this has got to be the worst week ever!it started with my bipolar hubby{if you want to call him that}, going into a manic frenzy.im still not sure if he got ahold of some adderall or some kind of speed,or if its from the bipolar illness.anyway,it was so stressful here,you couldnt imagine.i also am dealing with this horrible back pain,fibro,fatigue,and just cant get moving everyday as well.i also have a severly hyper 4 year old son,who was diagnosed with adhd,aspergers syndrom.all day long,he jumps,he climbs,he sprays juices on walls,writes on everything,makes one mess after an other,and tormented our little rat terrier to no end.i get so overwhelmed,i could cry,and i do at times,he just will not listen ,or stop.and to make matters worse,a few days ago,all of our water pipes froze,then out of being lazy,my hubby wouldnt go under the trailor to check,so they all broke.we havent had any water,i cant take my hot bath twice daily,for therapy reasons.my meds just arent working at all.i take oxycodone10mg ir,4/day.and 10mg ritalin,for fatigue 3/day.my back feels like a bunch of wires in it are completly frazzeled.it hurts so bad,and im so bitchy and miserable and yelling at everyone.im not sure whats going on.i dont think the 10mg oxycodone are working long enough.and some days i think that taking the ritalin makes my back hurt more,and makes me feel agitated.i get it prescribed for add.what do you guys think? im going thru a rough time,but can my meds be to blame for me being in so much pain,and very agitated?i guess next week when i see the doc,i will have to change the pain meds anyway,you cant find the 10mg oxycodone anywhere.so i dont know if thats a good thing or bad thing.anyone please give me some advice?

Hi Moody ,, iam so sorry your going through such a rough time,,, one of the best things i think when we are stressed is to talk and vent ,,, which you are doing here ,, being in chronic pain as we know is so very hard and on top of that your dealing with taking care of your baby and husband, you sound like a very strong woman .. We all need a reality break sometimes ,to just be able to let go and scream ,cry,or just be with friends and have fun, .. my sister was bipolar so i can understand the whole mood swing issues you are speaking of , and there are support groups for family member who are dealing with these types of issues, that may be a good outlet .. We caregivers try so hard to take care of others and sometimes forget ourselves, so be gentle with yourself and take time for you , even a small thing can make all the difference in the day to day lives we lead..I sincerely Hope you can find your inner peace as you so deserve so very much ,,, just take it one day at a time,,, take care sincerely Faith

Hello moodylee. Im really sorry your going through a hard time. I wish i had some answers for you. I just thought id give you a great big sounds like you need one. Take care sweetheart x

{{{{moodylee}}}}

I'm sorry all this is going on in your life. My youngest son has mild aspergers (as well as tourettes and OCD). He is grown now but I know what life can be like when you have a little one with these conditions. Then to have to deal with your husband, yikes! No wonder you are in pain.

Can you get away to a friends or family members home for a day or two? Maybe they can help with you son so you can just soak in a tub?

I know you can't do much about your husband but, depending on where you live, there might be a "Day Treatment" program that you can send your son to. Start by calling your local community mental health agency. Explain what is going on and that you are looking for some respite care.

Is your son on SSDI? If so, then I beleive you are entitled to a certain number of hours of respite every month. I may be wrong but it's worth checking into.

As for your water pipes - that just sucks! Is there anyone you can call to help you get it repaired since your husband doesn't seem to want to take care of it?

I hope things start looking up for you soon. Take Care.

I grew up in a household of much violence & mental illness. I spend most of my life looking for meds & alcohol to take away my problems. It only worked temporarily. Finally, I started working in a Christian community and the people all around me had such peace. Faith seemed to carry them all so far. I started listening to Christian radio stations on the way to work and watching Charles Stanley on "in touch" on TV. The more I did this and the more that I prayed my life became more peaceful. This may not work for everyone and I respect that. I just wanted to share something that continues to bring me peace to this day for what it is worth.

I have a cousin who went through a horrible 15 years, with an abusive husband and a stepson with a terminal illness.

I was raised in a church, but have not attended, in my adult life.

My cousin did attend a local church and the amount of help she recieved, without asking, was amazing.
More help of all sorts, than she recieved from the government.

Of course, it would be a good idea to see if you have a county mental health or some sort of organization to help ?

There are people out there who really like to help, if you look hard enough ! Don't Give Up !!

Best of luck to you and keep us informed ?

I've found, that all things are possible through exertions of will. Sometimes this takes tremendous fortitude, but if you can set your mind on something, and focus on it, you will eventually achieve what you wish to accomplish. But dont think of "not thinking about the pain," focus on something that makes you feel good, or at least better, whatever that may be.

The human mind has more power than any drug. It just takes a focused will to concentrate that power You hear about some people who quit cigarettes cold turkey, and others who cant quit their whole lives. The difference is those who quit have a focused will, and those who don't relapse. Think positive, and it will help! I know that may sound trite, but its very very true.

