#pain medication tw

[chronicsymptomsyndrome]

Can we please for the love of god stop telling teenagers they’re too young to have aches and pains. Can we please stop being dismissive about these things. Fakeclaiming is disgusting period, but it is exponentially harmful to youth. Just because you didn’t start hurting until your 20s or 30s or 40s doesn’t mean every teenager complaining of chronic pain must be lying. I learned the hard way that if kids are invalidated enough about this, they will just learn to accept constant pain as a fact of life. And then they will need surgery they can’t afford in ten years bc it turns out constant pain is NOT a fact of life. At any age.

p.s. same goes for mental health

[violent138]

Thinking of Bruce downing like a sizable amount of pain meds due to tolerance and abnormal levels of pain so he can still function and because he's normally so quiet and now he's buzzed quiet there's no outwardly apparent difference unless you're Alfred or one of his kids or Clark. And while Bruce's favourite thing to do in this state is attend WE board meetings, he occasionally has to head to the Watchtower.

Emergencies sober him up fast, but the second a need for coherency ends he lapses back to mellow. Nobody notices that he's been nodding continuously because Clark keeps subtly coughing or lightly kicking his chair.

Works perfectly until Clark kicks it out and Bruce goes down like a stringless puppet.

[fallenstarcat]

“well it’s good your tests came back normal!”

no. it’s not.

a normal test result doesn’t mean i don’t have symptoms anymore. it just means we’re no closer to an explanation.

i’m still struggling. my symptoms are still getting worse. we just don’t know why, also meaning they don’t take me seriously.

a normal test result is not a a happy thing when disabled.

[pixlokita]

I was crying from pain at the emergency room and the nurses were bitching about me not dying so they couldn’t help right away even if I kept passing out and had been there for a long time, this sweet old Russian lady who was also admitted since earlier stood up and walked next to me and kept comforting me and asking how I was holding up, she kept checking in on me and being so sweet and going around asking if everyone was doing ok or just distracting family members of patients with nice conversations. She called out the doctors and nurses for not caring, she sat next to me and kept making sure I was ok and then gave me her phone number when she got discharged so I’d follow up with her. Honestly my day coulda been hell today but this one lady made it so bearable it’s not going to be remembered as a bad horrible traumatizing time, I got to meet an actual angel and I’m so happy about it.

[youngchronicpain]

It is okay to need pain medication to function with your chronic pain. It is okay. I promise. I know everywhere you turn pain medication is demonized. I know that it is scary to talk about. It is okay to be grateful that you have access to pain medication. Pain meds have greatly improved my quality of life and I wouldn't be able to live my life outside of my bed without them. And that's okay!!!

[discordant-daydreams]

Having a lot of feelings about being disabled and hearing over and over that while you feel like you’re dying your labs don’t show that you’re dying so great news!!! You’re as healthy as can be!!!

[hellyeahsickaf]

The way addicts and chronically ill people are dehumanized is so exhausting

The normalization of this shit in medical and casual settings is genuinely mind boggling. Addicts and disabled people go through so much bullshit. I've dealt with many fucked up doctors when I just needed help

I had a kidney infection, some months back. This is always extremely medically urgent, and I was likely only hours from sepsis. I went to the hospital reporting my pain to be a 9/10. 9 because my 10 was gallstones. I experienced severe malpractice at the hospital and the doctor reported exams that never occured and false information while making me wait with nothing more than tylenol to hold me over (didn't touch the pain) and bring my fever down but that's a whole other story

They did however, deny me the pain medication I needed until it was time to go home. I'm deathly allergic to NSAIDS, but that's something an addict might say so they witheld pain relief because they'd rather me suffer just in case I'm a different kind of sick. An entire night, maybe 6 hours in the ER and they couldn't give me anything, not a small dose of morphine or one norco even a few hours prior to take the edge off of the pain while I was curled up shaking and crying. Just in case I was an addict looking for my fix, and my suffering was just withdrawals and good acting. In that case maybe I deserved it and should be denied my humanity. God forbid in that case I'm so desperate to alleviate unbearable withdrawals that I spend all night in the ER crying. Not the first time I've experienced red tape just to get relief from excruciating pain

