123dietdrpepper
08-04-2008, 07:52 AM
Last Wed my medications were increased :) Thank you Jesus!! :) from: 40 mg of oxycontin to 60 mg of oxycontin per day. Here is my new dosing schedule:
2:00 am. 20 mg.
8:00 am. 10 mg.
2:00 pm. 20 mg.
8:00 pm. 10 mg.
FYI - my doc is pretty flexible and I can take my meds however I really want. My meds come in 10 mg. tablets.
How long will it be before one should know before this stabilizes and one knows if this is an effective dosage?
Prior to this adjustment, I would wake up dry heaving and vomiting due to pain of a 9/10 every morning. I was taking my meds at 4 am and thought maybe if I moved it back to 2:00 my meds would surely be in by the time I woke up and I would not be as sleepy. Now I wake up with slight case of a nausea and pain levels of 6/7 and am not as sleepy which is great since I need to begin homeschooling the munchkins in the morning.
Most mornings I am requiring a BT within 1 hour of waking up. :( This disturbs me that I still am needing a BT. One would think pain would be lower after a sleep and increased in meds but for me it is one of the worst times of day. Any suggestions/ideas?
Will taking 20 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 10 mg. cause my bpl to ping pong since it is not one steady dose i.e. 20 mg, 20 mg, 20 mg, and 20 mg. ? Would I be better to go to taking 10 mg. every 4 hours?
Thank you for your help.
2:00 am. 20 mg.
8:00 am. 10 mg.
2:00 pm. 20 mg.
8:00 pm. 10 mg.
FYI - my doc is pretty flexible and I can take my meds however I really want. My meds come in 10 mg. tablets.
How long will it be before one should know before this stabilizes and one knows if this is an effective dosage?
Prior to this adjustment, I would wake up dry heaving and vomiting due to pain of a 9/10 every morning. I was taking my meds at 4 am and thought maybe if I moved it back to 2:00 my meds would surely be in by the time I woke up and I would not be as sleepy. Now I wake up with slight case of a nausea and pain levels of 6/7 and am not as sleepy which is great since I need to begin homeschooling the munchkins in the morning.
Most mornings I am requiring a BT within 1 hour of waking up. :( This disturbs me that I still am needing a BT. One would think pain would be lower after a sleep and increased in meds but for me it is one of the worst times of day. Any suggestions/ideas?
Will taking 20 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 10 mg. cause my bpl to ping pong since it is not one steady dose i.e. 20 mg, 20 mg, 20 mg, and 20 mg. ? Would I be better to go to taking 10 mg. every 4 hours?
Thank you for your help.
Sponsor
cmpgirl
08-04-2008, 10:16 AM
Morning Pepper,
As I think you may already know, I have had a recent increase in my Oxycontin too. I've gone fro 20mg 3x/day to 20mg 4x/day. My doc Rx's in all 10mg tabs as well and has written the script to say 30mg a.m., 20mg mid-day, and 30 mg p.m. but told me right from the start that I could work out the best schedule for me, just like your doc.
I did try the 30, 20, 30 but it just didn't seem like the meds were lasting 8 hours, so I tried 20mg 4x/day and it is working quite well. It did take me about 3 or 4 weeks to start feeling consistant pain coverage, so I think, at least for me, it does take a little time to build up a new BPL.
I would say that even though you are less nauseated, etc in the a.m., a bump up to 80mg overall would put you in just about the right place and hopefully eliminate the am issues altogether. If I remember correctly, your doc didn't sound like he would have a problem tweaking your dose, so if it were me, I would go in that direction at the next appointment. My "rough" schedule is 8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Also, my doc changed my BT meds from 7.5/500 Vicodin to 10/325 Norco. He kept the daily max at 6, but I have gone from needing 6 of the Vicodin to usually only 3 of the Norco. There have been some days when I have been more active and needed 4 Norco, but it has really only been 2 or 3 days over the last 6 weeks. The true test will be when we go to Maine next month.