I'm on my 6th day straight of Tramadol and advil since my alcoholic drug addicted wife decided to help herself to the rest of my pain meds and then proceed to take the money that was supposed to pay for the water bill and stuck it in a video poker machine,never to be seen or used to pay a utility bill again! Looks like I'll be showering and doing my laundry at Mom's this month. Not to mention my teenage son who suffered a brain injury last year had a seizure in the shower and fell again. Oh and my favorie aunt passed away from cancer and I accidentally ran over one of our cats (it's usually never out of the house but it got out and I backed over it with the car.) So hang in there moody and if it helps I FEEL your pain. Try to look at the pill bottle as half full instead of half empty as I try to do. Oh wait, my bottle's totally empty,just try to think positive like talkass said.

Rocker, I'm not all that sure whether you're saga was "truthiness" or not, but the way you said it made me smile for the first time since I've been on the board this morning
so you've done good work here my child. Blessings upon you. And MoodyLee, things can always get better before they get worse. Stranger things have happened.

Being a caregiver to anyone, is HARD WORK!! I know, I have an eightysomething mother that I care for, a house, dog and chronic pain and a disease that'll eventually kill me. Hard NOT to think about it, you can't just wash you thoughts clean like you do your four year old's face smeared with jam. But there are a few tricks that my advanced age have taught me, if they're helpful for you, great, if not, you haven't lost a thing.

The next "thing" that happens with your husband, a pipe breaks, the cat commits suicide, whatever, pick up the kid, your purse (and pills) and drive to the park. Let your kid run around like a lunatic while you sit and relax in the sun/moon/fog and read a book or magazine. Or not. Just enjoy being in the moment. It's called "mindfulness", a technique of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT. Don't think about ANYTHING but what you're doing at that very moment. So the trailer burns down. I hear FEMA has plenty of them left over from Hurricane Katrina. I know I know, sarcasm doesn't become me, but you forgot about stuff for a minute didn't you?

Look up DBT on the web. You can teach it to yourself, or go to school for it for two years like I did, does'nt really matter much, as long as you get an exercise or three down cold. Honestly I don't know where I'd be without it now, it's just become so much a part of who I am. Imagine a good psychologist and throw in some Zen Buddism and then add your favorite pop culture relaxation techniques, stir and pour over ice cream. Verrry tasty and filling. My best to you and your dysfunctional family. docpatmac

Moodylee: I wish I could give you a gigantic hug!! Maybe you could find a public agency that could help with your pipes, maybe church, rotary club, the county may have a housing rehab program. Maybe you could get a neighbor to watch the dog for a while. If you're anything like me, you may be afraid to ask for help, but what the hell, go for it and ask everyone you know. These things happen and we all need to reach out sometimes. Just do it. Someday you will be in a good position again and be able to help those that helped you. My best wishes to you!

My dear. You need a BREAK. A break from spouse, child, dog, trailer with no water. Any friend you can call to help watch your child and another friend who can take you away? Even just for a few hours? I know it is hard to ask for help. But I have done it when I really needed it. And people do come through. My husband just had both knees replaced. He is now back home. And I work full time. Just wish where were more than 24 hours in the day to do all that I need to. (Opps, maybe I don't.) So I am feeling put upon and wish I could just go off in the corner and read. But my children are grown and my dog is a sweety. So I understand that you are OVERHWELMED!! My son is also bi-polar as was my brother. So I understand all that bi-polar entails. But right now, you need someone to pitch in and give you a break. Big time. You need some "me" time. Don't think of it as selfish. It is necessary. I hope you can do that and come back with your batteries charged. Has your husband been treated for bi-polar? My son is now on a med tht really helps. He is still subject to some severe depression (he is 24) and that hurts his life. But he is better than before. There are meds -- aside from lithium -- that treats bi-polar. If he were better, it would make your life better. And your child sounds like he also needs some treatment for hyperactivity. All of this is on your shoulders. And your shoulders need some massage. Best to you. Sincerely. I wish I could help more than just send a message.

Moody,

So sorry for what you are going through. I have a lazy bi-polar boyfriend who hasn't seen the need to work in over a year. I pay all the bills and go to school full-time. I am about to hit rock-bottom. As it is, I am barely keeping my head above water. It is pretty miserable. The stress is definitely adding to my pain issues, which in turn, makes me a real b*tch to be around.

I was just put on Provigil for fatigue. It is working pretty well, but since it is a stimulant, I notice that I am tensing up a lot more. I catch myself clenching my jaw and even my fists. This could be what is going on with you since you are taking ritalin. I know that when I was taking diet pills, I would become very short tempered and easily aggitated, my pain level would also increase. Thank goodness the Provigil is not causing those same side effects.

I really hope your doctor can help you out. I would be sure to mention that you are becoming increasingly aggitated. Maybe he can give you something to help with that. Good luck.

