Gourmet juice junkies and random rambles

[Southern Tina]

A good pain dr makes you sign an opiate pain contract.
And holds you to it. You will be closely monitored by that dr.
You will have constant drug screens.
You are not allowed to take pain med prescriptions from other drs or you are in violation of the contract.
When you violate that contract the dr can either kick you out of their practice, or stop RXing you for pain meds.
There are good drs out there who do the right thing but there are some who do not.
Also there are people who take advantage of good drs by trying to circumvent the system.
Being a pain patient of 20 yrs I have studied the subject intensely. Running my support group for the past 14 yrs,
I have heard stories that are just heartbreaking.
I've known pain patients who took their lives because they were in such excruciating pain and yet they had no access to
appropriate pain care.

Exactly my point. The people that abuse the system make it more difficult for the ones that need them. People that need them, deserve to have them without jumping through a million hoops like they do now. I have no sympathy for those that don't need them yet abuse the system. I have the utmost respect for those that need them, and are made to feel like they're doing something wrong by Dr's and all the new laws.

 

[cocoabellaRSD]

hugs to you cat from a fellow chronic pain patient. I am sorry you have to live the way you do as
I know it is an existence and not a life. Ditto to the forum being a social outlet. When you are stuck at home 24/7
it is a blessing to have computers and forums like this. (*;*)

My dr is the same way.
You have to sign a contract. Don't screw up or you are out the door.
Every patient gets tested at every appointment.
I went through the full gamut of torture (I mean treatment) in the beginning.
Nerve blocks every other day( Stellate ganglion, Axillary, T2-T3 ,Lumbar), went into the hospital for a surgery to put in a continuous nerve block catheter for a week & had IV regional blocks but got no lasting relief.

That's the way that my doctor works, I'm tested upon demand & it the lab results aren't right, I'm outta luck. Few doctors around here does pain management & the ones that does are always skeptical. They have to be, it's through patients that many of these high demand narcotics are on the streets.

My failed four level lumbar fusion was in May 2006 & worked through severe pain for a year before then. My doctor wouldn't refer me to a spinal surgeon until the pain went shooting through my right hip & leg, which put me out of work. Honestly. I thought something was wrong with that right hip/leg, but MRI's showed the cyatic nerve being pinched & most of my lumbar discs were shot, a couple were rubbing bone.

It is terrible, but I'm thankful for what medicine that I do get, as it does provide relief from crippling pain. Nerve pain is very hard to control, plus some of the implants themselves are also part of today's issues.

My recommendation to anyone, surgery should be the last option for back pain & normally isn't done by reputable spine surgeons, unless there's pain/numbness in the limbs.

This illness, caused by osteoarthritis, has wrecked my life in many ways. I can no longer go vistiing friends like prior, all of them are gone now. They did come to see me at first, but the conversation always turned into "do you have an extra Percocet?" or other pill. They weren't my friends after all. One of my family members tried to steal medicine from me, that's so rotten & dirty & I know that it happens to others. It takes a sorry soul to steal a family members (or anyone's) medicine needed to relieve pain.

I'm so glad for ECF & other forums where I participate (mostly computer/tech related), my friends on the forums are all that I have, several great ones that I otherwise wouldn't have met.

Cat

 

[Sirius]

I'm so sorry to hear that. That just breaks my heart. I think it's normal to get depressed about those things. You love her and want her to be able to enjoy everything she can with you and your children. I'm on the corporate healthcare side now but I used to be a RN (mainly in trauma ICU and CVICU) and my hubs is in the medical field too. It's gotten so ridiculous these days with narcotics. Everyone that takes them seem to be lumped together which is absolutely horrifying. Your wife needs them, yes she is dependent, yes she will most likely be on them for the rest of her life, but under the circumstances...that would be the least of my concerns. I've seen people go through withdrawals and it's terrible, but I don't think she will have to go through that.

The problem is that those that need them, like you wife are lumped into those that go to pain clinics to get their fix. They have corrupted the system and made it difficult for those that actually need them. Plus, it's talked about in such a negative way that those that need them are made to feel like addicted and that's not right.

My hubby is an Anesthesiologist and he has family members that try to prevent their loved ones from having narcotics during and after surgery. He mainly does major surgeries (heart transplants, open heart surgery, liver transplants, etc) and it's just not possible to do procedures like that without them. So, the hospital has to override their wishes or else they can't have the surgery.

I've also seen people that are terminally ill and have months to live, and their family members try to refuse to give them pain meds. It's unbelievable. So, they want to have them suffer in the last months of their life? Who cares if they become addicted? It's about comfort care at that point. I had to get out of the patient care end and to the corporate side because of things like this.

Sorry for the novel there. You're doing the right thing. I'm glad that she's as comfortable as she can be. My thoughts are with you.

