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How Can Pain Be Managed After Reduced Methadone Dosage Leading To Debilitating Pain When Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia?
Question: First diagnosed with fibro in 1994. Have had the help of many pain medications throughout the years which allowed me to continue working until finally in 2000 I was put on permanent disability. Four years ago, I was put on methadone for pain management which increased my quality of life tremendously. I was able to exercise, enjoy my friends again, get normal household chores done, etc. In Dec, of 2017 a new doctor bought the pain management office, He informed me he wasn't sure he believed in the condition. Took me off what had increased my quality of life to manageable. Since then I am in extreme pain daily. Cannot find a doctor who will help me get back on methadone. I never went through withdrawals, just increased pain to the point I am now unable to get out of bed on days that are extreme pain. I know opiates have become a taboo word but I know what works, I never abused them, saw doctor once a month, regular urine testing and periodic cardiograms. Please help me find someone who understands. I'm in trouble here.
Brief Answer:
Several options.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
First of all, fibromyalgia has many theories about what it is. One is that it is non-functioning narcotic receptors, another is that it is depression. In neither of these, the most common theories of fibromyalgia do high doses of narcotics have a role in treatment.
I cannot say in your particular case. Most people I see with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia immediately list several other known, documented, obvious, causes of pain such as the lumbar disk or rheumatoid arthritis. If someone has other disorders in which narcotic treatment might be reasonable, they might benefit from narcotics.
Then, if someone has no reason to be on narcotics, is craving them, is dependent on them, these are reasons to be in drug treatment to explore getting off of them. Methadone clinics are getting a lot of people who previously were not considering themselves to have pain or narcotic issues until they couldn't get their usual drug supply. So, a pain clinic, a methadone clinic, even a University pain clinic are some possibilities that MIGHT be of use.
Take care
Regards
Several options.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
First of all, fibromyalgia has many theories about what it is. One is that it is non-functioning narcotic receptors, another is that it is depression. In neither of these, the most common theories of fibromyalgia do high doses of narcotics have a role in treatment.
I cannot say in your particular case. Most people I see with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia immediately list several other known, documented, obvious, causes of pain such as the lumbar disk or rheumatoid arthritis. If someone has other disorders in which narcotic treatment might be reasonable, they might benefit from narcotics.
Then, if someone has no reason to be on narcotics, is craving them, is dependent on them, these are reasons to be in drug treatment to explore getting off of them. Methadone clinics are getting a lot of people who previously were not considering themselves to have pain or narcotic issues until they couldn't get their usual drug supply. So, a pain clinic, a methadone clinic, even a University pain clinic are some possibilities that MIGHT be of use.
Take care
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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