taking 6 hydrocdone too much for rsd??
 

Do u guys and girls think I am taking too much hydrocodone? I take about (6) 7.5/325mg a day while working 12 hour shifts and I was just wanting to know your opinion, it seems when i take it every 4 hours instead of every 6 it pretty much makes me comfortable all day. I was diagnosed oct 2008 and It is in my right foot. Thanks LISa:confused:

I'm sorry but this seems like it's a question you should really be asking your doctor about. Your doctor prescribed the meds, so he knows best. If the medication is not adequate enough for your pain, or you get adverse side-effects, then that's also something you should see your doctor about immediately.

How can we know how much you should be taking. Every RSD patient is different. We have different bodies, pain thresholds, and we react differently to different medications.

This is a far to weighty issue to be asking here. I mean, this is a direct question about the dosage we think you should be taking. It could even be dangerous to listen to anyone's advice here if they are prepared to give it.

How do you feel? Do you feel like your pain is under control or not? Discuss this with your doctor.

i do know that every pm doc is different. i take the 10/325 and they gave me a script for hydrocodone 2 pills 4 times a day. YOU DO NEED TO FOLLOW YOUR SCRIPT. if that is what your doctor gave you and it works that is great that you are able to work comforable. i also have my liver checked every month because of the tylanol in it.

please understand i am telling you what my doctor gave me.

some pages from Rx sites about it-

http://www.drugs.com/hydrocodone.html
http://www.rxlist.com/vicodin-drug.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/hydrocodo...en/article.htm
http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal...30276FL8L614T3

Lisa,
You've gotten some good advice here.
Some of it may sound harsh, and I know, truly, that's not what you "need" right now.
However,
as it's been said, is all true.
Nobody but you and your doctor can delegate this type of thing.

I can say this:
Many of us have very knowledgeable doctors, who understand that a "cocktail" ( a very poor word for what it is ), of meds might be indicated.

Still,
It's between you and your doctor.
Do you trust him/her?

Sometimes, straight out "painkillers" aren't the best choice, and I somehow feel, that's what you're asking.......
Am I correct?

I don't want to see you be "chased away".
That would be a world of indifference, and NOT what I've learned this group to be!

In private (PM's), I'm sure, that many of us would talk about this in more detail, but you must remember, NONE of us are doctors!

We only have experience on our side.

Maybe, just maybe,
an anti depressant might be indicated, that's up to your doctor.As may be other things that add up to a "cocktail"... to Manage your symptoms.
As we have no cure at the moment, we live in a triangle,
Your Meds / Your doctor, you.

Your mental health / PManagement psych, and you...

Your body / EXCERCISE "Use it or Lose it", keep it moving! as you seem to be!
Good for you!

Or, other things that might be indicated in the "cocktail"....

Anyway,
What I want to say to you MOST IMPORTANTLY!
Is that you have found a HOME!

I think that WE ARE EMBARRASSED, and YOU SHOULD NOT BE!

YOU asked a straight, flat out question.
And, you shouldn't be attacked for that, or, even feel that way.
(I do not believe ANYONE attacked you!)

But, being a newbie myself, and a bit vocal, I understand.
I truly do.

PM me if you wish.

But, whatever you do, PLEASE, don't retract yourself from this group!
You've hit a GoldMine of information!

None of us know the "Best Way", and we're All Searching for it!

We help each other.
And, we all look forward to when you will help us!

You were absolutely correct to ask a question!
Dam Right!

Don't feel that you got "shot down", because we don't have the exact answer! Please?

We value your contribution, and questions!

Nobody here is odd, or out of sorts, or we all are!

WE're HERE FOR YOU!

Pete
asb

Please. stay with us?
:hug:

Thanks Pete I do understand, and I am with a pm doctor and I have been thru the 6 or 8 sympathetic nerve blocks and all the other things.. And am also taking 120 mg of cymbalta with this.. I am just trying to keep working as long as I can,, Some Chronic pain people aren't even doing that ?? They sometimes just think disability is the way to go.. anyhow thanks for the info..

many docs say 12 is the limit for liver toxicity using the 10/325 is that what you are wondering about??.



glad to hear you are still working...

