@Linda7777 Yes, no wonder you're angry. You've been through so much. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish there was an easy answer. I hope you are willing to write to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. Hopefully, we can influence change if enough people voice their challenges and frustrations. Please copy info@painbc.ca if you do.

Opioid withdrawal is not fun. What are you doing to cope? Do you have any thoughts for others going through this? Keep us posted on how you're doing.

item@Tammy_Admin My name is Linda, I am 58 years old and have been on opioids for approx. 8 years. I have CLL, a type of leukemia, diabetic neuropathy, severe inflammatory RA caused by the cancer, frozen shoulders, deformities starting in my hand, protruding discs, I'm a walking medical marvel. The opioids were a last resort after consultation with other doctors including my GP's. They gave me my life back, they have worked for me enough that I went back working 1/2 time and was able to enjoy the fruits of mine and my husbands labors. In general, I had a life. We
like to travel, and have worked hard to do so, then suddenly I was no longer able to get a two month supply of my medication. This has limited what I was able to do, as we then had to line up not just my husbands time off, but the dates of my medicine pick up with days I could take, and it became next to impossible to do so. I have never abused my pain medication , but suddenly not only was I no longer able to do what I worked for, but I had to pee in a cup and sign a drug contract like a criminal. It was like I was given the medication so I could work and pay taxes , but not be able to do anything else I enjoyed, because of the rules and limitations. Don't get me wrong, my doctors are wonderful they are everything someone could want in a GP, but their care of me was now being dictated by a stranger in the city, not by my illnesses, or their knowledge of me. I was informed a few weeks back, my dosages would have to be reduced and I could no longer have the Hydro morphone for break through pain. It was then I decided ,that this was controlling my life too much and decided not only to reduce my dependence on 120 mgs a day of Oxycodone, but withdraw it completely. I have been without any real pain medication for a month. I am in agony, what little work I can do, puts me on the couch for hours, I will probably have to stop completely, I have been getting by with the help of 10 year old Tylenol 3's. This Friday I will see my Doctor and let her know that instead of reducing my opioids slowly, as was the plan, I am off them. We will then have to start all over again, trying to find me some relief of this pain. If it cant be done, I will have worked my whole life , and not be able to enjoy the things I love or have any quality of life at all. In their zeal to control the abuses of these drugs, they have hurt real people, and real patients. We are not all criminals, nor are we one size fits all. I'm free of the opioids, but for what? To live like this? I could not stay on them however with all these new restrictions, it would have devastated our retirement plans, and was effecting my life in a negative way. Who wants to be able to work and not do any of the things they worked for? I am angry, very angry, why should I have to go through this at 58 years old? So here I sit, I had to go through opioid withdrawel, the most unpleasant experience of my life, while my pain added to my misery. Sad tale of woe, I know, but where the hell do they getboff treating sick people like this?

This thread really resonated with me. My husband has been dealing with chronic pain for 5 years. He has had over 20 surgeries. Our marriage is at the breaking point. I will try some of the posted suggestions.

Read more about these new rules for opiates and find out what you can do if you're impacted.

If these new standards have affected your health care or your health, Pain BC and the Pain Medicine Physicians of BC encourage you to share your story. You can contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC directly.

Dr. Heidi Oetter, Registrar
prp@cpsbc.ca
300 - 669 Howe St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 0B4

I also had a change in my meds to slow release morphine a little more then a year ago, Just a month ago I seen my Pain Management Dr and he upped the dosage I explained to him as I did to my GP DR that I was running out of my break through meds. I was honest about how I was taking them and how I was feeling. We decided after a long discussion and physical exam to make some changes to my meds and up the dosage. I found when we had switched my med it had made a big difference in my life I have a lot more control of my pain. I'm not taking as many pills I am happy to be on the slow release pills. i hope you get you dosage changed because when you get the dosage you'll have a smoother pain day not so many days trying to get a hold on the pain. I still have pain but since the change I haven't had so many trips to the ER my pain is more manageable, I hope this has gave you some encouragement on how it could be if and when you get the right dosage.

@OrchidNinja Thanks for your input. I couldn't find anyone to pay so I got my psychiatrist to fill it out for free. I've also applied to a grant and a rent subsidy. Now is just the waiting until I hear back from anyone.

@Shelbelle Thanks for suggesting meditation oasis. Looks like some of the meditations are free.

@KamloopsLupie Hi, I'm totally new to this forum and just reading your story and hearing your frustration can totally relate. I think it's great that you have a binder, I do the same thing, keep doing that, be as accountable as you can...they'll eventually see that you know what you're talking about, and they can see your history and make their own judgements. (Ex:Your dilaudid prescription lasting so long)

Can you find a social worker to help with those letter fees?? That's a thought I had...I'm sure you've tried that, but just a thought.

ox

Re: This is a safe place

Hi there,

I am new to this, so please forgive me if I am doing it incorrectly.

So far I am still working with the medical community to get a clear, satisfactory diagnosis. This is difficult, frustrating and disappointing.

Also, I feel quite alone in my struggle. My friends and family try to support but they don't really understand what I am experiencing. I have so much to be grateful for in my life and yet I have days like today. Today I feel low, discouraged and alone.

Any words of wisdom and encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shelbelle

I aim to do meditation daily but use a guided meditation called 'Beyond Pain' by meditation oasis.