistry so, if you try cold turkey or run out (as I've done twice) you will go into "withdrawl".

This is NOT a sign of addiction.

Let me repeat: WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE NOT AN SIGN OF ADDICTION.

Withdrawal is hell on Earth (why do you think junkies become theives, burglers and hookers???). As Emily Dickison wrote, "It's all we need of Hell."

Physical dependence is inevitable. If you had a cureable condition (say some milder form of cancer or serious injuries) then you have to eventually face withdrawal, but it can be managed gradually. Tryin cold turkey is for lunatics, in my opinion. (If You've done it, power to you; you are very rare!).

So, if you run out of your meds a few days before your next appointment and begin to feel withdrawal symptoms (they vary so I won't list them you can look them up or ask a pharmacist if you wish to know) it does not mean you are (necesarily) addicted. As I said above, addiction in "non-drugoids" is less than 1%.

So the odds you aren't an addict are 99%.

I've been taking large amoungts of narcotics (far, far larger than the supposedly "deadly" amounts Rush Limbaugh allegedly took; I love Rush, but when it comes to narcotics, he's an amateur and getting shafted politically, but that's not an argument for this board so for you Liberals, I do apologize and do wish to start a political fight).
for five years.

I am physically dependent. But I am no addict. I was a meth user and constant pot head for almost ten years before I came down with IC, so I KNOW addiction. You dream about the drug. YOu fantasize about it. You fondle it like a baby.

I have NONE of those problems with narcotics.

Therefore, please understand, the overwhelming odds are that you are NOT an addict.

PS: Pls remember I'm not a doctor or pharmacist and this is not specific information; consult such a professional about YOUR specific situation. I'm just laying the generic facts out in the hope of calming some of the media-driven fear out there about "Hillbilly heroin" and other nonsense like that.

Peace and painfreeness to you all!!!

[tigger_gal]

Hey Pain_man,
great post:) I am glad that you posted this.. too many people think you can become addicited by a bottle of pain meds... over the last 3 years I have alternated between darvocet, ultracet, and vicodine... however, it takes me a couple months to take 30 of any of them...
take care
brat

[DanaW]

Good post Pain_Man! Thanks. It helps to be reminded of these facts. I no longer feel any guilt with my pain meds. I have recently built up some tolerance with my meds. and thankfully my Uro. responded by upping my meds. (also he realized that my 30 pills a month were not cutting it) I really don't worrry about becoming addicted bc I would be a total zombie with no memory! (I find I have some memory problems with narcotic meds.) I do a home business and am quite successful with it but, I wouldn't be if I couldn't treat my pain. And, if I took too much, I wouldn't be able to do my home business. Thanks for your info. on pain meds. and addiction.

[ICNJess]

Hi Pain Man,

I just wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful post. Thanks so much for posting that. :)

Hugs and love,
Jess

[Dixiefireball]

I do agree with the other ladies that was a wonderful post! I too was worried that i was an addit to the pain medicine because if i ran out i had withdraws but i relized i'm not i have to use this medicine just to be half normal and i still have some pain.
I hope this reaches everyone who feels like they are an addit because they have ic and feel bad because they have to use pain medicine and would rather be in pain then to use them in fear of becoming an addit.
God bless you grouphug

[Tami Stambaugh]

I agree 100% with everyone. Physical dependence is definitely what you would call it for us. There is a huge difference. I wish we could pull together and get the physical dependency on la show. Especially to show the world the difference and how good meds. help real people in the world like us!!!! Wouldn't that be awesome!!!!!!!!!!! What do yall think???

Tami :) hat blah

[lotsofgirls]

Thanks for this pain_man.

I have just started a pain clinic assessment and due my fear of narcotics I was taking way too much tylenol and risking liver damage. My new pain doctor has ordered no more tylenol. I am to increase my narcotic use until I am functioning and comfortable. So I am still working that out and we most likely will change the meds that I am using as well.