Lisa,
Nobody here, (I would bet, but, I know myself) as a successful business person, I would NEVER choose this over my beloved {work, job, whatever you wanna call it}
Nobody, NOBODY who is successful at what they do, would EVER choose this life over one of sedentary life. NOBODY!

I was self employed, with TWO business's, and was doing very well, and that's where Dr Schwartzman testified for me.
NO REASON why a successful businessperson would choose this BS over ANYTHING else, than the road they had cut out for themselves!
This is one of the most common misappropriations of knowledge I've ever seen!

Now that that's behind us, chronic disability is a very SAD, SAD, SAD Choice, and I think you'll find that MOST of us REJECT IT!
I do!

My (soon to be ex) has stolen every business tool from me, and my children. I had groomed them to take "over" the family business's.
My ex made sure (to her best), it ain't over yet, that that would not happen.
(If HER kids couldn't have it, mine couldn't!).
I don't understand that kind of small minded jealousy. I just cannot fathom it.

But, and however,
NOBODY, nobody,
wants to naturally follow a path of "gimme".
It's Anti American!

Sometimes, some of us with rsd can look and almost feel as normal as most others. But, we're ONLY ON THE EDGE OF THE CLIFF!

Don't let your guilt bother you for a minute! Do you know ANYONE, who has felt your kind of pain?

And, I do not want to profess,
but, just what,
if it spreads?
You're young.
I was too, when this monster clawed me.
It spread.

What to do when you're so young?

I don't want to profess doom.
I pray for your cure!

Work for that!
Work towards that, ALWAYS!
Find a doctor who will work with you! Towards that end!

Never, Ever, lose Faith!

You, in the end, with your Higher Power are the cure.

The Cure, and the comfort....


Pete
asb

Alaska Mike, Thanks for the info.. I was just wondering if any one had a ballpark idea with having rsd in one limb especially when that one limb u walk or stand or do almost everything with it.. Like an arm with rsd is not being walked on for example.. I don't mean to be a smart??? but I am trying to find out all the info I can on this disease.. for all of my life any doctor I went to if they gave u 10 pain pills they just assumed u would get hooked on them I have had 9 surgeries in the last few years and other breaks and things and I think some people tolerance for pain medicine is alot different than some people who have never broken any bones or had any surgeries.. Thanks LIsa

DEar, aint so bad,
It sounds like I made u upset that was not my intention??> Is their a list of questions that are suitable to ask? on line here.. Ok so maybe I am stupid?? I don"t know?? Everyone seemed so welcoming to me when I first came on here, but now I wonder.. I didn't know one question would would get me in the doghouse.. Sorry I will try not to ask any more ignorant questions?? or maybe go back to myspace or fb.. Thanks LIsa

Hey Lisa - you're not in the doghouse. That's just how Pete talks...

I've had the same questions lately about my perc use, so I think you asked a really good question. Mainly because the tylenol in it can harm the liver. I don't think that the dose that was originally prescribed is as effective for me as it used to be. I still work FT also, but I have a desk job. I can't fathom having RSD in my leg and having to work on it - that must be really hard. I also take a number of other meds (most of us do).

I don't see my new PM doctor until Thurs., but my pain levels have been pretty high for 3 or 4 days now. So I have also been taking more perc than what was prescribed, which isn't good. Since my PCP writes my perc script, I know I have to call him and see if we can talk about changing my med to something stronger. You might want to call your doc also. I have my hands full already with my job and family and RSD, I don't need a liver problem tossed into the mix.

Good luck... Sandy

If giving advice I'd say talk with your doctor, everyone is different and on other different medications...
Having said that, I'm prescribed one every 6 hours max 6/day but my MD is aware that I'm regularly takin on a 4-5 hour schedule during the day...I try to aim 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. If I overdo and the pain is getting out of control I may take 2 (again my MD is aware) or like tonight I'm not sleeping because of pain, I'll take one hoping the pain will lessen enough to sleep.

