Re: To Laurie - pain psych problem

[Guest guest]

Laurie,

If you continue to try the yoga and breathing imagery, you may find

that it does bring some minor relief to baseline pain. I've used this

technique, with moderate success, in dealing with mine, and often

forget about that pill all together. I've even found that times when

I think only a dose of the oxycodone will stop my pain, that if I stop

immediately at the first signs of discomfort and go into a deep

breathing exercise, that I end up not having to take the oxy at all.

Sometimes alternative methods like this can and do help with moderate

pain, but you have to train yourself to stop and relax as soon as you

feel the first twinge. If I wait too long, I'm already chasing the

pain, and then none of the alternative methods work.

I think you've been very compliant and willing to jump through all of

their hoops to prove this. I truly don't see why they would feel that

you're drug seeking, since you have performed all of the psych's tasks

without objection, and been frank and honest when one worked or didn't

work. That's the kind of feedback that she should be looking for, if

she's really trying to help. Just trying some of the other

non-narcotic meds for a second time shows that you're open minded

about other forms of medicinal help. I'm sorry that the Neurontin

didn't work as well for you, it's been so successful for me that I'm

almost totally off of the oxycodone, and I'm thrilled. My dosage is

pretty high, though, I'm taking 1,800 mgs. of Neurontin now, but it

sure beats having to suck up the oxycodone. We are all different,

though, and I have to keep remembering that!

If the pysch is ambivalent about a May session, it may be that after

working with you, she's seen that her goal of getting you off all meds

completely isn't realistic for someone with CP. One more visit

wouldn't be enough time to safely taper you away from your meds, you

would need more time for that. If she doesn't seem to care about

another session after this next one, it might be that she's seen the

light, and knows that it's not possible for you to quit totally.

Let's hope.....(fingers are crossed on this one...lol).

It shouldn't be considered that your Indiana visit was non-productive.

The fact that you complied with all of the requirements asked of you

should be in your favor. The fact that you weren't able to find

relief with the alternate methods of pain reduction isn't

non-productive, what it shows is that analgesic relief is the only

truly effective method that allows you to function. If you explain

that you are willing to try yoga or breathing exercises to handle

baseline pain, that, too, should be held in your favor. Just remember

the time-line though, and catch it at the very beginning.

You were correct to not take meds that made you feel worse. You

shouldn't have to take something that makes you feel ill - that

defeats the point. I know you are frightened that the pain doctor

would think that you're a drug seeker, we all are. But if you've

tried everything else, and only the drug works, then I don't see why

she would think less of you. From what you've said about what you

take, you're certainly no where near the point where any professional

could label you as a drug seeker. What you take is minor in

comparison with what some of the other pancreatitis patients need.

All in all, Laurie, I think you've been a good patient and that this

will all stand in your favor. You're willing to cooperate and have

been open to all methods of finding relief. I think this will all be

viewed in a positive manner, and I hope that you're willingness to

comply will allow the pain doctor to do the right thing, and give you

the medication you need. Only time will tell.

Please keep us updated about how this all plays out.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep

South Eastern Reg. Rep., PAI

Note: Any advice or comments are based on personal experience only,

and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

professional.