I was one of those that took themself off cold turkey and it was brutal and not necessary. One thing I would recommend for every ICer with severe pain, is that you find a doctor is competent at pain management. It makes a big difference.

I was also told that I would not be addicted if I was taking these meds for pain. If I was not in pain and taking them it would be different.
Considering I am 24/7 in severe pain, I guess addiction is not an issue.

Thanks for the discussion, its important to support each other on this subject.
Cath hi

[Zookeeper]

Thanks so much for posting this.
I was one of the many people who refused to get on pain pills because of addiction and long term need of them with all my medical problems & what not.
I know that it is the best thing that I could do for myself & my own sanity.
I thank you so much for this great post.I hope that it may help some others to understand that they are not a junkie if they do have to get on pain pills but in need of relief from the over whelming pain they maybe experiencing.
Take care & hopeing everyone can be as pain free as possable.
Love always, Zookeeper Kim

[Jessica in Arkansas]

That was absolutly the best message I have seen hear on the boards!!
I have told that story I do not know how many times and people do not seem to get it!! The media is full of hype and can I say bull****
The "War on Drugs" has caused many a person who could benifit from one natural thing or another to needlessly go without treatment by a knowledgeable professional and seek management on their own, this is where addiction comes in. They have repeatadly lied to you and are in the schools teaching these lies to our children in their DARE programs, I say how DARE they!!
I too do not mean to be political either over this issue, I mean no harm or harshness, this is not what I want to imply
I am in 100% agreement that the number of people becoming addicted is just a MERE 1%, you are the first person that I have come upon that is aware of this very real and proven statistic, if any are interested talk to any Professional Pain Management Doctor or Nurse and they will tell you IT IS TRUE 1%!!!
Bravo to you to get the word out there, I have endlessly talked about it over the chat rooms here with people who have been "brainwashed" into the "what if I get addicted" group.
My Gastroenternologist said yesterday that if they were to bring out Asprin,Acetominophen, and Ibuprofin today by the FDA guidlines, it would be almost impossible to dispense because of all the side effects and complications it causes.
The fight is not fair, I have hopes that my Gen X can pause and look back at the laws and otherwise nonsense Government implacations that have regulated this FREE country and take this country and FREE it up.
"Imancipate yourself from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds","Won't you here me sing, these songs of freedom, is all I ever had, redemption song". ~Bob Marley

[Pisces228]

Hello "Pain Man".

I was surfing the IC message boards this evening, when I came across your post. Well, I could immediately tell by the tone, sentence structure, and general message being conveyed that it must be a message posted by my significant other.

Yes, ladies and gentleman, Pain Man is Pisces228's husband. And I am very proud of you for passing along this information because you have obviously provided other IC sufferes with valuable information that they will take to heart.

I just want you to know, and others here who suffer significant pain on a daily basis, that you do not have to let depression get to you. My dear husband, I know that you often feel less than a "man" because you are disabled and can't take care of our family in the way society deems "acceptable." But that does NOT mean that you cannot and DO NOT have the ability to HELP people.

You can do brilliant things within your limitations. All of you who have IC please remember that the people who truly love you DON'T care that you're not "perfect." We just care that you are happy.

So, thank you again Pain Man, for reaching out to help others. I hope this shows you that you CAN make a difference even if it's not in the way you had thought or hoped you would. Keep up the wonderful effort and attitude!

I love you.

Pisces228

[Pain_Man]

Thanks to my loving wife who has made more sacrifices than could have ever been expected of her. "Thanks" is so insufficient, it's almost embarrassing to utter.

Thanks to everyone for all the positive feedback. I hope I was also able to reach those who are in very real anxiety about becoming "addicted" to their meds.

It's a needless fear, one that can only increase IC symptoms as we all know what stress can do to us!

On the other hand, if you do find yourself exhibiting addictive tendencies, seek help. Of course, it's a terrible "Catch-22" if you do become addicted; even if you "beat" that problem you've still got the pain to deal with. It's a good thing that addiction is rare!

