July 26, 2009 - 10:54pm
Hello, When I was sixteen years old , I am thirty three now and my only family is my grandparents. My father died in a crash when I was young and mother is who knows where, anyways. I hurt my l4-l5-l5 s1 squatting some weights. Years later I began taking morphine for the pain because I had an Mri at the age of twenty-five and it showed, herniated L4, herniated-L5, herniated-L5 S1, spinal stenosis, my C-3, C-4, and C-5 disks in my upper neck were also buldging. So I started taking Hydrocrodone 10's because my back would go out and I had trouble moving in the morning. After about a year my PMD moved me up to the ms-contin 30 milligrams three times a day, msir four times a day for breakthrough, and xanax. I took to the medicine very well, had no problems. I worked and the medicine helped me live an enjoyable life, maybe tolerable is the right word. So anyways I stayed on this routine until the age of thirty-two when I was hit head-on on a highway outside of town by a man and his wife under the influence. They were trying to pass and didn't see me. I have tons of mri's, x-rays, etc. showing my injuries. I had .8th of a second to get out of the way of this person and do the math that is not enough time. The driver died on impact, his wife was critical, I was critical. I was trapped in my car with the steering wheel embedded in my chest and the dashboard crushing my legs with smoke everywhere dying. After forty-five minutes help came and I was cut out with the jaws of life. I spent thirty-three days in the hospital, seven days in Icu. I live in a small town outside a big city so I and the drivers wife had to be transported via helicopter. They weren't sure if I was going to make it but I did. It made the front page and it was an open and shut case. He was at fault for being under the influence and driving in the wrong direction resulting in his death and maiming his wife and myself. It was a two lane highway, luckily the person he was trying to pass stopped immediatly and called 911.
My question is, never having a problem on pain medicine, could somebody tell me what they think I should be prescribed for these injuries. The back issues I stated above are way worse now, my L4 is fractured. I fractured my left femur in three places, fractured my collarbone, broke my shoulder, broke my right kneecap, I am in a wheelchair unable to walk because of the deformity to my legs, and if I can walk a little it is very akward, unsafe and painful to the fullest. All my ribs were fractured, severe lacerations. Fractured metetorsil in my right foot, spelling may be wrong, fractured both ankles, fractured left tibbia, broken wrist etc. and yes I was wearing a seatbelt. He was going 75 mph and I was going 68 in a 65, neither car braked because he pulled out to pass to quick it was over in a second. I was hit so hard my car went backwards went backswards six feet and shot diagnolly into the desert thirty feet, his car flipped. Some injuries have healed but I am looking at a waking nightmare every time I wake up and it has being a year now. I still need multiple surgeries and I am in a wheelchair 80 percent of the day. Everything hurts. My pain doctor only moved one medication up. The MS contin 30 mill. to 100 mill. three times a day along with the other two and I am getting no relief and he won't budge. What would be a good regimine for me. I am tolerant to pain medicine and just want to live somewhat of a normal life. This is all 100% true what I am saying, I had to leave some injuries out because my hands are hurting. Opinions please. What regimine do I qualify for?
July 27, 2009 - 12:09am
#2
Ask your doctor about fetanyl
Ask your doctor about fetanyl patches. It sounds like your condition is severe and life long so this drug could be great for you. Less ups and downs than morphine. From what I understand, with patients who are in your condition many doctors are more willing to Rx than other strong opioids because abuse potential is less.
read more here http://www.drugs.com/cdi/fentanyl-patch.html
or here http://www.duragesic.com/duragesic/
Also keep in mind that advice you get on this forum should never replace doctor advice.
July 27, 2009 - 12:11am
#3
THOSE INJURIES SOUND INTENSE
I am surprised that, considering your injuries and, the fact that you are in constant pain, your doctor hasn't put you on long lasting pain meds. I would think that you would be given fentanyl patches and actiq lollipops rather than taking a barage of pills at all hours. Fentora lozenges and heavy methadone. If anyone needs the heavy stuff, it would be you man. There are quite a few people on this site that are more knowledgeable than I am that will say the same thing. I think you should ask the board what they think about fentanyl duragesic patches and actiq.
