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

[Speed King]

AnnaBanana333, I now see it from your view, 50% pain is a lot.

 

[AnnaBanana333]

rokkinrollaa6, I'll call doctor tomorrow and ask to see sooner if possible. I'll be honest about how the meds work. The best part of what you pointed out was the fact that I have relief that doesn't last and I still feel enough pain to be in real discomfort. I don't want to get in trouble for trying a higher dosage, but 10/325 would help, and 20 would be perfect right now for dosage. How could I not get in trouble for that? Going from 5 to 20 is a jump. Raising to 10mg Percocet and 20mg Percocet really helped. It would be nice to get a raise to at least 10/325, but is 20 too much to admit to at this time? So we're clear, I mean like 20/1300 x at least 3 if not four doses. If she went to 20mg, I would settle for 3 x day.
On a different note, I want an ER med.!i think the OxyContin ER is junk. I'd rather have Opana ER, 5mg to start.
I agree that I feel relief, but I still feel enough pain that breaks through. I'll tell her about my NSAIDs use. Naproxen, ibuprofen is my goto pills. They help. Naproxen is best for me for analgesia.
I hope she is willing to go up on dose. 20mg would kick ass, but I'd take 10mg to start. Thanks for the input. I took notes.

In MY EXPERIENCE, not trying to help people con doctors, but for those who work WITH their doctor to manage pain, when I have been asked 'how I'm doing?', I will answer honestly, and ask, 'Can we try...for a month?' Most of my doctors are receptive, knowing that I don't want a life reliant on pain meds, but require them to function. Hope this helps. Plus, crispy chocolate chip cookies all around!

 

[Whosajiggawaaa]

^my doc says I know you not taking these cos you want to (oxycontin 40), so i guess thats something to be grateful for.

umm i tried morphine 200 mg at a go orally it wasn't nearly as effective as orally I hate to say as it was a lot cheaper than oxy here (there are no generics yet since oxy is a new drug here, we don't have anti abuse formulas either so all ocs can be crushed and snorted or whatever, I chew em sometimes to kick in faster).

 

[Speed King]

In MY EXPERIENCE, not trying to help people con doctors, but for those who work WITH their doctor to manage pain, when I have been asked 'how I'm doing?', I will answer honestly, and ask, 'Can we try...for a month?' Most of my doctors are receptive, knowing that I don't want a life reliant on pain meds, but require them to function. Hope this helps. Plus, crispy chocolate chip cookies all around!

Amen for the chocolate chip cookies. They always make me feel better! Anyway, no con bullshit. I keep every doctor in the loop as far as what's going on with me. Why not? They can be replaced. I make it clear that I am loyal to them, but reciently, I have simply become more direct. After going through cancer treatment, I don't fuck around and waste time anymore. Everyday is a gift for the rest of my life. I have made it clear that I want to exercise more to pain management and I like the idea of asking to try x medication for a month. I'm here for all the correct reasons. I'm here for support and to support everyone I can. I'll tell you all something, when you have and beat cancer, you develope deep empathy for your fellow man. Thanks for continuing to help me.

 

[Erikmen]

I have a degenerating disc in the thoracic region of my spine, the pain isn't unbearable but it is in a tricky spot that makes it difficult to get comfortable; it even hurts to take a deep breath. I have been forced to go to the ER 5 times in the last month because my insurance is really basic and no doctors in the area actually take it. I'm only covered for ER/Urgent care visits.

They give me a handful of norcos and send me home, and I bless them for even doing that because of some of the horror stories I've ready about legit chronic pain patients being treated like drug addicts. This hasn't happened to me yet but I see a long and difficult road in my future concerning this. I'm doing what I can to keep myself active, I am regular at the gym and am self-medicating with weed and flexeril that I was prescribed. Cheers guys.

I'm sorry to hear about your problem. I know people who have similar condition and all they do is follow the doctor's prescription 'by the book'. If you do that, it will always be easier to come off this or that medication. And some doctors can easily spot on patients like that. So you have nothing to worry as long as you follow the instructions. In most cases.

Sometimes it's not that easy I know. You may feel more pain and need more meds. If that happens, go back to the doctor and explain the situation clearly and always be honest with them. By doing this your chances of being treated like a drug addict decreases.

Hope you feel better! Swimming or any exercises in the pool can help as I've been told.