My RSD is in my right leg, knee down to ankle, following motorcycle accident. I have to keep the pain under control during work hours in order to function. I have 6 1/2 more years until retirement (I hope) if they don't do away with our pension plan. As soon as I get home I'm in bed with my leg up. Lynnie

sunshinegirl..

i have rsd in my right foot and leg and i do know how hard it is everyday just to walk stand even one step was to much for me. i do not think you question was stupid, i too have asked questions about meds because i want to know is it to much or what works for you.. i want to have a good life i dont want to be siting on the couch all day because of pain. please dont leave this site, keep sharing becasue for me there might be something that you have done that i dont know about that will help me or someone else. take care michelle

Lisa,

I certainly didn't mean to be harsh or anything. I hope you didn't take what I said the wrong way. And I do know where you are coming from. It's RSD, it's mind boggling. You want some help, you need to talk about it...

RSD is hard to deal with, but flat-out questions about how much to take when serious medications come into play, are a big no-no IMMHO. You asked the question like that. We can't be expected to answer these kinds of questions. These are questions for your doctor. These aren't meds for a simple headache. Please please please go see your doctor until your meds are what they should be, and your pain is under control! That is the most important thing right now!

Does anyone want the responsibility of someone taking straightout advice about dosages given here to heart and upping or lowering their dosage with whatever it may bring about? I don't think so. I wouldn't want that responsibility. That's why it's up to Lisa's doctor. Is it wrong to say that?

Yes, meds are often talked about, meds are often compared, but not in this particular way when someone just plain asks what to take.

Yes, Lisa.
That is simply how I talk. (I'm SO happy that was noticed!)

I don't want you to leave.
You didn't ask any silly question, there simply is no such thing.
(You need to know, I have a TBI, head injury, also) so sometimes, I'm just acting out.... bad boy!!

I can be a jumblebrat! And, I don't mean to take it out on anyone!

Please,
Stick Around?

Pete
asb
:hug:

Mixed messages!
 

Yes sometimes maybe I say things I shouldn't. Thanks again Lisa:hug:

12 pills of tylenol is toxic!! The limit you can take is 8 pills a day. Anything past that and you're damaging your liver and risking overdosing. No doctor will prescribe more than that. Well, no good doc will.

We all take the amounts of meds which seem to work for us. Though to your original question, 6 isn't too much as far as it goes. If it keeps things under control for you and your doctor is comfortable with it, then you're set! :-)

Hugs,

Karen

Your total daily dose of Tylenol should never exceed 4000 mg.

There is no cap on what a maximum dose of hydrocodone could be......it all depends on your doctor's willingness to up the dose, your pain tolerance, activity level , etc.

There is no magic formula either for "6" hydrocodone for RSD for 1 extremity, OxyContin for 2 extremities, Fentynal patch for whole body, etc Every patient is different.

I will say that Hydrocodone 10 mg/Tylenol 325 mg has only ever lasted me 4 hours, never 6 . Normal dosing is for every 4 hours.

There are no dumb questions when it comes to meds.

I'd also caution you that comments like "Some Chronic pain people aren't even doing that ?? They sometimes just think disability is the way to go.. anyhow thanks for the info.. " can really offend people. I am on disability now and I've give anything to be able to work again. I'm still hopeful it will happen once WC approves tx for my RSD

We are all just trying to struggle along having this crappy condition :grouphug:

I hope your pain is kept within your med scope;working can be very difficult under the influence while at work, as well as driving.
You have been given :hug:good feedback on your question.
hugs,
Dew

Yes I understand why you In quotations copied what I said, I guess it was insensitive to say that and I am sorry.. Just now learning about rsd and the best way to handle it>> Thanks Again LISa:confused::confused:

WOW "AintSoBad". I unfortunately know the deep, dark pain that you speak of and have NEVER read or heard or anyone that really understands the type and sense of loss that I have had to endure with this disease until now.

I'm very saddened to hear about your struggles and loss.
You've found a great place here though, and you'll get lots of support and friendship!
Although I've had rsd for 27 years, then a head injury a decade ago, (which unfortunately knocked the rsd into orbit), I still find it a challenge almost daily, to try live anything that might resemble a "Normal" life.
PM me if you like! We can talk more. I'd like that.