That ^^ coming from you, means a lot to me sweetie. As you know since my truck accident I have had to take those Norco pills. I try to only take them when the pain gets so bad I can't function. Then they somewhat make it bearable. The Degenerative Disc Disease that is now spreading all up my back makes me think I will never be able to not take some kind of pain meds. I absolutely hate taking them, but it's better than not fishing, or keeping the house clean. I may even have to take stronger ones in the future when the cortisone injections quit working Idk? I hope not but if so I will deal with it.

 

[nanusic]

BTW Firephly.....This is all your fault, I tell ya, all your fault! :

 

[cocoabellaRSD]

Have you ever tried an inversion table?
Love mine. I have herniated discs in my lower back, but won't have surgery b/c of my RSD. So hubby got my
an inversion table. I love it.

Me too and unwilling to cry the blues about it. No back surgery for me until I am crippled. I make use of stretching exercises and chiro

 

[Sirius]

Exactly my point. The people that abuse the system make it more difficult for the ones that need them. People that need them, deserve to have them without jumping through a million hoops like they do now. I have no sympathy for those that don't need them yet abuse the system. I have the utmost respect for those that need them, and are made to feel like they're doing something wrong by Dr's and all the new laws.

Besides that MRI's are not so cheap. Even with insurance. I have had two sets of those done in 4 years. I keep getting worse with every one. i don't want to have any more MRI's. I figure if I don't know how bad it is, I'll feel much better. Make any sense?

 

[Southern Tina]

i hate classifying people as liberal or conservative, most people fall in a spectrum depending on issue, but people tend to automatically assume if it doesn't fit the square hole it must be the round one

most everything in life is neither black nor white imo

I agree. I find myself financially conservative and socially liberal. My grandfather was a hard core republican and my grandmother was a hard core democrat. They would always go vote together and cancelled each other out They were married 65 years. I would instigate political conversations with them because it was entertaining.

 

[Sirius]

I agree. I find myself financially conservative and socially liberal. My grandfather was a hard core republican and my grandmother was a hard core democrat. They would always go vote together and cancelled each other out They were married 65 years. I would instigate political conversations with them because it was entertaining.

I'm Libertarian so I know what you mean.

 

[Jonathan]

i hate classifying people as liberal or conservative, most people fall in a spectrum depending on issue, but people tend to automatically assume if it doesn't fit the square hole it must be the round one

most everything in life is neither black nor white imo

Yes, I started again with it. Ill stop, I only meant the hardcore, want our rights taken kind of liberals. Present company excluded from that comment, lol. No more politics, scouts honor. I still havent even gone to bed yet, I dont wanna get into that can of worms Plus you know what always happens now when I talk politics... Deleted deleted deleted.

 

[jrenae4]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to some of my buds. Hi Angi, Jenna, Sirius....I'm sure I'm missing a few. Hope you guys are doing well.

Hope everyone here has a good Memorial Day

Edited to say....I should read through this thread. I'm in dire need of some new juices. I only like dessert flavors and have gotten so many that I just hate. I'll read back and see what's suggested.

Heyyyyyyyyyyy girl how the hell are ya? I never did get a Provari...got a REO instead

For real that sounds like a great party about to happen. I'm in if you are serious. I would love to meet the gourmet junkies in person!

If not that we all need to meet up at a vapefest or something for sure!!

I agree. I find myself financially conservative and socially liberal. My grandfather was a hard core republican and my grandmother was a hard core democrat. They would always go vote together and cancelled each other out They were married 65 years. I would instigate political conversations with them because it was entertaining.

My grandparents are married 51 yrs and do the exact same thing! Too cute.

 

[Sirius]

i hate classifying people as liberal or conservative, most people fall in a spectrum depending on issue, but people tend to automatically assume if it doesn't fit the square hole it must be the round one

most everything in life is neither black nor white imo

Well me too but there is a socialist movement among the far left politically. That pisses me off as they can't seem to grasp that socialism economically will kill a country. See former USSR. Cuba, and France.

 

[Jonathan]

Still vapin that caramel pear black tea you rec'd jenna. Reos about to be empty. Royal tease is next to be in the reo.

 

[Sirius]

Yes, I started again with it. Ill stop, I only meant the hardcore, want our rights taken kind of liberals. Present company excluded from that comment, lol. No more politics, scouts honor. I still havent even gone to bed yet, I dont wanna get into that can of worms Plus you know what always happens now when I talk politics... Deleted deleted deleted.

Yes no more politics Sir J..It's the elephant in the room like religion when brought up in a forum.

 

[Sirius]

Still vapin that caramel pear black tea you rec'd jenna. Reos about to be empty. Royal tease is next to be in the reo.

I think Robins sending me some to try.

 

[Southern Tina]

That ^^ coming from you, means a lot to me sweetie. As you know since my truck accident I have had to take those Norco pills. I try to only take them when the pain gets so bad I can't function. Then they somewhat make it bearable. The Degenerative Disc Disease that is now spreading all up my back makes me think I will never be able to not take some kind of pain meds. I absolutely hate taking them, but it's better than not fishing, or keeping the house clean. I may even have to take stronger ones in the future when the cortisone injections quit working Idk? I hope not but if so I will deal with it.