But again, thanks for all the positive feedback/kind words.

If you know anyone whose suffering anxiety over this issue, please feel free to pass my post along as an email.

I wish, eight or ten years ago, someone had clued me in to this information. I had to learn it the hard way. If I can spare anyone else the problems I had "in the old days" then I will be very happy indeed.

If you can help just ONE person it makes it all worthwhile. Because, when it comes right down to it, all we have is each other.

The outside world can never understand the brutal reality of IC. So, if we don't stand together, if we don't provide the open hand when fellow sufferers need it, no one else will. We don't have a "brand name" disease. We don't have a fatal disease. Our disease involves parts of the body our culture is still uncomfortable with (unless it's to sell beer or make a political point), but if it's a disease--eeew! Yuck!

Stay strong! And, God bless you all.

[Marti]

I wish there were a way to post attachments to this board. David Brookoff is an oncologist that began treating IC patients. I have the text of a talk he gave to a meeting of ICers. He is adamant on this subject: You deserve to have your pain controlled. He says addict are people who use drugs to run away from their lives. Patients are people who use drugs to live their lives. He said "I have never seen an addict take drugs so he could go to church; patients do so all the time". You deserve to have your pain controlled so you can live your life - run away fast from anyone who denies this.


cheers
marti

[Julie Smith]

I use the patches on my pelvis and also for back pain. They do help and I found a way of keeping them longer. I cut them and use smaller pieces and get the same relief.

After trials with many pain meds the one that works best for me is maxidone and I only take on a as needed basis. I'm terrified of becoming addicted and probably take less than I should because of that. My dr. also wants to me take valium 4mg. 3x day for bladder spasms. Last time i saw him and told him i had stopped taking valium because I was fearful of addiction he explained why I needed to keep in my system. Every time I see my dr. we talk about my fear when we discuss meds. I'm on a lot of meds for other things and the last thing I want is more medicine! On top of many medical problems the last thing I need is addiction.

I think finding the right dr.(this is my second) and talking honestly is the key. My dr. treats hundreds of ic patients so he knows the pain we endure.

In my dr.s' office he has a poster that says "pee all you can pee" isn't thta cute?!

I love this message board and talking to all of you. May we all find relief and feel better sooner rather than later,
Julie :)

[marcy]

I'm so glad to have come across this message. I suffer daily with ic. I was breaking up a 7.5 percocet and taking that for relief but now only a 7.5 works. The problem is my doctor gives me 30 a months and that's not enough. I feel bad asking for more but what can I do. I'm waiting for the InterStim procedure but I know that won't help the pain. I was in the hopital for 3 days last month for pain control. Should I be going to a pain management group? I know what it's like to really suffer and then to finally get some relief from pain meds. How dare anyone acuse us of being addicted. Furthermore, I don't care all that much. I just want the pain to go away--if only for a few hours. I don't want to hurt my urologist feelings, because he had been so supportive and caring, but really should I be in a pain management group?
Thanks all for letting my vent.

Marcy

[Pisces228]

To Marci: YES! Absolutely you should see a pain management specialist. I'm the wife of Pain_Man, who posted this original message. My husband would not be able to get out of bed if it were not for his pain medication. I have seen him curled up in a ball unable to move because the pain is so bad. That's no way to live!

Just remember: The reason there are "Pain Management SPECIALISTS" is because so many people are in PAIN! Whether it's IC, back problems, or some other debilitating condition, this world is full of people who experience moderate to severe pain on an everyday basis. Hence, the plethora of doctors (at least in Las Vegas, where we live) who have chosen to go into the pain management branch of medicine. These physicians are here to HELP you so PLEASE go see one!

