Moldova
05-22-2008, 12:04 PM
Thank you all for your replies! Really appreciated...
Do you think I am on low dose of Pain medication? Let me tell you again and please let me know what you think than...
Lurica: 150mg - AM
150mg - noon
150mg - PM
20mg of Oxycontine - every 8 hours. as LA
15-22 mg of Oxy - as needed as BT
or 20/650 mg Percocet as BT
Lexapro - PM only
I told him that because I try my best not to take more than 3-4 times a day my BT I feel it's not enough for me to cover my pain.
He said I am allowed to take up to 6-8 times a day my BT.
So I feel I am on plenty of meds.
He said that because this is Oxy meds (body gets used too fast to any dose of Oxy and needs more to cover pain) he prefers to not increase LA, but take BT as needed since I have strong pain tolerance and take them very resplonsibly. Yes, it has something to do with it too!!!
I guess every PM has his own views depends on patient and case. I don't have a reason to doubt his methods so far. I have to admit I am not an easy case for them (too many other problems, like RA and ARC they have to take in consideration) that is why it takes time to make the right desicion. Boy, they try so hard. I am lucky enough to have also Neurologist on same team and they all work together to help me.
Have a wonderful day and many days after....:jester:
Do you think I am on low dose of Pain medication? Let me tell you again and please let me know what you think than...
Lurica: 150mg - AM
150mg - noon
150mg - PM
20mg of Oxycontine - every 8 hours. as LA
15-22 mg of Oxy - as needed as BT
or 20/650 mg Percocet as BT
Lexapro - PM only
I told him that because I try my best not to take more than 3-4 times a day my BT I feel it's not enough for me to cover my pain.
He said I am allowed to take up to 6-8 times a day my BT.
So I feel I am on plenty of meds.
He said that because this is Oxy meds (body gets used too fast to any dose of Oxy and needs more to cover pain) he prefers to not increase LA, but take BT as needed since I have strong pain tolerance and take them very resplonsibly. Yes, it has something to do with it too!!!
I guess every PM has his own views depends on patient and case. I don't have a reason to doubt his methods so far. I have to admit I am not an easy case for them (too many other problems, like RA and ARC they have to take in consideration) that is why it takes time to make the right desicion. Boy, they try so hard. I am lucky enough to have also Neurologist on same team and they all work together to help me.
Have a wonderful day and many days after....:jester:
Sponsor
forginon
05-22-2008, 12:32 PM
Lurica: 150mg - AM
150mg - noon
150mg - PM
20mg of Oxycontine - every 8 hours. as LA
15-22 mg of Oxy - as needed as BT
or 20/650 mg Percocet as BT
Lexapro - PM only
I told him that because I try my best not to take more than 3-4 times a day my BT I feel it's not enough for me to cover my pain.
He said I am allowed to take up to 6-8 times a day my BT....
Moldova,
In my opinion, your LA dose is significantly low, especially compared to the BT doses you are being allowed. But this is IF you are regularly taking your full allotment of BT meds. Because your LA dose is low, you are really managing your pain through the BT meds. But by trying to take only 3-4 doses daily you seem to be robbing yourself of the relief available. Before raising the LA dose, I highly recommend that you start using more of the BT doses available to you - which is probably what your doc recommends as well.
I want to say this carefully so as to avoid sounding hurtful, but I think by trying to take low BT doses you are hurting yourself (causing or making possible your added pain). And I think this is also causing a problem for your docs in trying to treat you. Both the doc and the patient each have to do their own part. They are prescribing the meds, and you have to take them. By refusing to take the BT doses allowed, and then alerting the docs to uncontrolled pain, you are working against yourself and the doctors. If I were your doc I would order you to take your full allotment of BT meds before trying anything else. Your solution could be right under your nose. If you do take your full allotment of BT meds and the pain is still uncontrolled then your doctors have something to go on. Then they can make an intelligent decision on either raising your LA med or trying something else altogether.
There, I said it. You are a tough lady and I know you can take it. If you are angry with me, I can take it too. But I think this needed to be said.
