January 31, 2007 - 3:00pm
Thoracic surgery due to a collapsed lung...
Now, over 6 months later - Still having chronic pain. I've been on everything from:
Tramadol w/APAP(37.5mg/325mgAPAP 1 every 6 hours)
Propoxyphene -N 100 [w/APAP I think](100mg 1 every 4 hours)
Hydrocodone w/APAP(5mg/500mgAPAP 1 every 6 hours)
Oxycodone w/APAP (5mg,10mg,20mg(2x 10mg)w/APAP 1 - 2 every 4 hours)
I've gone through the fast acting stuff, all of the above was perscribed.
I've tried Morphine Sulfate, but instant release and extended release MS-Contin (not mine) to try to find a remedy for the pain...Didn't work, made me feel sick (15mg IR, and 30mg ER)
Today I was just perscribed Methadone (5mg 1 every 8 hours) & Pregabalin (75mg, once a day) - The methadone is weak, IMO and I have a pretty high tolerance to these. I rarely drink and never abuse drugs. I'm not sure why I have a high tolerance to everything, My mother may have done hard drugs shortly before I was born -- I don't know if that could cause it.
Last month, they tried an intercostal nerve block as well as daily meds including tramadol & gabapentin -- Didn't work; Made me feel worse.
I've had hydromorphone 1 - 2mg every 6 as hours intravenously as well as 2 - 4mg morphine every 6 hours intravenously.
The only drug that every fully took the pain away was the hydromorphone, but I'm afraid to ask for it.
I only get to see the doctor once every three weeks or so and I just want my life back..
Any advice?
January 31, 2007 - 3:09pm
#2
yes.my advice would be two
yes.
my advice would be two print the statement you just wrote and take it to your doctor.
legally your medical team is the only one who can treat your pain. as you already know it can take a while for doctors and patients to reach mutually desirable goals.
good luck and i hope you can find some relief.
all thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical advice. i am not a doctor nor a pharmacist. all medical questions should be answered by a licensed pharmacist, doctor, or primary care manager.
January 31, 2007 - 3:13pm
#3
I've had several x-rays and
I've had several x-rays and cat scans and all they see is lots of scar tissue biult up around and inside the lung, along with numerous 'blebs' on the outside. The pain doctor I see thinks it's nerve damage, but these nerve meds don't seem to do much good. I was considering trying one 10mg dose, to attempt to get more into my system at a higher rate as from what I understand methadone has a very long half-life and will biuld up in your system.
January 31, 2007 - 3:20pm
#4
Again, going only on
Again, going only on knowledge through research and this site: bad idea to up your dosage on your own. Possibly even fatal. I wouldn't do it if I were you, and I wouldn't advise anyone on taking more of a drug than prescribed for any reason. You are not dealing with a normal pain medicine like vicodin or percocet. You are correct, this medicine has an extremely long half life, and can actually cause an accidental overdose. Give it a few days and see if the pain levels subside at the current dose. If not, inform your doctor. He or she is the one who is best suited to make any kind of titration to your medicines.
Gtrplayer
January 31, 2007 - 3:37pm
#5
Given the advice above, I
Given the advice above, I won't try it - until I see a longer effect. Right now I'm starting to get a headache and I'm about 3.5 hours into it; after taking it and the nerve med mentioned above.
Does anyone else have a similar type of pain, relating to your lungs and breathing?
-- On a side note, I'm only 19..so this really x*#&s.
