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Medications, News

Proposed Reclassification of Hydrocodone as a Schedule II substance

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The DEA had asked FDA to recommend the Schedule II reclassification that would limit refills to a 90-day supply instead of the current five refills within six months, because of the potential for abuse.

“The restrictions may make it tougher for pain patients. In some states, nurse practitioners can’t write prescriptions for Schedule II drugs and many doctors aren’t willing to prescribe anything stronger than Schedule III”, said Edward Michna, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and director of the Pain Trials Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

And just for comparison, cannabis a Schedule I substance.

[Wikipedia] Hydrocodone/paracetamol (also known as hydrocodone/acetaminophen, hydrocodone/APAP or under brand names such as Lortab, Norco or Vicodin) is a combination narcotic analgesic drug consisting of hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen) used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Personal Story

Be a true friend or please walk away

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I have been living with chronic pain for about 3 years now because of a hip condition that the Doctors will not treat because they say I am too young. My pain on a daily basis is always an 8 or more and its being treated by prescription narcotics that I have to rely on someone else to get for me because of lack of Medical insurance or a doctor willing to help. I just recently found a doctor that is going to do the surgery and states that the damage from waiting so long might be permanent and irreversible, nerve damage that might cause paralysis. I truly in my life cannot say that there is one person that understands exactly what I am going through on a day to day basis, realizes the extent of my pain and even believes that I am actually going though what I am saying that I am. I do not feel like I can trust anyone’s judgment of me at this point and am really tired of the gossip and innuendos not to mention the guilt some have made me feel because of not being able to be me more. I am so very tired of hearing “Just think positive and you will have a good day” or “Maybe if you did not think about it so much it would not be as bad” and the all time favorite “Don’t worry it will all be over with sooner than you think” I cannot do anything I used to be able to do anymore and people are not understanding that and are actually getting mad because of it. I just wish I could get someone to finally understand and know what I am going through to feel my pain.

LPHS, Personal Story

Searching for Life (And Stories) Beyond LPHS

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After six years of near constant kidney stones – at least that’s what everyone thought – my doctor diagnosed me with LPHS. During this time I have lost numerous jobs, my house, wife, etc. You know the old country song. I recently moved back in with my parents, which has been a hit to the ol’ ego certainly…but has done me a lot of good as well. Not having to suffer through a day at the office, but focus on other aspects of life has been good for me. Of course, it would be great if the pain would go away! Knowing that isn’t going to happen, I’ve been on a search for ways to add meaning to my life. One idea I had was to put together a book written by chronic pain patients for chronic pain patients….

I’m looking for stories that are inspirational – that show the world that even though we may not be able to live and love the way they can, we can still get something out of life. If you feel like telling me your story or already have it written, please send it to me at [email protected]. When I have enough stories, I’ll compile them into an ebook and post it on a website for download.
Thanks!

Personal Story

Overwhelmed and in need of advice

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Hi, my name is Kat. I’m 34 and was diagnosed with LPHS a couple months ago after a biopsy revealed thin basement membranes — and seemingly every other test known to medical science showed nothing more telling than “hey, there’s lots of blood and stuff in your urine.”

I’ve had severe flank pain radiating from my right kidney to my groin for over a year and have been peeing blood and/or sludge about 75% of the time for eight months. It’s been a scary, frustrating road to diagnosis, and treatment is still elusive; I cannot take an ACE inhibitor because my blood pressure is on the low side of normal. So if I do not have to be anywhere that day, I take marinol or make use of my California Cannabis Card. This is not optimal. I’m behind on everything. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind with the stress and the pain. My husband is absolutely wonderful, patient and kind, and I’m very happy and grateful for his support. But I know that this is very difficult for him, as well. I don’t know how to fix these things.

A month ago, I had laser lithotripsy to remove a 1 cm stone lodged in my left ureter. The stent was removed a couple days ago and the whole experience was misery-making and I better not have to do that ever again. I’m still in a bit of pain, but I’m no longer having to use products on which I can depend. Not fun. My husband just told me today that I cried out in pain a lot while sleeping when the stent was in. I felt so sad and worried that he has to listen to that and not be able to do anything to make the pain stop.

My family doesn’t quite get how I’m feeling. Most of my friends don’t, either, and understanding doctors have been few and far between. I’ve been very depressed and anxious (more so lately, but they are long term issues for me). I’m a kidney stone quarry and have been since I was twenty. I have Trigeminal Neuralgia, migraines, and get blood clots. I’m a mess. And often treated like I’m crazy.

On the 23rd, my Dad called to let me know that my grandfather passed away. A few weeks ago he fell on his porch and lay there in the Kansas cold for thirteen hours. He was 77 and already had respiratory issues, but the doctors said he was doing better. Then he suddenly wasn’t. Such a horrible way to go.

The funeral is in Kansas on the 6th of January. I’ve already booked flights and a rental car. But I’m not sure if I can really handle the travel. Does anyone have advice? How difficult will it be to stand in lines and deal with the new restroom restrictions? Am I kidding or underestimating myself? I’m leaning toward staying home and I know my family will be livid if I do. How do you guys handle family and travel?