Have a great day Moldova.:)
steve
150mg - noon
150mg - PM
20mg of Oxycontine - every 8 hours. as LA
15-22 mg of Oxy - as needed as BT
or 20/650 mg Percocet as BT
Lexapro - PM only
I told him that because I try my best not to take more than 3-4 times a day my BT I feel it's not enough for me to cover my pain.
He said I am allowed to take up to 6-8 times a day my BT....
Moldova,
In my opinion, your LA dose is significantly low, especially compared to the BT doses you are being allowed. But this is IF you are regularly taking your full allotment of BT meds. Because your LA dose is low, you are really managing your pain through the BT meds. But by trying to take only 3-4 doses daily you seem to be robbing yourself of the relief available. Before raising the LA dose, I highly recommend that you start using more of the BT doses available to you - which is probably what your doc recommends as well.
I want to say this carefully so as to avoid sounding hurtful, but I think by trying to take low BT doses you are hurting yourself (causing or making possible your added pain). And I think this is also causing a problem for your docs in trying to treat you. Both the doc and the patient each have to do their own part. They are prescribing the meds, and you have to take them. By refusing to take the BT doses allowed, and then alerting the docs to uncontrolled pain, you are working against yourself and the doctors. If I were your doc I would order you to take your full allotment of BT meds before trying anything else. Your solution could be right under your nose. If you do take your full allotment of BT meds and the pain is still uncontrolled then your doctors have something to go on. Then they can make an intelligent decision on either raising your LA med or trying something else altogether.
There, I said it. You are a tough lady and I know you can take it. If you are angry with me, I can take it too. But I think this needed to be said.
Have a great day Moldova.:)
steve
slipperyslope
05-22-2008, 02:00 PM
yes your doses are very low. much lower than what most CP patients take. I think that is a BIG part of your problems. That you are very undermedicated.
SS
20 MGS OF OXY 3 Times a day is nothing. remember your only get 10mgs released in each dose, that is nothing!
SS
20 MGS OF OXY 3 Times a day is nothing. remember your only get 10mgs released in each dose, that is nothing!
Moldova
05-22-2008, 02:05 PM
O, Steve, I can't agree more - you are absolutely right.
But the thing is: when he put me on LA meds he said that now i will not require BT as much and it's better on my system. So I got an idea that I have to take less pills than before. I like to communicate with my Drs (usually), but i did not want to sound needy or to be interested in BT before even trying LA first. Wrong thinking, ha?:)
Instead of asking him what exactly does he mean, i got into my head that taking LA means NO or almost NO BT. I checked on Internet about Oxy and how addictive this is, I got very uncomfortable taking it and fear not to get addicted even though I am very responsible person, but things can happen to anybody.
He also said that if LA will work well, I don't have to take BT at all. I read so many posts here and checking with people how many BT they are on. Usually it's like 2-4 for mostly... So I thought that is what I approximately have to do. Very silly and inmature from me not to confirm it with him.
That is why when I told him on Tuesday that I try my best to take no more than 2-4 a day, he was surpised.. and told me i can take up to 8 BT.
My question to you... If I took before LA about 8 Percocets 20/650 each a day - what is the reason of LA if I still will take same amount as BT?
That is why this confusing to me... I hope you understand where I am coming from...:confused:
While ago I told a story how I went to see my surgeon and met a man in his waiting room: his hands were shaking, eyes were looking like he is very crazy or very high; he did not talk, he screamed saying that his *&$ Dr gave him prescription for only 60 pills, meanwhile he is in lot of pain after 9 spinal surgeries and so on.... I got so scared looking at him, felt so bad for him.
When nurse told him if he does not leave they will call police - he left; nurse apologized for him and said that he is very bad addict with bad spinal history and asks for more and more meds...
Well...
Since than I am even more careful with meds; each time I take, I think of him - how crazy this is? He was the first person I met who was high and high from it.
