Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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Muscles & Bones
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Has anyone tried Suboxone?

profsub
profsub

hello


i have had a hard time finding support that aligns with my situation. I am in my 30s, I have a doctoral degree, I have two children, a good marriage, and a very successful career. The catch? I have been on slow release morphine sulfate for almost 15 years. I hate it, I don't get "high" I get by. I live a productive life and somehow I am in this strange boat with people who have made very different life choices. I am not judging, I just don't relate because I have spent many years hating these drugs and wanting to throw them all away. I have a doctor who cares about me and will likely prescribe for me forever- but I don't want to keep taking these meds. 



So- I have found a new doctor who thinks that suboxone will give me pain relief and after a year, a way out. My fears, I am doing it wrong. I worry that I will go through this and then the pain will be too bad for me to live my wonderful life. 


Is there anyone else with DDD and DJD who has used suboxone to get off long-term pain management? I have so many questions and when I research I keep finding posts all from folks who were heroine or pill users without pain. I would prefer to take advice from someone more similar to me in my background. 



I would be open to any advice

Hangingonadayatatime
Hangingonadayatatime
IGood Morning, I have a friend who has scoliosis (she is rodded in thorasic area) and still suffers back pain. She was on Oxy's for pain management but was able to get in with a Doc that prescribes Suboxone. She had a difficult time with the doctor as he kept accusing her of taking Benzo's while on the Suboxone. She had been on benzodiapine for a number of years due to an anxiety condition. Benzos half a long 'half-life' meaning that they take a long time to be completely out of your system. She told me that the Suboxone worked great for her and also helped with her pain. I will tell you though that she is an alcoholic and relapsed. She is again sober and is attending meetings regularly. She also wanted to get off the Suboxone. It took her months of weaning and then a very difficult 2 week period without anything before 'she came up for air'. She is grateful for the support that she received and won't knock Suboxone, however she doesn't hesitate to tell others that it is a very difficult medication to get off of. Best of luck to you. I empathize with your condition. I just had my 24 month medical review with the State Medical Review Board , I am a Pemanent Disabled (retired State of CT employee) Retiree at 58. It is very difficult to qualify for this although I was granted Disability Retirement the first time I went through due to my multiple medical conditions, DDD was/is one of my most painful conditions. I receive 60% of my salary and life-time State benefits. My daughter is still covered until she is 26 which is good because she is still finishing school. I live in pain 24/7 and I hate taking meds. I have been turned down by 4 of the best surgeons in the United States, the last being the Hospital for Special Care in New York. I suffer from osteoporosis (a by product of my Lupus SLE) and am on daily injections to increase my bone density. I am on crutches again as I hyperextended my right knee and it filled with fluid which I have had to have drained. I was told by the orthopedist that I need a knee replacement however I already have a 6 inch rod, titanium plate and 5 3 inch screws through my femur. To remove this hardware would shatter my leg completely due to the osteo. I can NOT have surgery, my bones will not accept the hardware. Every day is a challenge. I wish you all the best in finding what the right medication is for you. Lyn