November 19, 2009 - 5:58pm
When I first registered here, I used a different screen name, FeliksD. I fell out of touch with a few of my old friends, and would like to reconnect.
Although another thread similar to this already exists, I think it would be nice for everyone to take a minute to introduce themselves, and share as much information as they feel comfortable doing. Examples: general location, medical issues (if any), occupation, etc. . I feel this would foster communication between posters.
This would be a good thread to refer to if a member has a specific question; it will aid them in finding the right person to reach out to, someone who has similar issues, etc. , perhaps through a PM.
The old one is outdated- many people who posted on that one have "abandoned ship," or aren't "active" at present time. Just a thought...
November 19, 2009 - 6:50pm
#2
Well that explains your name
Well that explains your name Sat!
I live in Southern California.
I have DDD, 5 degenerated (bluged or herniated)discs, sciatica among other issues.
Im 25, have a 20 month old son who is my life.
Meds I find most effective: Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Soma, Neurontin, Demerol, Motrin 800
Ive tried too many other meds to name.
November 20, 2009 - 5:22pm
#3
Sheesh
I thought this thread was going to take off like a kite; dosen't everyone like to talk about themselves?
November 20, 2009 - 6:30pm
#4
Hi all, it should take off.
Hi all, it should take off. Background on me... Recovering addict/alcoholic (in-house 3 times), but went down that road MANY moons ago because of the pain relief (and being able to sleep or pass out depending on perspective) to start with. Raced motocross in my youth, tore myself up pretty bad- combined a little over 2 years in body casts, 6 months or so in traction, unknown amount of broken bones, torn ligaments and sprains. Major break was broken femur (crushed once, then broke same one again- misaligned it for healing in body cast) , and no pinning of bones because of my age they didn't want to stunt the growth. So one leg is crooked and shorter, causing back problems. The main pain I have trouble with is my ankles. They were never broken, but were twisted and sprained MANY times, and had alot of hard impacts (40' drop off on the track, among others). They are mostly permanently blackened from broken blood vessels. I was an auto mechanic for years, back got to hurting to much, did a few different jobs, been selling auto parts now for last 12 years. I have never had a sit down job, which doesn't help with my ankles. I was off work for six months, and the didn't hurt any less than if I had been on them the whole time. I've been turned down for various jobs (that would have paid nicely) because of failed physicals (required for these jobs)- response being that I wouldn't be able to stand for more than a couple of hours without narcotics. So here I am, 3rd marriage, 47 years old, low paying (less than minimum wage when you take out for the LOUSY insurance) job as an asst. manager at a parts store. I have trouble finding good doctors willing to help (like many here), especially with my alcohol history. I have a bad stomach and ulcerated (precancerous stage 3) esophagus (from drinking and Excedrin abuse) , which I can't treat properly because because my ins won't cover nexium, and I'm told that is the only med that will heal it. Because of my stomach issue I have trouble with many meds, or I would take Mobic, as it is only anti-inflammatory that seems to help. I get a decent amount of pain meds (120 7.5/500 hydrocodone/apap) because of the way my knee looks in xrays, not my ankles. Ironic part is that my knee doesn't hurt hardly at all, its my ankles that keep me laying down when I'm not working, but whatever works for the doctors, as long as it keeps me able to work. I can get good pain relief in a hot tube, but it only lasts for about 10 minutes after I get out and I can't afford to run it anyways (wife lost her job almost 2 years ago, still unemployed but going back to school through dislocated worker program). That pretty much covers my relevant history and then some.
November 20, 2009 - 6:36pm
#5
LOL Sat man, people on this
LOL Sat man, people on this site can be narcissistic but its not MySpace or Facebook!
Actually I was surprised too that this thread didnt take off.
November 20, 2009 - 7:47pm
#6
Narcissistic? Perhaps; or
Narcissistic? Perhaps; or just being through and honest so people will understand if a comment is made that offends someone. It helps to know where one is coming from in the hope that someone else has been down the same road and had similar experiences that can offer an obvious solution that has been somehow overlooked. Just hoping for some personal advice that makes me go Eureka!, why didn't I try that. Besides doesn't everyone like to talk about themselves. LOL, Probably my error as I was kinda hoping this was a pain management support forum, and I'm used to telling all to keep Bill happy and have a clean conscience, no secrets.
