scared of addiction

[brandi28]

My doctor has me on darovcent-n 100mg twice a day for my IC. Until, I see a pain mangerment which I am pretty sure we won't start off with meds. I would like to try everything eles before going that route. If I do the darvocent until I go on Dec. 4 could I get a addiction? I am just so scared of that.

thx,
brandi

[Smokey]

my gp says you have to have an addictive personality to get addicted to anything anyway they will weene you off them slowly dont be too worried

[Claredale]

Brandi, please look at pain meds as a med to help you not a drug. Yes people use meds to escape their life, but my doctors always made sure that my pain meds allowed me to have my life back. That is such an important thing to remember. I don't have any family members that have been addicted to drugs, but my father was addicted to alcohol, so I completely understand your fear. I definitely went through it when all this was new to me. I tried Darvocet, and I did feel somewhat wired at first, but it settled down. I didn't find it to work very well, but we are all different. Most of us go through several pain meds to find one that don't have very many side effects. I can just speak for myself, but my doctor knew that I wanted to continue with my life as much as normal, so once I tried Lortab, it was like I wasn't even taking a "drug" even from the beginning, just a med that took away my pain. So just ask someone that sees you all the time to watch you and make sure you are okay as far as how your body reacts. It's hard to know for yourself. My husband has really made sure to keep a good eye on me especially when I would start on new meds. I also keep a journal. There were so meds that really made me write some strange things and be more emotional. When I look back at my journals, and see the meds I was on at the time, I can definitely see a difference in my mindset and definitely my emotions.

I hope this pain med works and you are able to take care of your kids and have a normal a life as possible especially with the Christmas holidays coming up. I am praying for you and especially that you will be guided the the doctor that will be able to treat you.

Hugs,
Tracey

[brandi28]

It does work good until it wears out. I only can take it twice a day and only one pill. After 4 hours I am in pain again. But, at least, I am getting some relief. I really wish they could find a cure for IC. So, as long, as I take them as I am suppose to then the risk of addiction is low right?? Thanks for all the support.

brandi

[GriffsMommy]

It has been explained to me that as long as you are actually taking them properly and for pain that you won't get addicted. You can become physically dependant which is a totally different thing. Your body gets used to the meds and get used to you taking them so it can make you feel sick if you stop suddenly but if you're under a dr's care they should have you taper off of them slowly when you're ready to. I'm on vicoden 2 pills a day and I can split them in half so I actually have four doses a day. I can not function without them and they don't get rid of the pain but just take the edge off so I can get through the day better. You deserve to have pain relief but I would talk to the pain dr about your concerns and I'm sure they can explain it better than we can.

[Claredale]

That's how Darvocet was for me. It just never worked long enough and when your pain gets passed a certain point, it's harder for the pain meds to do their job. Definitely explain to your doctor that they aren't working long enough. I did the same thing as Christine with breaking mine in half at times especially if I was running low, just to keep the edge off. Thanks for that suggestion Christine. I had forgotten that!

[GriffsMommy]

Sure Tracey! I was on the lowest dose of vicoden, the 5/500 mg and my new dr wanted me to get the same dose of the hydrocodoine w/o as my of the tylenol so he gave me the 10/660 and told me to cut them in half so I still get the same dose of the hydrcodoine w/ less tylenol. So far it seems to be working okay but it's still not getting my pain as under control as I would like. He didn't want to give me anything long acting though because he said they are harder to stop.

[brandi28]

I have 60 that is suppose to last me a month. I take two a day. My family doctor is doing this for me until I see the interventional pain management dec 4th. My urologist won't give me anything for pain now he says I need to fuction everyday. With pain, I can't. However, I trying to stay postive that the hydro I had will start to work sometime soon. BUt, after 4 weeks I think it should already gave me relief instead of a big flare up. I also have spondylosis in my lower back. I always thought the IC made my back hurt, but no it was the spondylosis. I am only 28 years old. I have 4 small children and that includes a set of 3 year old twins. I don't have time to be sick. I pray everynite and hope that will work for me. I sick of struggling until bedtime. I want a normal life again. Thanks everyone for all the support.

brandi

[muxerr012]

I feel for you and am so sorry about your pain. You are SO young! I pray for you and I hope your pain specialist on Dec 4th gives you immense relief right away. I'm older than you but new to IC and major back pain. I was recently dx'd with fibromyalgia and have NO doubt about this dx. I have pain everywhere everyday that nothing seemed to take away even for 4 hrs. That was until my doctor put me on Lyrica 3x a day. It's a TREATMENT OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN. I've only been on it for 2 weeks and so far it has really helped me with IC pain, back, neck, all joint pain. Some days, like today, nothing helps. I think it is the cold snap we had here-went from 84 to 39 degrees. BUT most days I get ALL DAY relief from this med. I feel like a new person and I have hope again. I fight the fear that this new med will stop working. I have today and I have hope. I send you blessings to be pain free and to find what works for you. To be well of mind and body and to enjoy your lovely family.