Well, now at least I feel better that I have DRs approval for taking more BT.:)
But the thing is: when he put me on LA meds he said that now i will not require BT as much and it's better on my system. So I got an idea that I have to take less pills than before. I like to communicate with my Drs (usually), but i did not want to sound needy or to be interested in BT before even trying LA first. Wrong thinking, ha?:)
Instead of asking him what exactly does he mean, i got into my head that taking LA means NO or almost NO BT. I checked on Internet about Oxy and how addictive this is, I got very uncomfortable taking it and fear not to get addicted even though I am very responsible person, but things can happen to anybody.
He also said that if LA will work well, I don't have to take BT at all. I read so many posts here and checking with people how many BT they are on. Usually it's like 2-4 for mostly... So I thought that is what I approximately have to do. Very silly and inmature from me not to confirm it with him.
That is why when I told him on Tuesday that I try my best to take no more than 2-4 a day, he was surpised.. and told me i can take up to 8 BT.
My question to you... If I took before LA about 8 Percocets 20/650 each a day - what is the reason of LA if I still will take same amount as BT?
That is why this confusing to me... I hope you understand where I am coming from...:confused:
While ago I told a story how I went to see my surgeon and met a man in his waiting room: his hands were shaking, eyes were looking like he is very crazy or very high; he did not talk, he screamed saying that his *&$ Dr gave him prescription for only 60 pills, meanwhile he is in lot of pain after 9 spinal surgeries and so on.... I got so scared looking at him, felt so bad for him.
When nurse told him if he does not leave they will call police - he left; nurse apologized for him and said that he is very bad addict with bad spinal history and asks for more and more meds...
Well...
Since than I am even more careful with meds; each time I take, I think of him - how crazy this is? He was the first person I met who was high and high from it.
Well, now at least I feel better that I have DRs approval for taking more BT.:)
HBMod07
05-22-2008, 02:37 PM
Please do not ask a new question within an exisiting post, always start a new post.
Executor
05-22-2008, 04:03 PM
Instead of asking him what exactly does he mean, i got into my head that taking LA means NO or almost NO BT.
While there are cases out there, it is rare to find someone with this dosing system.
I checked on Internet about Oxy and how addictive this is, I got very uncomfortable taking it and fear not to get addicted even though I am very responsible person, but things can happen to anybody.
With all due respect, this where a lot of stuff on-line is garbage....Some truth wrapped around a bunch of bunk. The truth is that any controlled substance has the chance of addiction....Doesn't matter which one. Additionally, they all will cause physical dependence. As we've discussed @ length on this board, there is a huge difference between dependence and addiction. You have to trust your Doc and go with the meds that help you the best. The "pros" of you taking the meds should outweigh the "cons." Then, it's a beneficial risk/reward ratio.
He also said that if LA will work well, I don't have to take BT at all. I read so many posts here and checking with people how many BT they are on. Usually it's like 2-4 for mostly.
It may be ok to look @ an "average", but everyone's condition is different...That's the problem with medicine...A lot of people try to compare cases, and it's practically impossible...So much individuality in terms of your specific condition, medical history, tolerance, pain levels, allergies, & etc. Again, you have to try to move away from this tendency.
If I took before LA about 8 Percocets 20/650 each a day - what is the reason of LA if I still will take same amount as BT?
That is why this confusing to me... I hope you understand where I am coming from...:confused:
The LA med raises your BPL so you should feel better and the pain should be less. Additionally, when your BPL is up, the BT meds should work better. Again, you have to try to get out of this accounting mindset.
While ago I told a story how I went to see my surgeon and met a man in his waiting room: his hands were shaking, eyes were looking like he is very crazy or very high; he did not talk, he screamed saying that his *&$ Dr gave him prescription for only 60 pills, meanwhile he is in lot of pain after 9 spinal surgeries and so on.... I got so scared looking at him, felt so bad for him.When nurse told him if he does not leave they will call police - he left; nurse apologized for him and said that he is very bad addict with bad spinal history and asks for more and more meds...
