Includes Expert Content
Chronic Pain and Depression and Management
AJW69 posted:
I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Osteo-arthritus, bone degeneration, fusing and bulging disks, Siatica, carpal tunnel, severe headaches, leg craps, also feet and hands crap, hands fall asleep, insomnia, severe acute depression, Chronic Obstrctive Pulmanary Disorder, Spinal Stenosis, Anxiety, Post Status Empyema and post pneumonia, I use a walker sometimes, sometimes a cane, a hospital bed, I have a bed-side commode, a nebulizer, I have been taking Carisoprodol 350MG 1Tab 4 times a day, Doc-Q-Lace 100MG 1-2 tabs per day, Atrovent HFA INH (200) 12.9GM 1-2 puffs 4Xper day, 200Mg 2 times daily , Naproxsyn 500MG 2 times a day, Norco 10/325 mg. 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hrs as needed, Venlafaxine 150MG 2X per day, Gabapentin 600MG 1 tab 4X per day, Klor-con 8MEQ 1 tab 2X per day, Qvar 8MCG 8.7GM 1 puff 2X a day, Furosemide 20MG 1 tab per day, Calcium Carb 650MG 1 tab twice daily; anyway my primary doctor died so I found another doctor, now he's moved out of town so I have had to find another doctor, plus I just started seeing a pain management docor who's talking about more MRI's and shots in my back, etc.; but my new doctor cut my meds to Noco's 120, and Soma's 20. I feel this is really a much to radical reduction because I have been on these medications for over 5 years. I actually can't hardly get around to move about unless I take my medications and sometimes even then it is hard. I am 55 years old, female, I do not abuse my meds but yes I will admit I do rely on them to help me through the day. They just did some tests and said my liver is good, so my question is: Isn't that a little harsh to expect me to be able to reduce my meds that much that quickly? I would appreciate another opinion please, Thank-you! Sincerely, A. Watkins, AJW69
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementI have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Osteo-arthritus, bone degeneration, fusing and bulging disks, Siatica, carpal tunnel, severe headaches, leg craps, also feet and hands crap, hands fall asleep, insomnia, severe acute depression, Chronic Obstrctive Pulmanary Disorder, Spinal Stenosis, Anxiety, Post Status Empyema and post pneumonia, I use a walker sometimes, sometimes a cane, a hospital bed, I have a bed-side commode, a nebulizer, I have been taking Carisoprodol 350MG 1Tab 4 times a day, Doc-Q-Lace 100MG 1-2 tabs per day, Atrovent HFA INH (200) 12.9GM 1-2 puffs 4Xper day, 200Mg 2 times daily , Naproxsyn 500MG 2 times a day, Norco 10/325 mg. 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hrs as needed, Venlafaxine 150MG 2X per day, Gabapentin 600MG 1 tab 4X per day, Klor-con 8MEQ 1 tab 2X per day, Qvar 8MCG 8.7GM 1 puff 2X a day, Furosemide 20MG 1 tab per day, Calcium Carb 650MG 1 tab twice daily; anyway my primary doctor died so I found another doctor, now he's moved out of town so I have had to find another doctor, plus I just started seeing a pain management docor who's talking about more MRI's and shots in my back, etc.; but my new doctor cut my meds to Noco's 120, and Soma's 20. I feel this is really a much to radical reduction because I have been on these medications for over 5 years. I actually can't hardly get around to move about unless I take my medications and sometimes even then it is hard. I am 55 years old, female, I do not abuse my meds but yes I will admit I do rely on them to help me through the day. They just did some tests and said my liver is good, so my question is: Isn't that a little harsh to expect me to be able to reduce my meds that much that quickly? I would appreciate another opinion please, Thank-you! Sincerely, A. Watkins, AJW69
Caprice_WebMD_Staff responded:
Hi AJW,
I'm sure others will be responding with their support but, in the meantime, I wanted to welcome you here.
I also wanted to let you know that this board can get especially quiet on the weekend so please be patient for responses.
I'm sure others will be responding with their support but, in the meantime, I wanted to welcome you here.
I also wanted to let you know that this board can get especially quiet on the weekend so please be patient for responses.
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementHi AJW,<br /><br />I'm sure others will be responding with their support but, in the meantime, I wanted to welcome you here.<br /><br />I also wanted to let you know that this board can get especially quiet on the weekend so please be patient for responses.