But whatever. As per protocol I was asked to follow up with my pcp. So a few days later I called to set an appointment, but I'd also run out of norco and desperate to relieve the pain I asked if I could be filled even enough for a few days, until the pain was bearable. I had difficulty walking, laying down, and I again, can't take most pain relievers. The receptionist was nice and understanding, actually got me in touch with the doctor because she wanted me to be able to get my refill. Probably heard the pain in my voice even. She believed me

She transfers me over to the doctor and I tell him I'd like a follow up and ask if he could fill my painkillers. I would've acceped a no from him, I just needed my follow up. He asked about my condition, I told him my diagnosis and how much pain I was in

And he laughed.

Got a real hoot out of it, like he had me all figured out. Like he caught me trying to cheat the system. I must be trying to get high or make some money with a few days worth of norco as i'm nearly in tears from the pain even while calling

He tells me through his laughter "I don't prescribe painkillers for 'kidney infections'" saying it with a mocking emphasis on those words, as if I'd said "stubbed toe". Follows with "Yeah haha, bye." and hangs up on me. No follow up like I called for. Needless to say I no longer have a pcp but truly if he thought I was an addict trying to take advantage of him he should have still treated me professionally. Maybe not cackled when I said my pain was excruciating for a start

I just don't understand why the hell so many doctors can be so apathetic to people's suffering. Addicts deserve better and so do disabled people- whether you think they're addicts or not. The assumption that we're lying, trying to trick them and are feigning pain to do it is disgusting, listening to your patients is so important. And if that were the case they could have some sympathy and ask themselves what it would take for someone to go those lengths, take such drastic measures and go through that trouble to obtain those substances.

Addiction is not a moral failing. Many disabled and chronically ill people unfortunately rely on medications that have addictive properties. About 80% of heroin addicts first misused prescription drugs. However only about 4-6% of those addicted to prescription drugs switch to things like heroin. And instead of help or compassion for people who just need help (addicts or not), they just figure we're one in the same and treat us like subhuman degenerates, leeches on society. And I think people need to change how they view addiction. Doctors need to change how they view addiction

[bowditch]

I've been working on a document to help other neurodivergent people and those with chronic pain issues communicate more effectively about pain levels, since the traditional 1-10 pain scale is often confusing or misunderstood. This is draft one. Feel free to offer suggestions or share/use as-is.

Chronic Pain and Functionality Scale

Document Instructions:

For urgent care or ER visits, use the following pain scale to rate your pain.

For specialty, primary, or evaluation visits, use the following pain scale to determine what the majority of your days are like. Use the functionality scale to explain to your doctor what daily life is like for you.

PAIN SCALE

1 - I am not in any pain or discomfort and can function at my ideal.

2 - I am in mild discomfort at the level of a minor sunburn or bruise. I notice if I press on it but can forget it most of the time and it doesn't keep me from any usual activities.

3 - I am in mild discomfort or pain at the level of a healing paper cut or scrape. It is occasionally in my awareness but I can continue with daily tasks without adjustment.

4 - I am in slightly more discomfort or pain at the level of a fresh paper cut or scrape. It is in my awareness but I can continue in daily tasks or hobbies with only minor annoyance.

5 – I am in middling discomfort or pain at the level of an ordinary headache or stomachache. I may want to take pain medication before a problem worsens. A short break would be nice but I can work without one. If the problem worsens, I am already aware I may change recreational or social plans.

6 – I am in middling discomfort or pain at the level of a minor viral or sinus infection. I am using OTC medication. I need a short rest or break very soon or am already taking one, but will be able to manage essential self-care tasks like getting food and light cleaning. I may call off work and have very limited energy for hobbies or social activities.

