29th January 2005
Hi Sara,
When Vioxx went off the market recently and I didn't want to just go with Celebrex or Bextra (both under scrutinany anyway right now), I went to visit a Rheumatologist (a new doctor for me). He suggested something called Voltaren for my osteoarthritis and disc disease. I've had disc problems for years, and I'm finding good relief from it, even better than I had from Vioxx. It is an older type drug, not addicting or mood altering and might just be helpful and appropriate for your pain as well. I know you are frightened of taking anything, but you must get try and better pain relief- I'm afraid for you if you don't. Pain can wear you down in the long run. There are medications that ARE safe for us, we just have to be vigilant about researching them first. Something I failed to do enough of when I was prescribed the Ultram. :( Maybe you can ask your back doc his opinion on it as well as check it out with your new addictionologist. Generic name for Voltaren is Diclofenac Sodium. Here's a link I just found for the basics: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689002.html
Keep the faith Sweet Sara, that your actions of going to meetings, asking for help and speaking with your sponsor will carry you as you go through this difficult time. My most difficult times in sobriety (during my near death experience from a hospital staph infection, to my dx with cancer one week after my mom died last year all brought me closer to having a greater relationship and connection with My Higher Power/ God of my understanding. Pain is often our greatest stepping stone to our greatest growth.
Sending love,
El
When Vioxx went off the market recently and I didn't want to just go with Celebrex or Bextra (both under scrutinany anyway right now), I went to visit a Rheumatologist (a new doctor for me). He suggested something called Voltaren for my osteoarthritis and disc disease. I've had disc problems for years, and I'm finding good relief from it, even better than I had from Vioxx. It is an older type drug, not addicting or mood altering and might just be helpful and appropriate for your pain as well. I know you are frightened of taking anything, but you must get try and better pain relief- I'm afraid for you if you don't. Pain can wear you down in the long run. There are medications that ARE safe for us, we just have to be vigilant about researching them first. Something I failed to do enough of when I was prescribed the Ultram. :( Maybe you can ask your back doc his opinion on it as well as check it out with your new addictionologist. Generic name for Voltaren is Diclofenac Sodium. Here's a link I just found for the basics: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689002.html
Keep the faith Sweet Sara, that your actions of going to meetings, asking for help and speaking with your sponsor will carry you as you go through this difficult time. My most difficult times in sobriety (during my near death experience from a hospital staph infection, to my dx with cancer one week after my mom died last year all brought me closer to having a greater relationship and connection with My Higher Power/ God of my understanding. Pain is often our greatest stepping stone to our greatest growth.
Sending love,
El