November 20, 2009 - 8:57pm
#7
Yankee relocated to FL
great topic Sat!! 35 yr living in sunny south FL for the past 2 1/2 years.. before that was frigid frozen tundra of upstate NY (by upstate, I don't mean Westchester).. Law Enforcement background for the past 14 years.. which that is what brought me to this site. last "on the job" injury was auto accident where I was rear ended... please don't try that at home in a patrol car, the plexi-glass divider really hurts when a head slams into it.. Was briefly knocked out and woke up entangled in RADAR wires and cords. dealing with the ever so common spine injuries of DDD, arthritis, herneations...etc.. Accident happened back in 2000 but denied really needing medical help for years until it affected my personal like with our children. I don't like living the pill life but it makes it so I can function and actually be a part of our kids lives, playing baseball and football have never been so fun. Best of luck to everyone here!!! I say this often and will say it again, the people here are truly a great group.... one day at a time...
November 20, 2009 - 10:28pm
#8
Space, I was joking with
Space, I was joking with Saturated, Im sure he knows that or he would have let me have it already. 
The more people share about themselves the easier it is to relate to people and to help people who are new to the forum. You wouldnt believe how many people have given such a miniscule amount of information and expect speedy, accurate answers to their questions. I will say that recently people have been better about providing a more accurate amount of info. Maybe they are starting out by reading my sticky threads, since they are intended to help the newbies, and be a quick reference to refresh seasoned CPs.
November 20, 2009 - 11:15pm
#9
ohh, and forgot to add
I know some people like to guess why screen names come about, mine is just me, the wife and our two kids first name first letter along with last name first letter... sorry, gotta brain ??&@* when I signed up and couldn't think of sumtin' good....
November 20, 2009 - 11:16pm
#10
hmm
pharmer censors a certain bodily function that involves rear end gas???? funny... it just said f a r t ..... 
November 21, 2009 - 12:48am
#11
asmmw
Thanks for sharing you're information- I'd been wondering what your story was for quite awhile.
I was also wondering the significance of your sceen name. ;)
Live and learn.
P.S. Yes MrB, I would have let you have it with both barrels. You know me.
November 21, 2009 - 1:17am
#12
Yeah just a little
Yeah just a little sensitive, been a long day and I tend to ramble sometimes.
November 21, 2009 - 2:29am
#13
Trust me Space, its a common
Trust me Space, its a common thing at Pharmer for people to be a little sensitive when they are tired or in pain. I am also one to ramble on so dont sweat it bro!
November 21, 2009 - 7:29am
#14
Hello all. I'm 34 and live in
Hello all. I'm 34 and live in the Atlanta area. I'm a lawyer (about 1/3 to 1/2 time now). I also have an undergrad and MS in Geography. The best thing that's happened recently is that I got married in October. My husband! is the best- supportive, loving, and hilarious. Laughter helps as y'all know!
I've had two ACDF surgeries and I'm now fused between c4 and c7. Now I have a new herniation at C3-c4. The most frustrating part is the lack of a cause. I've been dealing with this for 9 years. I recently was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I also have depression and anxiety. In addition to taking meds, I see a pain counselor, a hands-on physical therapist, and practice therapeutic yoga & meditation. A daily joy is walking our 2 dogs.
MrsP
November 21, 2009 - 2:05pm
#15
Sorry it took so long for me
Sorry it took so long for me to respond to this. I am going through ALOT at home and needed to get control first so I didn't say anything I would regret later, lol!
I am a 38 y.o. mommy to two great(most of the time) kiddos, 11 & 15. I have HLA-B27+ PSA(psoriatic spondylarothropy); RA; OA; A.O. Scoliosis; DDD; Fibro; MDD; and some other stuff(heart, Lung & Digestive related) constantly growing list seems to never end and is very frustrating. I have had 16 major surgeries by the time I was 37, the most recent was a corpectomy, discectomy fusion with Allograft, bone morphegenic protien, plate and screws of C4 - C7. I have three compression fractures in my thoracic spine that I won't let them repair at this time, long story. My sacoriliac joints are partially fused along with multiple spinal areas. I have multiple herniated/ bulging discs throughout my spine. Root nerve damage and compression in my C-spine and Lumbar spine. I am currently putting off several surgeries until I can't stand it anymore, left hip replacement, lumbar fusion/ discectomy & cyst removal, discectomy C3-4 & C7-T1(I'm hoping the PSA fuses these areas and I won't have to go back in in this area though it seems to be worsning almost daily); left foot(multiple stuff so we'll call it reconstruction to shorten it).
Both my children have been diagnosed with HLA-B27+ PSA and are clinically active but are pretty tough cookies though the guilt is killing me. I am married for now but that is a different subject.