Hope this was helpful. I am sure you will be able to get to a place where you are able to achieve a steady 4 or 5 most days. Sounds like you are heading in that direction already. Take care hon, and let us know how it all turns out. Many hugs, CMP/MM
As I think you may already know, I have had a recent increase in my Oxycontin too. I've gone fro 20mg 3x/day to 20mg 4x/day. My doc Rx's in all 10mg tabs as well and has written the script to say 30mg a.m., 20mg mid-day, and 30 mg p.m. but told me right from the start that I could work out the best schedule for me, just like your doc.
I did try the 30, 20, 30 but it just didn't seem like the meds were lasting 8 hours, so I tried 20mg 4x/day and it is working quite well. It did take me about 3 or 4 weeks to start feeling consistant pain coverage, so I think, at least for me, it does take a little time to build up a new BPL.
I would say that even though you are less nauseated, etc in the a.m., a bump up to 80mg overall would put you in just about the right place and hopefully eliminate the am issues altogether. If I remember correctly, your doc didn't sound like he would have a problem tweaking your dose, so if it were me, I would go in that direction at the next appointment. My "rough" schedule is 8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Also, my doc changed my BT meds from 7.5/500 Vicodin to 10/325 Norco. He kept the daily max at 6, but I have gone from needing 6 of the Vicodin to usually only 3 of the Norco. There have been some days when I have been more active and needed 4 Norco, but it has really only been 2 or 3 days over the last 6 weeks. The true test will be when we go to Maine next month.
Hope this was helpful. I am sure you will be able to get to a place where you are able to achieve a steady 4 or 5 most days. Sounds like you are heading in that direction already. Take care hon, and let us know how it all turns out. Many hugs, CMP/MM
forginon
08-04-2008, 11:29 AM
Pepper,
I would not go to every 4 hour dosing. It might smooth out your BPL, however, you will get your body used to LS meds every 4 hours, and at some point in time your dose will be adjusted, as it is with all of us, and I doubt any docs will continue LA meds at 6 times per day. So, I would not get my body used to that.
I fully agree with MM regarding 20, 20, 20, 20.
But before that, give the present regime some time. Even though the dosing is staggered mg-wise, it still provides a fairly regular level of consumption, and, in the long run, I bet it will improve for you, and you might be able to stay here. Ifg not, push for 4 20s.
Hang in there Kiddo. You really are doing great. And it's no sin to have to wake up with a BT med in your mouth. Just think of it as your passifier - uh oh - bye for now........
ste, er jack. That's it, jack
I would not go to every 4 hour dosing. It might smooth out your BPL, however, you will get your body used to LS meds every 4 hours, and at some point in time your dose will be adjusted, as it is with all of us, and I doubt any docs will continue LA meds at 6 times per day. So, I would not get my body used to that.
I fully agree with MM regarding 20, 20, 20, 20.
But before that, give the present regime some time. Even though the dosing is staggered mg-wise, it still provides a fairly regular level of consumption, and, in the long run, I bet it will improve for you, and you might be able to stay here. Ifg not, push for 4 20s.
Hang in there Kiddo. You really are doing great. And it's no sin to have to wake up with a BT med in your mouth. Just think of it as your passifier - uh oh - bye for now........
ste, er jack. That's it, jack
123dietdrpepper
08-04-2008, 01:30 PM
Steve :p
Thanks it sounds like I am on the right track. I think my body is overall messed up and it may take time to balance everything out. I am still extremely messed up. My back has really deteroriated since my vacation. I would think I would have bounced back by now. It concerns me.
To be honest, Wed. scares me to death. I don't want to go up to fast on meds. I want to find the best dose for me using the least amount of medications. 60 mg. of oxy is ALOT. It scares me that my body is requiring that much medication. Is this natural to feel this way?
