That's it...I'm using drugs tonight...

Neuro. And everything you have said is true.

 

ya i definitely dont want surgery :/ and thanks guys i should be okay

 

Gosh guys, I'm worried about y'all! Those opiate painkillers are so addictive. I have a friend who is addicted to them, started with a back injury at work. I don't expect he'll live much longer in his current state. If he doesn't clean up his body won't be able to take it much longer. Last time I saw him he was bloated and jaundiced. Makes me sad for him, he was on top of the world when I met him.

Be careful! See a pain specialist, if you haven't. Sometimes they can do things without meds that will help you. I have low-level chronic back pain, nothing like you guys have, but annoying enough anyway. I hope you can find some relief, it's frustrating.

 

good advice Beth.

while I've never been addicted, I have seen the destruction and even death due to drugs...including Rx pills.

back in the day, during my misspent youth...we ate them like candy. I'm one of the blessed ones who never took it too far. others I knew were not so lucky and are a mess or dead.

obviously, I stopped associating with those people decades ago.

for me, nothing relaxes me (and my back muscles) like Valium. I have serious muscle tension and cramps. mostly in my lower back, but also in my legs.

fortunately, it is a muscle issue and not a bone/spine/pathology issue. I pray for those folks as my issues pale in comparison.

 

Im 63 so know where you are at, Valium works for me most of the time but sometimes i have to add a little self med's on top.... Thank God they are not piss testing for my SS check YET,,,, Jim

 

LOL!, I'm gonna tell that one to my dad, he's 66, he'll get a laugh, piss testing?????

 

weed should have been legalized decades ago. IMO

"gateway" drug my azz.

that's like saying wine is "gateway drink" to hard liquor.

 

I agree 100% The war on Drugs has been the biggest waste of money ever.

 

correct.

there are more alcohol related deaths in one year, than marijuana related deaths EVER. if ever.

same can be said about tobacco.

 

I was just going to suggest a little pot. It will help you sleep.

 

Yep... I have a regular pain specialist and both neuro and ortho docs too. I know about the addiction, and I'm quite convinced I'm an addict but what other options do I have after 5 failed back surgeries? Living in constant and incredibly disabling pain is not an option. I'll take the addiction if I can have a better quality of life. It's a catch-22.

Concerning marijuana, I used to be against legalization, but after hearing about the beneficial effects for pain relief, I'm leaning towards legalization now. Still reading up on the pros and cons but very open to the possibility.

Anyone (Californians???) want to admit using or knowing anyone that uses it for chronic pain relief (not rec use)? Does it work?

 

There are a few dispensaries in Colorado that are breeding marijuana that effectively relieves pain without the high. Medical marijuana is so often seen as a back door to legalization for recreational use, and it's really not. the fact that pot is becoming available in a form that doesn't make you high should be proof of this.

That said I'm 100% for legalization, for both medical and recreational use. Hell, tax it. Most states could badly use the revenue. I am constantly in a low level of pain. I can do things to manage it and make it better but it never goes away. Not that I would ever do anything against the law but marijuana solves the problem without the liver damage and addiction risk.

 

another good post Beth.

 

you guys are really making me "Jones" for a doobie.

 

Well this thread took quite a turn.

 

Not really. We're still talking drug use!

 

NOW you're showin your age Larry

 

The one with the steady hand!!

 

Good point.

Haha old people.