Honestly, I think every PM practice has patients like this. I can't tell you how many people I've seen "on display" in my Doc's waiting room. In general, when patients are unruly, it scares the medical staff and they often get stereotyped. Also, these unruly patients get other patients flustered and worked up, so they ask them to leave.
In summary, remember the article we recently discussed on 5 mistakes....With all due respect, I think you're over analyzing things. Try not to get hung up on "averages" and numbers and more about finding out what works for you and what contributes to the quality of your life. Hang in there....We're all here for you.
Regards,
Ex
While there are cases out there, it is rare to find someone with this dosing system.
I checked on Internet about Oxy and how addictive this is, I got very uncomfortable taking it and fear not to get addicted even though I am very responsible person, but things can happen to anybody.
With all due respect, this where a lot of stuff on-line is garbage....Some truth wrapped around a bunch of bunk. The truth is that any controlled substance has the chance of addiction....Doesn't matter which one. Additionally, they all will cause physical dependence. As we've discussed @ length on this board, there is a huge difference between dependence and addiction. You have to trust your Doc and go with the meds that help you the best. The "pros" of you taking the meds should outweigh the "cons." Then, it's a beneficial risk/reward ratio.
He also said that if LA will work well, I don't have to take BT at all. I read so many posts here and checking with people how many BT they are on. Usually it's like 2-4 for mostly.
It may be ok to look @ an "average", but everyone's condition is different...That's the problem with medicine...A lot of people try to compare cases, and it's practically impossible...So much individuality in terms of your specific condition, medical history, tolerance, pain levels, allergies, & etc. Again, you have to try to move away from this tendency.
If I took before LA about 8 Percocets 20/650 each a day - what is the reason of LA if I still will take same amount as BT?
That is why this confusing to me... I hope you understand where I am coming from...:confused:
The LA med raises your BPL so you should feel better and the pain should be less. Additionally, when your BPL is up, the BT meds should work better. Again, you have to try to get out of this accounting mindset.
While ago I told a story how I went to see my surgeon and met a man in his waiting room: his hands were shaking, eyes were looking like he is very crazy or very high; he did not talk, he screamed saying that his *&$ Dr gave him prescription for only 60 pills, meanwhile he is in lot of pain after 9 spinal surgeries and so on.... I got so scared looking at him, felt so bad for him.When nurse told him if he does not leave they will call police - he left; nurse apologized for him and said that he is very bad addict with bad spinal history and asks for more and more meds...
Honestly, I think every PM practice has patients like this. I can't tell you how many people I've seen "on display" in my Doc's waiting room. In general, when patients are unruly, it scares the medical staff and they often get stereotyped. Also, these unruly patients get other patients flustered and worked up, so they ask them to leave.
In summary, remember the article we recently discussed on 5 mistakes....With all due respect, I think you're over analyzing things. Try not to get hung up on "averages" and numbers and more about finding out what works for you and what contributes to the quality of your life. Hang in there....We're all here for you.
Regards,
Ex
Moldova
05-22-2008, 04:43 PM
Ex, you are so right: I am over analazing things...
That is why I did so well on Wall Street (I worked in one of their Banks there)for so many year; I was paid for being able to analize... LOL:)
You got me! :wave:
Reading all posts here I realized I was really wrong not to confirm with my DR. I just didn't know much about LA and though it will be a solution for all my pain and problems..
I never been on 20 mg every 8 hours. I had 3-4 BT which is 20/650 each dose. Well, leave and learn.
I had today already 3 BT and it's only 3pm; feels so much better pain wise.
thank you so much to all of you!
That is why I did so well on Wall Street (I worked in one of their Banks there)for so many year; I was paid for being able to analize... LOL:)
You got me! :wave:
Reading all posts here I realized I was really wrong not to confirm with my DR. I just didn't know much about LA and though it will be a solution for all my pain and problems..
I never been on 20 mg every 8 hours. I had 3-4 BT which is 20/650 each dose. Well, leave and learn.
