Pain from neck injury

By webslave Thursday, June 10, 2010

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I hoping to find others with the same problem. I had a very bad wreak "Jan 31st" in my little truck..flipping over 6 times. The first one there "state trooper" said I was dead and on the table in ER also died twice.

Anyway, I'm alive and now, my entire life has changed. The main problem is my pain. I've had 3 surgeries already and now more. They concentrated on my neck injuries and now my right shoulder which is a mess. Clavical and scapula a mess.

Anyway, I'm on 20mg Percocet q 6 hours. Not so bad if I lay in bed and not moving. I'm hoping to get some kind of job but it's doubtful. The pain when I get active is horrible.

Will add to this later.

Comments (25) | Add comment

MillieKeyLargo

6/10/10 9:51am

Wow, I am so sorry for your pain and all of that you've been through. As someone with 5 Lumbar surgeries, and one cervical I feel for you! Do you have a pain management Doctor? If you do, you should ask him for an extended release type of medication, what you are taking currently is OK, but is not as good as some of the extended release medications in the market, plus with ER medications, you don't have to take as many and you get more hours of relief, just a thought..... Good luck with your upcoming surgery, take care.

Millie

webslave

6/10/10 10:24am

Thanks for the reply Millie. I go tomorrow to see a doctor and no, I haven't seen a pain management doctor. I was hoping to but don't think there is one around these parts.

I've only had been taking what my surgeon gave which isn't enough really but does take the edge off the pain. He was very leery of addiction so he didn't really prescribe but the minimal dosage's.

I'll mention to the doctor tomorrow about extended release meds.

I don't notice the pain as bad until about 8-12 hours after the last dose of pain meds. At that time I can hardly stand. Feels like something is pulling me down by my shoulders! Very painful. Even affects my breathing.

Tony

MillieKeyLargo

6/10/10 5:31pm

Tony,

Check out www.doctorsforpain.com and www.raceagainstpain.com to see if you can find a pain Doctor close to home, I hope that you do, since people in chronic pain in my opinion should be seen and be treated by a pain specialist. Take care and if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

Millie

webslave

6/10/10 8:35pm

I looked about for a pain management doctor. Found a few fairly nearby. Will determine what route to take after I see the Doctor tomorrow morning.

Should I go to the doctor's appointment with a minimal amount of pain medication in my system? I seem/appear to be somewhat normal while I've dosed a few times without trying to postpone/stretch my meds.

Just this afternoon I put off taking my Percocet/Flexeril a few hours and what a difference it makes. Just a few hours!

More later, trying to find the name of the doctor that I had at the nursing home I was in for about 2 months taking IV's twice a day after getting a staph infection!!!

Tony

MillieKeyLargo

6/10/10 10:38pm

Tony,

No, you should never go to your Doc's appointment without taking your meds, actually you should always stay ahead of your pain not behind. The one thing that my pain management Doctor recommended me to do; was to keep a pain journal. I write on this journal the date, when I got up the kind of pain that I was in on a scale of 1 to 10, I also write down what brings me more pain like vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, etc. and any days that I had break through pain and that I had to take my break through medication.

That gives the Doctor a picture of what your pain is like on a daily basis without seeing you in total agony during a visit.

Another thing.... if you end up seeing a pain management Doc, most of those Doc's require us patients to sign a "medication agreement/contract". On that agreement we promise to take our meds as directed, not to sell them or give them to anyone else, and to submit ourselves to random urine tests just to make sure that we are taking our meds as directed, if you don't take your meds on a regular basis, there is a chance that during a UA your medication won't show up and then you can get dismissed from the practice, so is better to get use to take your meds as directed instead of been chasing the pain. OK, you take care and I hope that your appointment goes well.

Millie

webslave

6/12/10 8:57pm

Seen my new doctor since moving to Texas. She wasn't too keen on pain management. She even lowered my dosage! But to top that off, Percocet here in Texas is so costly. She wrote a script for 84 to last me for 2 weeks...I could only afford enough for 30 pills. So, I'll be probably ending up in ER with withdraw.

I'm honestly so afraid! This is so new to me,,,!

