Love the idea of hair therapy, Debi. I haven't been to the salon in almost 2 years now, but have always found the washing and massage so enjoyable. I have been trimming my own hair when I feel I need to, but I am horrible at it.

I am glad to hear that the increase seems to be working for you. I sure hope that it continues to help for months to come.

Debi,
Good for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the hair manage idea will not only feel good; but when you look in the mirror, you will feel better about yourself.

As far as medication; maybe instead of two break thru pain pills, you might be able to have your PM prescribe 3. This may help taking in the middle of the two Morphine 30mg's (at times, possibly breaking them in half). That may be all you need to help extend the 12 hours between each dose of Morphine indefinitely.
(Just a little note: I've been on my current dose over 4 years. Just worked around my break thru meds in between doses of Oxy.)


Gerry

Dear Debi,

So glad to hear that you are going to give yourself a little treat of pampering to have your hair done on a frequent basis when you can.

To me, there is nothing more luxurious than getting one's hair washed and blown dry by someone.

Now I am going to be envious of you.

I can count on ONE hand, the number of times I have indulged in that luxury over the past decade.

I may have to go get MY hair washed and dried somewhere soon.

Speaking of hair, I washed mine last night in the shower and did not feel up to drying it. It is long, so I could not leave it wet and down as it would make my night clothing wet. I pulled it up, atop my head, stuck a comb-like clip in it and off to bed I went.

This morning it was STILL wet. I just continued to allow it to "air" dry and finally this evening it is dry. Took nearly 24 hours to dry with it tied up like that.

Hope

I'm happy to report that I think the 30 mg ER Morphine is working for me. Not perfect but at least back to where I was with the BuTrans 20 mcg/hr patch and I'll take that right now.

The only problem I've had is a stomach ache one day last week and the week before that. (waiting to see if it happens this week!)
I've never had stomach problems....not even when I was pregnant so I was surprised when I got this sour, burning pain in my stomach and throat.

The first attack I just used anti-acids and tried to sleep it off. The 2nd attack was so bad I called my PM dr. Before the nurse pract called back that day I had found where some people were helped by drinking milk. I love milk so I tried it and low and behold the pain lessened and then went away.

The nurse pract asked lots of questions and then said she didn't think it was the ER morphine. Said it sounded like a GI issue happening at the same time since the milk helped. She said my symptoms did not go along with stomach problems ER morphine would cause. Not real sure I agree with that.

She suggested I make an appointment with my PCP. I'll probably do that since I need to go anyway. Every once in a while I'll feel a weird feeling in my throat on down in my neck area. Weird.

Next subject : I loved getting my hair washed and dried last Thursday. So relaxing. Think I'll keep at it another couple of weeks.....or FOREVER

Next subject: My pool was installed and because I have such good luck.....it started leaking on one side of the pool ! Thank goodness when the pool man called yesterday he agreed to replace the liner ! Was afraid I would have to fight with them.

It is amazing to look out there and picture what it's going to look like when the deck is build around it. Think I'll take my pillow and blanket and just live out there.

That's my update. Hope everyone is getting along as best they can. This SFN is really debilitating and depressing. I don't know anything else to do except move forward you know ?

Debi

Debi,
You just reminded me I need to call my hairdresser for an appointment to get hair cut and styled. Was hoping for this Friday. She only works Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I usually see her every 4 - 5 weeks for the haircut/style. Going to get phone number and dial as soon as I finish this post.

Good luck on your pool; looking forward to seeing a picture once deck is built.

Also, since milk seemed to help your stomach can't help wonder about GI issues (ulcer??).

Glad the Morphine is at least giving you some quality of life.


Gerry

Hi Debi

Great to hear your pool is in place - roll on summer.

About your stomach issues - are you taking any probiotics at all? They can help normalize the stomach bacteria levels and reduce gastro problems.

Take care - hope you get it resolved soon.