I had today already 3 BT and it's only 3pm; feels so much better pain wise.
thank you so much to all of you!
aussiejono
05-22-2008, 06:28 PM
General oppinion in this country is that long acting meds are less likely to result in dependence, and give better pain coverage. It would be more usual here to se an increase in the LA analgesic rather than keep on increasing the breakthrough meds.
Two reasons... 1 is it is much easier to control pain with an analgesic before it reaches the point where you take a breakthrough tablet, so you tend to tale less drug overall, and secondly, it is psychologicals a bat thing to be relying on short acting meds, because you tend to be always looking at the clock waiting until you can take the next dose.... pain and tablets can start to consume all your thoughts etc.
Suggest to your doctor that if you increased the long acting analgesic, and reduced the breakthrough one, you would most likely end up taking LESS oxycodone overall, and have better relief round the clock.
Two reasons... 1 is it is much easier to control pain with an analgesic before it reaches the point where you take a breakthrough tablet, so you tend to tale less drug overall, and secondly, it is psychologicals a bat thing to be relying on short acting meds, because you tend to be always looking at the clock waiting until you can take the next dose.... pain and tablets can start to consume all your thoughts etc.
Suggest to your doctor that if you increased the long acting analgesic, and reduced the breakthrough one, you would most likely end up taking LESS oxycodone overall, and have better relief round the clock.
forginon
05-22-2008, 07:34 PM
Moldova,
Ex did an outstanding job of evaluating your recent posts. As you wrote, you are over-analyzing this. It's really better to just do what the doc says. When you don't understand, just ask.
I do think your doc has confused you regarding LA and BT meds in various statements he has made. I also think, based on what you wrote earlier, that he has an unusual preference for short acting meds. By prescribing 20mg OxyContin X 3 daily, and then allowing so much BT meds, he is definitely approaching things differently than I'm used to.
So where does that leave you? In light of his most recent comment about you having 6-8 BT doses available to you, I think you need to be using those more. As you wrote in your most recent post, today you are using more and you are feeling better, right? I think as the coming days go by and you use more of what you are allowed, you will find much better relief. Don't worry about addiction, the other guy in the office who was high, or what you've read that others here do - just take your BT meds as prescribed. Then you can report to your doc how your pain is when you follow his instructions. This will make his future treatment decisions easier.
I am really proud of you for being willing to take more BT meds. It is hard, I know - because it's hard for me too. My hope is that you will be getting much better pain relief the more you follow doctor's orders.
I bet this will make for a great Memorial Day weekend for you Moldova.:) And I can't wait to read how you are feeling with less pain. I'm excited for you.
steve
Ex did an outstanding job of evaluating your recent posts. As you wrote, you are over-analyzing this. It's really better to just do what the doc says. When you don't understand, just ask.
I do think your doc has confused you regarding LA and BT meds in various statements he has made. I also think, based on what you wrote earlier, that he has an unusual preference for short acting meds. By prescribing 20mg OxyContin X 3 daily, and then allowing so much BT meds, he is definitely approaching things differently than I'm used to.
So where does that leave you? In light of his most recent comment about you having 6-8 BT doses available to you, I think you need to be using those more. As you wrote in your most recent post, today you are using more and you are feeling better, right? I think as the coming days go by and you use more of what you are allowed, you will find much better relief. Don't worry about addiction, the other guy in the office who was high, or what you've read that others here do - just take your BT meds as prescribed. Then you can report to your doc how your pain is when you follow his instructions. This will make his future treatment decisions easier.
I am really proud of you for being willing to take more BT meds. It is hard, I know - because it's hard for me too. My hope is that you will be getting much better pain relief the more you follow doctor's orders.
I bet this will make for a great Memorial Day weekend for you Moldova.:) And I can't wait to read how you are feeling with less pain. I'm excited for you.
steve
Executor
05-23-2008, 03:18 AM
Ex, you are so right: I am over analazing things...