If I don't keep up a level of pain meds in my system I can't get out of bed! The horrible thoughts that go through my mind. The feeling as if I'm dying.

transcriber

7/ 4/10 1:46am

hello webslave, how are you doing now? Have you ever been able to get a pain Dr to help you? Decreasing your meds isn't cool. If you are in this kind of pain you need a specialist to help you. Please do try to find a pain center near you and see if they can help you. Also, some of the pharmacutical companies offer help with your prescriptions. Maybe look some of them up on the internet and see if you maybe can get some assistance. It's really bad when we can't even afford the meds we need. My heart feels for you. Please let us know how you are doing now ok. I know this is an older post but I am hoping you are still here. I hope you have a better day.

Trans.

webslave

7/ 4/10 2:46am

Hello and thanks for the reply!

I'm doing ok as long as I don't stand or sit for long. My neck and shoulder begins to hurt after about 15-30 mins.

The doctor has lowered my meds to Norco 10/325mg as the perc's here in Texas are about $2.00 each. The Norco much cheaper but don't work. She also gave me Valium, the generics are much cheaper and aren't near as potent as the brand name one's in my opinion.

Actually, I'm doing ok all in all considering I don't do nothing but mostly lay in bed.

As for a pain specialist, I can't afford one. My primary doctor is looking into the pain management aspect for me. She wants to put me on Methadone! That is my last resort as if for some reason I can't get it, withdraw HELL!

I still have my shoulder to deal with when I get health insurance. The Clavicle and Scapula both are broken and that is another pain I have to deal with!

Tony

Trans.

transcriber

7/ 4/10 3:11am

hello webslave I am so sorry you are going thru all this. Are you on medicare and/or social security disability? I do understand not being able to afford the meds. If you do not have medicare or mediaid there are several pharmacutical cos. offering assistance with presc. meds. Luckily I have humana medicare and that is my lifesaver right now. I still pay $80.00 a piece for two different meds per month and $183.00 each time they put Prialt in my pump. It is breaking me real fast. What kind of work did you do before your accident? Your picture doesn't look like you are very old. I sure can empathize with your situation. If you get the chance to try the methadone are you gonna try it? Several people here on the board have posted results with it, good and bad. Always something we have to put up with unfortunately, the side effects of the drugs we use. But there have been many articles written about people using drugs for pain and only a few people actually become addicted. You won't feel a "high". only some pain relief hopefully. It's always a trade off, meds and some life or just the pain and no life. It is very hard to be in your position. Do you have people there to help you often or just be there to understand what you are going thru? You have a very difficult road ahead. Keep hanging in ok.

Trans.

webslave

7/ 4/10 4:00am

No, I'm not on any health aide at this time. I'm trying to get medicade, maybe SSI or something to help. I really don't see being able to work as the standing is the worst of my pain as well as sitting for long.

I've began the paper work for the medicade and SSI but I know it's slow and chances are I'll be turned down.

I was a phamacy tech and medication aide my last jobs. We're just living off my wife's paycheck now. Which isn't a lot but we're getting by.

The methadone, I'll be talking about it next visit to the doctors office. Had labs done last week and they called saying the doctor wanted to talk to me about it?

I'll have to call and postpone it till my monthly doctor visit comes up on the 25th. Can't afford two visits.

I've been looking up various pain meds, the one's that help me the most are costly. The methadone is the cheapest, but will probably need a breakthrough pain med prn along with a muscle relaxer. Don't know which comes first, the pain or the tension! I get so tense in my neck and shoulders which amps up the pain.

When I came off the Percocet, which I had been on for 4-5 months, I had very little withdraw. Basically cause I only took it for pain, not to try to get high on.

The shoulder will be the next to be dealt with! No, health insurance no nothing! So we'll see how that goes!