I am not a doctor but it sounds like you qualify for "the works".
July 27, 2009 - 12:33am
#4
There is
...no "correct answer" for this question. It's between you and your doctor. You need to await the outcome of your surgery, and physical therapy. You do sound like a cantidate for Fentanyl. However, you are still relatively young, and you will build tolerance to ny narcotic you take. Imagine your daily dose when you're in your 60's? Just a thought?
You said your doctor changed your dose of MS, but haven't stated what's wrong with the treatment your doctor is providing.
What kind of an answer are you looking for? Something along the lines of: "you qualify for 4 oxy 80's per day and 240 oxyIR for BT pain..." ?
Is there a specific drug you want? Just ask for it. This is really something your doctor needs to address...
Good luck
July 31, 2009 - 11:01pm
#5
Help me figure this out 2?
I appreciate the resposes so far,
July 31, 2009 - 11:01pm
#6
help me figure this out 3?
If I ask
July 27, 2009 - 12:51am
#7
Sympathy
Fentanyl is GREAT for my poor husband who now, at only 54, has full rheumatoid arthritis from the antiandrogen terminal prostate cancer treatment that saved his life.
Definitely go see a different doctor. Some of those guys think that just because they can't feel it, it doesn't really exist.
But WOWEE!, after reading all those injuries, I want to send you my deepest sympathy. It's not much, but it is very sincere.
I wish you the best of luck with the doctor problem, dear.
A5
July 31, 2009 - 11:00pm
#8
help me figure this out4?
hey
July 31, 2009 - 10:59pm
#9
help me figure this out five
In the last three months my knees have gone from really bad arthritis to full blown osteo-arthritis, three-months. My shoulder is still hanging, swollen waiting to be fixed.
July 27, 2009 - 2:10am
#10
WHAT PAIN MED'S ?
Hello Lola, Im sorry to here your story about your mishap. First of all if your not happy with your Dr. find one that will help you find the right combination of meds that works for you. Because everyone deserves to be pain free as much as possible!! It's your right, a lot of Doctors only care about themselves, their scared of the DEA!! When they became Doctors they have swore to an oath to keep patients out of pain. Or they can lose their license for malpractice. Like I said, find a doctor that is caring and has sympathy for your pain. And find the right combination that is right for your pain because everyone is unique. Buy a PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) Be knowledgeable of pain medications, do not let the Doctors BS you be one step AHEAD of them !! after all you are paying them good $$ /and they are billing to insurance company's top dollar.and sometimes over charging !! Anyway good luck and be smart !!! dont let people take advantage of you. Take Care .STAY STORNG.!!
July 27, 2009 - 1:20am
#11
ask about
Opana, it s next line up, besides the oxycontin, its very potent, very exspensive, an it s a hard medication to operate a car under the influence of this medication.
ask your Dr. for a 3 day supply to try, the Ms-contin should ve worked but you have too much high theshold pain, hopefully You an Your Dr. can find your right combination, an Thank GOD Almighty that You survived an the other passenger survived too.
I m no Dr., just a hillbilly , an lover of Life, Woodstock.
July 31, 2009 - 10:58pm
#12
help me figure this out six
Henry is this true?
July 27, 2009 - 2:07am
#13
help me figure this out
sorry woodstock it wasn't opana it was ultram or some &*&? and I too it back. What is Opana?
July 27, 2009 - 3:16am
#14
Opana is oxymorphone. See
Opana is oxymorphone. See http://www.opana.com/ for more. Basically its like morphine on steroids. The same way that oxycodone is like codeine on steroids. Similiar structure and function but more effective.