That is why I did so well on Wall Street (I worked in one of their Banks there)for so many year; I was paid for being able to analize... LOL:)
You got me! :wave:
Ok....So, give me a good stock to buy! LOL
Seriously now.....Take a step back and take your LA meds as prescribed and then take your BT "as needed." Some days it may be 4 x, other days, 6 x....Whatever it is...Just don't go "over" what you're allowed. Let your body tell you what to do....Don't let you mind tell you what to do. Listen to your body...It will lead you in the right direction. Over time, you will settle into a "routine" that works for you....Whatever that turns out to be....No one can really tell you in advance. If it doesn't work for you, then huddle back up with your Doc.
I know we all don't like to talk about it, but you are going to have dependence issues....We all do....It's a fact of life with us and we must accept it. If and when you get better and a cure is found one day, you can deal with the dependence issue (weaning) then. Until then, however, you shouldn't suffer needlessly and you deserve to be as pain free as you can possibly be (within reason). Turn over a new leaf today....Make a commitment to enjoy life as much as possible....And you can do that by taking your meds instead of rationing them.
Take care.
Ex
P.S. Hope I haven't been too forward....If so, then just ignore me. I don't mean to offend...Really.
That is why I did so well on Wall Street (I worked in one of their Banks there)for so many year; I was paid for being able to analize... LOL:)
You got me! :wave:
Ok....So, give me a good stock to buy! LOL
Seriously now.....Take a step back and take your LA meds as prescribed and then take your BT "as needed." Some days it may be 4 x, other days, 6 x....Whatever it is...Just don't go "over" what you're allowed. Let your body tell you what to do....Don't let you mind tell you what to do. Listen to your body...It will lead you in the right direction. Over time, you will settle into a "routine" that works for you....Whatever that turns out to be....No one can really tell you in advance. If it doesn't work for you, then huddle back up with your Doc.
I know we all don't like to talk about it, but you are going to have dependence issues....We all do....It's a fact of life with us and we must accept it. If and when you get better and a cure is found one day, you can deal with the dependence issue (weaning) then. Until then, however, you shouldn't suffer needlessly and you deserve to be as pain free as you can possibly be (within reason). Turn over a new leaf today....Make a commitment to enjoy life as much as possible....And you can do that by taking your meds instead of rationing them.
Take care.
Ex
P.S. Hope I haven't been too forward....If so, then just ignore me. I don't mean to offend...Really.
Moldova
05-23-2008, 02:08 PM
I love you all and appreciate so much for information provided by all of you, for time you took to share your experience with me and for much more...
I am not a needy person by any means, but honestly have to say I don't know what would I do without wonderful people here, without support you give to each other, without your love...
I have a great family and friends but non of them leave with CP (Thank God); I don't like to put my problems on somebody else's shoulders, so I don't discuss my health issues with many people. My husband and kids (not often, don't like to upset them) - that is it.
But I feel so comfortable with all of you b/s I know you understand what exactly I am talking about, how exactly I feel. Another words, like someone said - we are family here and this is priceless for our healing process.
Like I always say: I believe in body - mind healing process so thank you all for providing me with such comfort and support.:)
Wish you all the best!:wave:
I am not a needy person by any means, but honestly have to say I don't know what would I do without wonderful people here, without support you give to each other, without your love...
I have a great family and friends but non of them leave with CP (Thank God); I don't like to put my problems on somebody else's shoulders, so I don't discuss my health issues with many people. My husband and kids (not often, don't like to upset them) - that is it.
But I feel so comfortable with all of you b/s I know you understand what exactly I am talking about, how exactly I feel. Another words, like someone said - we are family here and this is priceless for our healing process.
Like I always say: I believe in body - mind healing process so thank you all for providing me with such comfort and support.:)
Wish you all the best!:wave:
Executor
05-23-2008, 02:12 PM
Very well said....Yes, we all share a common bond....Pain, past failures, Doc problems, & the desire to be as "normal" as possible. I think just about everyone of us has a problem with one or all of the above @ one point or another. Consequently, I think we all respect and emphasize with one another.
Where's the good stock tip? LOL
Ex
Where's the good stock tip? LOL
Ex