texascritter
07-29-2006, 01:09 PM
My wife is being released from the state hospital wed or thurs. She is doing alot better. Here is the problem. One of her complaints has always been that she thinks I sleep to much. Prior to taking this methadone I spent alot of time in bed trying to get to sleep but not getting much actual sleep. The methadone makes me sleepy all the time. It is working great for reducing the pain. My wife won't stay with me if I'm sleeping all the time so now I feel like I have to make a choice between being in pain or losing her. This past few days is the first time in 10 months I hav'nt hurt all the time. I don't know what to do. Do you think if I ask my doctor to lower the dosage it may still be effective and I would'nt sleep as much? Any help would be appricated. TEXASCRITTER
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mpvt
07-29-2006, 01:32 PM
Hey Texascritter any chance you can lower your dose so your not so sedated.I've been on methadone for the last 4 years and have found that I need to stay active during my awake hours.If your sitting around and not doing much then your going to nod out.Try going for a short walk an hour or so after you dose in the morning and go again after supper.It's very important that you stay active while your on methadone.The other thing is when your active you produce more endorphins and you actually feel better.I have help a few people with the nodding problem and this works best.Give it a try.....Dave:)
texascritter
07-29-2006, 01:52 PM
Thanks for replying. I'm going to talk with my doctor about lowering the dosage and I will try walking and getting out and see if that works for me. thanks for the advise TEXASCRITTER
zach016
07-29-2006, 03:55 PM
Hi Tex,
How long have you been on the methadone? Is it new so you may just be experiencing what most do when they start methadone, or have you been taking it for a while?
Need to add this to the book of questions chronic pain patients must answer. What an awful position to be in!! I'm sorry for you.
Zach
How long have you been on the methadone? Is it new so you may just be experiencing what most do when they start methadone, or have you been taking it for a while?
Need to add this to the book of questions chronic pain patients must answer. What an awful position to be in!! I'm sorry for you.
Zach
texascritter
07-29-2006, 04:27 PM
I've been on the methadone about a week. Thanks for replying TEXASCRITTER
zach016
07-29-2006, 09:34 PM
Hi Tex,
From what I understand about methadone, many get really, really sleepy when they first begin it and then once they get used to it aren't affected as much.
Good luck! - Zach
From what I understand about methadone, many get really, really sleepy when they first begin it and then once they get used to it aren't affected as much.
Good luck! - Zach
ozzybug
07-31-2006, 09:32 AM
Tex-
I think it's wonderful that your wife has progressed enough that she's able to come home. I totally understand your concern about how the methadone makes you so sleepy, and how your wife feels about that.
I know you want to be able to help your wife and provide emotional support, but you also really need to be able to manage your pain levels and keep them at an acceptable level in order for you to be able to accomplish this. If your pain levels aren't managed properly, then you are going to really stress yourself that much more.
I don't know what the answer might be for this situation, and I wish I did. I guess, I have to say what's already been said and tell you to speak with your doctor about possible alternatives or something.
I'm sorry I can't be of any more help with information, but I am thinking of you both and hoping all is well!
Lezlee
I think it's wonderful that your wife has progressed enough that she's able to come home. I totally understand your concern about how the methadone makes you so sleepy, and how your wife feels about that.
I know you want to be able to help your wife and provide emotional support, but you also really need to be able to manage your pain levels and keep them at an acceptable level in order for you to be able to accomplish this. If your pain levels aren't managed properly, then you are going to really stress yourself that much more.
I don't know what the answer might be for this situation, and I wish I did. I guess, I have to say what's already been said and tell you to speak with your doctor about possible alternatives or something.
I'm sorry I can't be of any more help with information, but I am thinking of you both and hoping all is well!
Lezlee
mpvt
07-31-2006, 04:00 PM
I didn't realize you had only been on it a short while.Methadone has a long half life (24-36hrs) and it takes awhile to get used to it.If you can stay at the same dose for a month,I bet you will find that your ok.Give it some time,it takes about 5 days for your methadone blood serum level to get up to the new dose.So if you change your dose wether it be an increase or decrease it will take at least five days before you get the full effect.That's why it important for you to stay at one dose for at least a couple weeks a month would be better.Give it some time,ok......Dave:)