 

[Speed King]

Hello again everyone. I am keeping in mind what has been discussed and suggested,but I am thinking about trying a different idea. First off, I have only taken my Percocet 5/325 for the right reasons. What I have discovered here in this forum and my own experience, when only prescribed IR pain medicine, I end up chasing the pain. I realize that I am well past the casual point of using only IR pain medicine to treat my level of pain. I am in need of a excellent ER Pain medication, period. Now that I understand what breakthrough pain is, I have decided that I will only use IR pain medicine on top of/in addition to an ER pain medication. I cannot, for all the right reasons use it for my pain. I have decided to stop use of the medication and have my doctor put me on ER medication first, before I resume the IR medicine.
I just realized what was going on and the habbit I was potentially exposing myself to.

AnnaBanana333, or Runtoparadise, do you have any thoughts or does anyone have any comments on my decision.!
I feel pretty confident that I can call my doctor ( discussed in earlier posts) and let her know my decision. Any replies welcome.

 

[Jlosnow]

Hi all, been trying different things to make my meds more effective: tagamet, tums, plugging my meds, etc but plugging doesn't seem to do anything and I have tried it three times with no relief. Maybe I am doing it wrong or maybe my tolerance is just well past my dosage even if taken rectally.

I wish my doc would switch me to oxy IR and ER to give my body a change, maybe that would work better since I have been on ms contin 30 and hydro 10/325 for 3 years. I don't know what to do, I am tempted to try to go score some oxy off the street to try it but afraid of getting in trouble. I feel so helpless, I have this pain to live with for the rest of my life, how am I going to live like this???

 

[AnnaBanana333]

Totally agree

Hello again everyone. I am keeping in mind what has been discussed and suggested,but I am thinking about trying a different idea. First off, I have only taken my Percocet 5/325 for the right reasons. What I have discovered here in this forum and my own experience, when only prescribed IR pain medicine, I end up chasing the pain. I realize that I am well past the casual point of using only IR pain medicine to treat my level of pain. I am in need of a excellent ER Pain medication, period. Now that I understand what breakthrough pain is, I have decided that I will only use IR pain medicine on top of/in addition to an ER pain medication. I cannot, for all the right reasons use it for my pain. I have decided to stop use of the medication and have my doctor put me on ER medication first, before I resume the IR medicine.
I just realized what was going on and the habbit I was potentially exposing myself to.

AnnaBanana333, or Runtoparadise, do you have any thoughts or does anyone have any comments on my decision.!
I feel pretty confident that I can call my doctor ( discussed in earlier posts) and let her know my decision. Any replies welcome.

SK,
I definitely think a full pain plan includes an ER med if you are having round the clock pain. I just put myself back on because I'm having pain wake me up at night. You are right; the IR meds are just to help when the ER meds are not enough, and pain 'breaks through'. Now, you need to think about which ER med they will suggest. In the meantime, are you not taking your IR meds and just being in pain? That's what they're there for. I also take a Valium as a muscle relaxer at night, most nights. When I lie down is when I seize up. Best of luck; happy to discuss different meds if you wish.

 

[AnnaBanana333]

Jlosnow, Sorry to hear you're in pain..
my doc and I rotate meds on purpose for this reason and to keep tolerance down. Can you suggest that next time?

 

[Jlosnow]

@Anna- I am going to try to be straightforward next time and ask to change meds to oxycodone based Rx to try to combat tolerance issues but I am also fearful if I ask I will be labeled a drug seeker and cut off completely.

 

[rokkinrollaa6]

rokkinrollaa6, I'll call doctor tomorrow and ask to see sooner if possible. I'll be honest about how the meds work. The best part of what you pointed out was the fact that I have relief that doesn't last and I still feel enough pain to be in real discomfort. I don't want to get in trouble for trying a higher dosage, but 10/325 would help, and 20 would be perfect right now for dosage. How could I not get in trouble for that? Going from 5 to 20 is a jump. Raising to 10mg Percocet and 20mg Percocet really helped. It would be nice to get a raise to at least 10/325, but is 20 too much to admit to at this time? So we're clear, I mean like 20/1300 x at least 3 if not four doses. If she went to 20mg, I would settle for 3 x day.
On a different note, I want an ER med.!i think the OxyContin ER is junk. I'd rather have Opana ER, 5mg to start.
I agree that I feel relief, but I still feel enough pain that breaks through. I'll tell her about my NSAIDs use. Naproxen, ibuprofen is my goto pills. They help. Naproxen is best for me for analgesia.
I hope she is willing to go up on dose. 20mg would kick ass, but I'd take 10mg to start. Thanks for the input. I took notes.

