NeuroTalk Support Groups - Advice on handling

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I am fortunate that my Rheumy has an open mind and prescribes pain meds. Along with SFN, I have spondylarthropathy and FMS - all painful conditions that affect me every day and night...

Along the road, I have tried Fentanyl, methadone, Ultracet, Lortab and morphine. The Fentanyl and methadone had se that were pretty bad. The ultracet did nothing for my pain. When taking methadone, I would find myself constantly nodding off, and with Fentanyl, a couple of people told me I was slurring words (I required a dosage of 100 mcg).

Well, I have found that the best combination for me is Lortab (up to 4 max) during the day, and before bed, I take the lowest dosage 15-30 mg of MS contin to keep me pain-free throughout the night. If I don't take the MS-contin, I wake up with severe back/sacroiliac pain, despite having a Temperpedic mattress.

I don't think I would ever go back on the Fentanyl patch or methadone. But am fortunate I have a doctor that gave me the opportunity to try them. I think that is key. Finding a doctor that listens to you and is not too reluctant to prescribe medications.

I have been on the Lortab and MS-Contin (at night) for years now. I do see the Rheumy every 3 months and he reviews my drug history each time. It has taken many years to build the trust factor with him, however, I have never abused anything he has prescribed. I have been on the same dosage of these meds for years.

He also checks my liver enzymes routinely - had a problem with elevated enzymes for a long time after taking methotrexate and I do have fatty liver for some reason. (I am not a big drinker of alcohol). The test did come back clear last time. First time, in a long time. :)

Mere

Maybe not but ..............................

What if it works? I want to be in a position that I can decide not a Dr who is not forward thinking not able to think outside the box which is how I got here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD (Post 655869)

Marijuana is not liked for mixing with pain meds. Most doctors will not allow it. And for methadone, that combo has the potential for causing DEATH (by long QT syndrome stopping the heart).

With morphine it is just a drug interaction. Marijuana may enhance opioid actions up to 4 times. Doctors don't like that, as it may lead to respiratory depression reactions.

I like the way you think! I feel exactly the same! Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclelops (Post 655865)

Chronic pain management is a disaster.

I weaned off fentanyl and oxy. I got sick of the run around every month to get the meds. They give it out and they taketh away....I got sick of encountering a hassle when I needed a refill and my own doc was not there and I had to deal with a different doc.

No doctors want to prescribe pain pills or controlled substances.

As for not needing their pain meds....well.....uh, I can't agree with it. I am in a lot of pain. I limp by on vicodin. But it beats dealing with the system.

Until a doctor is really sick, or in pain, they do NOT understand the experience of living daily in this kind of pain.

It takes tremendous courage to get out of bed.

You may be better of smoking the weed....at least you have your dignity!

(This thing about MJ being illegal for medical use is sooo stupid.)