CZ that was becoming an issue for me when taking the ms contin. I didnt realize it was tied to the pain meds until my insurance was cut off, and I could not get any more meds.

It was hell going through the withdrawals, but once that was over, the fog was clearing, and my mind was becoming clear again. It isnt as clear as without RSD, but it is clear enough that there isnt talk of me not able to make decisions anymore.

For about a year I had no pain meds at all, and life was very hard. I think that was when I began to realize I had to get a grip on the mind over pain thing. Once I had medicare I could get pain medication again, but I only take a norco in the morning, and maybe before bed for pain. I can double up on them for the bad days, but drop back down when the pain drops off as well.

I still have serious pain that makes walking, and daily tasks very difficult. But also realize there is a trade off with the pain medications. To have the brain fog, or to be cognizant of what is actually going on. Even though you think you are fully aware im afraid to say that may not be the case.

Once I had been off the pain medication for a while, my family and friends were welcoming me back to the world out of the blue. Some friends were asking me what happened because they hadnt seen this me in a long time. It was a real eye opener.

I know the pain, and I know how hard it is to deal with, so dont let me talk you out of your pain meds. That is not what I am trying to do. Just letting you know it isnt you losing your mind so you dont have to worry about having anyone take away your decision rights.

If my insurance hadnt stopped I would still be on the heavy meds LOL! I actually am glad it stopped no matter how much it hurt me. It helped me come to terms with this RSD, and helped me to kind of learn to balance how much activity I can do before it is too much. Plus learn to cope with a lessor pain medication so I keep my brain clearer.

Sometimes though the pain is sooo great I think about asking the doctor for those heavy meds back, and I know he will prescribe them in a heart beat. Then I hear my wifes voice telling me how much she enjoys talking with me, and hanging out with me now that im not on those medications anymore, and I grit my teeth, take another norco, and tell myself I can make it through this. It hurts but I do make it.