It sounds like the issue is with your doctor. Its strange that he wants everyone on the same medication. I did read that you said switching doctors would be difficult but you really should consider it. What state are you in? With all the documentation you should be able to find a more compassionate doctor without too much trouble. Make sure whichever doctor you see understands you're not trying to get drugs for the euphoric effects. Also keep in mind that even those who are seeking a high will say that to their doctor so make sure your actions, attitude and everything else says it too.
As far as your appointment this Friday, you have to be honest with him about the trouble you are facing. It is a really difficult situation for you because on the one hand you want to be stern and direct to get your point across, but on the other hand you don't want to come off as demanding or aggressive otherwise you may lose the treatment you are currently recieving. I know you are experiencing anxiety about your dose being reduced when you probably need an increase. All I can say about that is make sure your doctor knows how low your quality of life is right now and how much worse it would be if he lowered it and how much better it could be if he made some changes. Do your best to make sure he understands how important his decisions are. Make sure he knows but do it gently and with appreciation.
And finally, a little (emphasis on little) bit of pity can go a long way.
We are all rooting for you here. Hopefully the surgeries can get you to a point where pain meds aren't so vital to your functioning. Hang in there and try not to worry yourself too much, that can make your health deteriorate even faster.
Best
July 31, 2009 - 10:58pm
#15
Help me through this please
This Friday ?
July 27, 2009 - 6:40am
#16
first, about your doctor...
I have seen a PMD for about 9 years now. If my doctor acted like yours I would have fired him a long time ago. Your doctor works for you. I know that seems harsh but it is a fact. You pay his salary, etc. He sounds like he has some issues. It also sounds like he himself may be abusing. Just a thought. I would definitely get a new doctor first. I think you could probably call the hospital where you were treated after the accident and speak to someone (a doctor perhaps, or administration) and have them refer you to someone who knows more on how to treat someone like you who has more pain than the average person. On a second note, I believe that Fentanyl might be a great treatment for you. Good Luck. Your lucky to be alive. I know it sounds lame, considering you feel so horrible now. You will get on the right track, you need to be more aggressive in your own treatment. What state do you live in?
(edited)
July 27, 2009 - 10:43am
#17
help
My doctor even went as far as saying even after my surgeries considering I get them, he would not up the dosage. Remember I have never had any trouble on medicine. Is this bizzare or what. My left leg is missing three of the four tendons and is barely attached, same with shoulder.
July 27, 2009 - 12:30pm
#18
FIND A NEW DR., ASAP
Your only choice is to go in on friday and if he doesn't help you, tell him that he is fired. You will already be in the city so you can go to another Dr. and get a second opinion. Just think of the relief you will feel when you start dealing with a sympathetic physician.
Good luck and keep us posted. I have never heard of a case like this.
July 31, 2009 - 10:57pm
#19
help
It's all 100%
July 27, 2009 - 12:47pm
#20
lola
Find another pain doctor before you go to your appointment Friday, in case you do fire your doctor. That is like playing with fire though, should the next doctor not be what you want.
Good luck,
July 27, 2009 - 12:46pm
#21
Yes, I agree you need to find
Yes, I agree you need to find another doctor. It was painful just reading your story and I truly wish you the best in your recovery and may you find the strength to deal with this misfortune every day. Most importantly, may you find another doctor who will treat you appropriately as this will be key in recovering and living life to the fullest.
If I were you I would begin looking for that doctor right away and try to get an appointment scheduled for this Friday directly following your current PMD appointment. If/when things don't work out with your PMD, you can simply let him know that he has failed to properly treat you and you will be seeking care elsewhere. I'm sure other posters here will have better advice on how to go about this, as I am naive to pain management, but I do know that you don't want to break any rules. So, be clear and honest and hang in there. You deserve better professional care.
July 31, 2009 - 10:56pm
#22
help
Thankyou for your comments, I hope more come.
