Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
I was diagnosed with the devil, fibro, about 8 years ago. I went through all the so-called "fibro" meds and they either didn't work or I had life-threatening reactions to them. In came the pain meds. Sure, at first they were a Godsend. I wasn't in agony! I took hydromorphone right out of the gate. Of course, my dosage had to be upped eventually. My husband and I separated for a time and I had to move frequently, and each new Dr. just prescribed what the last one did. The whole time I didn't realize I was becoming an addict-never crossed my mind. I was just happy my pain was under control. When my husband and I got back together I had to go to another new Dr. I went to a pain management Dr. and he put me on 180 Norco 10/325 and a 50mcg fentanyl patch. So for 2 years these were my meds. In August we moved to Washington state, again a new Dr. Except this time-I told myself-I'm getting off this crap! So, as luck would have it, I got the most wonderful Dr. I have ever had. She was just going to continue me on my Norco/fentanyl treatment but all of a sudden I broke down in tears, spilling my guts and admitting to her I was an addict and wanted off of the dope. As luck would have it, she is a suboxone Dr. So, we devised a plan of weaning me down. First we discontinued the Fentanyl, which she substituted for MS CONTIN ER, and cut my Norcos down. I am still weaning, but I am working hard. She says when I get to a certain point she will switch me to the suboxone. She said it would take away the cravings and also help with the pain.
Has anyone made the switch? If you have, how did it work for you? I am optimistic....I have to be because those pain medications would have eventually killed me...I know that. So if anyone has any input I would greatly appreciate it!
Has anyone made the switch? If you have, how did it work for you? I am optimistic....I have to be because those pain medications would have eventually killed me...I know that. So if anyone has any input I would greatly appreciate it!
Suboxone is used to treat opiate addiction. If you ever change your mind and want need opiates again to manage your pain, it will be difficult if not impossible to find a dr that will prescribe you opiates because you will have a history of addiction treatment. Also you will go through withdrawals if you ever stop the suboxone. If you need opiates for any reason and you;re taking Suboxone, you will have to get off the Suboxone for a time before you can take the opiates and have them be effective. As much as you have to change drs, if you aren't a drug addict, you really need to think about what weil happen if the Suboxone doesn't manage you pain well enough and you need to go back to opiates. It is doubtful that this dr or any dr in the future will give you opaites, even if the Suboxone doesn't work well because you have said you are an addict.
And do *not* go on/off without medical supervision. That kills. Literally.
BTW, my family has an extensive addiction history, which is how I learned most of the above. Watching them was a great education in how not to live. *sigh*
Purrs of peace to you.
Leo
Kimber