Don't put yourself through any unnecessary torture because you're afraid of becoming an "addict" or afraid of the stigma associated with taking narcotics. YOU and everyone else on these message boards are the people who these MEDICINES are meant for! You are not a bad person because you need help with pain. And you will not become an "addict" if you are taking medication FOR pain. Addicts are people who take drugs to get high and run away from their problems. YOU are someone who would be taking medication to TAKE CARE OF your problems.

Please go see a pain management doctor as soon as possible. If you have been properly diagnosed through hydrodestention and cystoscopy, for examply, then you should have no problem getting started on a monthly pain treatment regimen.

Best of luck!

Pisces228

[YankeeCandle224]

This is a post I wrote a few days ago re: "I'm a pain pill junkie, or so they say" on this forum. I am an RN and know the difference as well between dependence/tolerance,and addiction and wanted to post my reply here to back your post up. I agree with you and wish more people understood this, mainly the docs.

There are MANY pain docs who have no right to call themselves pain management doctors. I've been to so many and they want to do this epidural or give me Ultram which makes me violently ill, or had one tell me to go buy a bullet and bite on it. To those doctors I say kiss my ..........Finally I am on top of my pain for the most part, after looking long and hard for doctors to listen to me and to look at me like a person, not a hysterical woman. Anyway, heres the post I posted the other day.


Veteran User
Member # 6214

posted 01-11-2004 03:37 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First let me say, there is a HUGE difference between DEPENDENCE and ADDICTION. No matter what you take, asprin, advil, or percocet, your body will build up a tolerance to it over a certain amount of time. This is normal human physiology.

My parents think I am a junkie, my mom actually called me one on the phone, and at that point I wasnt even taking pain pills for the fibro.

I read above that if a person is in chronic pain, and takes their meds as rx'd , doesnt frequent the street corners for a fix, alter the drug by crushing or snorting it, you are NOT addicted, but you probably ARE dependent.

Good doctors know the difference and know that every so often meds for pain must be tweaked and fine tuned for the person and that everyone is different.

I take enough meds that a normal person would be flat out cold, or dead, if they took what I do in a single dose, but because I've been taking the meds for about 2 1/2 years, I am tolerant/dependent, and my body has adjusted to the dose.

Right now, with this suspected IC, I have had to increase the amount of hydrocodone that I take for breakthru fibro pain. Without it I am a withering, flopping dying fish on my couch. I am in severe pain without the extra help.

I know that my uro and my pain management doc will get together on this and 'tweak' the hydrocodone, so that I have enough on hand for painful episodes like I am going through now with my bladder and urethra.

This IS a never ending debate, but I guarantee you that 99% of the people that do the research with real people in real clinical trials will tell you the same thing I just did.

It's your body, your choice, no business of anyone's but you and your doc's and whoever you choose to tell.

If a family member doesnt like it, tough. I've had to totally stop talking to my parents, and while it hurts, and I miss them terribly, they are toxic people in my life, and judge me when they do not even know 1/3 of the story, nor do they care to know.

Please, please, dont let your family upset you, or anyone else about your use of pain meds.

It's none of their business!!!!!!!!

Hugs, Sandy

[Pain_Man]

In re: Julie Smith's post

Julie, do I understand correctly that you are cutting Duragesic patches into pieces?

I hope we're not talking about the same thing here. I hope you're on a morphine patch or something.

Fentanyl, the drug in the Duragesic patch, is THOUSANDS of times stronger than heroin. That's why it's dosed in millionths of a gram. The greek letter (Mu) you see on the package stands for millionths of a gram.

To cut the patch up or damage it is to risk destroying the thin membrance that regulates the flow of drug from the patch to your skin.

You also risk releasing a life-threatening dose into your body. Especially if you've already got large amounts of CNS depressants in your system already.

CUTTING UP DURAGESIC PATCHES CAN KILL YOU.

Like all narcotics it acts directly on your respiratory (breathing) center in your brain. Releasing a massive amount (such as the 10mg in the 100 microgram patch that I take) could easily end you up in the morgue.

If you're really doing this, STOP!!!! You're risking your life.