And I think you should have them. Nobody should have to suffer in pain if they don't have to. Yes, it's true...people that take them long term need more of the narcotic because they're dependent. Then the Dr refuses to give them more, because THEY don't want to mess with the DEA, so the pt suffers. What do they want the pt to do? Be in so much pain that they are in a fetal position with no quality of life? I get that too many of them are bad for you (with the Tylenol in them and liver function, etc). I think there should be several efforts in a pt care plan to diminish the pain. Norco is actually not that strong (I know you know this). There are several levels up, like Fentayl patches, Dilaudid, and a combo pill like Exalgo (to name a few). Dr's are so cautious these days and it's because they are CYA.

I've heard stories of my hubby almost getting physical with surgeons because a pt's vitals are dropping and he can tell from the monitors that they are in pain. The surgeon doesn't want to approve stronger pain meds, so the hubs has to overrule him in the OR and give them anyway. He's in charge of keeping the pt alive, he gives what's needed. I feel like I'm in work mode.

Ok, I'm sorry for the rant. I'll move on to more positive things like beer and vaping

 

[Southern Tina]

Heyyyyyyyyyyy girl how the hell are ya? I never did get a Provari...got a REO instead



If not that we all need to meet up at a vapefest or something for sure!!



My grandparents are married 51 yrs and do the exact same thing! Too cute.

Hey there pretty girl! Do you like the Reo? As you know, I'm not a Provari elitist. I bought one and then found out that they have this snooty rep. I'm glad you're doing well.

 

[Jonathan]

And I think you should have them. Nobody should have to suffer in pain if they don't have to. Yes, it's true...people that take them long term need more of the narcotic because they're dependent. Then the Dr refuses to give them more, because THEY don't want to mess with the DEA, so the pt suffers. What do they want the pt to do? Be in so much pain that they are in a fetal position with no quality of life? I get that too many of them are bad for you (with the Tylenol in them and liver function, etc). I think there should be several efforts in a pt care plan to diminish the pain. Norco is actually not that strong (I know you know this). There are several levels up, like Fentayl patches, Dilaudid, and a combo pill like Exalgo (to name a few). Dr's are so cautious these days and it's because they are CYA.

I've heard stories of my hubby almost getting physical with surgeons because a pt's vitals are dropping and he can tell from the monitors that they are in pain. The surgeon doesn't want to approve stronger pain meds, so the hubs has to overrule him in the OR and give them anyway. He's in charge of keeping the pt alive, he gives what's needed. I feel like I'm in work mode.

Ok, I'm sorry for the rant. I'll move on to more positive things like beer and vaping

My favorite medicine is popular on the west coast now and comes from the earth I also prefer it to alcohol for sure. One makes me jollier, funnier, and hungry, and the other makes me irrational and loud. Thats a no brainer. Kinda sucks because I grew up on a winery and the only thing I can drink w/o acting stupid or getting sick is good gin or good tequila.

 

[Sirius]

And I think you should have them. Nobody should have to suffer in pain if they don't have to. Yes, it's true...people that take them long term need more of the narcotic because they're dependent. Then the Dr refuses to give them more, because THEY don't want to mess with the DEA, so the pt suffers. What do they want the pt to do? Be in so much pain that they are in a fetal position with no quality of life? I get that too many of them are bad for you (with the Tylenol in them and liver function, etc). I think there should be several efforts in a pt care plan to diminish the pain. Norco is actually not that strong (I know you know this). There are several levels up, like Fentayl patches, Dilaudid, and a combo pill like Exalgo (to name a few). Dr's are so cautious these days and it's because they are CYA.

I've heard stories of my hubby almost getting physical with surgeons because a pt's vitals are dropping and he can tell from the monitors that they are in pain. The surgeon doesn't want to approve stronger pain meds, so the hubs has to overrule him in the OR and give them anyway. He's in charge of keeping the pt alive, he gives what's needed. I feel like I'm in work mode.

Ok, I'm sorry for the rant. I'll move on to more positive things like beer and vaping

Yes we need Hooters Wings and plenty of beer. LOL
What are you vaping Tina, I got 2 mods going dripping AHL Pina Colada and Peaches and Cream.

 

[jrenae4]

Hey there pretty girl! Do you like the Reo? As you know, I'm not a Provari elitist. I bought one and then found out that they have this snooty rep. I'm glad you're doing well.

Oh really? I had no idea! I love my REO

I need to get off my .... and head to the beach. Supposed to be going out and staying in a condo down there for one of my girl friend's 30th birthdays. Is it bad I'd rather stay home? I swear internally I'm 86..

 

[Jonathan]

Oh really? I had no idea! I love my REO

I need to get off my .... and head to the beach. Supposed to be going out and staying in a condo down there for one of my girl friend's 30th birthdays. Is it bad I'd rather stay home? I swear internally I'm 86..

I like to stay home a lot too. If I go out its to have dinner with my girl or hang at a friends. No clubbing or craziness anymore, lol. My gf long since has domesticated me