I'm not in AA. I'm in another 'A' program (coming up on the 14th year).
 
I just don't happen to consume alcoholic beverages or narcotics/weed because it was never really my thing.

Medical marijuana. Specifically, a strain close to 100% indica.
 
I've suffered from Crohn's Disease for over 40 years. I've had a bowel resection. It's something I deal with all day, every day. The only pharmaceutical drug I take, and the only one I've taken since 1974, is an anti-cholesterol drug that I take for its side effect (I'll spare you the unpleasant details).
 
One of my neighbors has fibromyalgia. The pain in her legs would leave her unable to do anything for several hours a day. I convinced her to see my doc, who promptly told her that her previous doc in L.A. was an incompetent bastidge who had her taking pain pills designed for back pain, not leg pain, for many years. Totally ineffective. She now has her Arizona MMJ card (I have AZ card #1, the first issued by the state!). She found a strain (Pineapple Queen) that works great for her. Much reduced pain. Much improved daily life.
 
Medical marijuana is medicine. It works.
 
The only downside? It's been YEARS since I've actually gotten 'high'. To me, it's not much different than taking an aspirin. I have to admit that I miss the fun side of weed. Sigh.
 
But it beats the crapola out of giving my money to pharmaceutical robber barons.

Given time TM, the medical maryjane producers may well become the same as the "pharmaceutical robber barons". 

eph221

kennywtelejazz

bapu

kennywtelejazz
 
bapu,
 
Oh , I had no idea he was in recovery  ....if that's the case why don't he just ask his sponsor , home group , or any other professional support he may have on hand to help guide him  ...
 
I have 33 years clean and sober as of Aug 12 th
 
Kenny
 

Not 100% sure he is (as I said "maybe").
 
Congrats Kenny.
 
One day at a time I'm aiming to make 14 years in my program on Dec 29th.

Wow ,  congratulations to you Ed ...I had no idea ....
 
Kenny
 

I'm going on 5 years without alcohol.  But I don't use AA, my thoughts are decidedly more cryptic.

I wish you the best of luck in however you are planing to accomplish your goals ...
 
Kenny

Are you in legitimate pain, eph or is this just a general, oddball query?
 
I know an arseload about soft tissue and skeletal pain management.
 
Short answer...
 
Ibuprofan (Advil but it comes in many forms)
 
NOT Acetomenophen (sp?) which only masks pain and is unnecessarily hard on the kidneys/liver
 
Ice and heat (approx 15 mins on then switch, repeat twice... in my case anyway but a physiotherapist's advice goes a looong way)
 
Stretching, exercise, good diet.
 
Hot water (baths/showers) for soft tissue, nerve and skeletal issues.
 
Sleep. Lots of sleep... (edit) on a GOOD bed in good positions to avoid straining the injured area(s), We heal as we sleep but not if we are injuring ourselves/irritating our injuries AS we sleep.

Yes, I have a herniated disc.  I've had it for many years and it only flares every now and then when I sleep on it wrong.  As I get older I get various aches and pains as well.  I'd do the medicinal pot, but I have a p/t job that involves driving and they don't allow weed.  My two other jobs it would be fine though.

eph221
 My two other jobs it would be fine though.

Many people would kill to have a job they could do the MJ on. Start time 4:20. End Time 4:21?
 

Smoking that stuff does crap all unless you have glaucoma or need something to make you eat. Tea or edibles are better for that stuff.
 
Everything I said though completely applies to you.
 
As far as opiod based meds... they are a mask. You're better off muscle/skeletal relaxers for your flare ups.
 
If you only have occasional flare ups stay the heck away from the opiods. They are laced with Acetomenophen which is highly toxic and is another pain "mask" that doesn't really do anything.
 
For slipped discs though go talk to a physio therapist, get them to do their thing and then DO THE EXERCISES AND STRETCHES THEY GIVE YOU!!!!
 
Also for the muscle spasms and pain associated with slipped discs (soft tissue) go to a registered (and licensed) massage therapist. If you request your physiotherapist to refer you to one all the better but they cost serious money. They are worth it though to get rid of not only the pain but to get you back on your feet and stronger so you have less flare ups and don't get sucked into the cycle of poverty severe back problems can cause.
 
I'll say it again...
 
You feel even the slightest twinge in you back or anywhere...
 
Ice it, heat it, stretch it (using medical provided exercises/stretching), ice/heat again, take an Advil (or in insane flareups a muscle relaxer... Robaxecet is a suitable temp solution without a script) and go to freaking sleep.
 
Put a pillow between your legs and keep your spine "neutral" while you sleep.
 
If you do not know what "neutral" means or the proper streatches or exercises need to care for a back injury/slipped disc then pressure your doctor to explain it and send you to the appropriate professionals to treat and teach you.
 
I could tell you a BUTTLOAD more about this stuff but I'm going back to my bass.
 
Back pain is a freaking brutal inhibitor to enjoying a reasonable life.
 
Good luck and feel better.

I got the herniation as a cashier at Home Depot.  Think about it next time you're at one;  the cashiers have to reach over the counter to pick up stuff.  I'm not workin there no longer.  Thanks for the info beep.  I have gone to a chiropractor with some success.  I've also been to an orthopedic surgeon.

eph221
Yes, I have a herniated disc.  I've had it for many years and it only flares every now and then when I sleep on it wrong.  As I get older I get various aches and pains as well.  I'd do the medicinal pot, but I have a p/t job that involves driving and they don't allow weed.  My two other jobs it would be fine though.

I was diagnosed many years with a bulging disk problem.  My doc had me a surgical path.  I went for a second opinion.
 
The next doc prescribed Feldene (Piroxicam).  He told me to start out one a day for about two weeks, then I was supposed to get really irregular with it.  Take it a few days, skip an odd day or two here and there.
 
Combined with a very specific set of stretches, I was pain free in about 6 mos.  I never experienced any of the side effects listed as possible with it.
 
I realize herniated is a different game, but it's something to check out anyway.