Not only that, but if you have children or pets (especially birds who are very susceptible to all types of drugs; my old man accidently killed a parrot with vodka 40 years ago--but that's another story) this makes what you may be doing even MORE dangerous.

I have a four year old girl and a pet rat. When I change patches, I always wash my hands before I touch anything or anyone else.

Someone cutting up the patches, is increasing the chances they will get a large dose on their hands and, if they aren't careful, could OD themselves, or someone, something else.

I just CANNOT emphasize how incredibly dangerous this practice could be. It would be like leaving a loaded pistol and a bottle of bourbon on the table with kids in the room and then heading for the grocery store.

Anyone doing this is just asking for tragedy.

***********************

Usual disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a pharmacist. Nothing I write is intended as medical advice; nor should it be taken as a substitute for qualified advice. I am only writing from my personal experiences in the hopes that they can help others.

You should ALWAYS consult your docs before changing anything about your treatment regimen or taking any new drugs--including over the counter ones.

[Pain_Man]

Yankee Candle...

Great post. Always glad to have professional back up. Especially from an RN. You guys actually do the work; doctors just kind of glide in and out and send bills.

I exaggerate. But only a little.

Not that long ago I would have been shocked at what some of the doctors told you.

Not anymore.

I've had some terrible docs.

One actually threatened to write to Social Security a phony letter stating that I was fine to get my claim denied.

Isn't that just completely amazing?

Another one, my first, the above guy was my second, told me that unless I had an expensive diagnostic procedure for my back (I have sciatica) he would cut me off completely from my pain meds. (What really happened, was they cut his reimbursement for my five minute visits from 50 bucks to $12 and I feel he just wanted to get rid of me as a patient because I wasn't helping him make his Lexus payments; I've heard he's gone back to doing mostly anathesiology because it's more profitable.)

I wasted zero time and got another pain doc who turned out to be a bigger jerk than the first guy.

Finally, I am with my current doctor who is an Osteopath. He's also a Chinese immigrant from Taiwan--so he's a lot more flexible than many MDs.

Unlike the other docs, he seems to actually CARE about his patients. He also does GP work, so my wife has started seeing him as well for chronic sinus issues.

Doctors and insurance companies: Grrrr! Sometimes, I don't know who's worse!

[Pain_Man]

As for the post quoted by our Candle (whose flame I hope lasts many, many, many more nights; in contrast to Edna St. Vincent Millay)...

I feel bad for Veteran User. Some people just aren't going to understand. "You're taking Percocet! You're a junkie!"

And this attitude is fed by media hype and government propaganda.

To the poster who was worried about being "political" on the "War" on Drugs, don't be.

Opposition to the war on drugs is bipartisan. I'm a staunchly conservative Republican who has to turn Left to see Ronald Reagan. William Buckley, the founder of our movement, has publicly advocated ending prohibition for more than a decade.

Many Liberals are also coming to a similar conclusion.

The War on Drugs helps only cops, drug dealers and politicians and corrupts the first and the last.

But it also hurts pain patients who get lumped into the category of "drug addict" when they are nothing of the sort.

I have also noticed the fashion among celebrities (most recently spouted by a certain singer with some serious issues and white glove) to blame their "injuries" for their addictions.

There's about zero evidence to support this. Unless you have Elvis doctor (which you can't since he lost his license years ago), you've little chance of your doctor getting you addicted.

Still, the media waits with breathless anticipation for the next drug scare. They whip up the hysteria machine not realizing (or, in many cases, caring) the stress they put on pain patients who now have to worry,

"Will they take my medicine away? Will they make it harder to get?"

Unfortunately, Veteran User, your pain pills aren't just your business. The Feds have records of every controlled substance (and all opiods are Controlled or Scheduled drugs under the "Controlled Substances Act of 1970"); your state police, or, if it exists, your state DEA, has records of every prescription.

There is no more privacy. If you truly new the number of people who can see your medical records, they could fill a small stadium.