Peter Abaci, MD responded:
It sounds like you have a very complex medical history, including a number of different chronic pain conditions. If you have been on opioids for over 5 years, then you can potentially experience withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped or if the dose is sharply decreased. Certainly, you could talk to your doctor about weaning the Norco more gradually, but even then, some folks may experience withdrawals while others may not. This might be a good time to ask yourself what your long-term plan is for your pain medications. Factoring in the fact that you are still relatively young at 55, how long do you plan on staying on the Norco? Then you can talk to your doctor in terms of the big picture and find out how you can work together to accomplish your goals.
Soma's active metabolite can be habit forming with prolonged use and can be sedating to the central nervous system. Soma can also interact with your other medications, including the Norco. Soma can also be hard to wean off of because of the physical dependence that develops.
Soma's active metabolite can be habit forming with prolonged use and can be sedating to the central nervous system. Soma can also interact with your other medications, including the Norco. Soma can also be hard to wean off of because of the physical dependence that develops.
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementIt sounds like you have a very complex medical history, including a number of different chronic pain conditions. If you have been on opioids for over 5 years, then you can potentially experience withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped or if the dose is sharply decreased. Certainly, you could talk to your doctor about weaning the Norco more gradually, but even then, some folks may experience withdrawals while others may not. This might be a good time to ask yourself what your long-term plan is for your pain medications. Factoring in the fact that you are still relatively young at 55, how long do you plan on staying on the Norco? Then you can talk to your doctor in terms of the big picture and find out how you can work together to accomplish your goals.<br /><br />Soma's active metabolite can be habit forming with prolonged use and can be sedating to the central nervous system. Soma can also interact with your other medications, including the Norco. Soma can also be hard to wean off of because of the physical dependence that develops.
hisfaithful1 replied to Peter Abaci, MD's response:
Hi AJW, I too have chronic daily pain from fibro and arthritis. I don't think you have to feel bad because you are dependant on pain medication. Some of us have chronic conditions and this is where we find ourselves at in our lives.
Maybe you can try the shot? I'm just saying you never know. I am wanting to try a shot in my neck, but without decent insurance have had to put it on a back burner. I too take Norco and Soma, and they help me to manage my pain by around 50%. I'll take that over being in agony all day any day.
I hope you can find a reasonable solution for this, and my heart goes out to you! Let us know what happens.
Sincerely, Debbie
Maybe you can try the shot? I'm just saying you never know. I am wanting to try a shot in my neck, but without decent insurance have had to put it on a back burner. I too take Norco and Soma, and they help me to manage my pain by around 50%. I'll take that over being in agony all day any day.
I hope you can find a reasonable solution for this, and my heart goes out to you! Let us know what happens.
Sincerely, Debbie
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementHi AJW, I too have chronic daily pain from fibro and arthritis. I don't think you have to feel bad because you are dependant on pain medication. Some of us have chronic conditions and this is where we find ourselves at in our lives.<br /> <br />Maybe you can try the shot? I'm just saying you never know. I am wanting to try a shot in my neck, but without decent insurance have had to put it on a back burner. I too take Norco and Soma, and they help me to manage my pain by around 50%. I'll take that over being in agony all day any day.<br /> <br />I hope you can find a reasonable solution for this, and my heart goes out to you! Let us know what happens.<br /> <br />Sincerely, Debbie
tlserenity responded:
Hi -
Have you heard of Arachnoiditis? I was in extreme pain and they kept telling me I had Fibromyalgia, and Failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and all kinds of other names. And they kept operating on me. It wasn't till I had one too many surgeries that it finally went to Stage 3 Adhesive Arachnoiditis - and I found out what the pain was that I have had since 1997.
Please research this: Adhesive Arachnoiditis. Don't have Epidural Steroid Injections. They are one of the causes of this. The FDA is FINALLY investigating them. Read the fine print on the form they ask you to sign. The Dr on here knows that I am right - if he has done his research on them. If not - he can go to FDA's website and look for himself.
Don't feel bad for the pain meds that it takes to help you get out of bed. Moving is the only defense we have against scar tissue build up. I KNOW how bad it hurts to move.
I now hurt head to toe with an indescribable pain that goes into my fingers and toes due to Arachnoiditis that binds my spinal nerves inside my spinal cord.
God Bless.
Have you heard of Arachnoiditis? I was in extreme pain and they kept telling me I had Fibromyalgia, and Failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and all kinds of other names. And they kept operating on me. It wasn't till I had one too many surgeries that it finally went to Stage 3 Adhesive Arachnoiditis - and I found out what the pain was that I have had since 1997.
