In answer to my question about the long term affects of oxycontin I was wondering more about the eff

06/03/08

michelle

Topics:Chronic Pain

I was wondering more about the effects on my body and mind. I know it is addictive. I have been through a withdrawal at home and it was horrible. I am now back on the med. I had problems finding a dr. to prescribe for me in AZ as the attitude here is different than MN where I came from, so I am forced to return to MN every 2 months to see my Dr. and am going to move back as the health care is far more superior to the health care here and I have multiple medical problems including MS, trigeminal neuralgia caused by the MS, depression, PCOS, PTSD from years of sexual abuse. The oxycontin is the only medicine that diminishes the pain. I had gamma knife surgery but it didn't take due to the MS and I have failed every antiseizure med except trileptal and I am at my max dose, I also have chronic migraine headaches and am on topamax and am at my max dose of that also. Every Dr. I have seen in AZ just throws up there hands and says I don't know what to do for you so I am done seeing them. I hate that I need this medication because I know I am addicted, but until someone comes up with an answer for me, I am stuck. I am going to try to have the nerves injected when I return to MN to see if it will stop the pain in my face, which is bilateral. It's horrible and depressing and to be told by every Dr. they won't prescribe the one med that helps because I will be addicted is a slap in the face. I'm told to exercise and follow a good diet. Well it's so hot here I can't go outside for more than 15 minutes and the heat ends up giving me a headache. I'm at my wits end and feel misunderstood and terribly alone. I take as many meds as some geriatric pts. I'm a former nurse so I know. I'm just tired, tired of hurting and not being able to leave my house. I wish Dr.s would take more time to understand. Perhaps someone could follow them around with a mallet and hit them in the head all day and see how effective they are at their jobs!

Report Abuse

Answers (1)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

carla

Dearest Michelle:

Your posting of chronic pain brought tears to me....as I too have 24/7 chrnic facial pain and I hear you. Although this pain was caused from the removal of a large skull based tumor on the actual trigeminal nerve which unfortunately required a partial removal of the nerve itself. the result was chrnic burning, stabbing, pulling, tugging to the right side of my face all day long for the past 12 years.

I too have exhausted all avenues of hope through medications, facial injuections, surgical procedures to include a second craniotomy for a Motor Cortex Brain Stimulator. Now, for me, at the time, I did not realize the actual nerve had been removed at the original surgery in 1996, (the surgeon never told me- malpractice nervouse I guess), so in 2003, my last resort was to try this MCS. Again, it did not work, because the nerve was gone, but I understand that it has greatly helped many.

Drugs are not the answer, please trust me. It numbs the mind, yes, and puts us to bed, but, the [pain is still there. You do have a purpose a meaning in this life, don't give up, because these doctors have thrown up their hands. I have had them do the same, but regardless, they just don't have all the answers, and this is a tough one.

Please contact TNA or ENDTHEPAIN.org and see what they can offer. These folks really do understand and you should at least have been referred to them by your doctors by now.

And Michelle, you are not alone, I will be praying for you, my heart is with you as we suffer with Him who loves us....I promise.

Your sister in Pain

Carla in San Antonio