But you are right, dead on, about one thing: keep negative people out of your life. It's hard enough not to be dragged down yourself; you don't need help with it.

God bless you all.


***********************

Usual disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a

pharmacist. Nothing I write is intended

as medical advice; nor should it be taken

as a substitute for qualified advice. I

am only writing from my personal

experiences in the hopes that they can

help others.

You should ALWAYS consult your docs

before changing anything about your

treatment regimen or taking any new

drugs--including over the counter ones.

[marcy]

Thanks for answering Pisces 228. I was diagnosed 6 years ago and I'm waiting to have InterStim done. I did make a call this am to a pain clinc and am waiting for them to call me back. My urologist has been helpful but I get the feeling he feels uncomfortable writing more than 30 pills a months. I do understand his concern, but I'm more worried about me. I'm sorry for your husband's pain. My husband can certainly relate to what you are going thru. Like you, my husband is very supportive and loving toward me an my addicition. I don't know how I would handle all this pain if it wasn't for him. You sound like the same type of person. IC patient's appreciate all the understanding and care we get. So thank you for taking the time to write me back. Now all I'm waiting for is a return call. I hope you and your husband, and all IC people have a wonderful day, or at least, a better day.
M in Georgia hi

[marcy]

Hi Pain Man and Mrs. Pain Man. I just hung up the phone with a pain clinic. I have an app't next Monday afternoon. Now all I have to hope is that Humana gets my referral pronto. They are usually so slow. But I'm hoping. Thanks for all your help. Have a great day.
M in Georgia kissing

[Julie Smith]

I have a 3 month check up appt. w/ my uro. next week. He had only given me enough pain meds, valium and maxidon for 2 months and told me to see a pain dr. Well, I dragged my feet because I am nervous about seeing another dr., will he understand ic and will his treatment work for me.
Yesterday I called my uro. to get a refill on the above pain meds. and nurse called me back and said dr. told you to see a pain dr. so he won't refill those meds. Appt. w/ pain dr. is next week, I had made the appt. but this pain dr. has a long waiting list. 3month check up w/ uro. is also next week.

You know, the last thing I want is more drs. I wish I could just wake up one morning and be healthy and thin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To make matters worse, my back went out on me yesterday. This happens every once in a while and gradually goes away. If any of you have had your back go out you know what I'm talking about. Anything can cause it, this time I bent over just a little bit to put my wet hair in a towel after stepping out of the shower.

Thank you all for listening!
Julie banghead banghead banghead banghead

[Julie Smith]

ps....I am not addicted to any pills. I have always been aware that could happen so have been very careful. Every appt. w/ uro we discussed because he doesn't want me to either. I was just surprised he wouldn't refill.

Say a little prayer the pain dr. helps.
Julie :confused: cussing banghead

[YankeeCandle224]

Julie,

I can't believe your doctor. He of all people should understand the amount of pain you are in.

I understand totally the feeling of finding yet another doctor, telling the whole story of your illness to them, and wondering what they will think, or do.

I wrote somewhere that the hippocratic oath says "FIRST, do no harm", by not treating your pain he is causing you harm. You may call and mention that to his nurse. You have to be bold, and stand up and say "LOOK, I am a human being here, THIS is my problem trying to find a pain mgmt doc, and I need YOUR help til I see the new doctor.

I have had so many doctors try and back me into a corner. I let them to begin with because I was so sick from the fibro/cfs, and my plethora of medical problems that I was too afraid to stand up for myself and much too sick to fight it out.

I wish you the very best, but HATE to hear that anyone, ANYONE is in unnecessary pain. It ****** me off frankly.

I got very lucky with my pain doc, he was referred to me by my orthopedist, who was checking my back to see if I needed surgery. He knew I was in a great deal of pain that was not being attended to and told me of this pain mgmt doc. I was afraid, just like you, one more doctor, sigh!

