How much medication is too much?!

• By JaidaMoon
• Posted October 13, 2008 at 4:23 pm

Hi!
Thank you for posting. I have thought about this issue a lot and I have some thoughts...
There seems to be two axis to this issue: either too much (or too many) meds or not enough... I'm in the other boat (not enough), and the way I see it is at least you're having your needs addressed, however much it helps is another story entirely, I think. I agree, yes, sometimes the cure is worse than the disease!
If you're taking a medicine you feel isn't helping you, or isn't having it's intended effect, then by all means tell your doctor. Perhaps its a med you shouldn't take, or that you need a different dose or something similar. In my case, my body disagrees with most everything, and things that would help most I can't take due to bleeding issues. That leaves only a handful of choices of which my doctor chooses the very least possible. My doctor knows all about my issues with breakthrough pain (of which, according to her, I should have none of), yet chooses to ignore them. I'm in the process of trying to find a new dr, but it's so very hard and I hate the stigma of being a chronic pain patient. I think the stigma alone keeps us from proper care.
Have a conversation with your doctor about your meds, and see if anything can be adjusted or changed to help you feel better.
I wish you compassion and happiness!
And I hope you have a great day!!
Sincerely,
Chandra

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• By KateG
• Posted October 15, 2008 at 9:57 am

chandra - you seem to be running into all the wrong doctors especially re: your pain. i'm so grateful to have found someone who truly understands. He was a referral from a physiatrist, could you find a physiatrist in your area and get a referral? No one has to be in pain anymore. or, at least, horrible pain.
I take pain meds, psych meds, and vitamins as a routine every day. i still have breakthrough pain if i do too much and i'm kind of limited in the amount of activity i can handle. i'm kind of ashamed to say that. people don't understand chronic pain and i have decided that i know best and they can take it or leave it. kate.

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• By JaidaMoon
• Posted October 15, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Hi Kate,

I know that I've heard of a physiatrist before, but I can't remember what it is... What is a physiatrist? I will definately look into one. Thank you for your advice, I value your thoughts. I take pain meds and vitamins as well daily. I used to take psych meds too, which did help a lot, but brought out a severe bowel issue as a side effect, and I had to stop them. I'm definately interested in things I can do myself to help myself feel better (vitamins, exercise, meditation, etc). I really understand about the limited activity - it's so hard when you really need to get things done!! Don't be ashamed of it, it's about taking care of yourself. It's so true that you're the only one that knows your body the best. I think I have issues asserting myself and my needs.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Chandra

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• By MindMender
• Posted November 21, 2008 at 3:11 pm

I just took my daughter-in-law to have a sit-down talk with my pain management specialist. I brought a list of questions but the biggest one had to do with stigma and could I lead a normal life on medication. After going through all the alternatives, my DDD is inoperable, she learned that pain management is a growing specialty and that, yes, even her surgeon could be using some of the medications that I take. I, on the other hand, heard some things I didn't like either. The biggest one was, no I should not be taking care of my almost 3 year old granddaughter but not because of my mental functioning but because it would be too physically straining. I can, indeed drive a car but should not do so for a week anytime I change medications or dosages. Yes, I could work part-time and be effective (meaning staying at least two steps ahead of my clients) but how can I get a job if my body is so unpredictable I don't know whether I'll be able to drive or not? I have been on medication for one thing or another since I was 6 months old. I've got it down to a bare minimum but I still think that the pharmacy is going to deliver my drugs in a grocery bag and I'm sure they think I'm a drug addict. I'm trying to find a way to be realistic when the little support I do have around me now is firm in its misconceptions and I need someone non-judgmental and who lives in my shoes to talk to.
JaidaMoon, I had a physiatrist from Columbia Presbyterian when I lived in NY. He did things like measurements, prescribing custom braces and certain kinds of physical and occupational therapy. Thanks for being here. What a relief to know there are others who have thoughts like mine! I'm too young to feel this old!

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