don't push er too much because a doctor may get skiddish. they do not want patients who take 4x the meds scripted. 2x is acceptable to them but never 4x. glad to help you as i deal with this same issue constantly. it is difficult but if you listen to my advice, with a little bit of luck and timing you should be fine. i have reservations saying this stuff publically because it can be misused, but you need advice naturally. keep in mind that doctors are fearful of the FDA and the DEA more than they are anti-drug. most physicians have no qualsm about adequately treating pain, but the organizations in charge of regulation handcuff them. its why prior to october 6th, 2014 i could get as much hydrocodone as i asked for, literally the day of, it changed over night and doctors were loathe to give it despite me being on it. they said "we dont write this schedule of drugs. we dont do this." it had nothing to do with medicine, and all to do with regulation. if i want tramadol or codeine, i can get them easily in the USA. anything else, you may as well ask for pharmacutical heroin to inject in front of the doctor.

in any case good luck man, seriously. pain is shit. i was on 20mg max of oxy 4x a day, but those days are gone. i am lucky to get 5mg percocet 3x a day. and i am grateful for it in all honesty.

 

[SKR]

@Jlosnow - scoring on the street is exactly what I have had to do to get adequate relief from my pain issues. I feel sorry for the both of us frankly. I am "lucky" enough to get oxy 80's at a good price but it's still four times the price of pharmacy prices and therefore not sustainable. I'm now desperately trying to get my prescribed dose increased and to drop my "street" dose down to try and meet in the middle but I'm struggling on both fronts. I do regret increasing my dose as rapidly as I did but it got me through suicidal times. I assumed Dr's would have found a solution to my problem earlier but I was naively incorrect.

 

[CfZrx]

Does anybody else ingest THC for their pain, and do you find it to be great for keeping a positive mindset? Today I was baked and meditating in the woods after a jog when I realized that If I focus on all the parts of my body that DON'T hurt, I feel much better ?

 

[Runtoparadise]

@SK, how long have you been on IR meds? A month or so?

That should be enough of an indication to your doctor that your pain is here to stay

It certainly would be a reasonable idea to have a chat with her, rather than just calling & leaving a msg of your "decision", lol, like the sound of authority there man!

IME you'd still need an IR along with an ER med, especially when initiating treatment at a lowish dose & titrating.

If you think your doc will be ok in writing a script then you should probably push gently for it sooner rather than later. Do you still have a few months before transferring to a new PM dr?

How'd you go at the spine doc?

Rtp

 

[Runtoparadise]

Double post.

I saw a relatively new specialist that I have to travel to see today, while I was in pretty intense pain.

She asked me, "what kind of PM have you been seeing all these years that won't prescribe clonadine?? It potentiates ALL the other pain meds you're on"!! I'll start you in it tonight.

Lol, a woman on my wavelength

I replied that once upon a time I'd had one dose while in hospital receiving a ketamine infusion, but was told that "no, it's not safe for anyone taking clonadine to be out in the community". Wtf.

She's been amazing in advocating for me & absolutely not afraid to write up a script & acknowledge that I've been through a really tough time.

If anyone is local & needing help with PM I'll happily pass on her details!

Peace & warm wishes to all

Rtp

 

[Speed King]

rockkinrollaa6 and Runtoparadise, I am most grateful for your answers to my minor problem. I say minor, because I hear some of the issues people have on this board and think my issues are minor in comparison. Anyhow first Rtp, I mixed up the dates, I have dermatology appointment today. Spine doc is next week. Oops . First Rtp, I am simply developing a backbone when talking to doctors. I respect and should I say care about my doctor. I have absolutely no disrespect for her. I will take an easy while leaving a message and talking to her. When saying "made my decision" is referring to the fact that this patient don't play. To combine the advice of yourself and rockkinrollaa6, my mind is half the battle. If I can keep it in check I will not need to jack up my meds. rockkinrollaa6 pointed out 2x the dose is reasonable vs 4x the dose. In that regard, I could make 10/325 Percocet work by balancing it out with other meds like Lyrica and Vyvance (that Vyvance really helps the Percocet out). The real message is clear. I have to be placed on an ER medicine. Not to preach to the choir but for me IR has ups and downs and like today, I woke up in a pretty decent amount of pain. My entire body hurts. Hips, legs, back, etc. an ER medicine would nip that in the bud.
To wrap this up, I will call my doctor, and leave a nice message requesting an earlier appointment if at all possible, and simply point out the need for an ER medicine, while keeping the IR for breakthrough. Rtp, I do technically have a few months left with this doctor. I will gently remind her that she is simply setting me up for my new doctor. I feel this is an incentive to her. All she has to do is set me up/ make me comfortable on some basic medication, and soon I'll be someone else's responsibility. I can't make life much easier for her than that.
Thank you both for the much needed, helpful advice. I will use it wisely.
Please feel free to PM me if anything comes to mind. I will also PM you(s) if I have a question not to be public.

