The Current and Ongoing Opioid Debate

By Anne

I would like to comment on the current and ongoing opioid debate, from my perspective.

After many years of trying to cope with chronic pain I was referred to a pain clinic. A pain specialist put me on three opioid medications, a patch and two other medications. While I never abused the medications prescribed I did become dependent on them.

I found that I could barely function while on these medications and I often complained about this.

I was enrolled in a University course and could not focus. Also, the pain was only slightly eased for part of the day. What hurt the most was that other GP’s blamed me for the medications I was on and some refused to see me. I was also on other medications for mental health reasons.

The stigma was demoralising; I had not put myself on the opioids.

Due to the overwhelming side effects and the constant criticism, I decided to take myself off all three of the prescribed opioids. I tried in vain to find some rehabilitation clinic to assist in the detoxification process, but as I was on other medications they would not take me.

I was so determined to get off these medications that I started the withdrawal process on my own.

I went through some really grueling withdrawals as I gradually detoxified myself. I returned to the pain clinic some months later when I was off all three medications. The specialist told me I “had made a big mistake,” and I was put back on to OxyContin. When that didn’t work they changed it to another opioid. This time the medications were causing actual physical pain.

Alongside my chronic back pain I started having serious, debilitating neck pain - I knew it was from the medication. Once again I had made the decision to go through the withdrawals, in an effort to find relief from some of the pain. Whilst I still have neck pain it was not as savage as when I was on the opioids, and this is why I knew it was from the medication they had prescribed.

Upon informing my GP I was no longer taking opioids, I had asked what she was able to offer in their place – “Nothing,” she had said. I asked her to prescribe Panadeine Forte, having informed her that I would only take one every four to six hours, with Panadol and Nurofen Zavance. While it does not provide adequate relief I am more alert, and the neck pain is less.

I am not saying that opioids do not have their place within pain management, but rather everyone is an individual and will have different experiences.

I have had chronic nerve pain that has been successfully treated with a low dose of Amitriptyline. I also think there needs to be a lot more education for GP’s, so they are able to better understand their patient’s pain and ensure less stigma-based suffering within the healthcare system.

Better communication between pain specialists and GP’s would also benefit patients.

This post has been shared with consent. The views reflected in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of APMA. This space has been provided to give our community a voice.

APMA does not offer medical advice through the blog entries. Please speak to your healthcare professional for any information surrounding a condition and/or medication.