The Surgeon's Solution

How do you manage debilitating pain without waking hereditary demons? In Episode 5, we enter the core of "History" (2014–2021) and explore the chemical reality of clearing numerous medical hurdles. While still without an official Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, the sheer volume of surgeries meant that Oxy, liquid Vicodin, and anti-vertigo medications became the new norm. [Your Name] candidly shares the internal battle of relying on these powerful opioids while navigating a family history riddled with addiction.In This Episode:The Surgical Sequence: Tracing the timeline from carpal tunnel and kidney stones in 2014, through tonsil removal in 2016, a neck fusion in 2017, and brain fistula surgery in 2018.The Pain Management Toolbelt: A transparent look at using Oxy and liquid Vicodin while also managing severe post-brain surgery vertigo.Fighting hereditary demons: The immense mental strain of using highly addictive medications while holding a decade of sobriety against a family history of addiction. What I Would Tell My Younger Self Now"I’d sit that younger version of me down—the one looking at that bottle of Oxy with a mixture of relief and absolute terror—and I’d tell him: Use your mouth before you use your hand.I know you think you have to suffer through the physical pain, but the mental battle is just as critical. You have to communicate with your providers about your addiction history. Do not take it for granted. Demand a clear, shared taper plan before the first pill is even popped. Be relentless about asking for non-addictive alternatives first. The surgeons are experts in physical repair, but you are the only expert on your history of resilience. Make them a partner in protecting your sobriety, not just repairing your bones."This episode includes personal discussion of chronic illness, mental health, medical treatment, and the lived experience of multiple sclerosis. Listener discretion is advised.Website: www.mysolomsjourney.comEmail Updates: Subscribe on the site to follow the journeyProduced by: TKB Podcast StudioThank you for listening to My Solo MS Journey. This is a deeply personal documentary of Timothy Brien's journey with Relapsing Remitting MS. The views expressed are Timothy's alone and are not meant as medical advice. This production is made possible by TKB Podcast Studio, where we help you lead through the noise with quiet professionalism. For more information on TKB Podcast Studio, go to www.tkbpodcaststudio.com to discover what we can do for you.