Dear Daughter,
I sure do understand your concern. These medications she is on, are the same ones I am on, but I watch what I take with extreme caution! I am under the care of a fabulous pain specialist. I don't doctor shop, and take no more than what is allowed me EVER! I take Morphine 30 mg. 2 x day. I have declined to increase it even though I need surgery. I also take oxycodone 10/325 4 x day. that is what I am allowed, however if I can keep it down to just one, when I reach that OUCH level, then I take one. My caution is extreme and i am very educated on the dangers of these medications. I have also been through withdrawls from a surgeon not paying attention enough to what I had been prescribed.
If your mom is abusing, this is not good. You must make sure she is just seeing one pain physician, and that her PCP knows exactly what she is doing along with the pain specialist keeping in touch with her PCP. Doctors must communicate with each other, and that takes some effort on your part.
If mom is getting this stuff off the street or through other means from friends and others, she is putting her self in grave danger. I was a single daughter too, so I know you care about her.
Do talk to your mother, find out exactly what she is taking and when and how much. Take this information to her PCP. Take it to her pain specialist. Just give them the information. You are not going to get a response from them, because of patient confidentiality. You can do this much for her. Forcing a person into treatment does not work.
Is your mother in true Pain is the question that needs to be addressed, and then to help her find the best help you can, so that she does not abuse the medications. Abuse does indeed kill. Florida is the worst state in the country about this subject. Doctors hesitate now to prescribe at all because of the amount of abuse down here. Legitimate pain patients have a hard time getting medications also, because of what happens on the street.
Please do seek some kind of intervention, and find out exactly what your mother is doing. I am NEVER in a befuddled state. I feel NO HIGH when I take these medications according to direction. I would not take more either to feel such a high. I already know my body is accustomed to these medications, and i am careful accordingly. The doctors and your mom need to be on the same page. I am here if you ever need to talk more about this. I have tried in every way shape and form to be an informed patient. I would help you in any way I could. I do wish you and your mother all the best. Your mother is welcome to contact me too. ginnie