Chronic pain and methadone

[I Heart WDW]

I lived with chronic pain for years and thanks to pain "specialists", I found myself dependent on opiates. Almost 2 years ago I started a Methadone treatment plan because it got me away from the constant use of pills but also provides pain relief without the "high" you get from the opiates. I dose daily at a treatment center and in order for us to do our WDW vacation I would need to guest dose at a center close to WDW . I do have disabilities with mobility and will be using an scooter in the parks but wondered if anyone here has ever dealt with the guest dosing while at Disney? I don't need lectures on drug addiction or people trying to make me feel awful about how I got to where I was. I beat myself up enough for all of us. Just need some advice or direction, suggestions or other places to contact about how to get this going. Anyone that can offer some positive insight, please do.

 

[gap2368]

I do not have anything to say I am sorry you were are still in so much pain that this happens to you I have a good friend that is also in pain everyday of her life and I just wanted to say I hope you have a great trip and as pain free as it can be. I hope the new treatment is helping with your pain

 

[Hoodie]

Can you check with your current clinic and see if they have recommendations in Orlando? I suspect a quick google search could provide a list in the area as well. How will you be getting to the clinic daily?

it might take some extra planning, but I still think you could have a great time.

 

[I Heart WDW]

Can you check with your current clinic and see if they have recommendations in Orlando? I suspect a quick google search could provide a list in the area as well. How will you be getting to the clinic daily?



it might take some extra planning, but I still think you could have a great time.

Thank you. I've sent a plan to my counselor and am editing to hear back from him. We will be renting a car while there unless I find that a daily cab ride would work. I've just never dealt with dosing outside of my own clinic before and I'm a "gotta have my ducks in a row" kind of person lol. I'm getting out and walking and exercising to try and build up stamina. My trip isn't until the fall, I'm just over eager. I appreciate the feedback from you both.

 

[brertoad]

I'm sorry that you are having to deal with chronic pain. My mother was a hopeless case, she has suffered for many years without any diagnosis, chronic pain and just pain management no other help for her. They tried so many different medications and nothing really helped. I found out about Elavil by reading and researching about pain and pain management, no one had ever suggested it to her. I asked her doctor about it. For whatever reason, the Elavil works with her body chemistry when all the other things she has tried didn't help. It has completely changed her life, she is now managing on less than half the pain meds as before. She can sleep better, and eat, and generally be pain free. Just thought I'd put it out there in case it may help someone else.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you. I've sent a plan to my counselor and am editing to hear back from him. We will be renting a car while there unless I find that a daily cab ride would work. I've just never dealt with dosing outside of my own clinic before and I'm a "gotta have my ducks in a row" kind of person lol. I'm getting out and walking and exercising to try and build up stamina. My trip isn't until the fall, I'm just over eager. I appreciate the feedback from you both.

Applause to you for going outside of your comfort level to make a trip to WDW. I’m sure things will work out fine.

Even though it is a first time for you, I’m pretty sure it’s a pretty common occurrence at WDW. Even if your own counselor has not dealt with setting up guest dosing before, I’m sure the company will have policies and procedures on how to do it.
If your company is part of a nationwide group, they probably have a list of their facilities in the WDW area. Even if not, you can do an internet search to find the nearest one to your hotel.
I found what looks like a really helpful resource, even if it’s not the same clinic company as yours.
https://www.tcaclinics.com/guest-dosing-information/

 

[I Heart WDW]

I'm sorry that you are having to deal with chronic pain. My mother was a hopeless case, she has suffered for many years without any diagnosis, chronic pain and just pain management no other help for her. They tried so many different medications and nothing really helped. I found out about Elavil by reading and researching about pain and pain management, no one had ever suggested it to her. I asked her doctor about it. For whatever reason, the Elavil works with her body chemistry when all the other things she has tried didn't help. It has completely changed her life, she is now managing on less than half the pain meds as before. She can sleep better, and eat, and generally be pain free. Just thought I'd put it out there in case it may help someone else.

I will definitely being this up with my doctor. Thank you.

 

[I Heart WDW]

Applause to you for going outside of your comfort level to make a trip to WDW. I’m sure things will work out fine.

Even though it is a first time for you, I’m pretty sure it’s a pretty common occurrence at WDW. Even if your own counselor has not dealt with setting up guest dosing before, I’m sure the company will have policies and procedures on how to do it.
If your company is part of a nationwide group, they probably have a list of their facilities in the WDW area. Even if not, you can do an internet search to find the nearest one to your hotel.
I found what looks like a really helpful resource, even if it’s not the same clinic company as yours.
https://www.tcaclinics.com/guest-dosing-information/

Sue, wow, thank you so much. This at least gives me a starting point so I can start tree search. The months fly by for me so the trip wool be here before I know it and I need to be prepared. Tank you again.

 

[gigicnm]

Methadone is available as a prescription at a regular pharmacy (and is very inexpensive). Can your clinic write enough pills to cover your vacation? Perhaps modifying your drug contract to allow for personal accountability?

