Re:Family perceptions of pain pills

[Guest guest]

Cheryl

I think you're right about many of us trying to get

people to understand the seriousness of our injuries

by sharing the drug info.

I, too, was that way in the beginning but now after

all talk between the family and friends about " jim the

junkie " , I quit sharing that info.

There are few that know now what I do meds wise but

those are only on a need to know basis and can be

counted with only one hand.

Treatments etc. ,I still share when asked but med wise

I just say to any that ask

" it's really hard for me to discuss any meds that I

am taking but thanks for being interested " and I

change the conversation to treatments I am undergoing.

If your meds aren't a topic of conversation, you

don't have to worry about all the wagging tongues

and the security risk that that information also

carries.

Too many people out there would love to get their

hands on our meds.

Unfortunately , I know two different people online who

have had the pain meds stolen in the last month by

family members.

Thats something we all have to think about.

I keep all my pain meds hidden away and only keep 3

days worth out at a time in a more convenient hiding

place.

hope all see lower pain days

Jim

***********************************************

Cheryl wrote:

I think some people tell others all the details of

their treatment to

try to get those people to recognize how serious the

condition is,

but that just backfires when the prejudices and

accusations kick in.

In cases like that, it's just better to keep quiet, or

find a way to

discuss the condition without giving away all the

details of your

treatment.

[Guest guest]

> Cheryl

> I think you're right about many of us trying to get

> people to understand the seriousness of our injuries

> by sharing the drug info.

>

> Jim,

I agree, another point as others center on everything is our meds

when it might be another condition. I happened to have a small stroke

at work and my co workers thought it was my medications when in fact I

had thyroid masses , I couldn't swallow, had slurred speech, problem

gait, confusion, high blood pressure and would cry at work,

I hate that it happened but I found out that I had hypothyroidism

and a thyroid mass and I ended up quitting a stressful job that caused

me problems.

I was able to qualify for disability and have my thyroid surgery, I

admit I have a deep depression from people thinking I am a druggie and

I am still on bedrest after a year but I am taking care of myself and

am not pushing myself to return to any kind of situation where I would

not be able to take care of myself but I would have a " job " .

We will have eighty thousand dollars in college loans that I

cannot help my son pay but that is life and we will make it somehow.

So my husband and I are the only ones who need to know my medications .

I think if we also say medications they might leave us alone a

little.

Bennie