Harm Reduction The Pain Management Megathread (Chronic and Acute Pain Discussion) v6

[BeachBum4u]

FnX, glad things are okay. At least it sounds okay.
Folks, I'm posting for a diffrent reason. I'm going to confess something. I thought I might be getting a med increase, so I took more of my twice a day medicine, sometimes three or four pills instead of two. I did this because I felt I got gyped.
I mean I was taking 20 mg prescribed Percocet a day. I got switched to two 15mg morphine ER twice a day. I think they are deicent but were a little weaker then the oxycodone. So here is where I am at now. I have one 15mg morphine ER tablet to take each day till the 15th of October (17 days). I screwed up. I want to make it clear that this was not a mater of abuse, but higher tolerance and seeking pain relief. I'm ready to get scolded so bring it on. I know it wasn't the brightest idea, now I have to pay the price. The good news is I'm going to a new PM doctor. Hopefully this guy will understand that I have a tolerance that built up over 20 years. I mean, is 40 mg of Percocet ( I use that as a marker) at one time a monster dose. I don't take that high of a dose all the time, more like once in a while I need that high of a dose to effectively make me pain free.
I did figure out that Tylenol and morphine work well together. Also if you chew up a pill ,get it all liquid and swish it around in your mouth, it seems to hit me harder and stronger. Okay?im done. Good or bad, any comments? I hope everyone is doing as good as they can today.

You know, we've all been there but having to cut back so drastically to make the pills last till the next appointment is no way to live either. I used to kick myself when I'd run out or get in the same boat you're in, and I'd think back to when I took an extra pill here and there and did I really need it and boy it'd be nice if I had it now. The whole situation sucks! Personally, and I mentioned this in another post somewhere, I got to the point where I could no longer trust myself not to do that ever again. I mean the brain can really play tricks on you to get that extra pill sometimes. My solution ended up being I'd hand over my pills to my wife and each night I'd place an empty bottle in a certain place and each morning the pills for the day would magically appear in the bottle. The peace of mind knowing when day 28 or 29... comes I know that bottle will keep showing up with pills in it till day 30 and I'll never come up short again.

I realize not everyone is in a position where this could work for them. I totally understand needing an extra pill every now and then but these days if that happens, I turn to Advil, Aleve or some other OTC med that may help me get through till I'm due for the next dose of the day. I've found that while it takes a little bit of self-control to do it this way (I suppose you could take more during the day and come up short to where you're jonesing for the next round of pills to show up) it's just a 24 hour cycle but it does eliminates the larger self-control issue of trying to navigate an entire 30 days.

That's what I do to make it through. Just a suggestion and I hope everyone is hanging in there tonight.

 

[Speed King]

FnX and Beach Bum, thanks for the quick reply. I think my current PM doctor is mad at me for burning through 120 Percocet 5/325 in 15 days. Then she prescribed me 60, 15mg morphine ER tabs(that break apart really easy). No one commented on the fact that I get to live on 1, 15mg morphine ER a day. It's not actually that bad. The Vyvance in the morning and Lyrica help me out all day, I am getting myself prepared for my next new PM doctor that I'll probably have in a month or so.

 

[namnoc16]

Should I be concerned about my pm clinic?
I had my second appointment today,first one where I was getting scripts and they called yesterday to cancel saying they'd call back to reschedule.I was told by other patients there was a sign on the door last week that said they were closed. I called my pharmacist and they heard nothing about sanctions but I would think if there was a family emergency or something they would have a back up doctor.
I'm not to concerned about missing meds because my family doc is still taking care of me until pm starts scripts but what if that wasn't the case? I think it's weird.Has anyone had similar situation and should I find someone else?

 

[ScuicidalNod]

Should I be concerned about my pm clinic?.... should I find someone else?

I'm in the process of finding a PM doc right now too.
I have gone to at least 3 in the last 2weeks, and have 2 more scheduled this week.
I have found it very difficult to get a doctor who wants to do anything more than nerve blocks, and stop my opiods.
It may take some effort to find a good doctor your'e comfortable w/.
I say get on the horn and holler at 'em...See what's up...Then set more apts. for others in case it falls through (or he rubs ya wrong).
You're fortunate to have a primary doc. who will write 'scripts to cover you untill then...Most are not so lucky.

