Although I have never responded, I have been reading about what you are going through. I so relate as I am sure all the chronic pain sufferers do. I have a doctor that prescribes me two 30mg MS Contin (one every twelve hours). I was getting some relief with this, at least enough to get up and bath, dress. The problem is I have been on this same dosage since 2009 and it is no longer working for me. I am suffering terribly. I mentioned to my dr that maybe he could up the dosage a little or change me to a different kind of medicine as I have heard that helps some and he just said no what if this makes it worse. I said I don't really know how it could be worse, I am like bedridden and he just said no. Help. Did I go about asking wrong? What can I do?

Just a comment on medications. Sometimes when on a medication like that for a long time you do develope a tolerance. Most doctors will switch and try something else. I know you are awhere of all the problems there are for doctors when prescribing narcotics. Do you go to a specific pain specialist? If not, that may be what you need to do. Also a physiatrist, deals with pain, and the whole body on a cellular level. I was able to get off morphine, and just take hydro codone when needed. I take a bunch of suppliments, which do help. If your doctor is not responding to your needs, seek another professional. I know that is a pain in the butt to do, but it may be your only option if you need more help than what he is currently prescribing. Even tramadol, may work for you, you don't know until you try. It is so very important to have a doctor who will listen to you and try to with you, and not just say no. That leaves a patient in a very helpless position. I really hope you can find adequate help with this. Neuro Talk, dicusses this issue alot Brain, and we all know how difficult a situation like that can be. I wish you all the best. ginnie

my angel at work

someone who cares

Thanks for all your thoughtful, caring responses to my questions. I do have a very good doctor who is a pain specialist. I have been seeing him since 2009 every month or two. I have always trusted him and up until recently he has been spot on with his treatment. He does not over medicate me, which is something I like about him. I had a really bad seizure this month and have just been so hurt since then. He did seem concerned with my pain level after the seizure. I have had to end up taking more than my allowed two a day a few times and ended up in the e.r once since this seizure. I am going to have to tell him (he will definately know anyway seeing as he knows exactly how much medication I should have) that I have had to take an extra pill three times this month since the seizure. I have had a constant headache with nausea and vision loss that I cannot shake. Plus I feel like my brain has blown its last fuse. I am having so much anxiety and depression. I never cry, I am tough, have always considered myself a badass, but I tell you guys I have been crying daily. I don't know why. I am so sensitive. Maybe he will be a little more willing to bend when he sees me next time. I am sure I will break down bawling.

We all break down at times. WE all cry here. What is good about that is you have someone to share it with. Don't be afraid to show your doctor your worries and your fears. anxiety and depression happen when we can't deal with our pain. I am here, and will always try to respond to you. I had a rough morning myself, and was glad that two people I knew came over, and kinda rescued me. We all need someone to help us, when we don't know which way to turn. You are in my thoughts. ginnie

Thanks Ginnie,
You are a sweetheart. I know you always respond to my posts. I appreciate all of you on here so much. Chronic Pain is devastating.
You managed to get off morphine? Now you just take Hydrocodone? I was just on the Hydrocodone but was on it for so many years that I have to have continuous coverage because of the physical dependence thing. Plus my pain went from chronic migraines to chronic back, neck, head and pain down my left leg. You know it is the left leg pain that really drives me out of my mind. I often dream that wild animals are chewing on my leg. Do any of you have pain down the leg? The migraine pain will take me right out and is the most acute but the leg pain is going to put me in the mental hospital.
Hope everyone is having a decent day and has all needed meds.

About pain, yep I have had it, and for years. 1st.spinal fussion didn't work, second, after six years on morphine, had that C6-7 redone along with C3-7. the second was horrible to get over.
It was my idea after almost 12 years on morphine, to get off it, and see just what I had left pain wise two years after my surgery. I also have DJD, DDD, Arthrits, torn ligaments, and PN. None of it is fun. Auto immune problems started when I was 29.
I was sick of taking meds. and living on when the next pill was. I sought a doc. called a physiatrist, a pain specialist, who deals with people on a cellular level. I asked to be wearned off, I had to try. No fun there either!!!!!!
I do have pain now, so I take hydrocodone when needed. Have bio-freeze, and lidoderm pain patches. All in all, doing OK. Better than taking the Morphine, which I think I had developed a tolerence to anyway.
I take alot of suppliments which has helped my PN, and I was the last to believe they could help.
Today I am better than I thought I could be. I had lost hope too for a long long time.
I have a great deal of empathy for those in pain. It can bring you down to the most horrible place a person can be at. I sure needed my friends, and that is also how I discovered NT. I just never left after my surgery.

I think at one point I would have gone completely nuts, if it were not for those good folks who gave me the support when I needed it.

I do care about you Brain, and hope that you can get better too. I am here to yak to anytime you want. Just giving back what I myself was given, HOPE.... ginnie

True, Ginnie!
I've been going to the same PM for about 5 months and want to stay there, but they keep changing my appt. time the day before, knowing I can't do that cause of the bus schedule. I'm in so much pain and I know I'm going to run out of the only one I take; Norco. This is making things very difficult for me. If they are going to mess with appts. people have no choice except to "doctor shop", and then be looked at like an addict, when all we want is relief from pain. In fact, when I first started going there I told them I do not want meds and I do not want surgery. I just want the pain gone like I was before! So when people or the medical profession look at patients in extreme pain as though they are addicts, it really steams my clams.

If you are not happy with your PM, change..... I did and actually made appts. for 4 different PM doctors. They thought they were interviewing me, NOPE, I was interviewing them, and I stated as much. I said first thing," I am looking for PM doctor," gave my reasons and my records, and let things fall where they may. I had a valid reason, My PM doctor said he would not cover additional medications for surgery. Well the surgeon didn't want to either. Just what is patient suppose to do then? Not have meds. for after surgery? What a crock of you know what.
I picked a doc. called a physiatrist. More than PM, works with the whole person on a cellular level. Best move I ever made. Don't be afraid to be bold, just bring your records and your pain chart and speak up. Also I brought a friend with me, that helps, and sometimes the doctors listen a bit better when someone else is in the room.
I know changing docs. is difficult, just remember they work for you! I do wish you all the best spirit. Got after the best care you can get. It is a quality of life that is as stake. I hope today finds you in less pain than yesterday. ginnie

Just a quick addition to what Ginnie said. Sometimes we think we've developed a tolerance to our meds and actually although we're experiencing more symptoms, the meds are still working (maybe only to a degree, maybe the pain "underneath" is worse). Recently I thought I was highly tolerant to my buprenorphine patch, and this week I was admitted to hospital for the pain. They didn't stock my patches on the ward and I was due to change that night, so we thought we would get away without changing til the next day. I have never experienced pain like it, I wasn't tolerant (at least nowhere near to the degree I thought), my underlying pain had got a lot worse. I'm not sure how you would safely judge whether you were tolerant or the pain had worsened, but it's definitely worth consulting with whoever prescribes your medication about it. Best of luck xxx