 

[AnnaBanana333]

in regards to message...

rockkinrollaa6 and Runtoparadise, I am most grateful for your answers to my minor problem. I say minor, because I hear some of the issues people have on this board and think my issues are minor in comparison. Anyhow first Rtp, I mixed up the dates, I have dermatology appointment today. Spine doc is next week. Oops . First Rtp, I am simply developing a backbone when talking to doctors. I respect and should I say care about my doctor. I have absolutely no disrespect for her. I will take an easy while leaving a message and talking to her. When saying "made my decision" is referring to the fact that this patient don't play. To combine the advice of yourself and rockkinrollaa6, my mind is half the battle. If I can keep it in check I will not need to jack up my meds. rockkinrollaa6 pointed out 2x the dose is reasonable vs 4x the dose. In that regard, I could make 10/325 Percocet work by balancing it out with other meds like Lyrica and Vyvance (that Vyvance really helps the Percocet out). The real message is clear. I have to be placed on an ER medicine. Not to preach to the choir but for me IR has ups and downs and like today, I woke up in a pretty decent amount of pain. My entire body hurts. Hips, legs, back, etc. an ER medicine would nip that in the bud.
To wrap this up, I will call my doctor, and leave a nice message requesting an earlier appointment if at all possible, and simply point out the need for an ER medicine, while keeping the IR for breakthrough. Rtp, I do technically have a few months left with this doctor. I will gently remind her that she is simply setting me up for my new doctor. I feel this is an incentive to her. All she has to do is set me up/ make me comfortable on some basic medication, and soon I'll be someone else's responsibility. I can't make life much easier for her than that.
Thank you both for the much needed, helpful advice. I will use it wisely.
Please feel free to PM me if anything comes to mind. I will also PM you(s) if I have a question not to be public.

For me, OxyContin WAS garbage. Would see the entire pill in the toilet. MS Contin (morphine) worked well for me for years. Most docs would rather have patients on an ER drug, because in some ways, they are harder to abuse.
Question; why stop using the IR drugs in the meantime?

 

[Speed King]

Yea, your right. I just had to shift my mind into the right direction. I will use the IR meds, but sparingly and at much smaller doses. I actually find myself splitting Percocet down the middle and that actually works. I am going to do some research on which ER medication I am intrested in. Right off the bat, it's not OxyContin ER. Those oxys are weak for me. I have had and like MS Contin, and Opana ER. I just don't understand the equivalent dose of Opana ER to oxycodone. They will probably start me off at 5 mg ER. I have absolutely no idea how MS Contin works at all. I want to push up my meds a little bit because I have a tolerance. Right now I'm on a total of 20mg Percocet a day. I want the ER to be stronger than 20 mg oxycodone.

 

[Runtoparadise]

^Well it may be better for the doctor to choose an ER med SK.

Although, of course it's fine to say you've had oxycontin previously & didn't find it worked well. If you were actually prescribed it. No judgement, just saying.

Unfortunately, I've found the whole doctor/specialist/PM circus to be a game where you need to play by others rules.

It's easy to say, they're on my time & payroll now, but the fact is, if you come across as demanding in any way,- especially when truly in need of pain meds, drug seeker can be marked on your file in big black letters.

Usually, doctors will have a moral prescribing limit, where they're only happy to go to a certain mg amount (in a combined daily total of ER & IR narcotics. Oh I hate that word), without a subsequent application from another specialist. Which varies from doctor to doctor.

Also, I'm not in the states where I think you are, could be very different rules on controlled drugs, though to my knowledge (&BL), australia is following in the footsteps of the US in fighting the "war against drugs".

In a rush,

Rtp

 

[Speed King]

Rtp, thank you again for setting me straight( after this the thank you is automatically applied, I mean it, every time). Anyway, your right about letting her pick out medicine if it goes that far.
My doctor has been REALLY great about asking me questions like" what works best for you" and stuff like that. My psych doctor is the same way. Anyhow, if she asks me or suggests a certain medicine, there is always room for a comment or reply. They all know I'm up on my knowledge and information in the correct way. They view me as a nice patient. Anyway, I always get a chance to suggest. I will roll with whatever they suggest, but I will mention that the oxy ER doesn't work for me, but will try if I must. So far low dose Opana ER, and MS Contin ER sound good.