7 – I am in increasing discomfort or pain that is interrupting my daily life. I am aware of my pain all or most of the time, especially if I move or attempt activity. OTC medication is helping but doesn't feel like it is doing enough. If this persists, I will probably seek non-urgent medical care or aid. I have to rest for longer periods, cannot work right now, and do not have energy for hobbies or social plans. Essential self-care tasks like preparing food or consistent hydration are becoming difficult. I wish I had help with basic care because it takes so much effort.

8 – I am in significant pain. I am aware of my pain all the time and avoid basic self-care tasks because they increase my pain or fatigue. OTC medication even at higher doses approved by a doctor is not helping my pain. I cannot work, engage in hobbies, or reliably care for myself. Eating is difficult even if food is made for me. I can only manage short conversations that feel crucial to care and have no energy for other social activity. I am considering seeking urgent medical care, especially if this pain is a new or unusual location for me.

9 – I am in serious pain. I cannot perform basic self-care. My pain is mentally and physically consuming. OTC medication is useless. If this pain is new or unusual, I require urgent medical care. I cannot eat and drinking is difficult or impossible. If this pain is routine for me I may not seek new help but I cannot do anything until the pain stops. I wish I had an effective treatment for this pain because it disrupts my entire life when it occurs. I will need additional time away from work and hobbies after the pain ends to recover.

10 – I am in extreme pain. If this pain is new or unusual, I need urgent medical care, but may not be able to communicate about it. I cannot eat or drink. My movement is restricted. I can do nothing to care for myself. I feel like I am dying. If the pain is routine for me, I will have to wait for the pain to end, but I will feel like I am in danger of death or permanent injury while it is occurring. I need intervention to prevent this pain from remaining routine or I fear I will reach a point where self-harm seems like the only rational response.

***

FUNCTIONALITY SCALE

In an average week, determine which category the majority of your days fall into. This is your functionality category.

1-3 on pain scale: I am a healthy adult with only minor inconveniences associated with ordinary life. My physical health is such that I can work, pursue hobbies, and maintain relationships without thinking about limitations of my physical body other than the usual needs like sleep and food.

4-5 on pain scale: I am less healthy than I would like to be. I think I take OTC medication more than my peers, but I am confident in my ability to maintain a regular work schedule. I have to cancel or change social/recreational plans because of health on a semi-regular basis, but can still engage in those things most of the time. My health is a source of annoyance but I do not feel like I am in crisis. I worry what will happen if my health worsens in any way.

6-7 on pain scale: I am unhealthy. I worry about my job because I cannot always do my work. I have reduced social commitments and there are hobbies I can no longer spend time doing. Short time with hobbies or friends requires recovery periods. I have lost friends or recreation I enjoy because of my health. I spend a lot of time resting or wishing I could rest. Self-care is frequently difficult. I cannot reliably do minor household tasks or prepare food for myself without a lot of effort. Treatment options and accessible food may be a financial drain. I need stronger medication and more effective treatment; what I am doing or have tried is not enough.

8-9 on pain scale: I am seriously unwell. I urgently need more effective medical intervention. I cannot work or I have lost a job due to my health. I rely on a caregiver or paid services to eat and maintain a sanitary environment. Alternatively, I do not have access to those aids and often do not eat and my environment is becoming hazardous. I have few or no relationships. I cannot pursue or invest in any hobbies or activities. Because I am physically breathing and can manage some speech, I feel doctors do not take my level of pain seriously when I seek aid. I am in crisis.

10 on pain scale: I am surviving but have no functionality that could be considered a life. I am entirely dependent upon a caregiver. I cannot maintain a relationship with my caregiver because of my inability to communicate about anything other than my health. Even when food is prepared for me and tasks are performed for/with me, I frequently cannot eat or bathe. I often wish I was dead or could die. If my health does not improve soon, I may become a risk to myself.

