Question about how i should handle this???

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OK I am a nursing student I will finish in apirl with my RN (Yea). Ok I have a sister that is what my concern is. I am not looking for medical answer more of what or how can I Handle this. My sister was a bus driver for about a half year she stated that becasue of the boucning of the seat while drving she injured her back. She has also made mention of back "issues " not caused by the driving. This is only the start of her "medical issues" From her back she has tried an been able to go to different doctors to get different medications. You hear the jokes about how the patient says oh I am allergic to >>> so I MUST have this well that is so my sister. She has to have some type of pain medication in her at all times. She also is ALWAYS sick.. NOw I love my sister but I want to be able to call an talk with her about something other then medical issues... Any ideas here would help. Yes I have tired redirecting the talk. Also telling her I want to talk about something other then her health still no change... Help me with my realtiship with my sister:redpinkhe:heartbeat:cry::rolleyes:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Chronic pain can make one's life miserable...often it does become the topic of one's life. I have a sister with Chrone's disease, which leaves her quite somatically preoccupied and negative. She too is difficult to redirect from her miseries. I feel for you. Since you placed your post in this forum, are you concerned that she may be addicted? If not, I can move your post to a different forum for you. Someone who is in chronic pain and focused on it often do see little else to talk about. As a sibling, I know it can wear on you, if not your patience. With my sister, I'll give her about half the conversation time where she can talk about her aches...but the other half needs to be on other things. If she is unwilling to do this, it concludes our conversation pretty much. Also, depression and chronic pain overlap greatly...as well as the use of substances/activities to help numb out the emotional and physical pain. I keep an ear out for any depressive symptoms, encouraging her then to do more for herself or others as a means to refocus off the misery....be it ADLs, get out of the house, go window shopping, whatever. It helps at times.

My best to you.

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No I posted this here because I do belive that she has become addict to her pain meds. Yes I undersand she must take them but she herself has been takeing more the the recommend dose like if it is written for 250 mg she might start takeing 500mg to 1000mg not only can this cause major health issues but can be very dangours as well.. I normally live about an hour away talk with her at least 3x a week.. not sure what to do next....:redpinkhe

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No I posted this here because I do belive that she has become addict to her pain meds. Yes I undersand she must take them but she herself has been takeing more the the recommend dose like if it is written for 250 mg she might start takeing 500mg to 1000mg not only can this cause major health issues but can be very dangours as well.. I normally live about an hour away talk with her at least 3x a week.. not sure what to do next....:redpinkhe

the cyclic rollercoaster of prescription drug use is rampant. Part due to patients quick fix visits to Dr's offices. doses become higher when the pain is no longer controlled (often time for economic reasons). Your sister is in a tough spot, but she has also by her actions put you in an emotionally exposed state. You can support her but you cant fix her. Watch for signs of loss of spatial and judgemental control. steal her car keys, drive her when you can. Counseling is a good option for you both.:coollook:

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