[ICNDonna]

It's not unusual for a patient to take pain medications for three or four weeks after a surgery --- and it's very rare for anyone to become addicted, or even dependent, in that short a time.

Donna

[brandi28]

I am hurting so much. I called my doctor and she won't call me anything in. She said if darvocet won't work then nothing eles will. She said bladder pain is hard to treat with pain meds. She said that the pyrium(can't spell) it should work to treat the spasms and pain in the bladder. My urologist can't help me nor my family doctor. Is it going to be this way for the rest of my life? I am only 28 years old and I can't imagine going thru this for years. I feel for my husband I knows he is so sick of me being sick. This has cost us so much money. It's 30 dollors for a office visit and 100 dollors for the ER. The Hydo cost us 2000 that hasn't work yet. And now the Interventional pain management will be alot. We have 4 small children and make to much money for help.

brandi

[Kara29]

I'm with Donna on this issue. There are even stronger pain meds that some people take for a few weeks at a time, if taken as prescribed addiction is unlikely. But you could discuss this with your doctor if you still feel unsure about it.

Well Wishes,

Kara

[brandi28]

Addiction runs in my family. My dad smokes weed and has for almost 30 years now. I have been on and off pain pills since my hydro 4 weeks ago. However, until my appointment on dec 4 I am not sure if I can deal with the pain without the pain pills.

brandi

[Claredale]

I don't know many of us that can deal with pain without pain meds. Especially those of us that have been diagnosed with even moderate IC. I have severe IC and I feel so grateful that the last 2 doctors that I have had understand the pain that goes with IC. I read postings a long time ago where people want to know when they are hurting so they can find the source, so they wouldn't take pain meds. At first I thought I just wasn't strong enough, since I needed pain meds, but I quickly realized from the help of my doctor and my therapist, that pain was a real symptom and that is why I was given pain meds to begin with. I know the source of my pain, so I don't (this is just my opinion) think that taking pain meds, makes you a weaker person. I followed the diet and did everything I could to keep down my stress level. I have had IC most of my adult life, which will be 20 years next year. I have been on pain meds the majority of those 20 years to some extent. Except for a couple of years of that time before I had my interstim, I spent most of my time in more pain (7 to 8 range) than I thought I could get through and I dropped out of alot of my social activities which led to me being more depressed. Now that I feel I have educated myself (and still do) about the symptom of pain that goes with having IC and the use of pain meds to get my life back, I have very little issues with pain and I trust my doctor that he won't let me get to that point again. Both of my doctors knew I made the choice to want to be active, work at my job and before my sons were grown and still needed me, I wanted to be as "normal" of a mother as possible. Their knowledge of meds and the fact that I kept a journal, let us all see what most of my triggers were and they never made me feel like taking pain meds "other then just after procedures" was anything but another med to allow me to reach my goals.

My pain meds are down quite low for me the last few months. I have had no trouble cutting down on them. That is another reason I decided that Lortab was the best route for my pain relief. But I know if I went back into my frequent flares, and was losing my ability to control my pain, I would either increase my pain meds or start taking something stronger if my doctor thought it was necessary. No one is ever going to make me understand that allowing people to "live in pain" is necessary.

Tracey

[TerriT]

Below is a link about Darvocet, they are trying to get it taken off the market. It is a very weak painkiller, not any stronger than Tylenol, and it has caused alot of problems because your body transforms the medication into a substance that can cause heart problems. I would ask about a change to Vicodin or something similar and get off of the Darvocet/Darvon.

I was on Vicodin, prescribed by my primary doc until I found a good uro. The uro sent me to a pain clinic where I go now. I am now on fentanyl patch. My pain doc put me on that because it has no otc pain meds which can cause stomach and other problems when you take too much, besides the fact that I am not on a constant flow of pain relief so that there are none of the ups and downs that occur with pills.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11604116/from/RS.1/

Terri

[Trishann]

Brandi 28, I can understand what you are feeling about these drugs. But I have learn that these drugs gave some of my life back. I was to the point I couldn't even sleep or function because of pain. I was losing the battle. My life will always be different and be change, but at least, I am capable of moving around and doing things, even though it is limit. If these drugs are making it possible for you to be able to function daily I would give it a second thought. Pain is a strange thing and can cause your life to be miserable. There is nothing wrong with getting help for it.

