pain

Lisa finished her narcotic pain relievers nearly two weeks ago. She doesn't have an appointment with a new GP until May 21, and even then she'll need a referral to a pain management clinic - and who can say how long that will take?

In the meantime she is taking massive quantities of both ibuprofen (prescribed by her last doctor) and acetaminophen (OTC), which provide some - but not enough - relief. Plus she takes Lyrica for nerve pain in her leg. The amount of acetaminophen she is taking will eventually cause liver or kidney disease.

At first, the main problem with going off of the narcotics was diarrhea. That has passed, but the pain is becoming more and more of a problem. She is more clear-headed, to be sure, but that is a tough trade-off when clearheadedness comes with agonizing pain (which makes it difficult to think clearly as well).

She has taken to having a couple of beers over at the neighbors' house most evenings to help ease the pain. This isn't a problem for me; Lord knows I don't want to drink and do not want alcohol in my house. I don't hang around with them when they are drinking, either. But alcohol is a very poor pain reliever. It might take your mind off of the pain for a short time but it doesn't last for very long at all. She doesn't come home drunk, just somewhat buzzed. Far from ideal, but what can I do?

Narcotics are easily available on the street, even here in the mountains, but she doesn't want to go that route and even if she did we couldn't afford it. She would prefer not to take them ever again.

Still, the problem remains: she sleeps fitfully (as do I, but for different reasons) and the pain is both constant and severe.