Tony

Trans.

transcriber

7/ 4/10 11:15pm

hello webslave, I hope you were able to enjoy some of your 4th holiday. Doesn't feel like a holiday does it when the pain is still there. Makes enjoying anything very hard. I am glad you are able to make it so far on your wife's pay. No insurance for medical help is real hard. I don't know what state you live in but here in Az. it is almost imposable too for Drs and meds without insurance. We do have a few urgent care, and clinics but I don't even know if they deal with pain issues. I don't want to have to find out for myself either. I know how frustarating it is to not be able to get the meds you need whether because of Dr or finances. It doesn't help your stress any either. I was a neuro nurse prior to getting hurt. Not going back either. Just had to face that this last month. Kicks me in the heart. I can understand how bad it feels. I am on SSD now. You should be able to qualify for medicaid I would think. That's a whole program to itself. We can apply on line here, can you do that where you live? The site lets us know if we qualify for any help. My insurance co is pushing hard for me to sign up for medicaid but I'm too leary of that right now. I don't have any faith yet that they won't try to control my pump meds and I doubt my Drs will take it. I just keep doing what I'm doing until I can't afford to any more. Does your wife work in the medical field also? You will find several people here on the board under discussions that have been or are in the medical field. Seems to have a high risk for injury. Please keep hanging in here ok. Have you looked at the discussion board at all? Lot's of things going on there all the time too. Lot's of great people there. You have the best day you can have, and enjoy some time with your wife if you can.

Trans.

webslave

7/ 5/10 6:06pm

I live in Texas now,,,but in Florida,,,it was a God gift. A total of 3 surgeries, alot of meds, a lot of doctor visits, and 2 months getting IV therapy,,,all free !! I would hate to see the final bill !!

Here, I'm just now seeing a primary care doctor that goes by your paycheck! Still $35- $50 a visit not counting the costs of meds.

I'm trying to get medicaide to help with doctor visits and meds, that would be a blessing just that. The shoulder? Don't know, ...the Clavicle is sticking way out and the Scapula is winged and both very painful.

The main nerve damage pain is if I have to stand or sit in a chair without arms. After about 20-30 mins standing etc, I literaly will hit the floor with pain, and it even affects my breathing which is scarey.

I'm gonna try to get a job probably part time somewhere, just sitting at home is so very depressing!

Tony

transcriber

7/ 6/10 2:39am

Hey Tony, nice to meet you. How has your day been? Just reading all that is going on for you makes my heart hurt. Did you have insurance on your truck that you could claim medical on? Just a thought. I totaled my car last August when someone turned left in front of me. I claimed medical on my auto insurance. Her insurance had to end up paying everything including my lawyer but that's what happens sometimes. I've never used a lawyer for an auto accident before. I was just happy she claimed fault at the scene so I wasn't drug tested. I was on the fent patch(125mcg) and oxy(8 30mg tabs a day) then. That is under the influence here. Probably anywhere. Now I just have the pump and no po meds so I'm ok to drive. Doesn't sound like you'll be doing a part time job in this condition. That may cause you more problems than it's worth. I do know what you mean though about how boring this is now. But what do you like to do for fun, or a hobby? Anything you can do for yourself being at home at all? It is a horrible thought not being able to work. I do hope you can get the medicaid. Have you checked to see if you can apply on line there in Texas? Here we can. If not, they have a phone number that really helps. They send you a ton of paperwork that you have to fill out. Boring, but there's you something to do for a bit anyway. I also know how expensive these Drs are. And the meds are worse. I've had 2 major back surgeries with all the screws and hardware, and now I have "a severely loose screw at L3" that I may have to get repaired. But with all that, I got arachnoiditis that was in my lumbar area before. Had my pump implanted to my L butt with a cathater going to T11 in Jan this year, no arachnoiditis at T11 in Jan. But now my arachnoiditis goes from T1-S1. So my neuro Dr is "very concerned because it doesn't usually travel that far" and "it has been way too fast". So, what does that mean I don't know. I just know I hurt so bad I hate life most days. I've met some great friends on a pain board though and that has really been a life saver for me. I am so glad you come back to give your input. I wish I knew of anything that could help you. Have you checked into any of the pharmacutical cos. that offer to help pay for your meds? There are several on line. Might be worth some time, but you can't be on medicare or medicaid to qualify. Here, even the pharmacies can give you input with med help. Like walgreens here offer a med plan to help pay that is fairly reasonable. Do you have a walgreens there? I do hope you get to try the methadone your next Dr visit. When do you go back to the Dr? Do you have a county hospital there that might help you with your surgery? Here, if you need treatment they help get you qualified for the state acchess program, medicare and/or medicaid. It works. And their Drs are great here. Did you move to Texas after your accident? I'll be praying for you that something will come your way to help you with all this pain and with the surgery you have to go thru. Please keep hanging in ok. You have a good day with your wife, the best you can. Talk with you soon.