But, it turned out great, and though it may take time to find the right combo of doctors, it is well worth the fight. It's your body, you deserve to be treated like a human, and the medical community often treats us worse than animals. I LOVE animals and have a mini zoo, but if they are in pain, they get meds, right on the spot. It's unbelievable.

If you ever need to talk to learn how to talk to a new doctor or to find another if necessary, pm me, and I'd be glad to help.

I said somewhere else that I was a self proclaimed doctor finder lol and can really help you to help yourself.

Take care, know you are not alone as I have been where you are many times.

Hugs, Sandy

[Pisces228]

Quick reply, as I'm at work.

Good for you, Marcy! I'm so glad you're taking charge of your pain. Although I AM concerned that you still refer to having an "addition." Remember, it's not addiction. At worst you may become physically DEPENDENT, which is a physiological thing. But NOT addicted. Addiction is a mental state of mind more than anything. "Dependent" is not a bad thing if pain medication HELPS you to live a more normal, FULFILLING life. My husband functions at a MUCH higher level on pain medication than off of it. It truly helps him and, in turn, helps US as a couple and a family. Remember: it's about LIVING WELL, not just EXISTING.

[Jeanne D.]

After reading all of you posts I wish you all had the same primary as I do. He is totally wonderful and supportive. He understands pain and the need for medication. He actually "yells" at me for not taking what I need to. Being an RN I certainly understand about addiction and this was one of my major concerns. My MD assures me I will not become addicted with the type of pain I am experiencing, but will benefit from these meds. He says "that's what they are there for, take them when you need to." I have also seen a pain specialist and he totally agreed with my primary.

Wishing all of you days as pain-free as possible. :) Take those meds when you need them!

Jeanne D.

[Pain_Man]

Excellent post Yankee Candle in response to Julie's doctor woes.

I completely agree with you. A lot of doctors think getting thru Med School endows them with godhood.

Wrong!

We are so on the same page. You have to demand--albeit with however much diplomacy the situation requires, you can't be a boor or a loud mouth--what you need. First prove that you need it; then find the doc who "get's it." It can be a tough row--I went thru two pain docs before I finally found my ortho! He's also a practicioner of Chinese medicine and alternative medicines as well. (For those of you in Rio Linda, this means he's Chinese as well.)

They true, righteous docs are out there; it just takes some looking, not unlike the search for a spouse, to find them: sometimes it's luck, sometimes it's knowing the right people, sometimes it's happy accident.

By whatever method, you can get the care you need--if you've got the insurance/money.

Take care!

[MissMary]

Hi Guys hi I have an appointment on thurs with a pain management doctor. I am excited at the prospect of a better life and I'm also nervous. What if this doctor doesn't understand ic and pain it causes ? So, I'm a hoping and a praying that relief truly is in sight !

[CharAnn74]

My uro thinks the exact say way pain man.....thank god.

:woohoo:


He manages all my pain meds, and as long as I do not get them anywhere else he will continue too, and I have never gone without since I have been with him.He is a lifesaver.My first uro would not give me anything at all, in fact told me my IC pain was from IBS?!?!?! :loco:

He also wrote some things about chronic pain and pain meds.Something along the lines of :That if someone is in chronic pain and does not get the medication they need to control the pain, they will appear to be a "junkie" to a doctor, as they are nervous, and desperate cause they do not have the meds to control their pain.

I know I had my reg doc thinking that at first, since my uro would not give me pain meds.She was on me about finding a pain clinic and what not, telling me no more pain meds from her.I was desperate, I was hurting.

Now that I have what I need, I always have more than what I take on a daily basis, and I never run out of the script before it is time.And I am alot more calmer, and happier knowing I have the pain meds.

