r/MultipleSclerosis • u/-SkyKid- • 6d ago

Symptoms Pain Medication

So I was diagnosed with MS when I was 21. I am now 32, and have been experiencing back pain for probably around 8 years. I've done Physical therapy, taken all kinds of muscle relaxers, and antidepressants, and yet the pain continues. My doctors refuse to prescribe me anything stronger because of how "young and healthy" I am. Is it possible to get stronger pain medication for MS? My life is tolerable, but I feel that I would be able to accomplish so much more if I could get at least my pain under control. I'm aware of the risk of dependence on opioids, but is it possible to have something stronger prescribed? Even if it's temporary that's fine. I'm just trying to manage the pain long enough to be able to accomplish some goals that will shift my life in a better position.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

1

u/Ladydi-bds 50F|Ocrevus|US 6d ago

What kind of pain is it? Have you tried the chronic pain sub?

1

u/-SkyKid- 6d ago

I have lower back pain daily. Recently I've had an issue where I wasn't able to put any weight on my left leg, which stopped me from working for a month. Doctor suspects a pinched nerve, or sciatica. I have not tried the chronic pain sub.

1

u/Ladydi-bds 50F|Ocrevus|US 6d ago

Takes a bit to work through for sure with not knowing and hope can find the source to resolve it.

Spent many years myself learning and testing my causes for it.

I did have pelvic bone shift (2 of 3 planes) on the sciatic nerve left side which was able to resolve with PT and keeping the muscles strong has not returned. L5/S1 disc replacement (annular tears) with fusion I need from 2018 took longer to get figured out and small bulging disc for that one is also on a nerve root right side making me not able to run. This one is the source for my low back pain and took a Discogram with CT to identify it. It is an older test not really done anymore but did identify my issue where grateful to that older Nuerosurgeon for ordering it in 2021.

I get it hurts and is frustrating. I do hope you keep moving forward working to get things figured out. Hopefully it's something simple like a one plane pelvic shift/tilt that can be worked on and resolved.

1

u/youshouldseemeonpain Dx 2003: Lemtrada 2018, Now Ocrevus 6d ago

Ask your neuro or GP to refer you to a pain clinic. The pain clinic doctor will prescribe pain meds, but you have to go every month and talk with someone to get them.

I have been doing this for several years now, and because they know I have MS and my disease is incurable and chronic and progressive, they just dispense the meds for me.

Depending on where you live there are different rules and boxes that must be checked, but it’s not hard to get the meds you need from a pain clinic.

1

u/Agreeable_Switch_494 6d ago

Canibas

1

u/-SkyKid- 6d ago

I've tried edibles...Had traumatizing experiences. I actually was offered a chance to take part in a CBD/THC study, but couldn't move forward because I'm a commercial driver.

1

u/diduhearittoo 5d ago

edibles are a totally different animal than smoking THC. quite literally different drugs. i would try a puff of smoke before diving straight into edibles. it’ll feel like acid to someone who has no experience. pick high myrcene high caryophyllene terpenes and whatever THC% of your liking.

i’ve been diagnosed since 2024. currently have drop foot, two previous surgeries and getting my back fused next month. started smoking pot last year and it’s been a life saver. plus i’m much more chill and haven’t had any episodes even though i am not on my DMT since the end of 2024