Moodylee,

Hiya nice to meet you,wish it could have been under better circumstances, oh well this shall pass too. I promise,just not fast enough,never fast enough.
I also take ritalin for ADD, I was dx"ed as an adult there are days when the effect is less than pleasent. By that I mean I get very agitated and restless, can't get anything done etc.So yes I think ritalin can and does have an effect. When this happens to me ,I stop taking it for a day or two,and have zero ill effects from doing it. Also for what it's worth I question how well pain meds and ritalin go together. I have noticed the more pain meds I have to take the more the ritalin effects me in a negitive way. I mentioned this to my Dr, he looked at me like I was nuts and told me I would be a first. BULL-PUCKY
HA so I guess my sugguestion would be is to "play around" with your dose of ritialin and see what happens.

I wish you the best,please take take of yourself.

fashana... know what you mean about the doctors "wierd looks"... there are so many doctors i see that think "they know it all , and have seen it all"... just as you say BP!!

I dont trust most doctors i see, and if i have a problem with one, i just go to another, and start over.
I have found a very kind Dr. in ID that actually "listens to what you say"!!! and doesent like to argue... but more wants to help me with whats going on "with me"... and not site what is the "norm" with the rest of the world.

Its nice to have a doctor that will pull up a chair, and actually look you in the eye,... listen, and then ask what i would like to TRY? , and then suggest things we could do, other than just saying... THIS IS WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO!!", like it or not.

So many of todays doctors are so "into themselfs", and think they know everything... when i get one of these... i politely say, thanks, but i will get a second opinion... and never return.
Its hard to find a decent doctor...

I am a nurse with adult ADHD and have the best care of my life at a medical school treatment clinic here in Tampa. At 55 I've gotten to know many physicians, both professionally and socially. And I am now treated by a psychiatrist with fresh insight and knowledge in ADHD. If you are near a medical school I recommend inquiry into their clinics. They will listen to your concerns and take you seriously. They are not jaded, have not seen it all, and want to help. Good luck.

[quote=I really hope your doctor can help you out. I would be sure to mention that you are becoming increasingly aggitated. Maybe he can give you something to help with that. Good luck. [/quote]

moodylee, I feel so bad for you and all that you are going through. I take Prednisone and high doses of pain meds, but still have a lot of pain. I would get so aggitated and tense up like Nitemoon said so my pain Dr. gave me Valium to help calm me down.It is also used as a muscle relaxer. I don't know what I would do without it. You could ask your Dr. if it might something you could try. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Khilee

I am sorry you had to go through such an ordeal, I actually had an awful week all last week too and I was wondering if it was just me, it was just one major issue after another and they always seem to put the blame on me even when i wasn't even involved, I am hoping I am just being tested by a higher power so I can prepare for future roadblocks to come and hit them head on.

Nightmoon,fashana,BillyMartin and any others,taking magnesium and calcium can help with the clenching and agitation from stimulants.

Sometimes taurine and glutamine can help too.One thing that is essential when taking stimulants like Ritalin etc,is anti-oxidants.Anything that increases dopamine,adrenaline and the like,also increases free radicals(oxidants).

It's easy to understand problems arising from the mixing of more pain killers(if they're opiates) and Ritalin from a dopamine perspective.They all cause an increase in dopamine,so the more pain killer you add(if it's an opiate),the more dopamine is increased.

The increased clenching involved with amphetamine and ecstasy use is a good example of how the clenching involved with dopamine is a bit of a cliche.
Mangnesium and calcium really does help alot.

Joker,

Thanks for the advice. I really like provigil because it doesn't really feel like a stimulant. I am not all jittery or speedy. It is hardly noticable at all. The only thing I notice is that I am clenching my muscles. Which, in turn, makes my muscles achy and sore. I will definitely try the magnesium and calcium.

Taurine also helps with retaining magnesium into muscles.After you try the magnesium and calcium,you may want to try some taurine.It's also good for some heart muscles.
(btw,you may already know this,but one of the reasons they put taurine in Red Bull is to help calm the effects of caffeine).

 Originally Posted By: moodylee

....im not sure whats going on.
i dont think the 10mg oxycodone are working long enough and some days i think that taking the ritalin makes my back hurt more,and makes me feel agitated.
i get it prescribed for add.what do you guys think? im going thru a rough time,but can my meds be to blame for me being in so much pain,and very agitated?i guess next week when i see the doc,i will have to change the pain meds anyway,you cant find the 10mg oxycodone anywhere.so i dont know if thats a good thing or bad thing.anyone please give me some advice?

Moodylee,

Did you have your appointment? Did you find some answers about the meds that will help you? taper, or change some?

Thinking about you...really hoping you are OK.


sarahte

*..this is the Fibromyalgia Forum...right...?

thanks for all the replies.yes i seen my doc,and he put me back on the perks for now.as for the ritalin,my insurance wont cover the other two possibilities,so i will have to wait until next month at my appointment to talk about it.so far the perks seem to be working out,but in the back of my mind,i am afraid to take 4 tylenol a day,and know eventually i will have to go back on something without tylenol.i noticed that the ritalin does go much better with the perks for some reason,i havent felt that extreme agitation that i felt while taking the oxys and ritalin together.who knows it could even be the certain brand,i dont know.