As most of you know I've been living with chronic pain for many years now and it got so much worse after a car accident. I have finally found a doctor who takes the time to talk and more important listen to me! Thoracic Radiculopathy is what I have! I've always believed knowing what's wrong is 1/2 the battle, in any case.
Although there is no cure, and will probably never get better, I feel more at ease, just putting a name to what I've been going through.
Pain meds don't work for this and they really don't work for me. Never been a pill head (thank you HP) and have a healthy fear of it. Too many doctors want to write a script with 'try this' behind it. This doctor took the time to listen when I said "I'm a recovering alcoholic". He wanted to know how much and how long I drank. He's well versed in alcoholism and addiction. He explained that my brain receptors were basically 'fried' and therefore any form of opiate was not the answer. His approach, 'fool' my brain! He wants me to try Prozac - and I gotta say "WOW" that really frightened me. But I listened to him and I trust him, so I filled the script and am sitting here looking at my first dose. I'm terrified. Will it work? Will it not work? Will it make me not feel 'normal' ? Can I tolerate it? (not been able to tolerate most meds over the last few years). Will I feel "high" from it? Will it cause me to feel worse, mentall? As I tried effexor once and wanted to slit my wrists with a dull butter knife! Will I have to be on "crazy meds" the rest of my life if it does help? Yada, yada, yada......... (my mind trying to get my ass this morning!)
Just scared, you understand. I have no way of knowing if this is answer until I try it, right?!
I guess what I"m asking is anyone use Prozac? and can you give me some ES&H?
AND want you all to know, whatever you're problem, keep looking for an answer. It took me well over 3 yrs to find this guy and I'm so glad I never gave up.
(((hugs))), peace and lots o' love!
Jen
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Hi Doll, so glad they have finally found out whats wrong with you. I too have a pain disorder that is incurable but I think knowing what it is makes the world of difference. For me it also stopped me worrying constantly that it was something else, maybe something life threatening.
I was put on prozac many years ago and stayed on it until the middle of this year when I was changed onto another anti depressant which also works as a muscle relaxant. For the first few days of being on the prozac I felt a bit sleepy and a bit nauseous but after those few days I felt great. Like yourself, meds have weird effects on me also but with the prozac I felt great. I think its trial and error with this drug as some people thrive on it and others it just doesnt agree with.
My personal opinion is give it a go and if it helps then all well and good and if it doesnt then you havent lost anything.
KLT wrote:I too have a pain disorder that is incurable but I think knowing what it is makes the world of difference. For me it also stopped me worrying constantly that it was something else, maybe something life threatening.
You hit the nail on the head. With the pain I experience in my chest wall, I was convinced it was heart related. Went to a cardioligist, stress test, etc. Nothing! But it still didn't make me feel any better. I spent hours wondering if they'd missed something. Then of course, since I was a 20 yr smoker, I wondered if it was lung cancer. Also had thoughts of breast cancer!!!! Man! A diagnosis is awesome. Especially for an alcoholic like me. My thoughts could have me planning my own funeral.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll give the med a try!
Dean --- Thank you. ((((hugs))) back!
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
I'm very aware of that one, BG. I think I have researched about everything I can think of over the last 8 months.
Tried effexor once, hated it! Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, wanted to kill myself (literally). So, I believe what I have for the Prozac is a healthy fear! BUT, I finally made myself swallow it about an hour ago! Feel OK, so far. We'll see.
Thanks, again, all.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Hi Doll What great news and what great comments! I didnt realize prozac could be used for that!@ But also have leaned that people use xanax for nausea too??!!! So, cool that you are feeling good about this. I imagine the first few days may be rough adjusting but with anything...dont give up until the miracle happens!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Weeelllll, nothing 'bad' has happened. A tiny bit of nauseau, had about 2- 3 hours of feeling like "Tigger" (they bounce ya know! ) but all in all feel pretty normal.
Day 2 and all is well. My pain has subsided, not sure if that is b/c of the med or b/c I had injections on Thursday or both! Time will tell.
Ahhh, yes, lani, many meds initially for one use has proven to help other things. Doc says my brain receptors are so fried, let's see can if we 'trick it' .
Still not sure how I feel about being on Prozac (trying to be open minded) but at this point I'll do almost anything for any amount of relief. Chronic pain is a killer! It's stressful, it's mind numbing, it just interferes with life in general. I lost 7 pounds in a week b/c of it. Losing the weight was great, but not how it happened.
Thanks, again, all!
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Im glad to hear things are going well. Your prozac may be two fold also in keeping your spirits up! That would be a blessing! Dont worry, you'll probably gain back the 7 pounds you lost over the holidays!!! lol
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
