Re: Chiroprators?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was taking one Vicodin in the AM when I woke up, and one at night with a muscle relaxer. Far from abuse of pain meds that have seen. Some days I never needed it or forgot to take it, some days it was a pill or two more. Its gotten to the point where some days are bad, and some are worse, few are good. I never use to be like this. Over the last 3 years I would have months, sometimes a year between issues. Now, since around February, its constant. I hope the doc has some good news, but since my MRI lst week, he wants me to come in for more referrals. Thats never a good sign.
One of my co-workers said he has been dealing with a pain management doctor (car accident) and it has been good going, until he got hurt on the job a few weeks ago. Sounds like the same injury I am suspected of having. They used very little narcotic use, more on physical therapy and direct site injections. It sucks that I got to wait until Thursday to see my doctor. </div></div>
Well dude, sounds like we're in the same boat now. I can't say as I'm happy to see you. Mine went constant in January. Been dealing with it since 04 or so. But here is an update on me:
I have my 3rd MRI in a couple of weeks for my back. I have a new pain doctor too, better than the VA care I got, and he can do injections directly in the back WHEN I need them. VA takes 3 months!!! He will give me pretty much all the pain meds I need, and only take 'em when needed; like you I need more some days and less others. Note you may become dependent upon the drugs, but that isn't the same thing as addicted. You are addicted when they become your life.
The longer lasting pain meds work a lot better than Vicodin. It only lasts four hours. The others work around the clock. You can get them in low doses that will probably work better than Vicodin but with less wooziness. MS Contin is a good one.
If you will be on them for a long time, note that you get used to the effects and it is a lot like not being on anything at all, just no pain. You can do everything any other person can with little to no cognitive deficit. Including shooting and driving and anything else you do.
When you go see your doctor, ask him for a "medpak", methylprednisolone 4mg. Take it EXACTLY as directed, it can only really be dangerous if you take say the first dose and neglect the rest --it can shut down your (adrenal?) glands. It is a steroid with some nasty side effects (that most can deal with and they go away) that has the uncanny ability to make you feel better almost instantly. DO NOT REINJURE YOURSELF AFTER THE STEROID KICKS IN!!! I did that and ended up WAAAAY worse and admitted to a VA hospital.
Now like I said, chiro won't touch my back. Only my back doc and the pain doc will now. These back injections are steroids, but not systemic as the pred. is. The local shot to the back is supposed to be beneficial and many swear by it. 3 I think is the most you can get per year, but they like to keep it down to 1 or 2. Steroids over time just aren't good period.
Speaking of steroids. If any of you with serious injury are on opioid medications (Vicodin, Morphine, Oxycodone, etc.,) and are taking them over 3 months, then you should look into getting your T levels checked too. You may have to start testosterone injections due to the pain meds.
Back pain, when serious, is a very debilitating and painful life. I seriously hope you get good help and the referrals are good one. But make sure you ask for that medpak, okay? He can say yay or nay, but mention it and if he thinks it will work he'll give it to you. I'm on my second this year. Not good, but no choice.
Finally I'll give you this. If you get a little better to the point you can move around a bit and do some exercise, then start going to the pool. Treading water and swimming is VERY good for the back as long as you stop before the nerve pain starts.
Oh, drink lots of water. Sure you've heard that before, but seriously, it does help with it all.