Trans.

webslave

7/11/10 4:01am

My doctor put me on methdadone,,,which isn't helping at all. Last 2 days I've been literally crawling around in pain. The didaudid also isn;t helping at all. THe only thing helping is the generic valium...6-8 at a time to hlep with the tenison in my neck and shoulders.

I can't go on this way,,,a even drank and entire bittke if vodva...nothing! Just a hangover and worst pain.

I just don't know...no insurance, nothjing.

TOnuy

I reliaze now why chronic painers have thoughts of suicide,.

Mear

7/11/10 9:29am

Tony,

Hold on. Please hold on. I have been where you are and I know how you are feeling. I think alot of us have. Please stay away from the alcohol. It will only lead you down a road of fast destruction. You need to find a doctor that will prescribe you a long acting opioid. It sounds like that is the only med that will touch your pain. I also have neck and shoulder pain. I have suffered from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy for the past 10 1/2 years. I had surgery in November and it only made the RSD worse. My doc and I agreed to try and wean me off my pain med since April of 2009 because it was no longer working (or so we thought). I had been on it for years. I came off of it within 2 to 2 1/2 months and struggled with burning, stabbing, stinging, nonstop pain for an entire year. Everything about my life changed. Especially after the November surgery. I no longer walked my dogs. I wasn't getting dressed. I wasn't sleeping. I was depressed. The only thing that made me realize I was alive was the pain, other than that, I wasn't living.

Last week, I finally told my doctor that I cannot go on like this any more and I need to go back on the pain med. You need to go to someone who knows you. You mentioned you have no insurance. Please have someone help you apply for Medicaid. You have to have an advocate, a significant other or a close friend who knows you well and has seen you at your worst. Bring this person with you to both the Medicaid appointment and the doctor appointment.

You deserve a better life than this. It is out there fo

r you. Please keep coming back to the board here and getting the support you need.

Take this day a moment at a time. Use frozen bags of peas for ice. Alternate it with a heating pad. Take tylenol to potentiate your dilaudid. Listen to soft music. Being all upset is NOT going to relieve your pain. Watching some tv to get your mind off of it will. Anything to distract the mind. God bless you today. And DON'T DRINK!! Especially when you are taking these other meds.