 

[Shain77]

FnX and Beach Bum, thanks for the quick reply. I think my current PM doctor is mad at me for burning through 120 Percocet 5/325 in 15 days. Then she prescribed me 60, 15mg morphine ER tabs(that break apart really easy). No one commented on the fact that I get to live on 1, 15mg morphine ER a day. It's not actually that bad. The Vyvance in the morning and Lyrica help me out all day, I am getting myself prepared for my next new PM doctor that I'll probably have in a month or so.

I think your pm doc might have an issue with that too! Glad she gave you something else to take the edge off.

I had to sit in a car for 5 hours yesterday then attempt to get some sleep in a hotel bed. Feel like a broken board right now. I just dosed 180 mg of codeine, so that should take the sting out a little bit. Taking my 3 yr old to see Grandma and Great Grandma today and little joy always helps with the pain. Not looking forward to the ride home.

Try to have a good day everyone.

 

[DixiChik]

WOW...I need to say "Hello" to ALL who are posting on the PM thread. I'm sorry for our strife, but glad we're posting more frequently to support one another. I know that it helps me, as I attempt to navigate this gnarly path of PM. I keep hitting a DEAD END, whether with uber-expensive meds I can't afford OR deadly constipation induced by those I can afford. My story is an odyssey I don't recommend for mass consumption, but you'll find it by searching DixiChik. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions...always.

Speed King...I already figured that one out, friend. I knew when you went from Perc to Morph, you weren't going to get the same effect. I'm not certain, but aren't you a cancer survivor? That, of course, would explain high tolerance levels. It should also be a determining factor with future scripting of opiates, IF you are compliant with dosing. No "scolding" here, not from me. I don't judge.

namnoc...I think we all should be concerned about our PM centers and doctors. I don't see this ending well. For those of us with legitimate wiki-length medical justification for lifelong scripts (and dire need of relief)...we're screwed IMO. For those who are street savvy, which I am not, perhaps their DOC will always be available.

I know that in my rural area, I have one choice...period. He's anesthesiology, but doesn't force spinal injections on me. My records show that I've had them multiple times without relief. He is willing to prescribe for my pain, but doesn't truly treat my whole body. He doesn't even try to understand my GI issues (riddled with disease and surgery to remove disease). He also doesn't understand why I can't afford the high dollar boutique meds. He says they'll change my life. So would living under a bridge. If I pay out of pocket (no script insurance), we will lose our home and everything we've worked so hard for 35 years together.

My PM experience has only caused me more pain, physically and emotionally. I wish I'd never enrolled. I want to try the sublingual MMJ drops 1:1 CBD/THC for pain, but...try getting that in MS. It's not happening. I'd like to terminate my contract with this asshole doctor of mine. If the MMJ sublingual drops just eased some of my pain and inflammation, my GP could help me along with Torodol. I need corticosteroids for this disease, but I've taken that route before. The SEs are too barbaric IME.

SNod...I wish you luck in finding the right fit for a PM specialist. It sounds as if you have many to choose from, but I also hear what you're saying about changing "what works for you".

Jlos and Rachella...I often wonder IME over the past 2 years RE: Oxycodone...The rebound pain is worse for me than the baseline, which is saying a lot. I'm no conspiracy theorist, but...I DO wonder if big pharma is wetting our taste buds that could lead to overuse/abuse. This stuff does LITTLE for pain, and quite frankly the little burst of energy is short-lived. It's just not the answer for me. Proceed with caution!

FnX...Kudos for helping this person. I admit I thought it was you, in the beginning. I agree that it sounds as though you've taken on far too much responsibility here. Others have given sage advice for inpatient services. This amount of stress could throw you for a loop. Take care of yourself or you can't be there for those who need you.

I read what you said about their pain threshold. I can relate to some extent. I suffered physical trauma (beatings) and verbal abuse from both parents (when they weren't threatening to kill each other) throughout my life. I'm not talking a pop on the wrist. I mean BEATINGS with belts, wires and chains. If we cried, we were beaten harder. We quickly learned to "take it" and pray we "make it". Thankfully, all 6 of us made it out alive, attended university and created good lives for ourselves. Not one of us turned to drugs or alcohol, which we could have certainly justified. We are all reasonably "sane" and successful in spite of our parents' abuse.

My physical pain for 4 decades is due to traumatic injury and disease requiring multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Those treatments, while saving my life...ended my LIFE as in QOL. I am in moderate to mostly severe pain every waking moment. I soldier through behind the façade of perfection, wishing I were on the root side of the grass. It would have to be better than this. I digress.

