Hi tamra73559,
We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologise for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.
If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The organisations below can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to one of these organisations who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.
There are several helplines in the US which can help you.
They include the Crisis Call Center on Phone: (800) 273-8255;
Hopeline Network on Phone: (800) 422-HOPE (1-800-422-4673)
and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline on Phone: (800) 273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Please do reach out - there are many good people who can help.
For users outside of the USA please have a look at this page https://www.befrienders.org/directory
Kindest regards,
Patient
Hi, thank you for reaching out to me. I am fine. I was just explaining a situation that happened to me a few years ago, in regards to someone’s question as to why I am uncomfortable going back to my pain clinic. I was wondering why my comment wasn’t posting, but now I understand your concerns.
I really am ok, but it is nice to know that someone cares enough to reach out to me when they think I might be of harm to myself.
Thank you so much!
Hi Tamra, I have also gone on to the Facebook page that you are talking about, and you are absolutely correct ! Arachnoiditis is what I have from the many steroid injections and back procedures done. And I really do think that the Drug Reps from Boston, St. Jude and others as well are making a huge amount of money $$$ and getting kickbacks from the company. The pain doctors I have had put me on to the SCS and told me no more pain meds and was pretty much up a creek, so to speak. Since the so-called opiate thing started, very few docs will give you pain meds, and also pee tests every 30 days. I was so hoping that the implant would work and I could go back to work. I'm very disappointed with the SCS.
Hi dee dee, I’ve been doing a lot more research on it also and I’m pretty convinced that I have it too. Not as bad as some, but the uncontrollable jerking movements, the feeling of water running down my legs and increased pain. The problem I’ve heard that’s happening is that most drs won’t diagnose it, because it is caused by procedures that they have done and it would make them accountable. That, and the fact that it’s hard to treat. They main medication that is used for the pain is opioids, and we all know what’s going on there. I read that SCS implants are a multi billion dollar a year business. Some I’ve chatted with are saying their doctors are refusing them pain meds unless they keep having ESIs and SCS implanted.
I’ve gotten really lucky that my primary care Dr is willing to give me pain meds. Not the same Oxycodone I was getting before, but hydrocodone. Last visit she added zanaflex (muscle relaxer) and I was so happy she did that. She’s been trying to get my insurance company to authorize Butrans patches but no luck so far. I go see her again Friday and hoping with some interaction between my husband and the insurance company we can get it approved. I also had to sign a pain contract with her which I didn’t mind doing, I’ve never had a problem passing them before.
If you have a good relationship with your PCP you might want to pay them a visit and see if they can help in anyway. I was really surprised as I had only seen this dr a few times, she was recommended to me after my previous dr moved out of town. The original reason I went to see her was for a cough I had that wouldn’t go away. While there she saw how much pain I was in and took the time to talk to me about what was going on, and the procedures I had done. Her and her nurse are the most compassionate, empathetic drs I have ever been to since this whole journey started.
I wish you the best of luck, and please keep me posted on how you are doing.
Tamra
And yes, there are wonderful support groups that you can join on Facebook that can provide additional information and give some insight to what other options there are. xxx