I am on many, many diff meds but since we talk most about pain meds, I am on Fentanyl patch 100mcgs. q 48hrs; Actiq 800mcgs 120 month PRN; OpanaIR 10 mg PRN 120 month; dillaudid 4mgs PRN 120 month(I never combine all of those in one day even though perscribed); Soma P.O. or cream PRN 120 month; Flexeril PRN HS; Several different anti-inflamitories, DMARD's, Biologics, ect.
I was a nurse and before that managed restraunts from the shift to district level though I have done lots of different stuff in between. I have been disabled for about 10 years now and would give anything to be able to work again. I am in Southern Calif., born and raised, I did take a 5 year time out in the Seattle area though. I am thankful for this forum and the help and encouragement it provides, not to mention the entertainment. Well, thats a little about me, nothing mysterious or exciting, my DD's 15 going on 30 and I'm 38 going on 90 HAHA.
November 21, 2009 - 5:45pm
#16
Good Thread, Saturated . . . Quincy here,
I have 5 middle names plus a II at the end, Quincy is one of them and I like to shorten it to Q like Frank Sinatra did for Quincy Jones. I also like it 'cause "Q" is such a cool geek in the old 007 flicks. Being a 55 year old severe geek myself, I have to find my heros wherever I can. I stumbled onto this site almost 8 months ago, I was looking for some reliable info on the then current OxycodoneIR shortage that was wreaking havoc in isolated spots in the nation.
I found a lot of "Harm Reduction" sites and also a bunch of conspiracy blogs that claimed to have "The Answer", further research proved them all wrong. Finally, pharmer popped up and the very first post that I read was so knowledgeable as well as being almost free of street and "insider" lingo that I just knew I'd hit the jackbox! What a wonderful and helpful site.
As for "My Story" I have inoperable/uncurable, but manageable, prostate cancer. This is one of the very uncommon types of prostate cancer that can't be gotten rid of by removing the prostate as it had already metastasized and I had developed cancerous lesions on my ribs. The anti-androgen hormone therapy, Lupron-Depo, keeps the cancer at bay by flatlining my testosterone level and thereby both shrinking the tumor and turning me, a formerly vigorous and virile 52 year old MAN into an eternally menopausal hermaphrodite. This is no joke, but it is kinda funny so feel free to laugh . . . I do!
Some people feel uncomfortable with listing their meds and others wear their Rxs like Ollie North wore his medals at the Iran-Contragate Congressional hearings. Me, I'll list a few pertinent ones so that any of you good folks out there that are considering using these meds or are having problems with them will know that I am a fellow member of your "Club Med". Sorry kids, I couldn't resist!
Analgesics are: 72 hr. Mylan Brand Fentanyl 100 mcg p/h patch, #120 OxycodoneIR 30 mg 4 p/d, for BTP #120 Fentora 400 mcg 4 p/d
Psychotropics are: #120 Xanax 0.5 mg 4 p/d, #30 AdderallXR 1 p/d, and #30 Cymbalta 60 mg 1 p/d.
ThThThThatat's all folks . . . Q
November 21, 2009 - 8:27pm
#17
Hello, I am 28 and a mother
Hello, I am 28 and a mother to 3 kids all under the age of 7 Two girls and last but not least one son. I live in FL and have lived here for a little over 4 yrs before this OK. Sooner fan big time!
I have several things wrong with my back and it seems like everyone on mothers family does as well. I was dx with fibromyalgia as well recently. This has been the biggest dose of humble pie. I really always thought that this was something dx when a doctor was too lazy to find out what was really wrong with someone or that person was just wanting meds. Yes, a very large peice of humble pie. In fact this is something I haven't even told all my family about only a select few.
One thing I like about this site is reading what someone is going through. It helps me deal with my own problems. Don't take this the wrong way but when you have someone like Q, who has a great attitude and and the many like him, it makes me (most of time) realize to stop feeling sorry for myself and to do something productive. When I first joined I had a huge problem and received great help and support. Which was aonderful!
Anyway meds The're several that I'm on. Lyrica 75mg 4daily, Inderol 150 mg 1, Xanaflex 4mg 8daily, Lortab 10mg 3daily, MS 30mg 2daily, Xanax .5 3daily, Fiornal prn, Treximet these I only get 8 per month sometimes I can get extra if the're any samples, Lidocaine patches. And the goes on but those are for other things outside of pain managment. So there is a little about me.
