Hey ADS, Propoxyphene is darvecet and is an opiate , it's very mild, about 1/100 the strength of methdone but is in the same family as Darvecet. It does have the potential for abuse just like any drug. People get high on cold medecine. Aside from tylenol there are NSAIDS, but most docs don't want you taking them this close to a fusion, they can prevent bone growth,. I wasn't allowed any for a year when they atempted to fuse me for the tthird time. That failed too, but there are some NSAIDS that have pain relieveing abaility. Toradol isn't a bad drug if your only talking a couple times aca month, but aside from medication and injections how they used to manage pain was all psych, Self hynosis, guided imagry, bio feedback, relaxation techniques, Yoga etc etc. Even light excercise is better than sitting around hurting and it releases endorphins. Some people benefit from acupuncture, massage, anything that takes your mind off the pain is a good thing.

Just like recovery from adiction, you need to find something to occupy your mind and time rather than sitting around thinking how much you hurt at the end of the day. Going med free is a complete lifestyle change and I do hope this surgery was a success and you find a way to deal with the remaining pain. I doubt any doc is going to gaurentee being pain free after back surgery, but the same techniques are available that were available prior to the invention of oxycontin in 96 when opiates became a somewhat exceptable way to manage back pain. I say somewhat because it's certainly not something that's agreed upon amongst the entire medical community.

The rest may be up to you, their may not be a pill or another injection. Aside from pain medecine, excercise is the only thing that keeps me sane, at least I feel I'm actively doing something to get better, whether I am or not, I still benefit from the other aspects of excercise. It's distracting and if I do things right it tightens my core and relieves some of the pain while releasing endorphins.

Good luck, Dave

addictionsuxs,

There are alternatives to narcotics, as Shoreline has explained. In addition to his offerings, there are some medications that have provided great relief for many with back and spine pain. Cymbalta is one of the best. It is indicated for pain and can work very well. It is somewhat similar to the newer antidepressants, but is for pain. Lyrica is another in the same family. Do your best to avoid propoxyphene, as it is a narcotic and will most likely cause cravings. Also avoid Tramadol (Ultram) for the same reasons.

Your doc should be familiar with these meds. If not, try to get a referral to a pain management specialist and ask about these meds. Be sure they know about your history.

Best of Luck,

steve