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DUEL with the DEVIL

Viewing comments for Chapter 28 "DUEL with the DEVIL - Chapter 28"
The problem of creating a non-addictive painkiller

17 total reviews 
Comment from jmdg1954
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Oh boy. Brian, Brian, Brian.
You knew better than having to be Superman. He may end up really doing damage to himself, both to his back and his addiction potential relapse.

I'm sensing this is the beginning to the next part off the story...

Looking forward to it.

John

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 19-Aug-2024
    You sense correctly, John. We're about to encounter a chain of events that has the potential for disaster. Let's hope he has the support system in place to help him get through what's coming.

    I'm so glad it's keeping your interest, my friend.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
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Well written.
I could see that it could happen just like that.
Except that if it was me (with my history of neck surgery), the hospital would not order ex-rays, or anything, but would simply send me home with instructions for aspirin, muscle relaxer, and rest.
Best wishes

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 19-Aug-2024
    Thanks, Wayne. With Brian's history, at least they didn't prescribe any opioids for him. Those steroid injections do often work, but how long they last is anyone's guess.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
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What he wants and what he gets may be the beginning of the end. Opioids here I come? Perhaps. That would ruin what he had going. Waiting for you to tell what's next.

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 19-Aug-2024
    Good guess, Tom, and yes, it may well ruin what he has going. Lots of potential for disaster here. It will take a few chapters to unfold completely, which should bring us right to the end of Part 1 in Chapter 34. We will begin Part 2 with a fairly clean slate in Chapter 35.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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Good lord! Brian lives with a 6 pain level? I have to say, on my worst day these days, I'm only at a 4, and I'm usually at a 1 or 2. I can't imagine living at a 6, but I know people who do so every day:-(

I pulled a muscle in my back doing deads a few years ago - put me out of commission for a couple of weeks. And deadlifts are a thing of the past for me, as well. I know a man in his 70s who deadlifts over 300 lb. People gather 'round him in the gym when he does. What they don't know but I do because his wife is my massage therapist, is that she has to massage him and he needs a little "help" when he does this.

If the pain is going to come roaring back after his shot wears off, my guess is that he'll be looking for something on campus. Damn!

As always, great writing.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
    Thanks so much, Pam. Right on with all of your remarks. This will end up being another one of those dumb things he is prone to doing and will eternally regret. He's going to need a lot of help getting through this one.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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Overdoing it in the gym after a serious accident is not such a good idea, but men will be men and their ego makes them do things that they always regret. Another fine chapter and all seems well with these friendships so far, I expect you have some shockers coming Jim, love Dolly x

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 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
    Thanks, Dolly. Yep, another one of those stupid things he will regret for a long time. Why are men so prone to doing them? I guess it's just in the genes.
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 18-Aug-2024
    It's the testosterone !
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
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I sense bad beginnings. Jim my friend, I sense his addiction being even louder than the pain itself. COME ON BRIAN, YOU CAN HAVE SOME FOR THE INTENSE PAIN YOU ARE IN< A LITTLE WON'T HURT. I bet he is hearing thatover and over in his fevered brain. Karen

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
    Yes, this is the start of a downward spiral for Brian, of the type he has experienced in the past. Very prescient with your prediction that he can take just a little for the pain and hope to control it.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 18-Aug-2024
    My brain tells me to call my sister for some of her pain pills. I would feel better for a bit sure, but I have to be in control. And pain pills do not make the pain go away, the just dumb us down. Make us numb to life. Karen
reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
    My experience with pain pills (Vicodin) following the microdiscectomy I had 17 years ago was such that I never lost control or felt high from them. They just took the pain down a few levels to a manageable 3 perhaps. I didn't have any trouble tapering off them either.

    I think this just depends on each person's makeup. There are genes which control the response to opioids. Some people just don't get high from them, while others certainly do because of the nature of their particular genes.

    Genes are a fascinating subject and will figure large later in the story.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 18-Aug-2024
    I was never addicted, but they sucked all the joy out of my life. I could not write, and had no big thoughts. I was not me.
    I would rather hurt and think.
Comment from Wendy G
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I sincerely hope he will stick to his commitment about not going back to opioids for pain relief. Sometimes, it's just one foolish decision and all the good work can be undone. I'm feeling uneasy .... Very well written, as yours always are.
Wendy

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 Comment Written 18-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
    You well know that's probably a vain hope because Brian is an addict, and addicts have a difficult time staying true to their word. We'll see just how far down the rabbit hole he goes and what it's going to take for him to find his way back out.

    Thanks for your kind words, Wendy.