: Re: another pain management question

July 22, 2004

Hi Kris, how are you feeling this morning? Good I hope. I am sore

and not feeling so hot. I see the neurosurgeon this afternoon that

should be intersting. When I see my internist, pcp, I usually call

in a day or two ahead and she will have the scripts waiting for me

at the desk to pick up. I have a one on one with her about every 6

months or so.

I think there is something you need to know though. When you are

taking narcotics for pain relief you will not become a drug addict.

I think it is wonderful that you are so aware of your addictive

personality. That will be very beneficial when you are better and

dont need to take so much. Dont confuse physical dependancy with

addiction. A diabetic is physically dependent on the insulin

injections in order to live a healthy normal life. A diabetic is

not a drug addict.

When you take pain meds for pain you can become phycially dependent,

ie increased tolerance to a drug requireing more to achieve the same

affect. There may also be some withdrawel from some pain meds. I

had minor withdrawels after stopping the demerol and that is

normal. It is NOT the same as what would be for a drug addict with

the physical and phsycological addiction.

There is absolutly no reason for you not to take the meds when you

are in pain and there is absolutly no reason for you to worry about

becoming a drug addict. Take the meds as prescribed, get some

relief, rest and feel better. If you think you pain would be best

managed by a pain group, then go for it. They watch over you

carefully and most are rather strict. So if your fears of becoming

addicted is keeping you from taking the meds, these pain docs will

make sure you dont. You have to sign a contract and have counseling

and stuff. Most really do have great programs.

Thanks for saying I must be a great nurse, I am... <S> I will be

back, and I will be 110% and love the job even more. I need this

time to focus on healing myself and my family. I hope this helps

you somehow and that your feeling better soon.

Warmly,

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