July 27, 2009 - 1:18pm
#23
As others have said get a new
As others have said get a new pm. I hope what am going to tell you will not upset you. It's not my intention and hopefully it will help. Studies have shown that drs only listen to the first 20 secs of what a patient says. So when you go in the first thing you say is, I'm in pain, hurt all the time and get no relief from the meds(that is what you stated in op). Stick to the facts of your pain. I would not talk about the accident, what surgeries you have had or need, all the other hardships that have occurred since the accident, and any of the other medical problems prior to the accident. Stick to the here and now. I would be calling around before Friday and try to find a new pm. If you have a PCP maybe you could see him to talk about taking over care and help you find a new pm. I think your injuries more than speak for themselves. I'm on Fentanyl and I think you would greatly benefit from it. There are good docs and there are bad ones and I really don't think anything you say or do will make that dr a good one. But don't tick him off because Ms contin is better than nothing and w/ds. Let us know how the visit goes. Take care, htmom
July 27, 2009 - 10:31pm
#24
lola
I agree, you should get a new PM doc. Keep your appointment Friday and don't worry yoursef about him lowering your dose. You don't know what he will do, please don't worry, it's making you feel worse. If he doesn't help you, get an appointment with another doc, get all your records transferred.
I'm not going to recommend any meds to you. You have been through some horrible trauma, and I can see it's still affecting you and your life. Living through the accident you described is a miracle, although the quality of your life is not near what you want it to be. The accident is still affecting every aspect of your life. Please consider seeing a psychiatrist who specializes in pain. Talking with someone about the accident and how it's still affecting your life may be helpful. Also, you can learn different ways to deal with your pain. Opiods alone won't stop the pain, but can help manage it along with other techniques and technology.
I sincerely wish that you heal from your injuries, and I hope future treatments go well for you. You will be in my thoughts.
July 28, 2009 - 1:06am
#25
Wow
I really feel for you. I wish there was something I could personally do, but there isn't.
The bottom line is, all you can do is be honest and assertive with your doctor. A good PM doctor will appreciate that approach as opposed to be offended by it. God doctors do not get their feathers ruffled when a patient suggests their own treatment modality. It's the young cocky ones who get offended, and think: who is this patient to question MY judgement? The drug I prescribed SHOULD be working. If it isn't, it certainly isn't any of my problem.
You do need a new PM doctor though, as difficult as it may be to find one. You current doc sounds like a loose cannon.
July 31, 2009 - 10:55pm
#26
help
I am really impressed by the compassion of this website and the thoughtful responses. .
July 29, 2009 - 1:05am
#27
lola
I am sorry to hear about your dad.
This is the place for you to come if you need some mental support, and every regular member probably agrees with that.
Pain is a difficult thing to have. There are numerous side effects that affect every part of your life. Just remember we are all here for you.
Just put one foot in front of the other, and think about all you have, not what you don't have.
Have a great day,
July 31, 2009 - 10:53pm
#28
help
Can you die from pain?
July 31, 2009 - 10:54pm
#29
help
Keep it real
July 31, 2009 - 10:55pm
#30
help
Goodnight
July 29, 2009 - 10:59am
#31
Your Life
I actually registered just to respond to you - somehow, in checking side effects, i stumbled onto this site, and was drawn in by your story. Briefly, what qualifies me to answer you: on Percoset 10/325 5x daily with Methocarb for C4,5,6 injury.....when i told my doctor that 4x daily wasn't working and that i would appreciate an extra one at night to help me sleep, i was given that......A neurosurgeon showed me where my spinal fluid goes from that of a chalk line, into a thin pencil line around injury - that was frightening.
........I've been an only parent to twins since they were born (10 now) with 0 help - life x*#&s telliing your kids 'i can't right now, i don't feel well enough today'; sometimes i think that they can't wait until they're 18 to get away from their sick Mom despite the love i give them and then when I have those days, I meditate and it DOES get better; i live by the grace of God, social security and welfare, and sometimes i can't stand it after holding jobs such as working for the Dept of Defense in the past and so on.....but then I realize I am lucky to have this assistance to live now...........Through it all, I still have never known pain or suffering like you. I CAN'T BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE SORROW I FEEL FOR YOU, ...reading your story made me cry.
