Considering I don't do a heck of a lot during the day. It would be nice to be more comfortable. I know I keep saying this but I really gotta talk to my pain doc about this.

Sydney,

No, Oramorph is not Oxycontin. Oramorph is a brand of extended-release (long-acting) morphine. OxyContin is a brand of extended-release oxycodone. Oxycodone is 1.5-2 times stronger than morphine.

From the drugs you said you've tried, you were on relatively low doses, actually. Oramorph does not come in 45mg tablets so I'm assuming you were taking 2 different strengths to get up to 45mg-2X daily. MS Contin is another brand of extended-release morphine; 45mg-2X daily would give you the same relief as the Oramorph, give or take 30% (brands vary due to their absorption in the body, method of release, etc.) I'm not quite sure about Methadone; 20mg every 6 hours seems like it was a pretty decent dose. I know a few people who only take 5-10mg 3X daily and get relief.

I personally take Oramorph myself and I am up to 100mg-2X daily for my chronic pain condition (undiagnosed problems). I also take OxyIR (instant-release Oxycodone) for my breakthrough (BT) pain. A good friend of mine has to take 300mg of morphine 3 times a day just to get her pain levels down to 5-7. She has some serious issues though so it takes a lot of pain medication for her to be comfortable. Plus medication varies person-to-person as to how much it helps.

There is a new drug out called Opana. It is a formulation of oxymorphone, approximately 7 times stronger than regular morphine, I believe. It comes in both extended and instant release forms. Perhaps you can have a discussion with your doctor about this new drug at your next appointment. Also, I do believe Cortisone shots (per my experience) only last for a short while and don't provide *that* much relief. If all else has failed though you might as well give it a try as long as you don't have allergies to any type of steroids.

At any rate, no one should ever expect to experience total pain relief while being a chronic pain patient. Most medications are prescribed in the light of the patient realizing it will only minimize their pain levels and allow them to regain a somewhat "normal" lifestyle. Even with the morphine and oxycodone I'm still not able to work or go to school, so hopefully that will give you an idea of how some of us have to live; with the medicine I'm able to get out of bed and do what needs to be done around the house though and for that I'll be forever grateful to my doctor.

I hope that the information I have provided has been helpful to you. If you have any more questions or concerns, you can either post a reply or send me a PM. I wish you the best of luck!

Sydney, I did get your message and responded, but I didn't really know how to do it. I was shocked when the messge box came up with your whole message in it. I didn't know if I was supposed to just type under it or erase it, and type my answer. Anyway, if you don't get it, just let me know, and I'll put it here. My reason for asking about doses was basically the same thing illusion129 said. I was concerned that the doctor put a ceiling on your dosing instead of what your body said - therefore leaving your doses lower than what might actually help you!

Suzanne

There is your answer...depending on the day, the stress, the weather, where the pain is and your activity level!

I am on Morphine, 120, oxy, ?, Diaz, 2 other pain pills, and Keppra, (seizures), something for inflammation that is out of control, and whatever else. (My husband takes care of all meds because of TBI on top of Chronic Pain.

Sometimes, the meds give me days that I feel almost normal for a few hours. Sometimes I wonder "did I take my meds" and find that I did. 8 mo ago, I was less than a 7. Haven't been there since. I like high numbers best!

The more pain meds, the chance of backfiring, and causing more pain. (can be found under high dosages of Morphine). What a deal. I seem to have a text book case of RSD, but no one will look at the full body info. The pain is ... well, you wouldn't understand@! lol. Don't you love it when someone says "I understand, I had a neck ache for a week one time...."

I would be on the ceiling with OUT my meds, and sometimes I still am. Pain pump trial this week.

Wish I had a magic pill for everyone!

Morphine is, for the most part, not very affective against rsd. I use methadone with other pain meds, and after being on morphine, oxy, fentanyl (just to name the narcotics) methadone has worked the best. Even at the low dose I am on now, works better than 100+ a day of morphine sulfate/kadian.
That is just my experiences and many others feel the same.

I don't think any medication can make you pain free for a long period of time. Your system seems to get used to them, or at least that is my experience. Try alternative methods??? drcandy

At times I am pain free, but it is rare. I am taking nucynta for 2 months and getting more relief than other drugs, FYI. Opana did nothing for me. Each of us are different.

Hello Sydney,
I can hear and nearly feel your exasperation and pain. I have a spinal cord stimulator and I have to take some pain meds three times a week along with the SCS being on all day. I contacted a naturpath and am taking quite a few supplements and I have much less pain and an improvement in mood. Believe me I have tried everything but am very happy with this recent combination. In the back of my mind I fear this will fail and I will be back into BAD pain, but then I do some meditation. drcandy

Lots of good input. I think the best you can hope for is to be back on top of the pain instead of the pain getting on top of you. Like a lot of others here, I have been dealing with chronic pain for decades and haven't found that magic bullet yet. . If you can get back on top of the pain, exercise will be helpful...........walking and pool therapy. Endorphins are my drug of choice. If you can get moving again and get those pumping, your mood will elevate and the pain will come down some more. Best wishes.

Wondrous!!
Prescription FREE
Not even over the counter...... and you will not have to show the Drivers License to get a "pack"
AND, they do so much of the "trick!"
besides....... my years of pain meds illustrated well for me the only medicated relief from pain was the unconscious state produced by so many of the meds prescribed to me when I had them.....
not truly living, that,
Hugs,
Mark56