Omg, thanks. Ugh. I have been avoiding pharmaceuticals for many years, but I felt like I had to try some stuff in this crisis. Im still unable to be vertical for very long for almost a month, now, can't afford not to be working.

I hear you! I am at the point where I'm being overwhelmed by the pain, but the alternatives are pretty unattractive. Among other things, I have a young family and can't be drugged into a stupor. :(

I thought i would add my two cents about lyrica. Iv been on it now for 4 months and do admit it does help dull the nerve pain. Im on 150mg twice a day. Im still off work and feel pain but its not as intense as it is without. My doctor wanted me to go on higher dose but i decline because of the side effects. Those side effects are short term memory loss, time lapsing, forgetting what im doing, cognitive ability has decline and my vision is blurry. But for me at the moment those negatives are probably worth it for the pain reduction. If i had to work i wouldnt be on it though, especially if your in job where you needed to be alert. Also getting off it can be extremely hard so be warned.

That's the understatement of the century.

I really wish people would stop demonizing narcotics. They work and are medically appropriate for controlling pain. Not everyone who pops a pain pill becomes "addicted". In fact very few do. I have been taking an increasing dosage of hydrocodone for the past three years. Not once have I ever experienced a "high" - only pain relief. I don't think I am addicted since I can (and do) easily reduce my usage when the pain is not so severe. The only thing I may be "addicted" to is pain relief. But if you have a hang up about using "narcs" then maybe your pain isn't insufferable like the pain of those who do need this medication. And yes, there are people who may be using narcotic pain relievers for the rest of their lives without a problem.

I think the use of narcotics can be 100% appropriate.
What I didn't like was that they were my neurologist's default solution. As I will have pain for the rest of my life, and I have a TBI, which puts me at a statistically significant risk for addiction, I'm not sure they're the best alternative, in MY case.

Jeesh! What makes you think you would be "drugged into a stupor"? Please have an intelligent conversation with someone who actually uses effective opioid pain medications like hydrocodone. The correct dosage and usage will not send you into a stupor. Don't rely on superstition and half-truths or propaganda.

I apologize for sounding judgmental. Its just that I cannot function without pain meds due to hernias in 8 spinal discs. I get worked up when people try to portray legitimate narco usage as something bad. PAIN is bad - pain is the enemy and anything we can do to combat it is GOOD.

[QUOTE=Imito;1082896]Jeesh! What makes you think you would be "drugged into a stupor"? Please have an intelligent conversation with someone who actually uses effective opioid pain medications like hydrocodone. The correct dosage and usage will not send you into a stupor. Don't rely on superstition and half-truths or propaganda.[/QUOTE

A lot of TBI patients DO run into trouble with opiates. We have altered brain chemistry and poor impulse control. I also live in an area where prescription opiate abuse is a REAL problem and, frankly, I don't know if I could trust the "new" me. What your brain and my brain can handle are very different things - and my neurologist should know that. He was too eager to bring out the heavy artillery and dismiss alternatives like massage, TENS, acupuncture, etc...

A lot of TBI patients DO run into trouble with opiates. We have altered brain chemistry and poor impulse control. I also live in an area where prescription opiate abuse is a REAL problem and, frankly, I don't know if I could trust the "new" me. What your brain and my brain can handle are very different things - and my neurologist should know that. He was too eager to bring out the heavy artillery and dismiss alternatives like massage, TENS, acupuncture, etc...[/QUOTE]

Point well made and well taken. Sometimes knee-jerk reactions are not the best. You are absolutely correct - we are all built differently.

I honestly wish you the best and hope you will find a way to manage your pain that will also allow you to lead a full and productive life. Good luck, and please do share any effective treatments that you find. It might be helpful to others.

As far as the drug abusers, I have no use for them. Their need to get high and or use drugs for fun has ruined it for those with real need for pain relief. I may lead a sheltered life, but I have never encountered prescription opiate abusers and it is not a real big problem where I live. Sometimes we get tunnel vision and view the rest of the world through our own narrow prism.