January 31, 2007 - 3:44pm
#6
similiar situation
I know methadone is an "iffy" topic on this site sometimes so I'm just going to try and help by my own experience...I've had 5 back operations in the last 4 years I've been on everything from percocet to vicodin to morphine sulfate 15mg IR etc...So I know where you are coming from...after extensive MRI's a mylogram (ouch!!) and having an electrode stimulator placed inside me for chronic back and nerve pain...my doctor at the pain clinic put me on Methadone 10mg. tablets 2x daily...I've been on the Methadone for over 3 years now I've been steadily taking 40mg. daily 20mg. in the am and 20mg. in the pm...I'm functioning great! I don't feel sleepy and it works wonders for pain and it's long lasting...I'm surprised with the tolerance you have to pain meds that your doctor would have you on a lower dose like that...I would ask him to increase the methadone gradually. That is if there are no other alternatives like there wasn't for me. I don't think he will prescribe you hydromorphone...that is usually used for dying cancer patients or for people coming out of surgery (in my experience) I really think if you have "chronic pain" methadone could really help you as it did me. I hope you find some comfort soon and again these are my opinions and what I have experienced....Best of luck!! Kim Hegs :)
January 31, 2007 - 4:24pm
#7
Thank you Kim, This doctor
Thank you Kim, This doctor hasn't had me on strong opiates before as I'm a pretty new patient; but that's what the standard non-pain managing doctors were giving me - my pulomonary doctor had me on oxycodone(5 mg) as needed, up to 20mg every 4 - 6 hours and that seemed to provide the best relief but I couldn't function as well as I'd like... it's the only thing that didn't make me sick.
January 31, 2007 - 4:37pm
#8
i know what u mean!
The last Rx. I was on was percocet 5/325....I was taking 2 every 4 hours....which is why the pain doctors told me it was either oxycontin or methadone for me to help subside my chronic pain and to get some normalcy back in my life....now you said you are on oxycodone...do you mean percocet or just straight up oxycodone? Because one of the reasons my Dr. took me off the percs was because it's a short-term acting pain med and I was ingesting waaaay too much acetamenaphine(sp.?) the other ingredient in percocet. Even still if you are on oxycodone 5 without the acetamenaphine, these kinds of pills just don't work long enough and you have to keep taking more and more...so like I said before talk to your Dr. and tell him that you are still in pain...Any good Dr. will help you if you're honest with them and have legitimate pain...Don't give up and I hope you find a long lasting pain med that will work for you if you have researched all other non-medicinal avenues.....keep us updated!! Kim Hegs :)
January 31, 2007 - 4:43pm
#9
also....
Also...I def. suggest going to a Dr. that specializes in pain management these Dr.'s are much better in figuring out why one med won't work and another one does and they are all up to date on all the latest pain meds and you don't have the hassle at least i don't in having them prescribe you pain meds if you need them it seems a lot of primary care physicians are very careful as to how much pain medicine they will prescribe to someone, and I'm sure it's justified because of all the abuse that goes on...that's why i'm suggesting a pain management Dr.or a pain clinic...hope that helps!! Kim Hegs :)
January 31, 2007 - 5:24pm
#10
I'm currently at a clinic, I
I'm currently at a clinic, I was on Percocet (oxycodone w/APAP ranging from 5mg/325 - 10mg/325)
I'm not feeling the best, but I'm probably not used to this Methadone so I'll give it a few weeks and request Oxycontin (Oxycodone ER) 40mg's, He'll probably start me lower but I can at least try - but I know what works and doesn't work enough.
February 1, 2007 - 9:45am
#11
I feel like I'm going to
I feel like I'm going to die, The pain is dulled though :)
I'll give this a few weeks then ask to try oxycontin as I know percocet works great for me.
February 1, 2007 - 4:37pm
#12
Pain Meds for chronic pain
Hi Sorry your feeling so bad. Is your MD a Chronic Pain Specialist. I have had 3 spine surgeries and have chronic pain. My Physician has me on Duragesic Patches 75 which I change every 48 hrs and either oxy IR 5mg or percocet which we change back and forth every few months as my body gets used to them.She also had me on dilaudid which we also use so we switch back and forth. Just to clear any questions, it is only 1 brea k through med at a time.
February 1, 2007 - 10:16pm
#13
Yes
Yes, I see a 'Pain Specialist' at a pain clinic - Board certified and fellowship trained, etc.
I've looked at the fentanyl patches but the over dose risk has me scared...
I guess I'm just really biased toward Percocet as that's what's always done the best for me with the least amount of side effects - Right now I still feel rather drugged on just the methadone. I know hydromorphone works, but could it be too strong? I feel that if I have something long lasting, I don't need something for breakthrough pain. My worst, breakthrough pain is duing a heavy activity which I avoid(sports, sexual intercourse, running, Other excercise) and when I first wake up or during a temperature change which makes it considerably colder.
