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msginger&pickles's avatar

as always, an engaging and inspiring read

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Arthritic Chick - Chronic Pain's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting, I very much appreciate your support :)

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Migraine Girl 🧠's avatar

So well said! This “war” on opioids is destroying the lives of chronic pain patients like me. And for what? It really isn’t fixing the illegal distribution of opioids.

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Trish Randall's avatar

It's beyond not stopping distribution of illicit opioids. It's actually proving the opposite of their claims. Restricting prescribing has not decreased illicit trade. Patients who abide by extremely restrictive pain contracts demonstrate that patients do not prefer to seek access (without pain contracts) on the streets. Telling people that pain is a thing of the mind, and that opioids don't work that well has not convinced the public of either of those claims. Pain is still by far the #1 reason for MD & ER visits, and the "alternatives" like psych meds, spine implants and lying to patients have no impact on pain.

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Migraine Girl 🧠's avatar

completely agree with you!

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Mother Mayham's avatar

so well said and so sad that our healthcare system even does this everyday to countless patients! Thank you for the validation.

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Benna Lee's avatar

Make Prescription Opiod Medication Available and Great for Pain Patients Again

@pambondi

@JohnRatcliffe

@Kash

@realDonaldTrump

https://youtu.be/zjOu0GJBOjQ?si=UapOSrEeKt4e3LsV

that's my newest post

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Trish Randall's avatar

Here's another situation in which doctors behave in the exact opposite way they do for most situations. In most situations, if you go to the doctor and say you think you have (or even might have) a particular condition, the doctor's immediate response is to tell you why you probably don't have that condition, and might even tell you that in medical school they teach that when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras (this might have applied when this phrase was first coined, but these days, doctors see so many patients that a career without any zebras would be a zebra).

The exception? Tell them you're an addict. Voila you have diagnosed yourself as an addict, and your doctor will concur. If you say your granddad was an alcoholic, that goes into your chart, and now your grandpa is diagnosed (perhaps posthumously) as an alcoholic and you have a family history of this so-called disease.

There is no physical way for a doctor, researcher or lab to distinguish between a person who claims to be an addict/alcoholic and one who is not. There's no infectious microbe, virus, prion, bacteria, no hormone deficiency or excess, no organ deformity, no traumatic damage. It's all diagnosis by either admission or accusation - and there is no appeal.

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Neon Haze's avatar

Where have you been? Are you doing OK? There’s so much in the news at the moment about force tapering. I’m surprised we haven’t had an article for a

while.

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Kim Louise's avatar

I’m on 59 pills day, got off the fentynal patches thankfully…. But my lots just give me more and ore and more…. And still it doesn’t touch it some days ..

Do you think I should write my story on the meds front? I am very new to this site, published my first post today and not even sure i got it right ..

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Lynn's avatar

I've been in chronic pain since July 7, 1999 -- the day I had my gallbladder removed. First my GI tried to find the cause. After four ERCPs, four MRCPs, and every test known to GIs, at the time, done at least twice, (I dare you to try and drink barium milkshakes twice), they tried medications to help. I gave up keeping the list after 40 different kinds. (The halfway point, before they found something that worked. -- 5 mg. oxycodone APAP.)

After healthcare backed out of the Pain Relief Act of 2000, by creating a new field to avoid treating pain -- "Pain Management" -- my primaries dumped me with one of them, and I was given 5 mg. of oxycodone 3-4 times a day for the next 15-18 years. I tried 10 mg. hoping it would help more, but it didn't, so I went back to what worked.

I couldn't go back to the life I had, but I made something with what I had left.

The day you published this was the day my"pain management doctor" told me "they don't let me use that anymore."

Do you know who "they" is? He didn't.

I just lost what is left, and I still don't know who has done this to me!

I. Give. Up. The plan all along, right?

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Benna Lee's avatar

When I continue to think about the Marine who took his life with FENTENAL on my birthday in 2021 after learning that the DOJ was HUNTING him down for January 6th, I have to ask myself, "God, what is the lesson I'm supposed to learn here?".

The only thing I can come up with, is I will NEED some FENTENAL to END my SUFFERING of 50 years after an industrial accident in 1981.

So, maybe I better score some FENTENAL now, before all my PRESCRIPTION OPIOD MEDICATION is GONE because we know how PAIN PATIENTS AND THEIR DOCTORS ARE PERSECUTED FOR NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN DOING.

FENTENAL GOOD

PRESCRIPTION OPIOD MEDICATION BAD

Fuck You

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Sober Christian Gentleman's avatar

Here's a 500-word article summarizing the key points of the discussion on chemical-free pain management:

Chemical-Free Pain Management: A Holistic Approach

In a society often reliant on pharmaceuticals, the concept of managing pain without drugs can seem radical. However, it's a viable approach, as explored in a recent podcast, emphasizing natural methods and the body's innate healing capabilities. This method is of particular interest to individuals committed to sobriety, for whom avoiding addictive pain medication is crucial.

The discussion begins with personal anecdotes, highlighting instances where drug-free strategies proved effective. One such instance involved a deadlifting injury. Instead of opting for surgery and heavy medication, the speaker employed rest, hot and cold treatments, and time to heal. Even in severe cases, the body can recover remarkably well with the proper care and attention.

A core principle of chemical-free pain management is understanding the body's response to injury. Swelling, for example, is a natural part of the healing process, though it can contribute to the discomfort experienced. The intensity of pain is subjective; a small injury can sometimes cause amplified sensations.

Several drug-free techniques can be employed to alleviate pain and promote healing. Rest and immobilization are crucial in the initial stages, allowing the body to repair itself. Hot and cold therapy can further reduce swelling and soothe muscles. Gentle exercise and movement, while seemingly contradictory, can also be beneficial, preventing stiffness and promoting blood flow.

Beyond addressing the physical symptoms, the importance of sleep, nutrition, and mental engagement cannot be overstated. Quality sleep is essential for the body's natural healing processes. A nutrient-rich diet provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair. Keeping the mind occupied, particularly with activities that induce laughter, can release chemicals in the body that naturally reduce pain and anxiety.

The mind-body connection is a recurring theme. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises can help manage pain perception. The speaker emphasizes the body's resilience, describing it as "anti-fragile," capable of becoming stronger after overcoming challenges.

In conclusion, chemical-free pain management offers a holistic and empowering approach to healing. By embracing natural methods, prioritizing overall well-being, and recognizing the body's inherent capacity to recover, individuals can effectively manage pain and improve their quality of life.

Link to podcast to learn more:

https://open.substack.com/pub/soberchristiangentlemanpodcast/p/drug-free-pain-management-strategies?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=31s3eo

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