Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 6/15/2009

Question
I have had 6 knee surgeries and now have a titanium back.
It is very likely I will need a knee replacement in a year or so.
I am stuck on Oxy, fighting a seemingly impossible battle.
It took me two years to recover from the back and I have been hooked up on opiates  for about 7 years.
The fact that the last 6 months has went well and I finally have a job that works with my pain. Losing my job and sleeping on the streets hardly seems like an alternative to getting off the drugs i hate so much. they own you. Your doctors own you.
I cannot get out of bed without them.
This catch 22 problem that most people hooked has to have a resolution. We are in the 21st century. We cant kill pain with anything else? I have to loose a job i worked 2 years to get to detox, only to have a total knee replacement next year or sooner. What do you do.
I am only 44. HELP


Answer
Well Jeff,
 It is an unfortunate situation you have found yourself in.  I suppose the doctors have tried non-narcotic pain relievers?  I had to have both hips replaced and 2 knee surgeries but I simply refuse to take an opiate, I hate them so very much.  I am heading for my first spinal surgery in a couple months and will address my pain the same way.  Try sitting and talking with your doctor and explain your hate for these opiates and what they are doing to your life.  Sometimes pain can be debilitating but you can control a lot with your mind and attitude.  I am not trying to diminish your problems but only trying to give you an alternative.  
 Your doctor certainly has other options for you and I can tell you the knee replacement isn't that bad with ice and non-narcotic prescription pain killers.  I do feel bad that you have been set down this path and agree it is a catch 22 if you let it be.  I wish I could offer more advice than this, sorry.  But this info is what I do everyday, I refuse them, not because of the addictive qualities but I just don't like the way they make me feel.