 

[Runtoparadise]

Hi guys, hope ye are all in less pain today.? quick question, I'm on dihydrocodeine and codeine tabs for fibromyalgia. I broke my wrist last week and was prescribed 20mg oxycodone per day, zero pain relief, how is this?
I'm baffled, when I went back to my go he put me on 10mg morphine tabs, again no pain relief at all.? why do ye think it is? Is it due to what I'm already on? Any answers greatly appetite xxx

Are you still taking the dihydro & codeine? The weaker opioids may be blocking the oxy or morph from being able to fill the receptors.

A pharm refused to sell me cold & flu tabs with codeine when I was on oxy for this very reason. I would imagine the Stronger meds would bump the weaker ones off, but that was his opinion.

Rtp

 

[AnnaBanana333]

FnX, glad things are okay. At least it sounds okay.
Folks, I'm posting for a diffrent reason. I'm going to confess something. I thought I might be getting a med increase, so I took more of my twice a day medicine, sometimes three or four pills instead of two. I did this because I felt I got gyped.
I mean I was taking 20 mg prescribed Percocet a day. I got switched to two 15mg morphine ER twice a day. I think they are deicent but were a little weaker then the oxycodone. So here is where I am at now. I have one 15mg morphine ER tablet to take each day till the 15th of October (17 days). I screwed up. I want to make it clear that this was not a mater of abuse, but higher tolerance and seeking pain relief. I'm ready to get scolded so bring it on. I know it wasn't the brightest idea, now I have to pay the price. The good news is I'm going to a new PM doctor. Hopefully this guy will understand that I have a tolerance that built up over 20 years. I mean, is 40 mg of Percocet ( I use that as a marker) at one time a monster dose. I don't take that high of a dose all the time, more like once in a while I need that high of a dose to effectively make me pain free.
I did figure out that Tylenol and morphine work well together. Also if you chew up a pill ,get it all liquid and swish it around in your mouth, it seems to hit me harder and stronger. Okay?im done. Good or bad, any comments? I hope everyone is doing as good as they can today.

Okay. I know it's been said before, but I'm going to say it again. I am so angry at teenage kids who abuse to crazy extents that there is a 'war on opioids'. If we are in pain, our pain should be treated. I have poor vision, so I wear contacts. If I had high blood pressure, I would have blood pressure medication. Why should we be punished for the actions of those who made bad choices?

I'm tired of it. For all of us suffering...this is no way to live. I am so very fortunate to have a great relationship with my pain center, but it makes me so frustrated that everyone doesn't have the same.

I ram out of my oxymorphone early this month by 2 days (first time ever), and my nurse let me fill my script early. Didn't change the amount or anything else, but I could fill it early, because she trusts me and wants to help me.

I wish for all of you that managing your pain and daily lives didn't have the added struggle of dealing with all of this.

Sending you all some fresh chocolate chip brownies. Hugs and drugs. End rant.

 

[DixiChik]

Hey Anna...Since I know that you share my warped sense of humor...I spent the afternoon lying prostrate in the "grass" (cause bending my fucking neck makes me "piss myself and forget who I am")---kudos Cuzzin Eddie from Chevy Chase's original 1988 "Christmas Vacation".

I know...I'm older than dirt. Anyhoo...I was watching the sky, hopeful that some MMJ would drop from the heavens. Hey, according to the nightly news, it happens! I can't smoke it if it did "drop", but I promise y'all I'd be researching some recipes for tinctures to ease some of this gut wrenching pain!

Just asking...Do your baked goods GOT WEED??? No matter...I don't need yet another reason to love brownies! I wouldn't refuse some Dixie Dew Drops elixir...no pun intended!

Fist bumps on the "kids who abuse".

 

[namnoc16]

Guess I should've been concerned about my pm doctor his office has been closed because he got busted on 6 counts of felony fraud and conditions for his bail are not to practice medicine. Guess I have to go through the laborious task of finding a new doc. Thank god my primary still writes my scripts because if not I'd be fucked!

 

[SKR]

Are you still taking the dihydro & codeine? The weaker opioids may be blocking the oxy or morph from being able to fill the receptors.

A pharm refused to sell me cold & flu tabs with codeine when I was on oxy for this very reason. I would imagine the Stronger meds would bump the weaker ones off, but that was his opinion.