Please research this: Adhesive Arachnoiditis. Don't have Epidural Steroid Injections. They are one of the causes of this. The FDA is FINALLY investigating them. Read the fine print on the form they ask you to sign. The Dr on here knows that I am right - if he has done his research on them. If not - he can go to FDA's website and look for himself. Don't feel bad for the pain meds that it takes to help you get out of bed. Moving is the only defense we have against scar tissue build up. I KNOW how bad it hurts to move.
I now hurt head to toe with an indescribable pain that goes into my fingers and toes due to Arachnoiditis that binds my spinal nerves inside my spinal cord.
God Bless.
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementHi -<br /><br />Have you heard of Arachnoiditis? I was in extreme pain and they kept telling me I had Fibromyalgia, and Failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and all kinds of other names. And they kept operating on me. It wasn't till I had one too many surgeries that it finally went to Stage 3 Adhesive Arachnoiditis - and I found out what the pain was that I have had since 1997. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"> Please research this: Adhesive Arachnoiditis. Don't have Epidural Steroid Injections. They are one of the causes of this. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"> The FDA is FINALLY investigating them. Read the fine print on the form they ask you to sign. The Dr on here knows that I am right - if he has done his research on them. If not - he can go to FDA's website and look for himself. <br /><br />Don't feel bad for the pain meds that it takes to help you get out of bed. Moving is the only defense we have against scar tissue build up. I KNOW how bad it hurts to move.<br />I now hurt head to toe with an indescribable pain that goes into my fingers and toes due to Arachnoiditis that binds my spinal nerves inside my spinal cord.<br /><br />God Bless.
Mpathia replied to Peter Abaci, MD's response:
@Dr. Abaci: No disespect intended, but telling or just saying that a 55 year old woman is "relatively young" hurts. I agree with your advice, but when you have an illness for so long... It actually does "hurt" when you say that...I know you did not mean it in any way but helpful, but a 55 year old woman is not "old" or :relatively" young. Especially when life spans are rapidly rising.. Truly do not mean any harm, but 55 is not "old" at all... Hearing or being put into that category is rather harsh on women who suffer from any chronic condition. We have to look in the mirror every day and deal with what we see... I've probably aged 10 years when it has been only 5 years... I hope you understand what I am so badly trying to say...
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and Management@Dr. Abaci: No disespect intended, but telling or just saying that a 55 year old woman is "relatively young" hurts. I agree with your advice, but when you have an illness for so long... It actually does "hurt" when you say that...I know you did not mean it in any way but helpful, but a 55 year old woman is not "old" or :relatively" young. Especially when life spans are rapidly rising.. Truly do not mean any harm, but 55 is not "old" at all... Hearing or being put into that category is rather harsh on women who suffer from any chronic condition. We have to look in the mirror every day and deal with what we see... I've probably aged 10 years when it has been only 5 years... I hope you understand what I am so badly trying to say...
annette030 replied to Mpathia's response:
Yikes, I am nearly 62, I thought you had a problem with the doctor saying she was "relatively young" because you thought he meant she was old. It wasn't until I read your entire post that I understood what you meant, that 55 year old women are not old at all or even relatively young.
I wasn't hurt by what the doctor said. I think that the person who started this thread is physically older than a 55 year old without health issues. I believe that is what he meant. She has probably another 30-35 years to go, and she should try to enjoy them as much as she can.
Take care, Annette
I wasn't hurt by what the doctor said. I think that the person who started this thread is physically older than a 55 year old without health issues. I believe that is what he meant. She has probably another 30-35 years to go, and she should try to enjoy them as much as she can.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Chronic Pain and Depression and ManagementYikes, I am nearly 62, I thought you had a problem with the doctor saying she was "relatively young" because you thought he meant she was old. It wasn't until I read your entire post that I understood what you meant, that 55 year old women are not old at all or even relatively young.<br /><br />I wasn't hurt by what the doctor said. I think that the person who started this thread is physically older than a 55 year old without health issues. I believe that is what he meant. She has probably another 30-35 years to go, and she should try to enjoy them as much as she can.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
Featuring Experts
Peter Abaci, MD , is certified in anesthesia and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Abaci received his undergraduate educat...More
Helpful Tips
Foot pain, numbness
Hi Dr. Clarice, I am a 51 year old female in average to good health.Quick health background: Overweight No diabetes No high cholesterol ... More
Was this Helpful?
1
of
2 found this helpful
Related News
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Pain Management Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.