Acute Pain and Hx of Addiction...

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 23, 2014

If you are legally diagnosed as a patient who requires pain meds, you just need to tell your case worker about this. Just because you are an addict does not mean you suffer in silence and pain.

It's the ones who take more than they should, docotor hop to get other scripts, etc.

Be honest, see your Healthcare Provider, get a him/her to write a letter describing your need for pain control and let the BON know. I'm not sure how the BON will treat this, but you do not deserve to suffer in pain (legitimate).

I wish you luck in this.

HunnieBadger · Jan 23, 2014

We can take meds as long as our forms are filled out and justified, my problem is going to the actual provider and not being seen as "just another drug seeker". I have MRIs, X-rays and actual deficits with weakness, but I am afraid that this wont be taken seriously due to my past history of substance abuse. I hate myself for what I've done and wish I could be treated like a normal person again! Nobody treats a diabetic this way, so what makes me different?

Twoyearnurse · Jan 23, 2014

One of my nurse friends had the same issue. She spoke with her case manager, who explained that she could take pain medications (of course the skript and diagnosis had to be provided to the board) and she had to remain out of work until she could provide a clean UA. It was difficult for her, fortunately she had an employer that understood and allowed her the time off.

Twoyearnurse · Jan 23, 2014

Her case manager also said that should her pain become chronic and need to be managed she would need to add a pain management doctor to her list. She explained that under this condition she could work. Exceptions can be made. In my friends case it was acute.

Twoyearnurse · Jan 23, 2014

It doesn't make you different. It's hard. Do you have a good relationship with your doctor? My friend brought in a relapse plan to her doctor when she went. She was upfront (the doc knew her history of course). Explained what she had been doing for her recovery, provide the doc with her plan as well as information from her sponsor. She told him that her primary concern was her sobriety, secondly her pain. Then proceeded to explain how she would manage the medication. It sucks, I know. Have confidence in yourself, the worst thing that happens is he says no. But you deserve to at least try to be treated.

HunnieBadger · Jan 24, 2014

It's tricare so my relationship with my PCM isn't all that great considering that I get reassigned a lot. So I've not really had the chance to have a relationship with my docs. I guess I'll see what happens tomorrow, I made an appt to talk about my care options with this pain

Oogie · Jan 24, 2014

During my time being monitored I had a total of 18 skin cancers removed. Lots of stiches, The largest being a Melonoma that took 28 sutures. My CM said "Oh you can take meds for pain you just can't work and have a positive UA", So I never took anything stronger than Ibu. I too felt a medical need to take meds, but I had to work..... and did not want to risk starting over in the program. It's a darn tough position to be in, I have no more to offer than the others stated above posts. Just thought I'd say I've been there too and wish you the best....Peace

Earthmama · Jan 26, 2014

Have you tried any alternative pain therapies, like massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture or a chiropractor? I always thought it was hoo hoo, until I was in the position of dealing with chronic hip pain while in recovery. There's a lot to be said for the whole mind/body/spirit connection that I never realized, being so deeply rooted in western medicine.

HunnieBadger · Jan 27, 2014

Yes, I actually went to a chiro and he wasn't able to help much. He did confirm that I have a messed up spine and I am still seeing him 4x a week at this point. I did finally see my practitioner and she also found the same things the chiro did, weakness 50% on the left compared to full strength on right. She reordered a MRI and started me on a high dose prednisone along with Norco which my hubby is managing. He was with me at the appt and is very supportive. They called it cervical neuritis and thing that the c5/6 is pinched...likely brachial plexus neuritis . Now if only I had the feeling back in my hand!

Twoyearnurse · Jan 27, 2014

Poor darlin, im glad you're seeing the chiropractor, and what a great hubby! You both have obviously worked on true which is amazing, congrats on bravery on both sides. Have you tried a tens unit? They are incredible for nerve pain. I've found that what causes most my pain (shoulder and lower back) is my nerve issues causing muscle cramps, the tens takes it down to an amazingly low tolerable level.

Twoyearnurse · Jan 27, 2014

Trust...sorry IPhone