[fionab]

Have come across this term several times as of late. I understand that these SCS implants will not relieve me 100% of my pain and that the goal is to reduce it as much as possible. So the term breakthrough medicine (to be known as B.M. hereafter....not to be confused with Mark's "BM" ) has caught my eye.

What do you use for a B.M.? When do you use it? At what point in my recovery do I approach my pain mgmt. dr. about having a B.M.? Will he bring it up or is the subject not broached until I say "hey these SCSs' are working but not good enough"? What type of meds. do they use for breakthrough pain...is it just regular OTC meds. or would it be more like the Dilaudid I'm on now?

[Mark56]

I see my physiatrist on Wednesday to review my withdrawal, and the discussion will come to "OK, what do we do if pain spike?" This is what we referred to as breakthrough med in his lexicon. Then, it was Decadron. The old B.M. for when I was pre-surgical. If it happened, the 9 or 10 out of "I wanna die" pain, then I was to take the Decadron. It is a powerful steroid supposed to be analogous to a powerful injection. Can only be used sparingly. I still have my supply. Will ask then report.

Time will tell,
Mark56 PJ

[edever34]

I have had my SCS for over 2 yrs. now. Yes it has helped,but not near 100% I have been able to get off of some meds, but still need dilaudid for flares/breakthrus etc. I have however been able to cut down on this at least 50% . Nothing else has ever touched the burning,peircing pain. It still does not take it all away,but does help. We all just have to keep doing whatever it takes for us. My days of hoping for a complete painfree day,have vanished. Now I just try to keep my pain level as low as possible each day,and have come to terms with my limitations.Most days I am successful,others not as much.So,do whatever is best for you,we all DESERVE to live as pain free as possible. Fondly-Carol

[Rrae]

Fiona,
I am sorry but i just can't say BM with a straight face!!
Especially reading your post and knowing your history of the prune thing....and Mark's Montezuma's revenge! Please forgive my imaturity!

YES i still take BT meds (Hydrocodone) and I've recently heard that the name brand could potentially be more effective.....I'm currently checking into this.
I do want away from the opioid tho, but i was told from day one that it would be unrealistic to think the SCS will cover all the pain......but so far Mark is transcending all these statistics ! YOU GO BRO!!!

I've been on a month long trial of Neurontin to see if it will help so that I won't have to reach for the Hydro's as often. I've heard mixed reviews on Neurontin.

I'm just wanting something on hand for Breakthru pain other than hardcore meds. I know, pipedream

[Mark56]

I am sure gonna have that B.M. discussion with the doc now on Wednesday, yes I am.

Mark56

Originally Posted by Mark56

I am sure gonna have that B.M. discussion with the doc now on Wednesday, yes I am.

Mark56

At the moment I am still using my meds as Im not getting enough coverage for my lower back and buttocks! plus Im also having some pain around the incision sites. I am hoping that as soon as my stim is re-programmed and 'turned up' that I too will be free from these horrible meds. I do have to understand though (as Im constantly reminded) that its not always 100% effective for all pain......but to lose some of the meds would be just the icing on the cake!

[Mark56]

Originally Posted by jackiekennedy

At the moment I am still using my meds as Im not getting enough coverage for my lower back and buttocks! plus Im also having some pain around the incision sites. I am hoping that as soon as my stim is re-programmed and 'turned up' that I too will be free from these horrible meds. I do have to understand though (as Im constantly reminded) that its not always 100% effective for all pain......but to lose some of the meds would be just the icing on the cake!

A rarity, I understand, is making a 100% jump to no meds. I am now one week without pain management meds. Had a pain spike last night. Bad one. Lasted hours. Tried to control. Did not resort to meds. WORKED with the remote, the programs, the settings until I found a program and setting combination which DID finally arrest the spike. Gonna talk it over with Doc Wednesday.

Anyway, the particular program I selected last night and have used since is a program which hits the whole of the buttock area and down both legs. Depending on the placement of your leads/paddles [mine are paddles] programming to achieve such result is possible depending on the guidance of your rep. Mine was SO helpful in this. I fully realised it when ramping up the charge last night [reminds me of the need to re-charge my unit tonight]. I used a higher setting throughout the day today, and the spike has been under control.

Best for you,
Mark56

[smae]

I don't have an implant yet..

I am, however, on the fentanyl patch for pain. (50 mcg/hr) Then my doctor told me to take oxycodone 3 times a day as needed for breakthrough pain.

I am at this point taking it all 3 times a day, every day... and still in a whole lot of pain all day and night. I sure do wish the pills would help.. I hate taking something 3 times a day that doesn't do anything.. but my doctor wants me to stay on them.

[rodney's mom]

i gotta agree with rrae...everytime i see bm, if feel like beavis & butthead and start gigling like a moron...well, at least i can still laugh, even though it must be vulagar and sophomoric...best of luck to you, sweetie...