But at the same time, I am scared that if I don't speak up now that my doc might dig his heels in about raising the dosage amounts again. It took alot for us to break thru that wall to finally get my doc to raise my prescription amounts.
I am so worried about my future. I am loosing strength and my back has done nothing but deteroriate since my last surgery. I had to let this out. I know deep breath and concentrate on today. Worry about tomorrow later.
Thanks for listening and helping.
Thanks it sounds like I am on the right track. I think my body is overall messed up and it may take time to balance everything out. I am still extremely messed up. My back has really deteroriated since my vacation. I would think I would have bounced back by now. It concerns me.
To be honest, Wed. scares me to death. I don't want to go up to fast on meds. I want to find the best dose for me using the least amount of medications. 60 mg. of oxy is ALOT. It scares me that my body is requiring that much medication. Is this natural to feel this way?
But at the same time, I am scared that if I don't speak up now that my doc might dig his heels in about raising the dosage amounts again. It took alot for us to break thru that wall to finally get my doc to raise my prescription amounts.
I am so worried about my future. I am loosing strength and my back has done nothing but deteroriate since my last surgery. I had to let this out. I know deep breath and concentrate on today. Worry about tomorrow later.
Thanks for listening and helping.
brianpain33
08-04-2008, 02:45 PM
dietdrpepper:
I really would not worry too much about the actual dose of the Oxy. And to tell you the truth 60mg is really not ALOT. Here is what you need to focus on
TAKE THE AMOUNT OF PAIN MEDICATION TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF PAIN YOU ARE HAVING..
Repeat this over and over in your head. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. You are getting very sleepy.:dizzy::jester:
You are at a point where the pain is much better controlled and you don't know what to do. You don't know how to accept it. It feels strange. Something is really weird and not right. Is that how you are feeling?
You just need to do whatever it takes to maintain your pain at a level of 5 or below, right Steve? Don't focus on "but it's this many MG or this high of a dose". Put that thinking aside and just focus on relaxing and taking it easy and enjoying life a little more.
I think the reason you may need a BT med in the morning is because you take the 10mg Oxy at night before going to bed and it's wearing out by the time you get up. Just my thoughts on the matter. Keep us posted on your progress.
brian
I really would not worry too much about the actual dose of the Oxy. And to tell you the truth 60mg is really not ALOT. Here is what you need to focus on
TAKE THE AMOUNT OF PAIN MEDICATION TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF PAIN YOU ARE HAVING..
Repeat this over and over in your head. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. You are getting very sleepy.:dizzy::jester:
You are at a point where the pain is much better controlled and you don't know what to do. You don't know how to accept it. It feels strange. Something is really weird and not right. Is that how you are feeling?
You just need to do whatever it takes to maintain your pain at a level of 5 or below, right Steve? Don't focus on "but it's this many MG or this high of a dose". Put that thinking aside and just focus on relaxing and taking it easy and enjoying life a little more.
I think the reason you may need a BT med in the morning is because you take the 10mg Oxy at night before going to bed and it's wearing out by the time you get up. Just my thoughts on the matter. Keep us posted on your progress.
brian
123dietdrpepper
08-04-2008, 06:15 PM
Brian - Thank you for your response and input on my situation. Actually I am shocked at the amount of pain I am having. This morning I started organizing the children's school books and tidying up their desks for homeschool and my pain flew up to 7/8 and I have been miserable most of the day. I know :nono: !! One would think PAIN would deter me but I started homeschooling the children today and tonight we won't even talk about the pain levels. I guess this type A person needs to undergo acceptance lessons.
I think I feel guilty about the meds - 60 mg. of oxy is alot and I still can't do alot. Maybe in time I will be able to do more but right now I can't and it FRUSTRATES ME. I am beginning to wonder if I have damaged something in my back and it is more than a strain. We are talking today is week 3.
Also, I think maybe if I am honest with myself I am frustrated with even having to take the meds period. I guess again ACCEPTANCE.
