My 80 year old mom--All they can offer is codeine? - Osteoporosis Message Board

Questorian · 01-12-2009, 08:12 AM

I'm posting for my 80-year old mother. She's in severe pain and has seen doctors for years and all they are offering or can offer at this point is codeine for the pain which she finds very depressing and disturbing after all these years trying to get help. The osteoporosis is really dominating her life at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions other than strict painkillers which don't seem to be helping her much in any event. She'd be open to any and all suggestions including alternative meds and treatments. Thanks for your help.

starfish81 · 01-12-2009, 01:02 PM

Hi Quest, first of all, is she on anything pharmaceutical for osteoporosis? Many of the standard "osteo medications" themselves are what causes bone pain. I ask this because my MIL is 81, on bisphosphonates for at least 4 years, and some days she's in so much discomfort that she can barely get down the stairs. (of course, her doctor would never think of linking this to the bisphosphonates

and she won't listen to us when we tell her to stop taking that poison)
Has your Mom sustained vertebral fractures, and is this the source of the pain? If she has no history of fractures, where is she feeling the pain(i.e. is it bone or muscle?)
Perhaps if you can provide a bit more info, one of us may have some insight for you. For now, if the pain seems to be related to a medication she's taking, my advice would be to discontinue it.

taape · 01-12-2009, 09:37 PM

Sorry to hear that she is suffering. If she needs pain medication chronic pain then it might be good to get her to a pain management doctor. Codeine is for short term pain not long term.

Is your mom seeing an endocrinologist or rheumatologist or other specialist for the osteoporosis? If not, that might be a good idea.

Let us know how things are working out.

Questorian · 01-13-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starfish81

Hi Quest, first of all, is she on anything pharmaceutical for osteoporosis? Many of the standard "osteo medications" themselves are what causes bone pain. I ask this because my MIL is 81, on bisphosphonates for at least 4 years, and some days she's in so much discomfort that she can barely get down the stairs. (of course, her doctor would never think of linking this to the bisphosphonates

and she won't listen to us when we tell her to stop taking that poison)
Has your Mom sustained vertebral fractures, and is this the source of the pain? If she has no history of fractures, where is she feeling the pain(i.e. is it bone or muscle?)
Perhaps if you can provide a bit more info, one of us may have some insight for you. For now, if the pain seems to be related to a medication she's taking, my advice would be to discontinue it.