My advice is this: I have learned that mental health plays a huge part in physical health. What I am about to say to you is NOT impossible - please listen, and keep an open mind: You need to move away from your grandparents and have a life of your own as much as they need to live a peaceful and less stressful life from you.
I say this with the utmost care and respect for all of you.
You must receive social security, and I don't know how much money you have left from the settlement, but this is what I advise for your peace of mind with physical to follow. The state of Vermont has a wonderful health and welfare system, especially for those with social security - God bless them for that. We also have some of the top neurosurgeons in the country that practice and teach here - they are good at what they do, AND sympathetic to quality of life.
If you receive social security you are eligible for what is called a Section 8 Voucher - basically, it pays most of your rent (my copay is currently $60 a month) - you would qualify for a handicapped accessible unit. If your SS amount is low, they also send you a Utility Voucher to pay for electricity and phone. You would also qualify for fuel assistance to pay your heat in the winter. We have an amazing Visiting Nurse program that would leave you attended to, that you automatically qualify for on SS. Free buses to take you to appts have wheelchair accessibility and drivers are required to help you board.
Look up Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and Alice Peck Day hospitals that are in this area and take a look at what they offer.
As there is always a catch, you need to live in the area 6 months before you qualify for the welfare program, and the waiting list for Section 8 is currently one year or less - I just called and checked for you. But if you have enough left of your settlement to move, there are many available units here that are handicapped accessible and base your rent on your income immediately: no waiting for those with SS. We also have area churches that bring you meals, and other programs to help you while you are on the waiting list for the others. Time passes quickly, friend.
And you would have a friend here already - ME. I believe in mental health first, I work with stones and a healing hand that bears the 'star' on my palm in Astrology. I don't want to 'freak you out', but I have literally rid myself of gall bladder pain, knee pain and aided my neck pain within minutes - perhaps this is why, with the depth of my injury, that I do well on the pain meds I am allowed. Also, my twins have not needed an antibiotic in over 6 years - I just lay my hand on them and concentrate, and they just 'get better' - I can't really explain it more than that. I 'm not saying that I can cure you, that's ridiculous, but I can aid pain well and I KNOW that I can help you.
Mental health is extremely important to physical health. Living in the 'boondocks' with your grandparents emptying your shyt, as you stated, well, the humility of that must be almost as unbearable as the pain.
Sometimes answers are found in different ways and places. Sometimes, we stumble onto things by accident, like I found you, or perhaps it is destiny that I read your story. Either way, there is hope, and I offer you friendship and help if you choose to accept it.
As far as your immediate needs, your Dr.'s appointment on Friday - tell him that your pain meds must absolutely be reevaluated - go there with research you have done (paperwork printed from various sites on internet) on similiar treatment for same injury...take control in that way.......if he does not respond to that, then thank him for his time, do not 'fire' him, leave and begin a round of calls explaining your situation to other doctors. It is most likely too late for you to get an appointment with someone else now for the same day unless by some miracle there was a cancellation. But it only takes your time to try - I would.
In the meantime, Google Jose Silva and download for free one of his approx. 30 minute meditation tapes - it will begin to free you spiritually and that always helps with physical pain.
God bless you. I care.
July 29, 2009 - 3:04pm
#32
help
I'll write you back tonight, I just woke up and this is the worst part of the day, you wrote alot, I'm reading it now,it's good so far.
July 29, 2009 - 3:07pm
#33
help
Carlivia, you pick up on things quick, your almost reading my mind, I hate living in this part of the country, just give me a little time to write back.