You wrote:
I think the reason you may need a BT med in the morning is because you take the 10mg Oxy at night before going to bed and it's wearing out by the time you get up. Just my thoughts on the matter. Keep us posted on your progress.
My med schedule is:
2:00 am. 20 mg.
8:00 am. 10 mg.
2:00 pm. 20 mg.
8:00 pm. 10 mg.
So I actually am taking, 20 mg at 2 am. I am wondering if it has to do with laying down is adding additional pain.
Thanks for listening to me. It means so much to have friends giving me their opinions and insights. Right now I need it so badly. (((Hugs))) I pray that you are getting a little stronger as each day goes on. Off to look on a new post for you.
I think I feel guilty about the meds - 60 mg. of oxy is alot and I still can't do alot. Maybe in time I will be able to do more but right now I can't and it FRUSTRATES ME. I am beginning to wonder if I have damaged something in my back and it is more than a strain. We are talking today is week 3.
Also, I think maybe if I am honest with myself I am frustrated with even having to take the meds period. I guess again ACCEPTANCE.
You wrote:
I think the reason you may need a BT med in the morning is because you take the 10mg Oxy at night before going to bed and it's wearing out by the time you get up. Just my thoughts on the matter. Keep us posted on your progress.
My med schedule is:
2:00 am. 20 mg.
8:00 am. 10 mg.
2:00 pm. 20 mg.
8:00 pm. 10 mg.
So I actually am taking, 20 mg at 2 am. I am wondering if it has to do with laying down is adding additional pain.
Thanks for listening to me. It means so much to have friends giving me their opinions and insights. Right now I need it so badly. (((Hugs))) I pray that you are getting a little stronger as each day goes on. Off to look on a new post for you.
cmpgirl
08-05-2008, 12:20 AM
Pepper,
Brian is right. 60mg of oxycontin, overall, per day is not necessarily a lot. It really isn't so much about the mgs as it is about the pain coverage. I also understand what Steve is saying about giving the current dose a little bit more time, before you decide. As I said in my previous post, it took about 6 weeks for my increase to level out, and reach it's full potential.
I know people who take 80mg of oxy per dose, let alone per day and even that, in the world of LA meds, is not really as "big" as it sounds.
If you are really worried about it, when you see your doc, I think I would just tell him that you think it is just a little too soon to know if the 60mg is going to do the trick, and you would appreciate it if he would leave any additional adjustments in meds open for a couple more weeks. I would think that he would be perfectly fine with that. If anything, it will show him that you really want to give it a chance.
I think the key factor about the a.m.'s, is that even though you have pain and feel crummy initially, you are not vomiting or staying at those high pain levels all day like before, are you? I know for me, it has not mattered how much my meds have increased. I am still at my worst in the a.m. initially, but once I take my meds and have my coffee, etc, it gets better over the next hour or so. My doc said this is normal, because of laying there, not moving much, (if at all) and no functionable amount of meds will take that first morning stiffness and ache completely away. As long as it gets better, as the morning goes on, I have learned that I can live with that.
So to sum it up, I agree with both Steve and Brian....... Don't focus so much on the total daily mgs, as opposed to the pain coverage. And ask the doc if you can let him know in a couple of weeks if you need any adjusting, so that you can give this increase a full chance.
Take care of yourself, hon. I know it seems like it's taking forever, but you really are on the right path now. I pray for you every day, as always. Many hugs, CMP/MM
PS..... Do you still have SA meds for BT? Sorry for not remembering. My brain doesn't work quite like it used to!
Brian is right. 60mg of oxycontin, overall, per day is not necessarily a lot. It really isn't so much about the mgs as it is about the pain coverage. I also understand what Steve is saying about giving the current dose a little bit more time, before you decide. As I said in my previous post, it took about 6 weeks for my increase to level out, and reach it's full potential.
