Posted by JohnL on July 12, 1999, at 4:18:09
In reply to chronic pain: not always "just in your head", posted by Elizabeth on July 11, 1999, at 22:23:42
> Hi everyone. A while back I posted about a problem with chronic back pain, and several people sent very thoughtful replies - my thanks to all of you.
Hi Elizabeth. I really look forward to your posts. Thanks for being so helpful.I just wanted to let you know you have company. I have scoliosis too, though rather mild. As a result, one shoulder is slightly lower than the other. My brother has it worse (it is genetic), and a few days a month he finds it so painful he downs a lot of Tylenol. Mine causes a constant mild pain, and I have to be careful of certain movements that make it worse. My father is an orthopaedic surgeon and says it can be corrected with surgery, but that is rather serious and reserved for crippling cases or acute gross deformity. It is known to worsen with age, but not always. (great news, huh?)
My brother has tried all the pain medications and says Percocet is the only one that works for him. He got it on the street once, but can't find it anymore. So far he hasn't been able to get a doctor to prescribe it because of its addiction potential. I wish doctors would more often consider the risk/benefit profile from a more empathetic angle. Clearly he wants the drug for serious pain, not for a high, and he's tried everything else. Reminds me of prescribing a psychostimulant like methamphetamine for depression. If it works, and all else has failed, then addiction might well be an acceptable risk to give the person a new lease on life.
Just realize you aren't alone. You have scoliosis company at this site. By the way, do you know anything about Percocet? Does it go by another name? My brother was considering an overseas pharmacy but we couldn't find it listed. I tried a search but found hardly any info on it. Like maybe the spelling is wrong, or goes by another name, or something. Thanks. Wishing you a smooth day. JohnL.
poster:JohnL
thread:8605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8610.html