Harm Reduction The Pain Management Megathread (Chronic and Acute Pain Discussion) Version 5.0 ~ V

[Zeeman]

In addition to starting a new thread, I figured I would start here.

For the past two years Ive been rx'ed 120 7.5/325 lortabs a month for rheumatoid arthritis, and bad tmj (disk slipped off the joint.)

I usually run out of my rx in two weeks and either get some 30 mg oxies (I take a half at a time) or percocets. If I can't find those, I maintain on subs which is great to keep the wd away, but don't do a thing for the pain on a low dose (An 8mg sub lasts me a week).

My question is, is oxy known to greatly reduce inflation? It takes the swelling in my hands down similar to Celebrex AND gets rid of the pain while it's working. I have searched around on the web to find any studies that shows oxycodone reduced inflammation, but came up with nothing other than a few odds and ends that say that inflamed tissue has opiate receptors- which may be why I get the result I do.

I'm a runner (used to run 20-30 miles a week before this RA shit, now I am lucky to do 12 a week) when I am on the oxy, I can knock out a 5 mile run in 40 min like I used to. It's awesome.

Any ideas?

I also feel like a combo of two opiods (like hydro and oxycodone) are better at relieving pain than just one, and can do so with less overall medication. I have brought that up to my gp, but he seems more interested in getting me off of the 120 lortabs that I get than relieving my issues. nI don't want to push the issue in fear that I will get cut off completely.

Opioids are pure painkillers and don't have any anti-inflammatory properties. I'm quite surprised to hear you're getting monthly opioids for rheumatoid arthritis - the drug cocktail for RA is a combination of a (or multiple) DMARD for disease treatment and an (or multiple) NSAID for symptom relief. I'm somewhat familiar with RA and haven't heard of anyone with the condition receive opioids either in lieu of or on top of the typical DMARD therapy.

You should be careful with exercising too much and overusing your joints on opioids though. Exercising with RA is important for staying mobile and for overall health, however if you feel no pain while running due to opioids and not naturally, you might be overusing and damaging inflamed joints without realizing it.

 

[RooBear]

Rave..

I totally feel ur pain! Granted, I have never needed benzos to the extent y have, just my usual celexa once a day so I don't get overly depressed and suicidal again. But I do understand the constant back pain and how it can seriously fuck with ur psyche.
Since getting on the celexa, the idea of my pain is easier for me to handle. I feel like it numbs those super sensetive parts of my brain and emotion that get carried away.
And isn't is amazing how the smallest thing has started a chain of life altering events?!?!
I have went to a few diff dr and surgeons. It took me about 4 yrs to find a dr that would listen to me and actually agreed that my pain was real. I've been with him for almost 5 yrs. they do everything and anything in their power to help me. Even with the new fea law b.s. He kept me on my regular oxys and prescribed morphine to help in between. My PA is gonna see me thanksgiving morn to give me a trigger shot, so I can cook for the first time ever and not be in too much pain for at least a cpl hrs..

Best of luck to u rave! I hope that u find a place that can help u with ur pain and discomfort. I don't wish that on anyone, not even my enemy.

 

[Rybee]

Hi guys, my pain management doctor has switched me from 50mg Oxy to as-yet-unknown-mg of Methadone and I should start it some time next week.

My only fear is that although the Methadone will provide better 'round the clock' support than Oxy, I wont be able to use any opiates for breakthrough pain?

Is there anyone out there who uses Methadone and also takes another opiate for breakthrough pain?

It's giving me 2nd thoughts about switching now

 

[Felonious Monk]

It depends on the person, but I've used oxy for bt on top of methadone. As long as you're not on MMT-level doses than it's not a total block. I wasn't on that much when I took oxy on top, only 10-15mg, but that's probably about what you'd be using as well (not more than 30-40/day I'm sure).

 

[Rybee]

It depends on the person, but I've used oxy for bt on top of methadone. As long as you're not on MMT-level doses than it's not a total block. I wasn't on that much when I took oxy on top, only 10-15mg, but that's probably about what you'd be using as well (not more than 30-40/day I'm sure).

Yeah I was expecting about the 20-30mg mark so that's in line with what I thought. Thanks for the reply.

 

[wezface]

Has anyone here tried ketamine infusions for their pain?

 

[Runtoparadise]

Yep Wezface, many.. I'm actually currently having a ketamine infusion. I did start a thread a while back with some questions, but I don't think it's common practice in many areas. What sort of pain do you have?

Rtp

 

[pizznyc]

I feel for the people going through this disease. Hope something can help.

Well 12/4/14 i see a new PM doc. A neighbor recommended me this person. My friend is on 20mg methadone and oxy dont know the mg. Old pm doc i asked to change the regimen but he said nothing more for my conditions.

Having diabetic neuropathy in booth feet and legs which is severe and reconstruction shoulder. With 2 herniated discs. And throw in heart disease and yep me got.

Just hope this pain dr can listen to me and take me off this fentantyl hydrocodone and whatever else.

Afraid to print out stuff with dr prescribing info. Just tell him im here to help. Knowing my luck reading through here ill be labeled an addict. And will be done.

My psych dr btw has suboxone pain meds. But hes max to 100 as allowed per dr here in nyc.

Sorry for the rant but just upset.