I know people who take 80mg of oxy per dose, let alone per day and even that, in the world of LA meds, is not really as "big" as it sounds.
If you are really worried about it, when you see your doc, I think I would just tell him that you think it is just a little too soon to know if the 60mg is going to do the trick, and you would appreciate it if he would leave any additional adjustments in meds open for a couple more weeks. I would think that he would be perfectly fine with that. If anything, it will show him that you really want to give it a chance.
I think the key factor about the a.m.'s, is that even though you have pain and feel crummy initially, you are not vomiting or staying at those high pain levels all day like before, are you? I know for me, it has not mattered how much my meds have increased. I am still at my worst in the a.m. initially, but once I take my meds and have my coffee, etc, it gets better over the next hour or so. My doc said this is normal, because of laying there, not moving much, (if at all) and no functionable amount of meds will take that first morning stiffness and ache completely away. As long as it gets better, as the morning goes on, I have learned that I can live with that.
So to sum it up, I agree with both Steve and Brian....... Don't focus so much on the total daily mgs, as opposed to the pain coverage. And ask the doc if you can let him know in a couple of weeks if you need any adjusting, so that you can give this increase a full chance.
Take care of yourself, hon. I know it seems like it's taking forever, but you really are on the right path now. I pray for you every day, as always. Many hugs, CMP/MM
PS..... Do you still have SA meds for BT? Sorry for not remembering. My brain doesn't work quite like it used to!
Executor
08-05-2008, 12:36 AM
Sorry to hear about your troubles...Try to hang in there best you can. I agree with the others in that:
(1) I would try to get on a consistent dosing schedule with the same amt each time, whatever that amt is....Hopefully, your Doc will decide
and,
(2) You need your BT in the AM so soon because your BPL is low from lack of meds overnight, and the inconsistent dosing.
Overall, I think you're on the right track....It's just going to come down to finding the right dose. You have to remember that 10mg is very small....It's only .8 per hour on average. Even if it lasts 8 hrs, it's still only 1.2 per hour, or 1/5th the strength of the smallest Perc dose.
Take care, and I hope you start to feel better soon.
Regards,
Ex
(1) I would try to get on a consistent dosing schedule with the same amt each time, whatever that amt is....Hopefully, your Doc will decide
and,
(2) You need your BT in the AM so soon because your BPL is low from lack of meds overnight, and the inconsistent dosing.
Overall, I think you're on the right track....It's just going to come down to finding the right dose. You have to remember that 10mg is very small....It's only .8 per hour on average. Even if it lasts 8 hrs, it's still only 1.2 per hour, or 1/5th the strength of the smallest Perc dose.
Take care, and I hope you start to feel better soon.
Regards,
Ex
forginon
08-05-2008, 11:35 PM
Pepper,
Think about a guy who drives an econo pickup truck. It's got a 10 gallon fuel tank, and that gives him fairly good mileage. But he wants more, and he's got the funds to do it.
So he goes out and gets a bigger pickup with a V8, and now he's got a 20 gallon tank. The guys loves that he has the ability to do more with this new truck, but for the life of him he can't bring himself to buy more than 10 gallons at a time. It's not the gas prices, the guy's made of money. It's just that 20 gallon seems like so much. Even though 10 gallons doesn't get him many miles with that big V8, he just can't bring himself to fill the tank. Sounds kinda silly huh?
So now we have this gal on the board whose pain has been getting progressively worse for a number of years now. The pain's been awful. And the doc, bless his heart, has been good to her but has not been willing to give her enough meds to live a decent quality of life. Well, this gal gets fed up and lets the doc have it. And finally he gets it. He increases her dose. It's still a relatively low dose, but she's having trouble wrapping her mind around the new dose.
You know, I think we need to get this truck driver and this pain patient together - AND KICK THEIR ROYAL BUTTS INTO NEXT WEEK!!!
steve
Think about a guy who drives an econo pickup truck. It's got a 10 gallon fuel tank, and that gives him fairly good mileage. But he wants more, and he's got the funds to do it.