Thanks,
February 2, 2007 - 7:48pm
#14
Chronic Pain
I understand your concern over overdose issues, but I feel that if you follow the directions for the patch,it is,IN MY OPINION less likely to overdose on a patch than pills.You just change as directed and there is no way that you can loose count as to how many were taken as opposed to pills.There are also Fentanyl Lollipops called Activa that are used for breakthrough pain.They work very well, but 1 of the side effects are headaches, which I got.As was said Methadone is a tricky drug that can damage many organs including of all things , your teeth and gums, which would really be a shame at your young age.Dilaudid as I stated works well at least for me.The most important thing is to be honest with your physician and never try to change your dose without his or her knowledge.I lost my sister in March from an overdose of pain medications that she thought she could up her dose, so I know first hand the danger of this type of medication.Do not loose hope as it can take a long time to get the right meds that work for you and please follow your docs orders. I don't mean to sound like your mother but I have 2 children and you sound like a good kid who unfortunately has to live with pain.Hang in there and if I can help you out at all,let me know. I am a pharmacy tech so I know a little about this type of thing.All The Best, Nan
February 2, 2007 - 9:08pm
#15
Methadone
I totally agree that you should NEVER up your methadone dosage on your own! My brother has severe chronic pain and overdosed on methadone. We found him in the bathroom with a big cut on his head from the tub. He didn't even up it that much (so he says). It's definitely different for different people and you won't feel it immediately after your dose. That's probably how a lot of people OD on it.
February 2, 2007 - 10:36pm
#16
MC-Matt, thank you for your
MC-Matt, thank you for your response to this question. I think our original poster knows this and hopefully will not raise his/her dosage without doctor's approval. This drug's half life is very long, and is not a "breakthrough" pain med that gives immediate relief.
Give the drug time to reach a steady level in your blood, and then give it a fair assessment.
Also, for clarification purposes, Activa is a women's line of sportswear as well as a craft store. I think Nancie was thinking of the Fentanyl lollipop known as Actiq, although it would be funny to go to the dr and request Activa. Or Activia, which is a yogurt.
Gtrplayer
February 3, 2007 - 12:52am
#17
I've only slighted changed
I've only slighted changed to dose from one every eight hours
Currently, 1 when I wake up, 1 seven hours later, and then 1, 10 hours later.
I don't feel this will cause an issue; I'm just trying to stay medicated during work/school when I'm the most active.
Methadone is working, not as well as I'd like due to some unwanted side effects (sedation when I'm not active, meaning I just sit down then in a few minutes I'm 'nodding off', and extreme nausea - really bad when I first wake up)
As a test, something I've always done - is to poke my arm with a needle to compare pain(as the pain in my lung during breathing is variable [between 6 - 9{rarely 10} without meds] depending on the temperature and current state of activity) which I keep a log of... as odd as it is.
I've heard of Actiq and I was actually going to ask about it for the extreme pain in the morning...but I don't know too much about it.
Thank you all for your responses and I'm looking forward to more :)
February 3, 2007 - 11:44am
#18
meds
Thats funny. I did spell it wrong and I realized it after I hit post response. Oh Well, Hope we all got a laugh, I'm sure we can use one anytime we can.LOL..............Nan
February 3, 2007 - 11:28pm
#19
ACTIVA
HAHAHA!!! I laughed so hard when I read gtrplayer's post! It's an honest mistake Nancie. It was good for a laugh though :)
February 8, 2007 - 11:16am
#20
EXPERIENCE W/PATCH PLEASE?
