For Immediate Release (Newswire.net — May 6, 2013) Hood River, OR —
“For many reasons people have stopped taking their pain medications and the quality of their lives have suffered,” began Dr. Rigert. “We used to think that withdrawal from pain medicine only lasted a few days and then they’d be over it. But now we know that it can take six to twelve months and that during that time a person can feel extra pain beyond what they would normally feel. They can also feel depressed and anxious, have trouble sleeping and begin to feel like there is no end to their suffering in sight.
“The first we do, after listening to them, is explain that things can and will get better. Then we advise them to wait at least eight months before having additional surgery. Sometimes people want a second or third surgery just because they’re hurting so bad, when in reality the pain is from Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS, and not anything structural with the neck, back or joints causing the pain.
“Recovering from pain medication withdrawal is a process and takes time,” encouraged Dr. Rigert. “There are steps we can take in transitioning you off opiate based drugs. We can prescribe antidepressants that increase the dopamine in the brain and that is really what is missing when a patients comes off of pain meds. We can use non-habit forming sleep medications to help you get your rest and recharge.
“Most importantly, we’ll encourage you to exercise and do things you enjoy. We want you to go on a search for dopamine with physical activity and fun. It takes time for the brain to readjust and get back to the way it was before you started the pain medicines and dopamine will aid in the process.”
Dr. Rigert continued, “If I had to sum it all up, I’d say, don’t give up hope. It can and will get better. If possible, seek out someone who can guide you through the process. The brain has to reset itself and there are things we can do to assist the transition. Don’t just live with it, be proactive about your long term health, but don’t think additional surgery is your only hope.”
Columbia Pain Management sees patients in Hood River, The Dalles and Hermiston, Oregon.
Columbia Pain Management P.C.
1010 10th St Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 716-6469