Pete
asb

For the liver i take a vitamin or supplment called Milk thistle it helps the liver clear its self of toxins... It might be worth taking i take it everyday 4 times day.. I dont want to hurt my liver and be on a list for a new one of those... Its scary.. i have also been told that liquid meds are easier on the liver... Its just a reccomindation... Maybe those things will help in my opinon 6 vicodin is not over doing it as long as you and your doctor are ok with it.. i have heard of ppl that take more... its just all on a personal basis..

Yes Michelle I will stay with this site to keep in touch with u also. Do U have any tricks tips or anything to help my feet be more comfortable at worK??:winky:

sunshinegirl.. i wish i did .. for me i cant even wear a normal shoe i have to wear this boot .. it is a walking cast, i want so bad to wear normal shoes but my foot hurts so bad to put it in a shoe that i cant. my foot wont bend my toes and ankle are frozen and it is turning inward. i hope that it does not happen to you. can i ask how do you get your foot in a shoe? i walk with a limp now. do you? that it hard also. can i ask what do you do for work? are you on your feet all day?

Dear MIchelle
 

:)Well I have had a good doctor or she has given me the right injections/ I don't have much swelling most of mine is the pain and osteoporosis in my foot. I guess mine isn't hitting me as fast as some of u. I have received probably 6 to 8 injections since nov of 2008, I can write them down and send them to u.I think 3 sympathetic nerve blocks for the foot and at least 3 epidural blocks for my back because of the pain in my lower back .I work 12 hours days at the most 4 days in a row, but on my days I work I don't drive my husband does & don't walk any further than I absolutely have to, but I still take the pain med and cymbalta and then on my days off I might sleep all of one day. Then the next day I try to do some housework and things, but the last 6 months haven't got much accomplished. I figure if I am still working, My husband should not be mad at me..I wear 2 pair of the worlds softest socks from Hanes and at least 1 super duty insole or maybe 2 if I have them and they will fit in my shoes.. At work I do get to sit when I want too. How long have u had your diagnosis.?? I have been buying a little bit bigger shoe. and At work I do have to wear steel toe shoes.. That really sucks!!

Hi. This is first an aside to michelles's last post. I too walked around for over 2 years in "ankle foot orthotics" that corrected for the bilateral injury to tendons in my feet on some gym equipment that resulted in CRPS in both legs, before a podiatrist of all people told me to get rid of them, that the immobilization of the ankles was doing me more harm than good. And he was right. Pain that had been regularly at a 9 by early afternoon was down to more managable levels.

So I worry about you wearing a fixed boot all day, especially where you report that your foot is already frozen. That said I realize that, in Idaho, you don't have the same luxury that I have in So Cal., to spend most of my days in sandles.

Now, to SunshineGirl and everyone else, a couple of general points that should be made about CRPS in the feet. First of all it's impossible to overstate how important P.T. can be: I didn't realize how much my feet had constricted into something approaching a fist until I was being worked over (gently) by a physical therapist. Something I can't recommend enough, just avoid anything that comes under the heading of "strength training" like the plague.

Secondly, there are a couple of somewhat novel treatments that SunshineGirl and others should be aware of. I've gotten great benefit in term of the worst of the deep "bone crushing" pain from period infusions of a drug called Zometa, which is a new and imrpoved version of Pamironate, in a family of drugs called bisphosphonates, originally used to prevent the uptake in the blood stream of bone tissue in patients with multiple myeloma. If anyone wants an article to show their doctor, take a look at "Efficacy of Pamidronate in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I," Robinson JN, Sandorn J, Chapman PT, Pain Med. 2004; 5: 276-280, and available for free download off the RSDSA website at http://www.rsds.org/2/library/articl...e_Robinson.pdf. But a note of caution, it is associated with the death of jaw tissue in people who need serious dental work, like root canal, so I know that my pain doc. at least required a sign-off from my dentist, to the effect that I was in good dental health, before we could procede.