HEY -
BEEN A WHILE...HI GUYS. HAD SOME DIFFICULT TIMES THERE FOR A BIT AND A LOT OF TESTING ON MY BRAIN SLEEP AND AWAKE, ETC. ANYWAY I AM NOW TAKING 50MCG (IS IT MCG?) PATCHES (1) EVERY 48 HRS. I HAVE BEEN ON FOR LITTLE OVER A MONTH AND WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANYONE'S EXPERIENCE...THE FENTANYL PATCHES (GENERIC) I WAS ALWAYS GETTING WERE PRETTY BIG (COUPLE INCHES LONG, OR MAYBE A FEW) THEY WERE GOOD, THEN LAST TIME TO FILL MY 3 BOXES, THEY HAD RUN OUT AND GAVE ME A DIF 50 (REAL TINY, LIKE AN INCH SQUARE AND CLEAR, NO VISIBLE SOLUTION OR BUBBLES...SEEMS TO x*#&! COMPARED) WELL ANYWAY FEEDBACK IS ALL I DESIRE PLEASE,
ALSO, EVEN THOUGH I STILL GET THE 180 OF NORCO, THEY DON'T REALLY SEEM EFFECTIVE AT ALL DUE TO THE PATCH...CAN'T FEEL THEM FOR BREAKTHRU, I AM ALL FOR PUSH'N THE ENVELOPE, AND MY DOC KNOWS WHATEVER I DO, BUT I WON'T EXCEED MY ALLOWED DOSAGE AT THAT IMMEDIATE TIME (OR ANY FOR THAT MATTER), AND 4 TO 6 NORCO THAT USED TO REALLY GET FELT...NO LONGER FEEL THEM FOR BREAK THRU - BUT THEN PATCH SEEMS SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE, SO I DON'T KNOW...ANYONE HAVE EXP?
THANKS
February 14, 2007 - 2:14pm
#21
Captterry, Not
Captterry,
Not meaning to nit-pick but you'll get more response with a new thread :)
February 14, 2007 - 6:29pm
#22
Also, just figured I'd chime
Also, just figured I'd chime in... This med works -- really well for me, I'm full of energy sometimes, but at other time I keep kinda dosing off, I can't stay awake... and I wake up feeling like ???$*.
February 14, 2007 - 7:57pm
#23
methadone
So sorry
I know where you are comming from..I suffer from internal neuropathy & have been almost to the point of suaside..Your doctor can only help if you talk to him,the squeeaky wheel gets the grease..If your doctor cant help you ask him to refer you to a pain specialist.He is capabel of treating you with longer lasting meds than a regular doctor..He may also try a drug coctail,in my case it was 10mg methadone & 3200mg neurontin for about 80% relief..Its not perfect but I have a life again...Good luck,Jim..
February 14, 2007 - 9:33pm
#24
Most physicians are capable
Most physicians are capable of treating chronic pain, but do not want to have the DEA breathing down their necks.
Gtrplayer
February 14, 2007 - 10:16pm
#25
CHRONIC PAIN
•chronic benign pain that is not in concert w/terminal illness is extremely difficult to treat.
•finding the root cause is essential
•suggest a consult w/a neurologist
•virtually all pain meds reach tolerance levels and even at high doses..the potential side-effects become more of an issue.
•developing a tx plan that includes raising one's pain tolerance is critical. If you view chronic pain as the opening and closing of a screen door..as the process continues..the hinges weaken and the amount of effort necessary to open the door becomes progressively less which is analogous to chronic pain. The longer it lasts and the greater the focus on the pain the lessor pain "appears" and feels horrid.
•there has been reported success in the use of fentanyl patches in conjunction w/lidoderm patches. Again, there are no long term studies.
•the modification of a insulin pump has resulted in the successful usage of a morphine pump in order to avoid the peaks and valleys resulting from typical opiate dosages and their respective half-lives.
•it is an unfortunate development that most physicans tend to "pidgeon-hole" the chronic pain sufferer and just write Rx's.
•the key to resolving the chronic pain issue is to continually remind yourself that YOU are in control of your demands for revised tx plans and NOT ALLOW yourself to simply be put on the back shelf.
•the OTHER unfortunate component is the physical addiction factor. Presuming that the pain will ultimately be resolved, the pt in now faced with the horrors of withdrawal. A consult w/an addiction specialist, at this point, is also critical.
February 14, 2007 - 10:38pm
#26
OK, but where did this
OK, but where did this information come from? From the many "bullets" I am assuming this is a source that should be cited and documented, so as not to plagiarize.
That being said, how did that list forget what many consider the number one factor about chronic pain?
