Not Newbie - Just no posts for a year!

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I've been on this list for the last 4 years, haven't posted in a year though, so

I do keep up with what is going on with everyone.

About 8 months ago, I decided to slowly go off my pain meds that I've been on

for 8 years to see if 1) a reduced amount would have an effect one way or

another 2) a reduced/no opiates would have an effect on the way I live.

I am down to 200 mg of MS-Contin a day (1, 100mg tab every 12 hours) with no

breakthough. I was at 600 mg a day (2, 100 mg tab every 8 hours) with a minimum

of 2, 30mg MSIR per day (up to 4)

I does NOT matter what amount (MG) I take per day, the pain level is the same so

far. I have been reducing by 30 mg every 2 weeks, with a 6 week break from

reduction about 8 weeks ago.

I have been able to leave my previous living situation, which was having to live

with a relative to manage my meds and life for me to living in an apartment,

with my 5 year old dog on my own.

I know this is what people pretty much don't want to hear, I sure didn't want to

at first, but it has made a difference for the better.

Sure, I'm not cured of my chronic pain, FMS, DDD, bad knees, IBS, etc. etc., but

I think I can live without the opiates (will see still!)

Real main reason for doing this? I had to move from Oregon, where I had a GREAT

pain doc, to Fresno, CA where I can NOT find a pain doc! Was tired of driving

every other month a 1,500 mile trip for 60 days of meds, and having to get my ex

to mail me 30 days of the meds, since the script could only be filled in Oregon.

Anyways, everyone have a great, less-pain day if possible during this wet, cool

winter!

TG -

Jami in CA (formerly of Oregon)

[Guest guest]

--- Jami in CA (formerly of Oregon)wrote:

>I does NOT matter what amount (MG) I take per day, the pain level is the same

so far. I have been reducing by 30 mg every 2 weeks, with a 6 week break from

reduction about 8 weeks ago.

>I have been able to leave my previous living situation, which was having to

live with a relative to manage my meds and life for me to living in an

apartment, with my 5 year old dog on my own.

>I know this is what people pretty much don't want to hear, I sure didn't want

to at first, but it has made a difference for the better.

Sure, I'm not cured of my chronic pain, FMS, DDD, bad knees, IBS, etc. etc., but

I think I can live without the opiates (will see still!)

Hi Jami

It's good to hear from you. I'm glad to hear that you have your own place, but

sorry to hear that you pain remains the same.

I thought for years that I had IBS but it I needed my gall bladder removed.

There weren't any stones, the tube between it and the liver was blocked from

multiple infections.

So, perhaps you might want to have the further investigated. I am beginning to

think that IBS has become a junk term for some doctors.

My internist finally found the real problem after running copious amounts of

tests. Good thing I had insurance. The GI specialist I saw a few years

previously didn't find it, just a bit of diverticulitis.

I have found that joint pain, and my fibromyalgia often respond better to

ibuprofen, or some other NSAID. You've no doubt tried those already, but thought

I would throw them out there. Warm water gentle exercise is wonderful too.

Once again, it's good to hear from you, please go off the narcotics very slowly.

Kaylene