OUT: opioids IN: low dose naltrexone

Hello all you sweaty summery people!

I am very, very pleased to announce that I am no longer on opioid pain medication! I started weaning off about 3 months ago, and it has been rough but I passed the finish line. Since I have less pain control now, my function has decreased greatly as a result. I’m starting to get settled in to this new state, but it will take some time. I am so happy I was able to push through and get off opioids to try a new medication regime.

The weaning process included: adjusting to new pain levels, major restlessness, a runny nose, sleep interference, mental blocks/ challenges, headaches, and brain zaps. I must say, it is really difficult being restless when you are mobility compromised! It was just as mentally challenging as it was pain-wise, maybe even more. There were some very emotional visits to my family doctor, with me barely dragging myself in there to cry about how I could barely get up and walk to the bathroom. I still have a long way to go readjusting as far as my function is concerned. Although if you think about it, readjusting my function is something I’ve had to do consistently throughout the last 2 years. Consistently inconsistent, but ideally the trend is up!

The plan is to try out low dose naltrexone (LDN) and to see if it has a positive effect. LDN is being newly used as way to clear up inflammation brought on by microglial cell activation. Evidence suggests microglial cell activation could be a common factor in many neurological, and chronic pain conditions including: CRPS, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Ideally this means I will be taking a medication that targets a possible root of my condition. You know, if the research catches up saying the same thing. Right now there are not many studies that evidence regarding LDN can be collected from. This is the waiting game that is science and the scientific method!

I still have pain every moment of every day, just because I am off opioids does not mean I am pain-free. The opposite, really. I am very hopeful for the possibility of this new medication giving me some type of advantage though!

Wish me luck!

 

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Studies referenced:

Microglia, a major player in the brain inflammation, their roles in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Kim, and Jo, 2006.

The use of low dose naltrexone as a novel anti-inlammatory treatment for chronic pain. Younger, Parkitny, and McLain, 2014.