Sending hugs, Trish

[brandi28]

Went to my appointment today. I going to have a MRI on my lower back. She put me on Lyrica. She basically said they do everything eles before pain medication. She was really nice and honest. I told her my concerns about ever taking pain medicine long term and she reply as long as you take it right addiction risk is low and they have to wean you off everything you take. She pretty much said anything in life you do to much of you can get a addiction to it. She said you could have a addiction to the lyric if you don't take it right. I now feel positive about IC and having a doctor who understands pain.

brandi

[muxerr012]

Good for you Brandi!! I'm glad you feel better about your meds and your doctor. That is the key!! Quality of life has to be considered when you suffer everyday with a chronic illness. I recently started taking Lyrica for IC and Fibro and I don't regret it at all. It has given me my life back too! I think I need a higher dose than 50 mgs 3 times a day tho. My fibro is so painful with the cold weather. How much are you taking? Thanks and be well.

[brandi28]

I for right now take 50mg at bedtime for one week and then 50mg 3 times a day. Not sure why the 50mg at night for one week?? She said it helps some people and some it does nothing for, but she likes to at least for people to try it first.

brandi

[karen10]

Hi Brandi,
So sorry to hear about your pain!! I remember when my kids were small, just getting a cold was hard, I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. Just some other ideas for pain that have helped IC is Elavil, and for some bladder instills (in fact this was really helpful for me). I hope you keep getting the help you need with your new doctor! She sounds great! :)

[brandi28]

I am taking Elavil 50mg at night. It does give me relief at night, but only at night. The ambien CR works great too. I suffer the most during the day. My urologist will have to do the bladder installs, but I am in the process of getting a new one. Doctor appointmets are very hard for me. My husband takes off work to help me when he can. My MIL has a hard time watching the twins, she gets tried very easy. She doesn't understand IC and she has never heard of it before. It is very hard to expalin to her that it is not a bladder infection. I have never had a bladder install before my urologist has never mention that to me. I got a cold today and in a major flare. I might have to go to the ER, but first I will have to call my pain mangerment doctor. She didn't give me any pain meds, but I sign a contract that I would't go to any doctor or the ER without letting them know.

[muxerr012]

Does everyone have to sign contracts like that? Brandi I've not run across that one yet-ugh! That's rather restrictive but I guess I understand why they do it. I hope you feel better and didn't have to go to the ER!!! Hey have you printed anything out about the pain with IC off this site nd let your MIL read it? Maybe she would better understand what you're going thru. Please feel better soon!

[ICNDonna]

It's fairly common for pain management specialists to have patients sign contracts.

Donna

[Claredale]

It took me almost 20 years to get my MIL to finally understand especially with my food restrictions and the fact that I didn't always want to "socialize". Before IC, my MIL and and were best friends, or so I thought! I felt more comfortable with her than my own mother at times, but her "failure" to try to understand that even though I looked fine, I wasn't. I had given her plenty of information, took her to my doctors appointments. She even took me to the doctor for most of my DMSO treatments and saw me in excrutiating pain, but she just didn't get it. I guess with her being such a huge part of my life, she was the only one that it ever really mattered "besides my husband" to understand and be supportive. Finally last summer after a huge "silent" blowup. I am not a confrontational person and I put up with alot of crap for many years before I finally couldn't physically or mentally handle it anymore, so my husband finally sat her and his dad down for several hours and explained in detail what IC was and how my life was effected by it. This was after a comment that she made to me that I quit being her DIL a long time ago. Things aren't perfect, but they are much better, but I don't allow her to control my emotions anymore. It makes it easier since my sons are grown, so it's not like I need help anymore. I truly feel my being better these last several months has alot to do with my not allowing her to make me feel bad about myself anymore. So many people on this site and my continuation of praying for guidance and strenght to not allow her to stress me out anymore has made a huge difference in my pain level.

T83

[BBB]

Wow, I am a little late here but I wanted to give you my support Brandi. I have a super bad cold and am so behind at work from a long vacation. Ugh...Anyway this is about you, sorry!

First, I agree with everything Tracey wrote so I won't rewrite it.

Second, No I have not had to sign a pain contract at either of the programs I went to, although I have heard some people do pretty often.

PLEASE....Go to the lectures on the ICN and read the lecture from Dr. Brookoff. It answers all your questions. I can't say this loud enough. Pain medication is so you can live life, not so you can avoid it.

Pain is like a car alarm going off in your head. Can you imagine going through the day with the sound of a car alarm. Wouldn't you be a pretty distracted. Plus it would make you crazy!!

Also, my doctor stated (and he is a well known IC specialists) if you don't treat pain you run a very high risk of your nerves "re-wiring" for lack of a better word. Have you ever heard of a patient with a bad leg and he gets it amputated and he still fills pain? That is because the nerves are still sending the pain signal to the brain.

Pretty scary stuff. If my doctor told me nothing else will work for bladder pain I would run. I take a 24/7 pain protocol. That being said I also help myself, i.e. I am faithful about the IC diet, I use an IF3 Wave stimulator, massage, actupunture, etc.