November 22, 2009 - 12:30am
#18
Your reluctance to admit to
Your reluctance to admit to having Fibro is just like my wife's quandry, OU Fan. You sure got a laugh out of me there, she's always telling me not to let anyone know that she has it 'cause it's considered a yuppie slacker disease like Chronic Fatigue. I'm glad to hear that you're getting treatment for it though because it IS real and it DOES hurt, right? Thanks for your compliment and thanks especially for spreading it all around! Reading and talking to our fellow CPs really helps, doesn't it? Take care of yourself, even though I'm a CU fan . . . Q
November 23, 2009 - 2:01pm
#19
Ou fan, me too
As recently as July I thought of fibro as a wastebasket dx. At the same time, I suspected that if it was a real thing, I might have it. By the time I was actually diagnosed, I found myself relieved to have something to tell people. It's been three years since I had surgery on my neck and the docs have been saying all that time my surgery wasn't the problem. I didn't like disclosing that too much cause what was the reason got all my pain? I don't tell everyone but it feels better and better to be open about it. Of course, this is the best place to discuss it. I really really want to have kids soon. I'm tapering off oxyc now. How did you do it? How's it going with the three. I'm sure it's really hard. Take care!
MrsP
ps about my name. People always call me Miss Priss affectionately. People that don't know each other do it. I'm kind of proper. I like good manners etc. But I don't like authority figures, so I'm a bit of a rebel too. Now that I'm mareied, it's Mrs not Miss.
November 24, 2009 - 9:46am
#20
Hello All
Hello everyone, I think most of us who frequently post know each other,but for the newbies...My name is Ray. I live in Northern KY. I am 38 years old and HIV+ since 1999. I am also a chronic pain patient with DDD, sciatica and Chrohn's and IBS, and currently a radial nerve palsy in my gimp right arm:-) Current meds are PAIN:Fentanyl 100mcg q48hrs, hydrocodone 10/500 qid. PSYCH DRUGS: Xanax 1mg tid, Effexor XR 225mg QD and Trazodone 300mg qhs. HIV:Trizivir (AZT,Lamivudine,Zidovudine), Viread (Tenofivir Disoproxil Fumerate), and then a bunch of auxillary drugs to control the side effects of the others, 17 in total. It's called the "snowball effect" Yes, folks it's a bit complicated. Pharmer is a great site for people like us. I have always found it helpful to talk to others that can relate. You will come to find that it's very easy to make friends here. There are some very knowledgeable people here so ask away. 90+% of the time someone will be able to answer your question, maybe not right away, but eventually. Also please have and use your sense of humor, you''ll find that there are some smart ^#%'s here including myself. As we all know laughter IS the best medicine...Ray Oh, I almost forgot everyone have a "Happy Thanksgiving"
November 23, 2009 - 4:34pm
#21
Ray
....you're 38?!?! You look like your late 20's in that pic of yours. You look great for your age. I wish you many more healthy years!
November 23, 2009 - 5:20pm
#22
My sentiments exactly.
My sentiments exactly.
November 23, 2009 - 10:31pm
#23
Mrs. Priss
The md actually kept me on my meds while preggo. There were some I had to stop while at certain trimesters and when I couldn't take certain meds though. As for 3 kids, try 4 at this particular moment if you include my husband.
I was going to do a smiley face but that is really what I feel like doing.
And yes having 3 kids with fibro and CP that is the hardest. Not only do you have the physical limits but then the mental and the fatigue and the list continues. So sorry but dinner, dishes, clothes, cleaning that does not care if you're tired or hurting it has to be done. And kids really don't understand "I can't take you to the park my back hurts" or "Sorry, but I can't take you to Jane Does b/day party I just can't be around that many people." They are great kids though, for the most part, so I feel like I have to do all these things so I do even when I really, really do not feel like it.
You will love it!!!!!!! And good luck!
November 24, 2009 - 9:44am
#24
Well..Thank you
That picture was taken last summer at the local park. I guess all those HIV drugs are acting like embalming fluid..LOL..Really, thanks for the compliment...Ray
November 24, 2009 - 10:36am
#25
yo
just want to start by saying i am 20 years old and from beantown MA
November 24, 2009 - 12:06pm
#26
Bob-
You a Bruins fan?
November 27, 2009 - 11:24pm
#27
What kinda dogs
...you got Ray?
I only know one breed: German Shepherd.
December 2, 2009 - 12:04am
#28
Now don't go picking on Ray's
Now don't go picking on Ray's Chihuahuas, Sat. I think they're kinda cute. Are they good alarm dogs, Ray? I used to live out in this little place out by Martindale, TX and I had this old Black guy for a neighbor with every kind of hunting, fighting, and coon treeing dog known to man. His watch dogs were Chihuahuas though!
Q
December 2, 2009 - 12:07am
#29
My mother
...has a chihuana. He weighs about 25-30 lbs. His name is Bacon. 
December 2, 2009 - 2:57am
#30
Whoa!
