Posted by floatingbridge on February 10, 2010, at 16:40:07
In reply to Re: Opioids for Depression, posted by kirbyw on February 9, 2010, at 23:12:53
Rick,
I support your recovery 100%! Stopping after seven years takes courage and insight--and I am so glad to hear that the parnate is still working for you.
When I have taken vicodin, I have felt motivated and relieved of pain--not at all complacent, but ready to take on the challenge of the day. That could be because I seldom take it, and when I do, am so relived to be out of pain. However, I am convinced that for me, that path would not be a wise one for me. My bottle stays in the back of my cabinet.
I spoke with my pdoc about this very thing today. For a select few, opioid therapy, in his opinion, is indicated and beneficial. He made note of my own positive response because of how I felt--completely normal (in a good way). Well, doesn't everyone, except a few, respond that way? He said no. The average person will usually feel relief of pain but also altered or impaired in some way--dizzy, heady, or high. An unfortunate few will not even receive pain relief. Are you saying you think opiod therapy would be an adjunct for me? I asked. Oh, goodness no, he responded. (Oh goodness no is right!)
However, he sees this as what some patients may need. He feels I have, in addition to back/spine pain, a low threshold for pain. I'm not a wimp--I just feel every darn thing more than the average. He thinks that's due to or certainly exacrebated by long standing ptsd.
I find the whole thing interesting.
I feel so achy from a cold right now--my usual aches really flare. In the back of my cabinet is a pill that will take that away. But I ain't going there today. However, for some, it is a real need. Unfortunately, most docs can't or won't help some of these patients (high cost of monitoring, ignorance, abuse potential).
wishing you continued success in recovery,
fb
poster:floatingbridge
thread:935598
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100204/msgs/936595.html