[mrandmrsbat]

anyone battled addiction to pain pills after their successful SCS implant?

[daniella]

I don't have this issue as I take no as needed pain meds but when I was at Cleveland Clinic pain program many not with the SCS but with pain conditions did have an addiction. If you feel you do there are places like I stated and others to help you or other outpatient help.

[Jimking]

Those in severe pain are dependent not addicted. Many can not find relief, many can not tolerate SCS devices thus they are depended on a substance that will help reduce pain otherwise they'd go insane.

[macartums]

i have been on some form of narcotic pain medication for several years... perhaps one day i will introduce myself more to the group & give everyone an idea of all my ailments but for now, i'll just say that rsd/crps is just one of many conditions causing pain. i do not believe i am addicted...i am now to the point that i am talking two types of pain pills. one is a controlled release and the other is for breakthrough pain. i have tried other options but unfortunately have not found one yet that works. when i do find another alternative, i hope i am able to quit my pills. that said, i have already been told that i will need to be monitored and gradually dosed down. even if i don't feel mentally addicted, my body does not agree...

[alt1268]

You may want to post your thread to the scs side of neurotalk if you are strictly looking for their reply. I am scheduled for a trial scs in February with hopes of getting off these meds. But I have to say usually there is a difference between people who are dependent and people who are addicted.

[ger715]

Originally Posted by alt1268

You may want to post your thread to the scs side of neurotalk if you are strictly looking for their reply. I am scheduled for a trial scs in February with hopes of getting off these meds. But I have to say usually there is a difference between people who are dependent and people who are addicted.

There is a big difference. No "highs" or feeling on top of the world, the only happening is just the ability to better tolerate the awful pain. Unfortunately, the pain is still there; but without these meds; life would be almost unbearable.

I did have a trial SCS which failed. But, my doctor informed me because of the damaged spine, edema, legs, feet, ankles, along with the pain of PN in those areas as well; even with the help of a stimulator, I might be able to lessen the meds; which he hoped; but if I was not able to lessen the meds, the pain might be less than it is now - but he definitely felt the stim would not be enough to go without pain meds. Believe me; I Hate taking the narcotics and fear the unbearable pain that I already have and the added pain of withdrawal would probably put me in an institution for quite some time or permanently. Scary!!!!! I do know I am dependent on these meds. I guess the fine line between addicted and dependent is the PAIN.

(Ger)

[Cocoa14]

Originally Posted by mrandmrsbat

anyone battled addiction to pain pills after their successful SCS implant?

New to this thread...I'm 15 weeks post op acdf surgery and recovery has been terrible. RSD has been mentioned and when I researched it, it scared me. I fit almost all the symptoms, except the changing of skin. Can you please share the symptoms your husband is having and had the first few months.

[ginnie]

I was dependant on morphine for 12 years. I went though withdrawl last fall. I now take hydrocodone, and percoet when I have to. I don't want to be dependant on them either, but sometimes we don't have a choice. I take on an as need basis. It is a question of quality of life, so these meds. are in my life. ginnie

[Rrae]

Originally Posted by ger715

I guess the fine line between addicted and dependent is the PAIN.

(Ger)

Boy, that pretty much says it all! Very well put!!

Rae

[seestraight]

Originally Posted by alt1268

You may want to post your thread to the scs side of neurotalk if you are strictly looking for their reply. I am scheduled for a trial scs in February with hopes of getting off these meds. But I have to say usually there is a difference between people who are dependent and people who are addicted.

I have had crps for four years starting in my right wrist then spead to all four limbs. My question is what is scs?