That's one big slab of Bacon! I've never seen a 25-30 lb chihuahua but I'm scared : 0 She must have one of those pocketbooks that are way too big for me to carry. J/k I know about teacups v. Non-teacups. Just saying : )
MrsP
December 2, 2009 - 9:42am
#31
Good lord
30 lb chihuahua??? Both of mine together don't weigh 20 lbs!! LOL...Bacon is an appropriate name tho I guess...Ray
December 4, 2009 - 1:19pm
#32
Oh boy!!!
For those of you that don't know who I am, I am a 55 yr old South Floridian, born and raised in Miami, Fl. I've seen this city go from a paradise to cap hole in a matter of 25 years. Of course it only took about ten years of solid immigration to really make it x*#&. I have survived three Lumbar surgeries at L3-L4 and L4-L5 and I am now nursing three more herniated discs at the same levels only the other side. I also have a herniated L5-S1 disc now. My pain is getting worse as I try to exercise to lose weight and my Dr. who I love, is probably getting sick of me complaining about my level of pain continuing to expand. He has me taking 6-80 mg OC each day along with the 30 mg. roxy fro BT. Right now, it's not working the way it was when I first started taking it. I was also in a boat two weeks ago and got slammed onto my ^*#% really hard that created some more pain for me to deal with. Anyway, I am in the court system, specifically the criminal end of it and I've been here for 26 years. For those of you that read about the Thanksgiving Day massacre in Jupiter, Fl., the two twin girls that were gunned down were both good friends and I am trying to deal with that too. It's so hard to imagine that they're gone and worse, their own brother did this. The entire Court Administrator's Office (about 700 of us) had a ceremony for our two friends today. Before we had our awards ceremony, we paid tribute to Lisa and Carla, two angels.
December 4, 2009 - 12:05pm
#33
Herrball
I am so sorry for your loss. I've only lived in FL for a few short years but the crime is a huge part of what I don't like about being here. Having a 7 yr old who wants to got go the movies or the park with her friends or by herself I do not feel safe at all. I went to the Bulldog when I first moved here and was shocked at the amount of sex offenders. In a 1/2 mile radius there were 29!!!!! And we were close to her elem school.
But I did want to tell you I will be thinking of you and her family.
December 4, 2009 - 12:14pm
#34
VIVA CUBA!
FL is great! Cuban Americans are what makes that state tick!
December 4, 2009 - 12:56pm
#35
I don't know how I missed
I don't know how I missed this thread. Ok, the introduction: Drum roll please? LOL.
Anyway, my name is Judie, I'm 47 years old, married and have a grown son. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA but now I live in Palm Bay, FL, which is about 40 miles east of Orlando. I work for a neurologist, I'm his assistant and transcriptionist for 20 years. Was a medic in the army in GA in the early '80's and met my first (abusive, addict) husband and had my son. Married my second husband (who strangely was my ex's best friend at one time!) about 10 years ago. I have four rescued dogs, rescued cat, a ferret and four fish tanks, which take up most of my time. I enjoy gardening when I can. I love the outdoors.
I knew I couldn't escape having spinal problems, it runs in my family. First injured myself at age 18 when I was working as a CNA in a nursing home. Try getting a very large woman out of bed by yourself, when she starts to fall to the ground! You can't let her hit the ground, so you try to catch her! Does great things to your spine. Not to mention just lifting heavy patients and other hard work. It really is a very hard job, physically. I was in a horrible car accident at age 20 when I was in the army. Hit head on by a drunk driver at 60 MPH. I was laying down asleep in the backseat, so when we impacted, my right side struck the back of the front seat, fracturing my pelvis in three places, most of my right ribs, punctured a lung and injured my neck. Was hospitalized for six weeks. Then, 10 years with abusive ex husband who enjoyed punching me in the face, strangling me, causing whiplash by jerking me back and forth, kicking me in the spine, throwing me into walls, you get the picture. So, in a nutshell, I have bulging discs in the neck, stenosis, bone spurs on the spinal cord, herniated disc pinching a nerve in my thoracic spine, bulging and herniated discs in the lumbar spine, stenosis there and arthritis all through my spine. Recently was diagnosed with entrapped median nerve in wrist and ulnar nerve in wrist and elbow, but that was successfully treated by surgery a couple of weeks ago.
So, that is me in a very large nutshell. Pleased to meet you all and glad to be here with likeminded people.
I currently live in Southern Nevada. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. However, I earned a living as commercial saturation diver up until I was involved in a near fatal stage II decompression accident. I am receiving treatment for dysbaric osteonecrosis, and the surgeries and complications stemming from my initial trauma.