Do you know they did a study in rats that made them feel the symptons of IC. To one rat they gave pain killers and the other they did not. In the second rat he tried to chew his bladder out!

Enough said,
Betsy

[brandi28]

Thanks everyone! My bladder is not giving me any problems right now, but the flu is. But I am also on a cough medicine that has a narcotic in it so that might be helping my bladder. I didn't go to the ER, I just went to a walk in clinic and the doctor thinks it is the flu since I am running a fever. I do feel better. My pain clinic also gives drug tests to make sure you are taking your medicine and not selling it. I don't have to have drug tests yet since I am not getting any narcotics right now. I am hopping the lyrica will work for me. Thanks again for all the support.

brandi

[muxerr012]

My prayers and thoughts are with you both Brandi and Tracey!!! Well done, both of you! Stress is a huge factor in our lives and I'm so glad you've taken back control, Tracey. Brandi I hope your flu is better soon. BBB also has a cold or flu now and maybe she can help out. My wishes of good health to you both!! Please keep us posted on how you're doing ok? Christmas hugs to you both:grouphug:.

[snowgirl]

Does everyone have to sign contracts like that? Brandi I've not run across that one yet-ugh! That's rather restrictive but I guess I understand why they do it. I hope you feel better and didn't have to go to the ER!!! Hey have you printed anything out about the pain with IC off this site nd let your MIL read it? Maybe she would better understand what you're going thru. Please feel better soon!

Oh yes I had to sign a pain contract. You also don't get your prescriptions until day 30 at your med office appt. Not day 28 or 29 it is 30th day. Interesting though my Friend with IC goes to U of MIchigan pain clinic and she did not have to sign any contract. They mail her prescriptions and she has overlay of oxycontins by like 5 or 6. The big U of Michigan no contract and I have one in my small town. I respect the contract and tell them everytime I have hydros so then they let the uro prescribe short term pain meds like darvocet or vicoden for a very short term maybe 12 pills.

[Claredale]

We don't have a pain management clinic here at all and I live right outside a large city, so at least my doctor doesn't require contracts either. I see him every month due to my pain meds. My med combo is working well right now with all the other meds I take, plus I have my liver checked a couple times a year now since it has done well (which is amazing) with all the meds that have been in my system all these years.

T83

[brandi28]

My MIL can stress me so much. Say if I have to go to the OB for a pap test and a exam, there is no way my children can go with me. The 5 and 6 year olds could go a sit in the wait room. But my twins who just turned 3, wouldn't beable to go. My MIL gives me such a hard time when she does have to watch them for a couple of hours. Her comment is grandparents are suppose to sit back and enjoy there grandchildren. Then we go out to eat and my 5 year old wants a dessert for her meal, and I say no, then my MIL says I think we should let them eat what they want. She says there is nothing wrong with getting dessert first. WEll, if my child gets dessert first then she won't eat her meal. After, I had my twins she said mothers can look good to like your sisters and dress nice. I was thinking I am up every 2 hours feeding babies and the last thing on my mine was Looking good. Then she had me go to walmart with her to take me bra shopping because she thought my boobs saged to much with my bra's. Well, one 1 year later I had a breast lift, and she told my husband it was all her fault because of all the comments she said to me about them. After the breast lift she never said anything regarding my apperance again. My MIL is so set on the old days that she thinks a 2 dollor tip is good for a bill that is over a 100 dollors. She can drive me crazy sometimes, but my husband will say something to her when she really upsets me.

Brandi

[muxerr012]

Hi Brandi,

Hows' the flu? I can hear how it is with your MIL at times and oh geez! You already know, it's so hard to raise children in the times we live in, plus have a debilitating and painful disease too. I'm so sorry that YOU need MIL's help and that so much drama and condescending attitude has to come with it. It 's like just because she helps you she has some right or entitlement to raise your children, boss you around, and tell you how you should look too. I'm sorry Brandi I really am. Life and relationships with people can be so hard!

I am a MIL now too and I will try to take heed from what you've shared about yours. Controlling people are difficult to deal with in the best of times much less when you feel so bad. OhhhI hope you see the sun soon, be well and free from these restrictions in your life. One word of advice is to try your best not to let the MIL interfere with your marriage. Men often have a very small threshold of acceptance for these situations in my experience; no matter how sympthetic they are for a while. They don't understand the dynamics between women like we do. I worry for you and I will pray for easier times in your home and in your life dear Brani, Take good care...

[brandi28]

Thanks everyone!! My mom came up for the weekend, so things are good here. I am pretty much over flu or cold I had. Luckly, my bladder has been nice to me today. I hope for more days like this. Thanks again everyone

brandi