 

[wezface]

Yep Wezface, many.. I'm actually currently having a ketamine infusion. I did start a thread a while back with some questions, but I don't think it's common practice in many areas. What sort of pain do you have?

Rtp

I have peripheral neuropathy from an undetermined source as well as low back pain from discs L2-S1 herniation, spondylosis, spinal stenosis. What is your pain from?

 

[Erikmen]

I know these pains and they can be quite annoying? How do you cope?
I can always rely on mmt but you are done with that, so I suppose it´s quite difficult.

 

[Runtoparadise]

^Wezface,

My pain stems from several types of arthritis, crps, & I suffer greatly from central neuropathic pain disorder which the ketamine helps. Sometimes a little, other times immensely, so I guess you'd be looking into it for your peripheral neuropathy?

It doesn't come without side effects, but if your pain is severe and your quality of life is declining I'd definitely encourage you to try it for yourself!

I have mine usually for acute flare ups, which has been a lot in the last 18mths, other ppl with other types of pain prefer to have an infusion every three mths and that works well to keep their pain at bay.

I stay as an inpatient and my infusions generally take between four to fourteen days to bring down my pain scores and then usually I'll have at least eight wks of manageable pain at home with the help from the Ketamine.

Rtp.

 

[Erikmen]

I´m sorry to hear that.
It seems you are going through a tough period.
Pain sucks .. I have implanted metal in my knee and nothing would make me painless.
Hope you get better!

 

[Runtoparadise]

Cheers Erikmen,

thanks for your thoughts. Yeah, pain does suck. Idk if my pains getting worse or the meds aren't wrkng so well lately. Hopefully this ketamine infusion will last me through the summer school holidays here with sweet child of mine. Sorry about your knee.

Rtp

 

[Toz]

I know these pains and they can be quite annoying? How do you cope?
I can always rely on mmt but you are done with that, so I suppose it´s quite difficult.

I'm about to start using heroin again simply so I can get put on methadone because I am so tired of all the pain and I was stupid enough to admit I had problems with drugs in the past to my doctor so now I have problems getting the meds I need.

 

[TransWs684]

Hey everyone, just wanted some opinions.. i had motorcycle accident a few years ago. Been in and out of pain management for a while. My primary was treating me until a few weeks ago. Called for my monthly refills and he calls backs and say sorry i won't be handling any pain management anymore. Not a care in the world. I been on 30 MG oxy with everything under the sun for controlled release. I tried it all. Became an amputee from the accident, spinal fracture in the upper part of my spine, lots of broken bones and so on. My spinal pain has become extremely bad the past year. A lot of the med i tired are really sedating. I always seem to come back to a form of oxy. It gives me enough relief to where I can enjoy my life everyday. I live in Florida so it's so ridiculously hard to find a good PM Dr that gives a shut about me. I don't know how to go about explaining to them that I have tried everything, I function best on oxy without feeling like a zombie. I'm looking for a new Dr but half of the places here want to try everything but opioid medication. I feel like each year goes but here, there are less and less PM Dr's that care for those of us that really suffer day to day from serious chronic pain. Any advice when I start looking for another dr? Thanks.

 

[wezface]

I'm about to start using heroin again simply so I can get put on methadone because I am so tired of all the pain and I was stupid enough to admit I had problems with drugs in the past to my doctor so now I have problems getting the meds I need.

Seriously, I am at the exact same place. I didn't disclose and she found out and cut me off cold turkey. Pathetic that we have to be or pretend to be junkies again just so we can get some relief for something legitimate.

 

[bug12]

saw this dr for 6 months ... 1st month hydrocodone (vicoprofen), then tapentadol 100mg/day for a month. then for four months he prescribed oxycodone/acetaminophen 10/325. the last 2-3 months at 3x/day. then i go back and he just cuts me off. no taper, no trams, nothing.

 

[Jean-Paul]

i'm actually scared to try to get meds i need b/c of being treated like pilll seeker for needing klonopin for psych - but actually is a physical muscle scoliosis/tension/knots and anxiety med

flexerial and baclofen etc don't work for super hard knots i have

i want to ask for soma. i actually have scabs on my neck skin right now from rubbing the skin raw trying to help the massive knots in my neck at base of skull

really i just need insurance probably

it's a not giving poor people narc meds thing most likely

b/c i very clearly am in actual need

regardless off not having a clinic here anymore that will give out klonopin for anxiety to the poors

my muscle knots and deformed spine are quite real and unable to fake

i still feel like i wont be heard if i ask for soma

 

[Jean-Paul]

i should make all of my coworkers go in to hospital and verify i constantly have creepy spine cracking sounds coming from my body just from maintaining normalish posture


i know its bad form to come in already angryish to a doctor

better to give into depression and ask for help

dressed a school marm

but i can't help it i am motherfucking angry

my quality of life is suffering unnecessarily

and i'm fucking angry

i actually can't go to the doctor alone because i am worse at this thing that ignites and i want to kill them all or letting this happen

i won't go to the doctor alone

anyone with muscle knots/tension with advice for good meds ? etc

 

[brighton]

Just read the whole thread after being away for a while
Gps and pain specialists need to know what itS like to be in such agony you will do anything for relief.
I've been in chronic pain remission for two years now, I hope you kids get the help you need.