So he goes out and gets a bigger pickup with a V8, and now he's got a 20 gallon tank. The guys loves that he has the ability to do more with this new truck, but for the life of him he can't bring himself to buy more than 10 gallons at a time. It's not the gas prices, the guy's made of money. It's just that 20 gallon seems like so much. Even though 10 gallons doesn't get him many miles with that big V8, he just can't bring himself to fill the tank. Sounds kinda silly huh?
So now we have this gal on the board whose pain has been getting progressively worse for a number of years now. The pain's been awful. And the doc, bless his heart, has been good to her but has not been willing to give her enough meds to live a decent quality of life. Well, this gal gets fed up and lets the doc have it. And finally he gets it. He increases her dose. It's still a relatively low dose, but she's having trouble wrapping her mind around the new dose.
You know, I think we need to get this truck driver and this pain patient together - AND KICK THEIR ROYAL BUTTS INTO NEXT WEEK!!!
steve
123dietdrpepper
08-06-2008, 12:47 AM
Sorry, I have been away. Last night was not good for me. I was up most of the night due to pain. :( Today, it has been ping ponging based upon what I do. If I sit in my recliner with the old heating pad, it calms down but if I get up and cook or do some laundry, it bounces up. I guess you might say it is bouncing like a ping pong ball.
Yes, I still have percocet as breakthrus and I will take it immediately upon awakening if that is what I need to do. I am at least not vomiting first thing or shaking upon awakening so I think the increase is definitely helping me. Instead of waking up a 9/10; I am waking up a 7/8.
Tomorrow is my appt. My plan is to go in and say that I am adjusting and definitely better than last week. Last week, I was experiencing 8/9/10's some 7's. This week I am seeing 5/6/7 and and an occassional 8.
I will talk to him about my morning pain as well as explain that I am finding my pain increases dramatically with activity.
Talk to him about his thoughts on mri of thoracic/cervical areas and seeing a neuro for the stim implant.
I am going to see what he says about my pain and meds. As much as I hate it, I might ask about the 8 pm dose being upped to 20 mg. so I will be
20 mg. 2 am (Breakthru around 6/7 am)
10 mg. 8 am (Breakthru around 12)
20 mg. 2 pm (Breakthru around 5)
10 mg. 8 pm moved to 20 mg.
Maybe 8 pm dose change will help to sleep better and wake up in less pain. What do you think?
Yes, I still have percocet as breakthrus and I will take it immediately upon awakening if that is what I need to do. I am at least not vomiting first thing or shaking upon awakening so I think the increase is definitely helping me. Instead of waking up a 9/10; I am waking up a 7/8.
Tomorrow is my appt. My plan is to go in and say that I am adjusting and definitely better than last week. Last week, I was experiencing 8/9/10's some 7's. This week I am seeing 5/6/7 and and an occassional 8.
I will talk to him about my morning pain as well as explain that I am finding my pain increases dramatically with activity.
Talk to him about his thoughts on mri of thoracic/cervical areas and seeing a neuro for the stim implant.
I am going to see what he says about my pain and meds. As much as I hate it, I might ask about the 8 pm dose being upped to 20 mg. so I will be
20 mg. 2 am (Breakthru around 6/7 am)
10 mg. 8 am (Breakthru around 12)
20 mg. 2 pm (Breakthru around 5)
10 mg. 8 pm moved to 20 mg.
Maybe 8 pm dose change will help to sleep better and wake up in less pain. What do you think?
cmpgirl
08-06-2008, 01:18 AM
Honestly Pepp, I'd ask for the 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. both. I know because you haven't taken the LA meds for long, that you feel like it's a lot, but for the levels of pain you are still having, I really think you need it. And as I said in my prev post, it isn't nearly as much as you think. In reality, it is probably a dose that he should have put you on long ago.
