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Suggest Ways To To Detox The Narcotics And Manage The Pain Of Osteoarthritis

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Posted on Sat, 24 May 2014
Question: I am 70 years old with severe osteo arthritis. I take small doses of oxycontin and oxycodone. I would love to be off the narcotics, but can not find an affordable facility to help me detox and learn other ways to manage the pain. I've had 4 surgeries on my spine , and both hips replaced. I've had a life with alot of hard work and my body is worn out but my brain and desire to live is not. Help me find an affordable way to detox from the narcotics and have pain that is liveable!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
28 day plan

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

first of all in would like to say that there is nothing wrong with using opiate medication for chronic pain. it works very well.

you can detox yourself simply by gradually reducing your use of this medication over a period of a month. you set yourself a schedule where you take less of the medication over a 28 day period until you completely stop.

it would be important in your case to substitute this medication for other drugs.

these other medicines would include acetaminophen, an antiinflammatory such as naproxen, neuromodulating drugs such as gabapentin. muscle relaxing drugs such as a benzodiazepine.

you can also use other modalities to
help with your pain such as gentle excercise, and a TENS machine.

I'm not sure where you live but there is another good option for chronic pain and this is marujana. it is gaining increasing recognition in this sphere. many people have their own bias regarding this drug because if it's abuse but in can be used in a therapeutic way for chronic pain avoiding some of the issues that we see with long term opiate use.

I hope you find this information helpful and that you find a solution to your long term opiate use.

best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

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Suggest Ways To To Detox The Narcotics And Manage The Pain Of Osteoarthritis

Brief Answer: 28 day plan Detailed Answer: hi, thanks for your question. first of all in would like to say that there is nothing wrong with using opiate medication for chronic pain. it works very well. you can detox yourself simply by gradually reducing your use of this medication over a period of a month. you set yourself a schedule where you take less of the medication over a 28 day period until you completely stop. it would be important in your case to substitute this medication for other drugs. these other medicines would include acetaminophen, an antiinflammatory such as naproxen, neuromodulating drugs such as gabapentin. muscle relaxing drugs such as a benzodiazepine. you can also use other modalities to help with your pain such as gentle excercise, and a TENS machine. I'm not sure where you live but there is another good option for chronic pain and this is marujana. it is gaining increasing recognition in this sphere. many people have their own bias regarding this drug because if it's abuse but in can be used in a therapeutic way for chronic pain avoiding some of the issues that we see with long term opiate use. I hope you find this information helpful and that you find a solution to your long term opiate use. best wishes