Listen to your body while you are at WDW. It's easy to get caught up in the desire to do one more thing, but it's important to not overdo it.

Have a great trip!

 

[I Heart WDW]

Methadone is available as a prescription at a regular pharmacy (and is very inexpensive). Can your clinic write enough pills to cover your vacation? Perhaps modifying your drug contract to allow for personal accountability?

Listen to your body while you are at WDW. It's easy to get caught up in the desire to do one more thing, but it's important to not overdo it.

Have a great trip!

I take the liquid and for whatever reason, the pills never occurred to me. Will definitely check into this s well. Thank you.

 

[PatMcDuck]

My daughter used the methadone pills short term, after her knee replacement surgery. (To avoid using the usual narcotics). They are somewhat more difficult to get the dosage just right, we were told, so she was in hospital a couple days extra. It worked effectively (and she actually recovered better than her prior TKR on narcotics). She was only age 19 and 20, but doctors had her on narcotics for 3 years-- yes as a teen- (and was dependent and of course they were not really effective by that point.)

We were VERY fortunate she had a surgical option that got her off the pain med merry-go-round for good. We were worried about TKR on someone so young, but she had no life, between the pain in her knees and the opiate dependence. (long story, it was AVN, dead bone tissue from chemo and steroids, rare terrible side effect)

 

[I Heart WDW]

My daughter used the methadone pills short term, after her knee replacement surgery. (To avoid using the usual narcotics). They are somewhat more difficult to get the dosage just right, we were told, so she was in hospital a couple days extra. It worked effectively (and she actually recovered better than her prior TKR on narcotics). She was only age 19 and 20, but doctors had her on narcotics for 3 years-- yes as a teen- (and was dependent and of course they were not really effective by that point.)

We were VERY fortunate she had a surgical option that got her off the pain med merry-go-round for good. We were worried about TKR on someone so young, but she had no life, between the pain in her knees and the opiate dependence. (long story, it was AVN, dead bone tissue from chemo and steroids, rare terrible side effect)

So glad she did well with the tkr. Opiates are the devil in a little brown bottle. Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[mamabunny]

@I Heart WDW - just here to add support.

I too suffer from chronic pain, and the struggle over the last 10 years to get doctors to understand that I not only don't want any opiates, but I won't take them if prescribed has been stupidly difficult. I too was sent to a "pain management" clinic that ultimately did more harm than good; luckily I have reversed most of the damage through hard work and a whole lot of perseverance, but I am stunned at how the word "pain" easily triggers a flow of opioid pain relief prescriptions with most doctors. It's so wrong.

My only relief came from aqua therapy - I work in a pool, heated to 97 degrees, up to my neck, several times a week for an hour at a time. I have (reluctantly) had to accept that I will probably be in that pool for the rest of my life - but that's OK as long as I can keep as much mobility and function as I have right now. My physical therapist says I should list my occupation now as "full time mermaid" LOL

Keep going - keep your goals in sight, and above all, have a wonderful time at Disney World! I understand the need to have everything planned out; I'm one of those people too!

to our little corner of the DIS!

 

[kaytieeldr]

and I'm a "gotta have my ducks in a row" kind of person lol. I'm getting out and walking and exercising to try and build up stamina. My trip isn't until the fall, I'm just over eager. I appreciate the feedback from you both.

This is one of those times, even if you weren't a ducks-in-a-row person, it's truly smart to be proactive and start planning/searching early.

 

[I Heart WDW]

I can't thank all of you enough for your help and kindness. It's truly appreciated.

 

[brertoad]

I will definitely being this up with my doctor. Thank you.

Just an fyi, she started on 25 mg twice a day for a few months, then ended up going up to 50 mg twice a day, as needed. The 50mg Elavil twice a day ended up being just right for her.
I hope it works for you too. It would be such a blessing.

 

[gap2368]

I can't thank all of you enough for your help and kindness. It's truly appreciated.

This bard, for the most part, is full of very kind and well-meaning people that really do want to help, There really is not much judgment on here. I can not wait to hear how your trip went, so I hope you stick around to let us know.

 

[LilyWDW]

I can't thank all of you enough for your help and kindness. It's truly appreciated.

A lot of us understand these things personally. So this is a great place to get information that you need.

I have no suggestions (luckily my pain is not to the point I need constant medication), but I want to wish you a wonderful trip. You said you are going in the fall? So am I! Have a ton of fun!!!

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

Echoing what others have said, I want to congratulate you on your progress! The planning ahead that you're doing now will pay dividends for you this fall. Congratulations, and have a wonderful trip!!

 

[Tinknalli]

I work for a hospital group that runs a clinic. Your home clinic will need to make an arrangement with a clinic in the area you will be visiting. Be aware that insurance will not cover guest dosing fees and in most cases you will need to pay cash each day at the clinic you are guesting at. The general fee in this area is $10-$20 per visit due from the patient. If you are compliant at your home clinic and prove dependable they should eventually transition you over to a script you can pick up at a pharmacy.