[buried-in-autumn-leaves]

Not to be chronically ill on main but if I get one more doctor tell me the tests came back normal again as if its GOOD news Im gonna make it everyones problem.

[atariaaren]

i was planning on drawing more panels, but i began to lose steam by the time i finished the 11th one ^^;;

[strawberrycat18]

When other people say they’re dizzy, they mean ‘phew! My equilibrium is a bit off! In a just a few moments I’ll be fine!’

When I say I’m dizzy, I mean something very different.

I mean that I can see black spots in my vision, and I can’t tell if this is going to be the time I pass out.

It means that the world is swimming underneath my feet, stretching and distorting like an obstacle course even when it’s just a straight, flat path.

It means there’s so much pressure in my head and not nearly enough.

It means that I can feel my heart speed up and beat harder, trying to adjust to the new gravity, just because I’ve shifted slightly.

It means I can feel the nausea rising in my stomach and the bile come up my throat.

It means that walking is a challenge. Getting a snack is a challenge, going to the bathroom is a challenge. Sitting up is a challenge.

So, when I say I’m dizzy, I’m trying to dumb it down so that you can understand a fraction of what I’m feeling. Not that I’m not feeling it. On good days, it’s a hindrance. On bad days it stops me doing anything. Stop telling me that ‘just being dizzy��� doesn’t make me ‘that disabled’. You barely know the half of it.

[scruffedknife]

smthng from a long while back when i realized how much i related 2 tissues-- ive been thinking abt it a lot again cause of how bad i've been feeling physically and i thought why not share. (+some other random doodle

[decora-kai]

Yk i wish medical professionals could actually act fucking professional and understand that being in constant pain is not something that 'everyone has' or 'just growing pains'. I want them to recognise that I'm not just a whining kid who wants attention, or an unhealthy kid who just needs to exercise. It fucking pisses me off. I'm also pissed because I feel like my level of pain doesn't warrant any help compared to others. I know some people with chronic pain are bed bound 24/7 and because of fucking medical gaslighting I feel like I'm not worthy of a diagnosis because I'm not also stuck to bed forever. Like Im with my chronically ill friends who have to deal with such bad pain that they probably will never be able to leave their house and I feel for them, but just because I'm not 'as bad' as them doesn't mean I'm just a pussy bitch.

[shitolodise]

[rhiandoesfandom]

Having a disability is SO FUN guys. Did you know that everyone around you (except my loving husband) will constantly tell you to go back to work and just "push through the pain", even though you literally can't stand for more than five minutes or focus or have to take a nap every four hours?

Did you know that every time you use a mobility aid, they'll ask if you REALLY need it? (which is why I've been using it since June but not around my mom til now :) )

Did you know that just to get paid from the disability that YOU PAY FOR while you were working, you'll have to fill out like 12 different papers and have your doctor fill out the same papers like five times to "prove" that you're disabled, and if you happened to be seeing them for anything related to your current condition, they could deny you anyway? Isn't that just awesome?

Doesn't all of this sound SO ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND FUN????!

[sillysecretwriting]

Sometimes I love just how nonchalant doctors informing you that you have been diagnosed with a life-altering chronic illness are. Like when I got diagnosed for POTS, the doctor asked for my symptoms and had my tilt table test results already which I had had to wait a month for. And this dude (doctor) is just like, "So you have POTS, here are some things to do". He did not tell me what that meant in terms of my life, whether it was permanent or not, or which symptoms aligned with that (I have more than one chronic illness, so that would have been very helpful in seeking other treatment), or tell me if he was going to follow-up. And so I asked, "Will it ever go away?" and he was like "Well, sometimes people feel better in their forties". Like great, I have at least two decades and probably the rest of my life being incredibly disabled with this illness that I was pretty sure I had, but you are confirming it for the first time, and you don't seem to care enough to actually explain what that might look like. That was a day I finally had to confront what the rest of my life would look like for me, but it was just another day in his life and he certainly acted like that.

The healthcare system is weird.