All people perceive pain differently.
I would like to know the source of this information, as I have a few questions as to it's accuracy. For starters:
Chronic pain is actually not difficult to treat, only difficult to find a doctor willing to treat it. There are several conditions that, no matter how much treatment and therapy you give, the condition at best may stabilize, but not improve. Degenerated discs, botched back surgeries, neither are terminal, but I don't think either one is reversible.
As far as raising one's pain tolerance; how? Hypnosis? The only way to become accustomed to pain is through continually going through it, and even at that, it doesn't mean that it's any better, just that you have relegated yourself to the fact that there is nothing you can do about it.
The last bulletin just seems off, as it makes no differentiation between an addiction and a dependency. I don't want to start another long, boring, dead horse thread about addiction and dependency, but there is a difference. In interest of saving time, type in "Addiction vs. dependency" in the search function and read the threads there.
Please post the source of this information so as not to plagiarize.
And this post isn't meant to come across as rude, I just have dissenting views on a lot of what is said with that post. It's almost like they mistook "chronic pain" for "acute pain".
Gtrplayer
February 15, 2007 - 8:35am
#27
Yes I agree with GTR--PLEASE !
PLEASE PHARMERD LIST YOUR INFO IT WOULD BE OF MUCH APPRECIATION.I PERSONALLY HAVE A PROGRESSIVE SERIOUS SPINAL CORD ILLNESS, & MULTIPLE SITUATION THAT GO ALONG WITH THE MIX. MORE INFO WOULD BE GREAT! THANKS
February 15, 2007 - 10:29am
#28
Well, I go back again on the
Well, I go back again on the 26th of this month. I just started taking the methadone again(stopped for awhile because i was falling asleep at work, and couldn't drive because my vision wasn't clear - called them four times -- then they nurse practically screamed at me, denying that I had called and that this was my first call... but it was a friday and I suppose she just wanted to go home) at a lower dose than perscribed - twice a day. The issue is, that after about 6 - 8 hours - I start to get a really bad headache and ill feeling, UNTIL I take another one... I'm just trying to get through this with tylenol (1500 mg, twice a day - in between the two methadones) - doesn't work as well as I'd like. The pain is very deep, really far inside the side of my chest and I want to say it's in the lung itself because it only really hurts worse whenever I breathe harder, deeper or at a faster rate. I'm going to ask for something oxycodone based. I'd like to try oxycontin but I've heard horror stories about it... then again, I've heard the same about methadone..lol.
Thanks,
February 15, 2007 - 10:46am
#29
CHRONIC PAIN-RESPONSE
--THE discussion centered on addiction v. dependency and i agree there is a "line." Chronic pain sufferers may encounter both addiction and dependency.
--The presumption was that given all the meds taken..that the level of pain was severe and, yes, "severity" can vary w/the individual.
--pain tolerance can be increased by biofeedback as well as hypnosis, accupuncture, et cetra..all of these modalities are dependent on the pt's response and vary.
--read: "Substance Abuse: a comprehensive textbook"
--if you require a CV I'll be more then pleased to drop out of this forum. Im not getting paid for my opinions which are based on forty years of being in the practice of addiction control medicine and pharmacology.
--my postings are not some lecture that require links to specific studies. Im certain the readership are capable of researching google, medline, ad nauseum and do their own due diligence.
February 15, 2007 - 10:54am
#30
No, not the case at all. I
No, not the case at all. I actually wanted to know where the facts came from so I could read the rest of it myself. I'll end up reading it online, assuming the 3 campuses here in town have it in their library.
As for biofeedback, all I have found with it is that it draws a red line and a blue line, to show you how much each muscle group is working at different positions. When I stood up, it showed one side working more than the other, so the therapist had me adjust numerous times until the lines evened out. Once they evened out, it was extremely uncomfortable.
Maybe I'm just not a big fan of biofeedback, I don't know.
I actually like the messages that you post, they are very informative and seemingly well researched. But I do have a question, do you believe in the "Addictive Personality Disorder"? The readings I have found are all from the Peele institute, and various online textbooks, but it seems professionals are split about 60/40, pro/con the theory.