Rtp

Too true RTP, sometimes I have to take tabs for a headache and often its a paracetamol/codeine tab so I wait for my oxy to kick in before I take the codeine because it does get to those receptors and certainly reduces the effectiveness of my oxy.

Is it my turn to PM or yours? Probably my turn, let me guess, I said I would message again and didn't? See everyone who PM's me, its not just you I do it too. Hopeless.

Wishing you all a reduced pain day. For those who wish to pass away in their sleep I hope the universe delivers by answering your call if that's what you need.

 

[Runtoparadise]

Odd of you to mention that BL BFF, I've just PMd you xx

 

[SKR]

^Got it! All the best BL BFF, may your pain pale in comparison to the lightness of your spirit!

And that goes for all of you poor things, And yes Miss AnnaBanana, keep the hugs and drugs coming - it all helps. Take care today you lot and stay out of trouble unless it reduces your pain in which case - Go get em!!!

 

[FnX]

FnX...Kudos for helping this person. I admit I thought it was you, in the beginning. I agree that it sounds as though you've taken on far too much responsibility here. Others have given sage advice for inpatient services. This amount of stress could throw you for a loop. Take care of yourself or you can't be there for those who need you.

I read what you said about their pain threshold. I can relate to some extent. I suffered physical trauma (beatings) and verbal abuse from both parents (when they weren't threatening to kill each other) throughout my life. I'm not talking a pop on the wrist. I mean BEATINGS with belts, wires and chains. If we cried, we were beaten harder. We quickly learned to "take it" and pray we "make it". Thankfully, all 6 of us made it out alive, attended university and created good lives for ourselves. Not one of us turned to drugs or alcohol, which we could have certainly justified. We are all reasonably "sane" and successful in spite of our parents' abuse.

My physical pain for 4 decades is due to traumatic injury and disease requiring multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Those treatments, while saving my life...ended my LIFE as in QOL. I am in moderate to mostly severe pain every waking moment. I soldier through behind the façade of perfection, wishing I were on the root side of the grass. It would have to be better than this. I digress.

Interesting, we had a conversation and they told me about something very similar in their childhood, physical abuse that they had experienced. Death threats and all. They soon found out the best approach to the abuse was to just go sort of... irresponsive. Don't react to the pain in an outward way, try to ignore it. Twist your own perception of it. Then there was this whole trying to appear as tough as possible in the eyes of certain people stage in their teenage years.

I prefer to help others because that way I don't have time to focus on my own nihilistic existential crisis and I get at least some sense of purpose. They really want to help me with my issues in return, but I keep telling them that if I can't help myself, I think nobody can. Anyway, progressing very good. I anticipated one potential relapse and hid their "comfort stash" of one dose one day ahead, which they had so they would always know they can stop the pain whenever they wish. They were glad it wasn't there when they went looking for it in the end. Tomorrow is the day we agreed how long the break would last, so I'm proud of them at least. They told me they can't even remember a period of time they were off the pain meds for this long.

To all fibro sufferers: this person really recommends acupuncture.

 

[DixiChik]

That's great news! I allow myself X amount of time (limited) for self-pity. By that I mean, research of ways to ease just a tad of this crippling pain. The opiates through PM aren't the answer for me. My GI says "HELL NO" via constipation.

The rest of my time goes to career, husband, extended family and my work with "senior peeps" at my mom's nursing home. My health and my joy has been depleted by pain. However, I am better off that those residents who are in their twilight years. Giving of myself strengthens me.

As of late, I'm not holding up, as PM has made my situation more difficult. I want to find alternative ways to deal with incurable disease and the deep depression that is pain's "bestie". Those "ways" aren't readily available in my state.

 

[AnnaBanana333]

That's great news! I allow myself X amount of time (limited) for self-pity. By that I mean, research of ways to ease just a tad of this crippling pain. The opiates through PM aren't the answer for me. My GI says "HELL NO" via constipation.

The rest of my time goes to career, husband, extended family and my work with "senior peeps" at my mom's nursing home. My health and my joy has been depleted by pain. However, I am better off that those residents who are in their twilight years. Giving of myself strengthens me.

As of late, I'm not holding up, as PM has made my situation more difficult. I want to find alternative ways to deal with incurable disease and the deep depression that is pain's "bestie". Those "ways" aren't readily available in my state.