[jeanniebug]

I was just sitting here today wondering if my taking hydrocodone was ok, if I am physically addicted. I was surfing the net and getting myself all worked up when I hopped back onto the IC website and saw these posts. My wonderful new urologist who I am eternally grateful :bow: to have found in my new location, (after going through about 8 unsympathetic robot urologists in Chicago) has agreed to prescribe me 15 hydrocodone tabs at a time (500 mg each) for my severe flare ups. Well due to a recent back injury for which I'm currently in physical therapy, I've been given more hydrocodone than usual. My urologist is aware of it all. I've been cutting the pill in half and taking 250 mg to 500 mg ONCE per day, whereas the prescription bottle says take 1-2 whole tablets every 6 hours. I've been on the 250 mg per day for about 2 months now, and I was all worried about it. I only take the half a pill around bedtime, it helps me sleep and takes the edge off the "rawness" I feel in my bladder at the end of the day. Sometimes I take it in the middle of the day it just depends. I am not working right now due to pain problems, and I am relieved to see that I am probably not addicted..maybe dependent as you all have said..but I don't think I'm addicted. I don't feel the need to "up" the dose and do skip a day here and there, and I'm not in it for the "high". My urologist told me flat out that he did not think I should just sit there and suffer, he believes in this IC pain and feels pain meds should be used for chronic pain. I even tried to argue with him I have an addictive personality (i.e. cigarettes, drinking alcohol pre-IC diagnosis of course) and probably shouldn't take the hydrocodone. He said most people who take pain meds for chronic pain don't get addicted. Even after he said all that, I decided to worry about it out of the blue today. So thank you pain man and everyone else who posted. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I didn't ask for this IC, and quality of life on a daily basis is something I deserve. :love:

[Krowe5656]

To All:
i read everyones post. what a bunch of wonderful post! it's been one of the best threads i've ever read. what an important subject. it's for certain a political one. it's too bad that it's become so political. when did doctors stop being allowed to be doctors? i recall when i would have to go to the ER and the 1st thing they did was treat my pain and make me comfortable. now, if someone goes to the ER for pain, they run every test in world and only if they can find a reason or proof of the pain will they consider giving something for pain. it seems a lot of docs have become just as afraid of addiction as many pain patients. ignorance isn't bliss. so, god bless you (again) pain_man for a wonderful post! you seem to always know just what to say. have you considered writing a guide for the IC patient? i think if you wrote it, it would be a great success. my hat's off to you! oh, and what a wonderful wife you have! everyone else: ditto w/the post you all placed as well. take care all. Lv. Kara

[Krowe5656]

Julie:
I know exactly what you mean! will this doc be educated about ic or will i have to fill 'em in? will the doc listen to me and be willing to learn what i know? i too am so tired of the battle. i wish i only had to see a doc once a year for a physical not once or more a week. i would give up all the pain meds in the world for a life free from docs and pain. this is what i don't understand about docs who treat people in pain like druggies. i mean, do they honestly think we enjoy having to live like this? don't they understand we would rather be camping, skiing, biking doing the things we love? not to mention what it would be like to take a shower w/out pain or do the laundry or dishes. right? gosh you realy hit a spot w/me. it's just that i know just how you feel. it's so frustrating that so many docs/people don't understand or get it at all. take care and hang in there! you're not alone. Lv. Kara

[David White]

The little beady eyed doctor in the emergency room in a small town where I lived stood in front of me one night and said "What is IC?" and I think you need to go home and take SOME TYLENOL and quit pill seeking. This was told to me one night about 11:00 P.M. the first year I was diagnosed with IC. All I could do was cry.

The mean, cold pharmacist in the small town where the drug crime is high that throws your Oxycontin at you when you get it filled. This was done to me also.

Once before I was diagnosed I had a lot of blood in my urine and incredible pain, I went to a doctor who came out and told me that I was "PILL SEEKING"

Thank god I finished law school and got the hell out of the small town of Selmer, Tennessee.

Now that I have a good urologist and a law degree I dare the bastards to try and make me feel guilty ever again because I have a disease. But at one time, I felt guilty because I was sick and needed pain meds.

How awful!!!