July 29, 2009 - 7:00pm
#34
To Carlivia, from Quincy
I want to say that you are one grade A fine human, Carlivia. What a wonderful thing to do, sign up to a site just to help a person in need. The human spirit is not always kind and, in some, kindness has never blossomed. It looks to me as though you have a flower garden of a soul . . . welcome to pharmer, kind woman . . . Q
July 29, 2009 - 11:06pm
#35
help
Carlivia,
Thankyuou for taking the time to write and I will look into what you posted about meditation. Problem with that is I'm not sure if I could get into the proper positions, but I will look. I have being thinking about moving for awhile now but, this is where I was raised and my grandparents aren't like most granparents , they are like my best friends. Your way over there and I'm way over here. It would be possible, and I swear to god I am considering doing something like that but, I have surgeries I am waiting for, I am not in the best of shape. I look like a normal guy with my clothes on, if I am wearing pants. I'll put up a picture of myself soon so you can see. I have brown hair, blue eyes, 6 ft. around 200 lbs. or whatever I wrote before, I forget. I'm slightly overweight but, not really. I'm 33. Your letter really touched me. I'm sorry I made you cry. I just had to write down what has happened to me and let it all out. I'm getting an appointment tommorow for a pscychiatrist to talk to. I'll have to wait a couple of weeks though. The bathroom thing with the sliding board was for the first three to four months after the accident. Now I go like everybody else but, it hurts to sit. I really don't know what to say because your letter really moved me and I feel sort of guilty now if I made you feel down at all. If all this &*&? was my fault it would be different, but to make it worse this is a small town outside a very big city and the guy that hit me lives right up the street. In order for me to get into town I have to pass his house where his wife still lives, and on top of that I have to pass the huge cross on the highway where this occured. There is no other way around to downtown. I have to go down the same road, unless I'm headed to the big city, but that isn't often. I used to go watch concerts before this like Tool played when Tomohawk opened for them about six years ago, I saw lots of concerts and I used to go to college basketball games alot with my friends. I actually have being to a concert since the accident at the state line, Willie Nelson, it was with my grandparents though but it was hella cool. I've only being out of state once or twice when I was young. A move to somewhere like Vermont sounds like a dream, in a good way. I just don't know how something like that would work without seriously knowing somebody very well that lived there who could show me around. I know how to cook very well, I read alot, I have played classical guitar since I was ten but that has slowed because of arthritis and shoulder. I can still jam though. I have a twelve string ovation guitar, hardback that plugs into an amp, I have my classical guitar, and I have a Fender Stratocaster. Another thing I have is a huge comic book and book collection. It was passed on to me. I was disabled before the accident but, I could still do alot of things. My lower back and neck were messed up. Now this is a totally different animal. I am pretty limited. I will probably never be able to hike again, run again. Anyways could you tell me more about Vermont and what it looks like. What are the people like? Could you tell me about yourself more. I'm always interested in listening. Write soon if you could please.
July 31, 2009 - 11:04pm
#36
friday
Everything went well, I'm shocked, there is a little compassion left in the world, thank god, I can enjoy life now and help my grandparents and exercise more and do the things I love like playing guitar and writing and working at home on projects.
August 1, 2009 - 12:36am
#37
How was your appt. with the
How was your appt. with the doctor? Did your medications change? Are you in less pain?
Either way I am glad you sound happy. "Keep on keepin' on!"
Have a great weekend!!!!!
September 15, 2009 - 11:39am
#38
your note
thank you very much, Quincy :)
September 15, 2009 - 11:51am
#39
hi again
so sorry it has taken me this long to write back :( ..........i ended up hearing about a house bigger than the one i am in now and 15 miles closer to my family - they all got together and helped me move, as with DDD i can't do it myself - i have a great family - i'm blessed.
i love comic books, too! i'm an Archie fan, though, what about you?
don't worry about me feeling sad when i read your letter! caring about others is a good thing, and i do. as i said, your story touched me deeply and i wish i was a millionaire, i'd help you in a second....i'd help a lot of people. so many have so much while so many go without.
your message is from July,...how are things going now?
Carlivia
Do not take Nucynta, .