Does Morphine work for everyone? - Back Problems Message Board

Porter107 · 11-27-2006, 04:50 AM

OK, I have been taking morphine since last weds. I found that it takes too long to relieve pain. I was taking 2 percocet 10mg about every 4 to 6 hours before taking the morphine (30mg), which is Rx'ed twice daily as needed. I thought that morphine would be a better pain reliever then the percs, but I am finding that not to be true. I finished off my percs this weekend as I was taking 1 or 2 a day along with the morphine (which seemed to be the right recipe). I was prescribed the morphine when I asked my doctor for something to assist me to sleep. But it really has not, I think the combo of perc and morphine helped, but I slept about 45 mins in the last 24 hours because of pain, bad pain. I am afraid to take more then one tablet of morphine at a time. I am not familiar with this drug other then the pump I used with my first surgery.
I am scheduled for surgery (level 2 fusion L4-L5/S1) on Dec. 12, but I do not think I can go that long with out sleep. I hate to keep bothering my Dr. about this issue, but I am also tired of the pain and the lack of sleep. I know there are many of you out there that can relate. And maybe you have found that right med (or combo of meds) that have helped with pain and with sleep. Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.
Porter

beachgirl01 · 11-27-2006, 07:08 AM

Hey there,

I think you should definitly not be afraid to bother your doctor in regards to the issue. I know that everyone reacts to pills/meds differently. I myself was incredibly sick on morphin, I was throwing up for about 24 hours pretty much straight and my whole body was really itching. That of course led me to believe that I was allergic to it. Anyhow. I am a little bit surprised that your doc prescribed the morphin to you to assist you with sleeping. If the percs were helping you with your pain but you were having problems sleeping then it seems to me that you need something a little bit "lighter" than morphin and something more like lorazepam/diazepam etc. Something that's going to relax your whole body. It will help with the pain and certainly help you sleep.

You may just want to call your doctor and ask for something along those lines. Tell he/she that you are looking for maybe a stronger dose of percocet and something along the lines of a sleeping aid. I find that diazepam had worked for me extremly well in the past. Just a thought!

Take care. I hope you have luck in finding something that is going to wokr for you. You need to be sleeping properly right now. Good luck with your surgery. Keep in touch for sure and let me know if I can help out at all.
Beachgirl.

Justoneofus · 11-27-2006, 08:21 AM

I only had morophine while in the hospital, and quite frankly.. it did very little for my body. I respond better to vicodin better than anything so far. It may be that is doesnt do much for you either. I would ask for something else. I am proof that something considered much less potent, works better.

Wish you well. Hang in there. Tammy

germanshepherd · 11-27-2006, 10:18 AM

Would like to know as you have the same discs I do that need a fushion. How many years have you been suffering?
What made you decide on surgery finally?
How old are you and do you have osteoarthitis also in discs?
Did you try the lumbar epidurals first?
I know this is alot of questions, but I am 45 and have been suffering for the last 5 years in bad pain as I have had back pain since I am 30. I am holding out for another 5 years,I hope. Had 1 recently lumbar fushion and no luck. Also,
What meds have you been on since the doctors said you need surgery?
my prayers are with you and thank you for taking the time to ready my post and hopefully answering my questions, Tammy

Porter107 · 11-27-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanshepherd

Would like to know as you have the same discs I do that need a fushion. How many years have you been suffering? Off and on about 12. (had 2 lamenectomies within the last 12 years)What made you decide on surgery finally? Inability to work, walk and basically do anything without pain.How old are you and do you have osteoarthritis also in discs? I am 44, and no osteoarthritisDid you try the lumbar epidurals first? about 8 total in 5 years.
I know this is alot of questions, but I am 45 and have been suffering for the last 5 years in bad pain as I have had back pain since I am 30. I am holding out for another 5 years,I hope. Had 1 recently lumbar fushion and no luck. Also,
What meds have you been on since the doctors said you need surgery? I was taking Percocet 10mg when I was suffering from chronic pain. But just recently my Doc prescribed Morphine 30mg 2 times daily. It does not seem to be doing the trick as far as my pain is concernedmy prayers are with you and thank you for taking the time to ready my post and hopefully answering my questions, Tammy

Your very welcome. I too attempted to wait as long as I could, but the pain has increased very much lately to the point I needed to see a specialist.