Gtrplayer
February 15, 2007 - 11:58am
#31
ADDICTIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER
--PRESUMES the predisposition to addictive "behavior" which can manifest itself via food, sex, work, et cetra. There were a series of research studies done on identical and fraternal twins that revealed the genetic predisposition to addictive behavior and caused the examination of the so-called "addiction gene." (Yet to be found.) And the development of viewing addiction as a disease and not an issue of willpower or choice.
As to your earlier comment re finding the source of my posted info..it relates simply to knowledge..reflecting on the moment of time that it was absorbed or in what class it was learned would be somewhat exhaustive and I don't have the luxury of lots of excess time to quote you a url...should i come across any..i will be more then pleased to post any reference(s) for further probative value.
February 15, 2007 - 12:49pm
#32
Thank you:) Gtrplayer
Thank you:)
Gtrplayer
February 21, 2007 - 12:20am
#33
For those on the Fentanyl
For those on the Fentanyl patches, I have used those in the past and was always required to change them every 72 hours, not 48. Do you notice a difference in the effectiveness after 48 hours? I also wasn't prescribed any meds for breakthrough pain (Doc didn't believe in that), so the last 24 hours of the patch was rough. It took some getting used to the side effects, but I did find it effective overall. I do worry about the addiction, it's a very powerful drug and after a few months of use I'd imagine it is very addictive. I've had 3 back surgeries in 3 years and have tried everything, I don't want to be on meds the rest of my life, does anyone have suggestions for weaning off of narcotics. I can handle some pain (lower back and in the legs), but it can be unbearable at times. Anyone have acupuncture? or other alternative healing methods? I'd be very grateful for any advice. Thanks.
February 24, 2007 - 1:42am
#34
FINALLY!!!! THANK YOU NANCIE...
FINALLY! THANKS "NANCIE"FOR TELLING US THAT YOU WERE RX'D TO CHANGE YOUR FENTANYL PATCH EVERY 48 HRS! MAN...I HAVE BEEN GETTING IT FROM EVERY ANGLE FOR THAT...I JUST STARTED THE FENTANYL PATCH MAYBE A MONTH OR 2 AGO (I TAKE THE 50) AND LOVE IT! I ALSO HAVE MY RX FOR EVERY 48 HRS AND THE PHARMACIST WAS LIKE, "WHY DO YOU HAVE THIS ON A 48 HR SCHEDULE, YOU KNOW THE MED IS 72 HR?!" NOT IN A VERY NICE TONE...I WAS WITH MY BOY TOO, I WAS LIKE, WHERE IS THE MD AFTER YOUR NAME THERE, MUST HAVE MISSED IT! (NO I DIDN'T REALLY SAY THAT...I WISH!) I HAVE BEEN ON DIF, LET'S SAY EVERY PAIN MED OVER THE LAST 10 YRS...WITH EVERY DISC HERNIATED OR BULGING, SOME IMPEDING ON MY THECAL SACK, ALL TO DIF LEVELS, THEY OBVIOUSLY CAN NOT OPERATE ANYMORE AS THEY SAY IT IS THE "DOMINO EFFECT" THEY FEAR - 4 OPERATIONS ON MY KNEES, WHICH ARE BONE ON BONE BUT I AM CONSIDERED TOO YOUNG FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT YET - AND THAT STUFF, BAD AS IT IS... PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE HEADACHES OR "BRAINACHES" AS I CALL THEM, FROM THE HEAD TRAUMA/BRAIN INJURY THAT MY PET SCAN SHOWS TO BE PERFECTLY SYMMETRICAL (MEANING THE BRAIN BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH IN THERE WHEN STRUCK),... SO EXCUSE ME LADY (PHARMACIST) IF I AM NOT IN THE MOOD TO DISCUSS MY DR'S MOTIVES...
