Hey RTP...Are you still getting adequate relief from Oxycodone? Forgive me, but I thought I read you were starting "SUB" or that you said NO to the idea. PM me with an update when you have sweetchild tucked in, okay? I'm wondering about you, friend.
As for trade offs...Of course I could tolerate some side effects IF a pain med brought sufficient relief. BUT if all the med offers me is negative, what's the point? The Fent patch was 25 mcg/48 hours. It was (I believe) the non-gel patch that had adverse absorption issues.
I had gotten great relief initially upon trial of gel Duragesic back in 2005. Unfortunately, back then 72 hr. dosing was all I was allowed. I was in deep WDs on 3rd day. It wasn't worth it. I was excited to try again this year through PM. The matrix type patch (with Tegaderm cover) was polar opposite of OG gel patches. RELIEF? none, sadly
YES...Best case scenario, a med that doesn't pass through my "pouch" would be best. The patch should have been the answer, but wasn't. Decadron injections given by GP are heaven for 24 hours, but not feasible for long term. I would go into his office for IV infusions, if that were a possibility. My best relief has been IV in hospital, or gas at the dentist office. The happiest days of my life were the many spent breathing the magic gas while getting 32 teeth crowned. I've joked that I wish I could have a constant supply strung over my shoulder, to breathe at will. %)
The Oxycodone I'm prescribed is less harsh on GI than other trials of MS Contin, etc. I'm just in a constant battle with constipation. It gets so bad that I look pregnant. I can't tolerate intake of food/drink at that point because there is no output...but borderline obstruction. YES, I use all methods of softeners, laxatives and daily Miralax. When all else fails, hospital grade enemas have to be self-administered (repeatedly).
I am absolutely seeking access to Indica Cannabis for adjunct to Oxycodone. I don't think it will relieve pain on its own. I do believe, however, that it could extend the duration of the prescribed med. I prefer to try the tincture or oil, but hell I can't even get access to the smoke-able variety.
Okay...enough of my bitching and whining.
Steph...IMO the depression and sense of utter hopelessness is far more crippling than the pain itself. It's a vicious cycle. A therapist, counselor or pastor is a must in my pain fighting arsenal. It's healthy to purge those feelings, rather than allow them to fester inside you, killing your spirit. Whether you think you CAN or you think you CAN'T...you are correct. Your thought process leads. Your body follows, IME.
For me, the worst possible scenario is self-isolation and/or taking to the bed, closing the shutters. It's a must to find JOY somewhere amongst the suffering. The more I focus on my pain, the more depressed I get. Realistically, this 1.5 years of frustration with seeking PM has made my life HARDER. I don't excel when it comes to self preservation. I don't like to face my physical realities. I prefer to focus on the needs of others, and force myself to "fake it til I feel it".
I know that your pancreas issues, like my "pouch" issues, are MISERY to the nth degree. Belly problems suck the life and JOY from everything. Find comfort wherever you can, within reason. If your meds give you even 50% relief, make the most of that time. Can you go for walks or swims? My knees GRIND bone on bone, but I swim daily and do Yoga stretching, whether I "feel like it" or not. My bullheadedness and insane determination keep me going. Pets are a Godsend, as they love me even though I don't love myself. Reaching out to others who are far worse off than me, is paramount. Sometimes, I just have to get up close and personal with my heating pad, retreat and watch a funny movie.
And YES...I take anti-anxiety and anti-depressant meds. There's no shame in seeking help in those areas. You have medical records and documentation of your illness and pain source. I get so pissed off when people imply that depression causes pain. It's the old chicken/egg mentality. Yes, there are psychosomatic illnesses and there are people who "think" themselves sick. That is not the case with true CP. It is rare that depression
doesn't rear its head, when pain is your constant companion. It helps to share those feelings, so you don't feel so alone. I'm here if you need to talk. PM me anytime.
Me, too. I don't wanna SMOKE anything...just don't like the idea for myself. But...I'm desperate for relief!