Quote:
Originally Posted by Neurochic
It certainly makes no sense to keep taking a drug that you are fairly certain is doing nothing to help your pain. Its not a medication you want to be on in high doses for lengthy periods becuase of the potential for liver damage. I'm interested in you saying that you think it's contraindicated for CRPS - that isn't something I'd ever heard - what makes you think that?
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I read somewhere that it was contraindicated for RSD. I think I saved the page. I'll see if I can find it. From what I remember it was something along the lines of the pain receptors it effects in the brain makes it not as effective. I brought it up to my doctor and he agreed.
Although why he would keep me on it all this time I have no idea. I originally was on it after my surgery in September 2011 and stayed on it until a surgery in January 2012. My RSD dx was in June 2012 I think.
I think it helps to a small degree, but I have been on it for so long I think my body is to used to it. Before I was taking the Lortab I was taking Vicodin ES...so basically the same thing for a handful of months before my surgery.
I brought up medical marijuana to my doctor a few appointments back, because I am concerned about the damage to my organs. I also have RA and take daily medication for that as well. He didn't seem to think it would help at all. He obviously is not a medical marijuana supporter. It is legal here if you have your card.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tos8
Have you thought about trying another med? I dont know why your dr would say that it is contrandicated in helping the RSD pain when I think most of us are on some sort of opiats to help manage to the pain. I hope you get the relief you need. I dont recomend stopping cold turkey and your dr should not even think its ethical under his watch to do so. I would ask your dr about a clonidine patch while you wean down, its a blood pressure med, but it also is used for weaning off narcotics, it will help take the edge off.
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I want to try something else, but he wanted me to be off the Lortab first. He said the Lortab could be exasperating the RSD and making it worse. No idea why that is. My next appointment is a few weeks away, then he should give me something else. I think he keeps hoping to come up with a drug combination that works so well I don't need pain meds. Which I won't let happen....I don't want to have nothing if I am having a horrible pain day or stretch of bad days. I'd love to not be taking pain medication all day every day, but I'm also not going to suffer more than I have to.
I have cut down a little a pill or 2 a day. I am going to continue doing it that way I think.
I am trying to be a better advocate for myself and learn as much as I can about RSD, which is how I found this forum. In the few months after my dx I didn't really know anything and IMO that is not a good way to help yourself.