It’s not an “Opioid” Crisis

I suffer from a few different chronic illnesses that cause constant pain. I work with my internist and rheumatologist to control the pain. Although I have two opioid prescriptions, I normally do not take them. I don’t like the way the pills make me feel and avoid them until absolutely necessary.

Opioids come with a myriad of side effects, including stomach issues, brain fog, and malaise. I can see the difference in me just looking in the mirror. At times, I must adhere to those consequences and take a pill because I can’t stand the pain. It may be a flare one week that causes me to grab a hydrocodone, or specific area acting up that will put me on tramadol for a week.

Since the new guidelines of the opioid crisis have appeared, I have signed a pain contract with my doctor, who knows I don’t take the painkillers any more than needed. I am luckier than most. I constantly see people on my autoimmune support groups who can’t get any.

My usual plan changed when I was dealing with severe back and hip pain from a complicated spine condition. Before and after major surgery that involved nerve roots, I increased my opioid use, as well as adding muscle relaxers and Lyrica, a nerve medication.

I was on opioids for a total of seven weeks straight. This included two and a half weeks of a fentanyl patch, hydrocodone, and tramadol. For the first week after surgery, even that combination didn’t cover a lot of my pain.