Gentle Hugs,

Mear

transcriber

7/13/10 11:15am

Hello Tony how are you doing now? I'm sorry I haven't been on the computer for a bit, been having some tests done. Please let us know how you are right now. I am so sad reading your post. I have used oral dilaudid and it did nothing for me either, and I've had dilaudid in my pain pump since Jan. 12th this year and it didn't help at all either. In June we started using Prialt with the dilaudid and it helps a lot. I really think you need to try a different long acting pain med but you sure can't be doing it with alcochol. You know that so well I'm sure. And you really can't be taking 6-8 of anything at a time, let alone with alcohol. It doesn't help your pain level at all. Please don't go down this road ok. Please keep hanging in here. I do understand how badly you want the pain to just stop, give you a freakin break. The alcohol actually gears your head into stressing over the pain more than get rid of the pain. You may not think so while you're drinking it but after the fact you will notice more pain and sick from the alcohol. Also, while you are drinking you give yourself one more drink, because you hurt so bad. That keeps your thoughts directed at your pain level, not helping you to feel better. That will increase the tension in your neck. I'm sure everyone around you can give you the lectures about drinking and taking medication together, you could give me the words if it is me drinking with my meds, so I don't want to go there and insult you at all. I am concerned about your depression I'm hearing in your post. It will be very difficult to get any type of medication from any Dr legitamatetly if they find you are doing this with your meds and with alcohol. Please don't let that happen for you ok. I know you still have too much pain, needing surgery for your shoulder but this won't help you and suicide is an option many of us think about when we hurt so bad. I do. I know if the pain doesn't have a relief, then I go there. Are you using any antidepressant meds? I have to stay on them all the time or I go there. Chronic pain is horrible. It takes away your life one day at a time. Please have some faith my friend that we are here to try to help however we can. So many of us have these same kind of issues, the pain doesn't subside. I am happy now my pain is down to a 8-9 most days. Some people wouldn't be ok with that. But we go thru the same kind of issues that push us to our edge. I understand how finances can hold us back from going to the Dr or it can influence the meds they prescribe. But if your meds aren't helping at all like this you need something that does help better. But none of it is going to help if you're doing it with the alcohol friend. It works against you. I bet by now, you know that so well. Are you able to go back to a clinic or your pain Dr or at least call and let them know the methadone isn't working? I've never used methadone so I don't know how long it takes before you feel any relief with it. Everyone has their own tolerance for medications and for pain. What works for one doesn't always work for someone else. But you do need some help dealing with your pain issues better than this route. We are here for you to vent, express how you're feeling whatever we can do for you here. But you need some intervention with your Dr here to find a med that does help you. Maybe muscle relaxers and anti depresant meds will help with that too. It usually takes a combination of treating all these things together to help you get thru. Your head can help you or hinder you so if you are in a major depression because of the pain, and the loss of activity becasuse of the pain, your head isn't going to be making the best choices for your body. And I'm sure your wife would hurt even worse than you are now if she had to survive your suicide my friend. Suicide is contagious . If someone goes there, it becomes easy for the people that love them to go the same direction. Please don't go there. Do you have any children? You seem young, so I don't know, haven't seen anything here that tells me that. If you can't get the help you need from your Drs maybe you can find clinics there that can help with the depression and then they can help also with the pain. Please let us know how you are doing now ok. I know just what you've been doing hasn't helped at all with your pain issues. I just don't know what else I can do but be here to listen to you. I sure do understand the road you're on wanting the pain to just freakin stop, give you a break so you can catch your breath and get the help you need to have a life. We are here, and we care about you my friend. We do understand but we also have to let you know you are hurting yourself more adding the alcohol to your pain problem. It just doesn't help. Please post as soon as you can and let us know how it's going for you now. We do care my friend.

Trans.

transcriber

7/23/10 10:39am

Webslave, Hey Tony how are you doing? Haven't heard from you since the 11th. Please let us know what's going on with you now. We do care about you, and I've been wondering what you've been up to. Have you gone back to see your Dr yet? Please let me know you're still there ok.

Trans.

webslave

7/23/10 7:10pm

Hey again Trans;

Yes, the dotor put me on Methadone/Dilaudid/valium. Will mention that it doesn't work well for me. Perhaps after the shoulder surgery/s are done with,,,things will be better. But the worst pain is the nerve damage. The pain/tension in my neck/shoulders/lower back and then the problem breathing the pain is so intense.

Will ask the doctor to put me back on prn oxycodone 20-30 mg "was taken off oxy cause of the cost but getting a bit of help there, not a lot" and the 10mg Valium "generic cheap" 2-3 times daily.

Hope your doing well and life is perhaps at times enjoyable !

Tony

Webslave, Hey, how are you doing? Haven't heard from you since the 11th. Please let us know what's going on with you now. We do care about you, and I've been wondering what you've been up to. Have you gone back to see your Dr yet? Please let me know you're still there ok.

Trans.

Mear

7/24/10 9:39am

So good to see you back on the board. Your spirits seem alot better too :0) Keep hanging in there. Have you asked for an extended release pain medication yet? I think that would help alot more than a "prn". It would keep your pain level at a more tolerable level. Just a suggestion.

Enjoy the "good moments" of today...