If you are still not comfortable asking for both doses, then absolutely ask for one to be increased. I know, for me, that extra 20mgs a day have made a pretty big difference in my overall relief. I'm at a pretty steady 5 most days.
Whatever you decide, I wish you luck. I'll be praying for a good outcome. Let us know how it goes, OK? Hugs, CMP/MM
If you are still not comfortable asking for both doses, then absolutely ask for one to be increased. I know, for me, that extra 20mgs a day have made a pretty big difference in my overall relief. I'm at a pretty steady 5 most days.
Whatever you decide, I wish you luck. I'll be praying for a good outcome. Let us know how it goes, OK? Hugs, CMP/MM
123dietdrpepper
08-06-2008, 08:24 AM
Thanks CMP - I appreciate your feedback more than you will ever know.
I made an interesting discovery. Last night I was laying in bed and could not sleep. I turned my head and my upper back began hurting immediately then a wave of nausea came with it. This morning everytime I turn my head my upper back hurts. I wonder if I have just discovered something. Could I have a upper back issue on top of the lumbar back problems? Hmmmmmm
I made an interesting discovery. Last night I was laying in bed and could not sleep. I turned my head and my upper back began hurting immediately then a wave of nausea came with it. This morning everytime I turn my head my upper back hurts. I wonder if I have just discovered something. Could I have a upper back issue on top of the lumbar back problems? Hmmmmmm
cmpgirl
08-06-2008, 09:39 AM
Hey Pepper,
Here's one theory. Theres a possibility that what you are feeling is the result of over-compensating for your lumbar issues. What happens is that we have an injury or a condition/disease in a specific area. (for you it's heavily concentrated in the lumbar region) When we have a flare or are under medicated for a long period of time, what we do, without even realizing it, is put all of the "work" on another area. In your case, the cervical and thorasic. It's called pain posturing.
(There's that wave crashing into you at the beach that probably wrenched your neck, among other things, quite a bit too.)
This doesn't mean that this is going to be a major problem. Especially now with the new meds, allowing you to lessen the amount of pain posturing. It's been almost a given, for me, that every once in a while my C-Spine will go into spasm for a couple of days. I just treat it with additional heat and maybe an extra dose of muscle relaxer for a few days (approved by my doc, of course)
As I said, this is just my theory. As long as you are seeing the doc, you should certainly run it by him and see what he thinks. Good luck at the appointment. I'll be praying for you. Hugs, CMP/MM
PS: Remember...... Some of us believe that 20mgs 4x/day will make a big difference. (I've got to agree with Steve's analogy to the pick-up truck - why put it off, you've really needed this for a long time and your doc is finally listening. I would take full advantage, while you have the chance.)
Here's one theory. Theres a possibility that what you are feeling is the result of over-compensating for your lumbar issues. What happens is that we have an injury or a condition/disease in a specific area. (for you it's heavily concentrated in the lumbar region) When we have a flare or are under medicated for a long period of time, what we do, without even realizing it, is put all of the "work" on another area. In your case, the cervical and thorasic. It's called pain posturing.
(There's that wave crashing into you at the beach that probably wrenched your neck, among other things, quite a bit too.)
This doesn't mean that this is going to be a major problem. Especially now with the new meds, allowing you to lessen the amount of pain posturing. It's been almost a given, for me, that every once in a while my C-Spine will go into spasm for a couple of days. I just treat it with additional heat and maybe an extra dose of muscle relaxer for a few days (approved by my doc, of course)
As I said, this is just my theory. As long as you are seeing the doc, you should certainly run it by him and see what he thinks. Good luck at the appointment. I'll be praying for you. Hugs, CMP/MM
PS: Remember...... Some of us believe that 20mgs 4x/day will make a big difference. (I've got to agree with Steve's analogy to the pick-up truck - why put it off, you've really needed this for a long time and your doc is finally listening. I would take full advantage, while you have the chance.)