Dixie, I think we talked about this before, but did Fentanyl work? I used to go through withdrawals until I figured out to use 2 25mcg patches and switch ONE every day. Is that a possibility?

I'm having ice cream today, because life is too short. Need to enjoy the small things, and not focus on the sharp, stabbing pain.

BTW, when did doctors and insurance become such a business, not a service? Luckily, my doctors are awesome, but insurance! I could never work for an organization that actively tries to screw people over. It's just getting worse and worse. Sorry. Trying to stay positive! Bought a pretty lipstick today...

 

[DixiChik]

GO FOR IT...I scream, but not for ice cream tonight. Anna...the small things are what keep me going, my funny friend. I don't focus on the pain. I don't have to, because it's steady roaring like the beast it is. I have mass weapons of distraction in my arsenal to fight pain. I think my records are "living proof" of my tenacity.

One need only read my intro thread and subsequent posts, to lose their appetite while crossing their legs and wincing in repulsion.

Girl, I'm one tough old bitch...ask my hubby of 35 years. I came home from a hemorrhoid surgery (literally) and completed a DIY project of laying bricks. Enter chuckle...as shitting bricks were the cause of 2 (count em 2) surgeries to remove prolapsed hemorrhoids. I'd already been through a thrombosed (sic) hem with shots into my rectum and cauterization. Fire in the hole!!!!

FWIW...I work all day (almost 25 years) as an architect. I have my home life with my hubby and my (now one) Dalmatian. I am the queen of denial of pain, of faking it til I feel it, of hiding behind that "perfect" façade. I drive 20 miles one way every night to "tuck in" my 89 year old mom at the nursing home.

Granted, I have to wear riot gear because she's of the devil. She threatens to knock my GD head off on a regular basis. I stay "positive", as I visit fellow residents who I dearly love. I bake all of the cakes for monthly birthday club and help serve. I call Bingo for the residents and LOVE every minute of it.

In my "free time" I teach dance lessons to all of the skeletons in my closet. At 54, I no longer have the will or strength to "hide" them.

 

[namnoc16]

Dixi you are one funny old bitch(just kidding,lol). I get to be so miserable from my pain and I end up being a dick to everyone around me,I need to stop. I keep thinking is this how my boys will remember their father as some miserable cantankerous old fucker at the age of 41!My mother (God bless her soul) lived to be 80 and she died in a nursing home with dementia and even through that miserable disease she always put on a brave and strong face(miss her badly). I need to quit bitching and start living!

 

[DixiChik]

Thanks for the um, er...compliment. I have to make fun of myself and my situation, because laughter is like a good medicine!

I do my share of bitching and grumpy as well. I'm much more fun to be around though, on the rare occasions I can get just a little relief.

No disrespect to your dear mom that you deeply miss, as you are blessed to have shared that relationship. Both my mom and my dad were horribly abusive verbally and beating us worse than animals until they drew blood. It definitely raised my pain threshold. I learned early to conceal pain.

My mom has always been the spawn of Satan. I'd heard that Alzhiemers and Dementia can negatively affect the victims' personality. In other words, turn a quite mannered lady into a ranting, cursing demon and vise versa. Somehow, I hoped since my mom was inherently evil throughout my life, the onset of Dementia MIGHT turn her into a mild-mannered, soft-spoken lady. No such luck. She's made every resident her bitch or else she spars with them. She's a regular in the senior psyche ward, taunting the residents. The staff, on the other hand thinks she's a blast, keeps their otherwise bland day EXCITING. Yea, right. FML!

Namnoc, I can only say this about your boys. Let them know you love them EVERY day. Say the words. Explain that sometimes pain makes you cantankerous. But on the days you can manage "the mask"...make sweet memories with them...for them. I think bitching is therapeutic, but I try to do it when I'm alone. I'm a red head with a bad temper, so I have to suppress my compulsion to rip heads off and shit down throats...except...I can't drop a deuce.

I try to provide the best of day to day care for my mom, even though I had justification to turn my back long ago. My therapist told me in 1992 that she was POISON to my health. I knew he was right, but couldn't walk away. I no longer fear her, though she tries still to rule with an iron fist. I just don't want to look back on my life or decisions regarding family and feel REGRET. I try to rise above, but I often fail...Then it's ON like Donky Kong!

Take care, you old fucker!

 

[Kittycat5]

Hey Dixie, did you try my suggestion with your pharmacy? I pmd you back a bit ago.