Mear

transcriber

7/24/10 4:32pm

Hello Webslave It is so good to hear from you. I see what you're taking. How much dilaudid do they have you on right now? I have 30% dilaudid and 70% Prialt in my pump now. The dilaudid was like taking water for me, no relief. Is it just because of the cost that they switched you? Dilaudid is very cheap to buy, even in my pump 20mg is only $4. The Prialt for 10mg is over $2000. Good thing I have insurance for that. Do you not have any insurance or state help there where you live? You haven't been there very long right? Your accident was in Florida am I right? Did they not help you either? How about the insurance on your vehicle you were in. I used that when I totaled my car last Aug 09. Of course they wanted all their money back when the person that caused the accident paid. (Can't win on that one.) I do hope there is some way you can get the surgery you need to help you. I do know how that goes, always hurting. Changes your whole life. You can not work now am I right? Just adds to the problems huh. Please keep letting me know how you're doing. I was so worried after your last post and then not hearing anything else. You hang in ok. We are here for you any time. Have you checked out the open forum on this site? I go to discussions a lot. Helps me so much. Hope to hear from you soon. Enjoy your day, the best you can.

Trans.

webslave

7/25/10 9:50am

Hey Trans;

I've tried repling a few times,,,getting to where it's hard to sit at the computer for long and have the fan blowing in my face a bit. I also have COPD which on some days, makes it scary! Hurting and having trouble breathing ! Eariler today I was even thinking of calling 911 and go to ER. Mostly for my breathing.

And as you mentioned, not working,,too much time alone, being bored, !!!

Just another bad day,,back hurts if I stand for longer than 10 mins, or sit ! So, back to bed for a bit, up and about a bit,,...

more later...lay back awhile.

Tony

Hope your doing well..and please continue to write, your about the only one.

Trans.

transcriber

7/26/10 2:22am

hello webslave I can sure feel for you. I have COPD also and it's really acting up right now. I have to use O2 all night with a bipap for sleep apnea and in the mornings I can't breath all over again. (Kinda strange, this site shows it's Monday the 26th, It's still sunday night here only 11:07PM) I can also understand the not being able to stand for more than 10 minutes without severe pain. Life isn't what I planned it to be. I hate not being able to work. Breaks my heart, I worked too hard for my nurses license. Sometimes I even wonder if this life has any worth. When my life is a bitch I hate it. Most of the people we're around don't even understand the language we speak because we hurt ALL THE TIME. My husband can only think of the pain of a bad toothache being his worst pain. NOT EVEN CLOSE THANK YOU!!! This site does help with that huh. Having someone here to talk to is like having a private therepist 24/7. Does your wife work? How long have you been in Texas? Do you like it there? I've only driven or riden through it but only seen it from the freeways. It's way too hot here in Arizona right now. That doesn't help when you have COPD does it. Is it too hot there also right now? I think everyone is getting it right now. Hey Tony, I do hope to hear from you soon. I do understand how difficult it is to even be on the computer sometimes. I sure do hope you are doing some better today. Let me know how you're doing ok. I'll be here, sometimes it just takes me awhile like you but I'll respond. You keep hanging in here my friend.

Trans.

webslave

7/26/10 4:53am

Hey again Trans;

Yea! The COPD is acting up since my move up here to Texas. "My wife's job relocated her up here, closer to her family". In fact, she was already in Texas for a month prior to my getting outta the rehab/nursing home I was at for the IV/ Vancomycin therapy. That was over 2 months for that! The first time in the nursing home, was given only one IV treatment then quit. In a week my incision was leaking/seeping so bad! Anyway, back to the hospital. I vaguely remember delusions etc from the infection!, I was seeing/talking to people that were'nt there"
Anyway, the COPD, at times I get to where my breathing is so ?? shallow. I can walk to the bathroom and be totally wiped out! No oxygen in my blood and I panic! A terrible feeling, and that with the pain!!! geez ! I get into a nervous, trembling...? panic ,,only way to explain it.
I only have the enhaler's/Combivent...have a Nebuzlier but haven't used it..."need the little holding tank"...probably cheap...but seems I don't it over the Combivent.
Also, the panic, may be part of the pain meds/ minor withdraw, etc. My diluadid is out and Valium, and just 4 more of the Methadone. The Valium & Diluadid was prn so only got 2 weeks of those,,the Methadone,,,when I first got them,,,was taking 4 of the 10mg 2-3 times a day! Still no reduction in pain & and that was with a couple Diluadid. The best was a 10mg of Valium and lay down and try to relax...and it certainly helped.
I believe the worst is when I get into a "panic/hurting" stage, I begin to get very tense in my neck/shoulder muscles. To where I begin to bend over, even breathing becomes a problem...then more panic! If the tension is reduced I feel so much better.
Your husband LOL,,,I too used to think my worst pain ever was a infected/abscessed back tooth!! Think a bit different now!
Your nursing license ! I'm so sorry! I understand !
I've mostly worked medical,,,cert. CNA in Texas and Florida like ? forever ! About 10 years ago,,,went for the medication aide in Texas and did that for about 4-5 till we moved to Florida. In FL, worked as a pharm tech for while,,,till they remodeled the entire store/ Winn Dixie...didn't go back.
more later in the day..the wife Jeanne, her work hours are crazy ! 3am-12 noon.
Tony

