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Do any of you have to use pain meds with your ms pain? She makes me feel like a drug addict and then my ms doctor doesn’t think any of my pain is due to MS. Am I crazy or is MS pain real? I would appreciate any help with all of this.

October 27, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around the question of whether MS pain is real, with an overwhelming consensus that it absolutely is, and that no one should... Read more

Members rallied around the question of whether MS pain is real, with an overwhelming consensus that it absolutely is, and that no one should feel ashamed for needing pain medication to manage it. Several members shared helpful context, including that there are three types of pain common in MS (muscular, osteo, and neurological), that medical thinking has shifted over time to recognize MS-related pain, and that keeping a pain diary can help when communicating with doctors. A recurring theme was the importance of finding doctors who understand MS, advocating for yourself, and not letting anyone make you feel like a drug addict for following your prescribed treatment.

A MyMSTeam Member

Yes ms pain is very real xxx

October 28, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

I'm not a doctor and I don't know what kind of pain medication you take, but the concern I would have is the potential for any kind of addiction developing. I have an elderly aunt who is now squarely addicted to her pain medication because he doctor did not monitor her properly. He recently tried to taper her down and it was a nightmare. Doctors, I think, are becoming more aware of the unintended potential for the downsides of pain medication. Good luck.

October 28, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes, pain with M.S. is very real! It's important to be able to identify your pain and exactly where it's located on your body. There are three types of pain; Muscular, Osteo & Neurological. Muscular is pain directly within the muscle. Osteo pain is bone related pain, while neurological pain is Nerve pain.
Most people who suffer pain usually suffer from one of possibly two types of pain, and many times are short-term. With many M.S. patients, all three types of pain are experienced (and many times are felt at the exact same time).
It has been my experience when obtaining a new pain management doctor and/or pc, to be certain they understand and have worked with M.S. patients. Upon interviewing a doctor, you may find that they are not on the same page as you. It's important to feel comfortable with every doctor that cares for you. If your doctor makes you feel the way you described, you may be happier seeing someone else.
Also, please keep in mind from a doctor's standpoint (I am not a doctor), it's their job to "sift through" the #%@! that they are being told daily by those that are seeking. I used to have issues "taking a drug test" whenever they asked, because I knew I took my medication as prescribed, but now understand it's not personal and they have to protect themselves as physicians who prescribe pain medications (especially those categorized as narcotics.).
I truly hope this helps!
Blessings!

October 29, 2018 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

MS pain is real and you're not crazy. Sometimes it feels like the goal of a lot of drs. Is to make us feel this way.

What kind of medication does she have a problem with?

I suggest you see a pain management specialist asap.

Honestly good for you for not taking beyond your dose. Your dr should be proud of you. I couldn't handle pills so i go to a clinic 1x a day for methadone. It helps my neuropathic pain so much.

October 28, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

Of course theres pain with nerve damage. I can imagine how you feel being concerned with what she thinks and thats part of the job- to be careful with prescribing meds, so Im sure you can see where they are coming from..but it wouldnt keep getting refilled if they really thought there was a problem. So until then, just continue on!

October 28, 2018

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