The second treatment -- one that I could never have because my RSD is bilateral -- is something called "Mirror Therapy and Graded Motor Imagery." For a quick summary, check out this piece written for lay people in the Spring 2008 issue of the RSDSA Review: http://www.rsds.org/1/publications/r...pring2008.html Basically, it involves putting a mirror between you and the "bad" foot, so all the brain sees are two matching "good" feet. You go through a series of exercises moving only the good foot, and people have reported remarkable improvements in only a matter of weeks. I know it sounds way too good to be true, but there's apparently a lot of deep neuroscience behind this.

Good luck!

Mike

Hey Mike thanks for all the info.. My pm doc did say to keep it moving and they think it is better to keep working if at all possibly, she did say she wanted me to lift leg weights for my ankles and feet.. I do my best but I get alot of flexion with a few stairs and graveled walking areas.. I think It has helped me in the long run.. I sure am tired when I am done working.. Ussually feel like a limp noodle for being only 46.. SSSSSHHHHH Don't telll anyone my age and I have been running 3 and 4 flights of steps for 20 + yrs until I broke my kneecap on concrete step going up it at work in 2005 and then had to h:eek:ave another bonegraft and then I fractured my other foot at the head of the metatarsals which really put me down..

SunshineGirl,

Your question is one that we as patients ourselves can only make a personal guess at... You truly would have to ask your prescribing physician this question.

Please remember that no two of us with RSD are exactly the same and no two of us respond the same to medications or therapies.

I think it is GREAT that you are still able to work!!! I worked for quite a while before this monster went on a rampage and I could no longer stand, walk, or sit for more than 5 to 10 minutes with out my pain levels shooting to the point of me passing out. My RSD has spread bodywide---every inch of my body feels as though I've been left on an iceburg and received a 3rd degree sunburn. Millions and millions of cold hot poking needles per inch of my body, severe muscle tremors and cramping.

I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO HOLD A JOB... I've had top physicians tell me that this is no longer possible. This was and is a harsh reality for me... I have worked since my young teens and most times held 2 and 3 jobs at a time.

As far as clothes, shoes, and anything touching my body.... I forced myself to pretty much keep wearing the same clothes as I was pre-RSD... It is still very painful but I tolerate it better now.

As far as shoes... I can no longer wear a shoe that ties or is tight....I wear Crocs Mammoth---they are fuzzy lined. I wear socks from the Softest Sock in the World line.

I truly wish you the best and if you have any questions feel free to ask... I will do my best to help you out or direct you to the information you are looking for...

:)
Abbie

just a gentle reminder that sometimes members can misinterpret what others are saying.

no one seems upset on this thread :confused: but rather just members giving their feelings related to the original question.

when it comes to strong pain meds, only a qualified physician can accurately direct as to the correct dose to take

i wish i had all of you with me in my home.. i need the strength to have someone put on a shoe for me.. my husband knows i hurt and he will see me cry and he trys to push me but then i yell at him and he will walk away, i have tried to put a shoe on every week i try but the pain is so bad that i cant, i sound like a big baby,, but it is really hard for me . and then my head takes over:eek: what if someone steps on my foot? what if i trip and hurt my bad foot? all of these things start going through my head so what do i do .. just put the boot back on and know that no one will hurt it. so got a question for anyone of you? who wants to come to idaho falls and go shoe shopping :D

compounded prescription gel
 

So, so sorry to hear this. The thought of knowing that you have to go through that agony at a set time every workday must often be overwhelming.

There is one more thing though, and that's the use of topical anesthetics. If you've tried everything available over the counter, I can share something else with you. It's expensive, but some insurance plans will pick it up, Medco for one. It's a "compounded" prescription gel, which is to say that your pharmacist mixes it up for you, pursuant to your doctor's instructions. (Don't even think about going to the chains for this one, it's only done out of mom & pop operations.) Anyhow, the gel I use has as its active components the following: ketamine (10%), gabapentine a.k.a. Neurontin (5%) and lidocaine (5%). I don't have pain to speak of in the morning, but by the time I go to bed my feet are really starting to cook, and this takes it away immediately. According to the pharmacist, it should last for only 15 minutes or so, but it seemed to work for me longer when I was still wearing those awful AFOs. And no, I'm not aware of the ketamine in my system, at this dosage it's effect is purely topical.

This might be worth checking out. PM me if you need any further info.

:grouphug:

Mike