--------------------------------------------
hello webslave
I can sure feel for you. I have COPD also and it's really acting up right now. I have to use O2 all night with a bipap for sleep apnea and in the mornings I can't breath all over again. (Kinda strange, this site shows it's Monday the 26th, It's still sunday night here only 11:07PM) I can also understand the not being able to stand for more than 10 minutes without severe pain. Life isn't what I planned it to be. I hate not being able to work. Breaks my heart, I worked too hard for my nurses license. Sometimes I even wonder if this life has any worth. When my life is a bitch I hate it. Most of the people we're around don't even understand the language we speak because we hurt ALL THE TIME. My husband can only think of the pain of a bad toothache being his worst pain. NOT EVEN CLOSE THANK YOU!!! This site does help with that huh. Having someone here to talk to is like having a private therepist 24/7. Does your wife work? How long have you been in Texas? Do you like it there? I've only driven or riden through it but only seen it from the freeways. It's way too hot here in Arizona right now. That doesn't help when you have COPD does it. Is it too hot there also right now? I think everyone is getting it right now. Hey Tony, I do hope to hear from you soon. I do understand how difficult it is to even be on the computer sometimes. I sure do hope you are doing some better today. Let me know how you're doing ok. I'll be here, sometimes it just takes me awhile like you but I'll respond. You keep hanging in here my friend.

Trans.

transcriber

7/27/10 9:56pm

Hello webslave and how are you doing today? How's your panic level and your COPD? I have COPD attacks about every day now. Getting worse all the time. My MRI shows it much worse than last year. I need the breathing treatments much more than I use them. I do use O2 and a bipap at night for sleep apnea. That seems to help me when I can't breath well. I still smoke so that sure doesn't help. I use a handihaler called Advair. Have you ever tried that for your COPD? It's much better than my inhalers. Also, Spiriva handihaler is for COPD. Both are much better. You use anything for depression? Depression seems to go hand in hand with chronic pain. We now have to live a new life we never planned for ourselves, and so does our family. You will find a lot of people on the site having problems with depression. It has to be addressed or it just gets worse. Have you checked out the chronic pain forums on this site? Almost everyone has to get help with the depression as well as the pain together. They can even help you with the panic attacks. They sure do you no good at all. Can you identify anything that seems to start your panic attacks? And your panic attacks naturally take your breath away which doesn't help your COPD condition going on. Sounds like you could use some real help with the panic and the depression. Doesn't your Dr that prescribes your pain meds deal with those issues as well? They should be able to help with all of the issues related to pain. It's much more than just hurting and you need a pill for that. They need to be treating all of your issues at once to get good relief. Your panic also increases your pain level does it not? So why let them off with just a pain med. Have you ever checked into the pharmacutical companies that make your drugs? A lot of the companies now offer free medication for people that don't have insurance nor medicare or medicaid. Almost any pharmacy can help you with that info, or you can access them on the computer to see if you qualify for their program. Maybe it would help. I hope you are having a better day today. Talk with you soon.

Trans.

webslave

8/13/10 5:29am

Looks like SSI/medicade will take forever ...if I get it!

Doing without my meds due to cost. Probably have to go back on Methadone as its so cheap buy mess'es up my head.

They even refused to see me at the health clinic as they charge $35 a visit there!

so...My only help is drinking which certainly isn't a help.

Tony

Pain from neck injury

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