BUT ANYWAY, THESE (PATCHES) ARE A GODSEND ONCE YOU GIVE THEM A CHANCE FOR A WHILE...BUT THEY TAIL OFF IN THE FINAL 24 HR PERIOD, CERTAIN PEOPLE CAN DEAL WITH THAT MY DR SAID, BUT W/MY PAIN LEVEL HE WANTS MAX FLOW AT ALL TIMES...(even though sometimes i have gone 3 days...leaving me a nice little emergency stash in case of a hurricane or something)...BUT SO GLAD TO HEAR SOMEONE ELSE HAD 48 HR RX ON A MED THAT IS 100 X STRENGTH OF MORPHINE... AND TO THE CONCERNED POSTER, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECORDED OVERDOSE (AS OF 12/2005) OF A FENTANYL PATCH WHEN USED AS PRESCRIBED...THAT LAST PART IS IMPORTANT, AS THERE HAVE BEEN OVERDOSE DEATHS WITH IT WHERE A SMALL CHILD PEELED IT OFF(CANCER PATIENT)AND CHEWED ON IT-THERE WAS A WOMAN WHO HAD THE PATCH ON HER BUTTOCKS AND SAT ON A HEATING PAD (WHICH GREATLY INCREASES THE FLOW THROUGH YOUR SKIN)- A SMALL CHILD TOOK HIS MOM'S PATCH OUT OF THE GARBAGE AND PLAYED WITH IT, JUST THROUGH HIS HANDS/FINGERS (THAT IS WHY IT INSTRUCTS YOU TO FLUSH USED PATCHES)- AND THEY FOUND A TEEN W/SEVERAL (LIKE 10) PATCHES ON HIS BODY, OBVIOUSLY DEAD. WHEN USED AS DIRECTED THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS YET...PILL CO'S WISH THEY COULD BOAST THAT! UNFORTUNATELY PEOPLE ABUSE... THEY GET THE STRONGEST PAIN MED MEANT FOR DAYS...ALL AT ONCE, AND USUALLY DIE. UNLIKE THE OTHER POSTER I STILL GET MY 180 NORCO FOR BREAKTHRU PAIN- AND YES "JIMCAP" YOU NOTICE A DIF ON 48 HR... THE LAST DAY OF 72 HR CAN FEEL LIKE WITHDRAWAL ONSET TO ME SOMETIMES, SO I THINK IT IS COMPLETELY ARBITRARY EVERY TIME A PATCH GOES ON YOU, HOW MUCH, OR AT WHAT RATE THE MED IS ENTERING YOUR BLOODSTREAM...ARE YOU ACTIVE? DO YOU SWEAT? WAS IT COLD? WHERE ON BODY? ETC., ETC.
PHARMD- YOU STILL AVOIDED THE QUESTIONS FROM GTRPLAYER...PEOPLE NEED TO FEEL THAT THE INFO IS GOOD WHEN THEY COME HERE...SAYING YOUR 40 YRS EXP. ONLY MAKES ME MORE WARY AS EVERYONE KNOWS THAT IT IS (PAIN MANAGEMENT) A VERY CUTTING EDGE INDUSTRY THAT CHANGES FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT THE MORE THEY UNDERSTAND AND THE NEWER THE DRUGS OR THEIR FORM...
WELL, THAT'S MY NOVEL OF THE WEEK!
ps- just to add, saw my doc today and asked about the 48 hr vs 72 hr rx on patch...he said that too many of his chronic pain patients complain about those final hours, so he and his colleagues do 48 hr. rx's to avoid problems, as every individual has dif skin and therefore receives the med dif...a tough, callous old man who has done hard labor his whole life obviously has far dif skin than a socialite woman in palm beach who spends her days playing bridge!
(edited by TeamPharmer)
February 26, 2007 - 9:25pm
#35
See a pain management
See a pain management doctor.
Pain Management is the act, manner or practice of managing pain, handling or control of an unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder. Treatment for chronic pain is best understood and accomplished by a physician specializing in pain management.
Even though I'm not a doctor, I hope they have at least taken films to see if there might be something they missed. I know many people who have had back operations, and fared much worse after the surgery than before.
That being said, I don't know why you have a high tolerance to pain medicines. But, be careful with the methadone and acute pain. Methadone is not like your typical medicines that will relieve the pain right away. Do not try to adjust your dose on your own, this has led to numerous overdoses and deaths in some cases.
Gtrplayer