It’s been rough around here lately, and I’d be grateful for advice!

Thanks,
Kat

News

Fibromyalgia/CMP

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I was just wondering if any of you are suffering from FM or CMPS?
I have been getting anywhere from 36-42 trigger point injections a week for about 2 1/2 months now, and am preparing to have the botox injections in my lower back, up my spine, across my shoulders and the back of my neck. Has anyone here had these botox injections? I am scared to death about the pain being worse than the injections I get now 🙁
Thanks for any responses you may give me whether it be positive or negative.

LaTrecia

LPHS, Personal Story

My name is Tania, I am 16 yrs old and my doctors believe I have LHPS

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My name is Tania, I am 16 yrs old and my doctors believe I have LHPS (although they are still checking for other possible diseases). I live in a private athletic boarding school miles away from my family and am finding it extremely difficult to get through this health issue by myself. Although I know my parents don’t know what I’m going through neither does anyone at my school, my friends, my roommate, or any of the staff members. I feel very lonely and alone at school. The pain is so unbearable and I am always scared for it to return. I’m tired of being curled up on my bed in pain or on the bathroom floor throwing up. I have been to the hospital many times and sometimes the reason for my pain is very obvious (kidney stones) but other times there seems to be no reason for all the pain, and this is when I start thinking I’m crazy or that it is all in my head.

I don’t want to let people know what is going on, although it is hard to hide it. I feel bad for them when they see me sick or and pain and are unable to do anything, they are unsure what to do to help (there is nothing they can do). I have let this disease run my life, not because I want it too but the pain limits what I can and cannot do. And I don’t want to involve my friends because then I’m dragging them into a problem that’s not theirs and a burden that they should not be carrying. But at the same time I wish there was someone there to hold me when I shake and cry in pain.

ABSOLUTELY NO ONE UNDERSTANDS THIS. My friends don’t understand, they’re telling me to be more positive but it’s so hard to be positive when you’re in so much pain and have gone through so much. If they want to try my life and see if they can be positive at all then they can switch lives with me. I try very hard to be positive all the time about my health situation but sometimes its too overwhelming and I break down and cry. I just wish there was someone who understands. Can you help me?

Non Pain Related

No More Toxic Tub

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The products that tested positive for 1,4-dioxane include:

* American Girl Hopes and Dreams Glistening Shower and Bath Wash
* American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out Shower Gel–Apple Blossom (three samples)
* American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out Shower Gel–Sunny Orange
* Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash (three samples)
* Baby Magic “Soft Baby Scent” Baby Lotion
* Barbie Berry Sweet Bubble Bath
* CVS Baby Shampoo
* CVS Kids Body Wash–Blueberry Blast
* Dora the Explorer Bubble Bath
* Equate Tearless Baby Wash
* Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby Wash
* Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash
* Hot Wheels Berry Blast Bubble Bath
* Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash
* Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
* Johnson’s Moisture Care Baby Wash
* Johnson’s Oatmeal Baby Wash–Vanilla
* L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Fast Dry Shampoo–Burst of Cool Melon
* Mustela Baby Shampoo
* Mustela Dermo-Cleansing Gel for Hair and Body Newborn/Baby
* Mustela Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath
* Night-time Bath Baby Wash
* No-Ad Sun Pals SPF 45 UVA/UVB Sun Protection
* Pampers Kandoo Foaming Handsoap – Magic Melon
* Sesame Street Bubble Bath – Orange Mango Tango
* Soft & Beautiful Just for Me! No-Lye Conditioning Creme Relaxer, Children’s Super
* Suave Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo – Wild Watermelon
* Tinker Bell Scented Bubble Bath

The products that tested positive for formaldehyde include:

* American Girl Hopes and Dreams Shimmer Body Lotion
* American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out Shower Gel–Apple Blossom (three samples)
* Baby Magic “Soft Baby Scent” Baby Lotion (three samples)
* Barbie Berry Sweet Bubble Bath
* CVS Baby Shampoo
* CVS Kids Body Wash–Blueberry Blast
* Dora the Explorer Bubble Bath
* Equate Tearless Baby Wash
* Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash
* Hot Wheels Berry Blast Bubble Bath
* Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash
* Huggies Soft Skin–Shea Butter
* Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (two samples)
* L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Fast Dry Shampoo–Burst of Cool Melon
* Pampers Kandoo Foaming Handsoap–Magic Melon
* Sesame Street Bubble Bath–Orange Mango Tango
* Tinker Bell Body Lotion
* Tinker Bell Scented Bubble Bath

None of the baby bath products tested in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ new report list formldehyde and 1,4-dioxane on their labels, since they’re formed as manufacturuing byproducts and aren’t added intentionally. The group says consumers can look out for ingredients that are likely to contain either of the chemicals, though, including: peg-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and sodium hydroxymethoylglycinate.

https://safecosmetics.org