I’ve been in chronic pain for over 20 years and not one person will help. I’ve been to PCP’s and pain management with no help. I struggle most days getting up and just cooking dinner and caring for my disabled mom and child. What would you do?
The last chapter of my first book says, "Don't let the flokkers win" and in response to your question my friend, my honest word to you is don't give up.
I would begin with trying to find out if you respond to Kratom just so you feel a little less trapped. Starting dose (not medical advice - this is what I did) is 2.5 grams of Kratom powder in pre-measured capsules, going up by 1 per dose, no more than three times per day, and if you make it to 10 capsules with zero benefit or unacceptable side effects, you are a non-responder.
Now whether or not you are a responder. I would approach my pcp about a very low dose opioid plan. If you are a responder, admit your use, and state that you intentionally want to augment with Kratom. In the case of my perfectly fictional hypothetical situation, I would ask if they could help me by prescribing low dose Norco twice per day. The key thing is that you are trying to get on the DDQ database. As much as we hate pharmacy monitoring, it has one very valuable function: It documents chronic opioid prescribing very well.
So, if you can get started on SOMETHING, it is a great stepping stone to tomorrow. Crystal (the wonderful person who sent the question), I KNOW you are in a dry season, and I am sorry for this, but right now, you need to find a "baby step" provider who will at LEAST acknowledge your pain. Then, once you have found this prescriber, be quiet and don't ask for an increase for 90 days even though we both know this low amount will not be helpful. Instead, keep a functionality journal and in it specifically state what the medicine HELPS YOU DO, don't just make it 200 pages of "my life sucks".
You need to give the provider who is trying to help you a glimmer of hope that they are making a difference, but you just need more to achieve the goal of "inserting LIFE into the MIDDLE of PAIN." This functional journal, so long as it displays gratitude AND need, will be a great conversation starter when you begin to negotiate the "more". (and remember this doesn't happen until 90 days have passed.
Praying this helps. I love you, no buts, #drmike
