Need advice - Pain Management Message Board

trainerjr · 03-19-2005, 04:51 PM

Wow, where do I start. I am 42 and have been in the Army for 22 years. My military career is coming to an end as I am retiring in 6 months. I have had multiple surgeries, all orthopedic. I have a fused wrist, after 5 surgeries, a fused big toe and a reduction done in my shoulder. I also have a badly degenerated disc in my back. All of these surgeries were the result of Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) I have battled pain for years abd have been through many medications. I am currently taking Oxycontin 20mg 3 times a day. The problem I have is that it seems to be loosing it's effectivness and I fear increasing the dose. I have a great doctor, and will discuss this with him next week. I am very active, running three days per week, using a chiropractor and have developed many tools to help. My multiple pain areas are really bothering me. I also feel fatigued, and a little worn out. I have options on medicines, but am not sure which way to turm. Any advise?

Thanks. JT

SheSparkles · 03-19-2005, 05:20 PM

[QUOTE=trainerjr]

Hi JT,
I was smiling as I read your post. I am 53 and in pain every day also. At age 39 I began running, 5 miles a day for 12 years and ended up running myself into the ground. I adored it..kept me in great shape but I really did a number on my achilles tendon bursa L leg and all the muscles of both legs and now have severe myofascial pain which digs in and will NOT go away.
Anyhow, there are many other pain meds to try. The fentanyl patch is what I have been on for almost 3 yrs and is very effective. The morphines (Kadian, Avinza, MSContin) might help as might methadone. Palladone, a long acting Dilaudid is out. Just depends what suits you and yr life. Just go easy on your body.
Sparkles

trainerjr · 03-19-2005, 05:32 PM

Sparkles, Thanks. I have been on the Oxycontin for about 2 years. I still am not sure what to try. I changed the dosing from 20mg three times a day to 40mg in the AM and 20 mg in the evening. This was only for the last month. I think I will go back to three times a day. I also am perscribed 60 5/500 hydrocodone per month. I reduced those last month when I changed to the twice daily. It was a mistake. If I have a couple bad days, it was not enough. I refuse to ask for any meds until the next refil. I am very serious about my contract and have managed my medicine well. I am having a bad day today and will go jump in the hot tub!!I have an appointment next Tuesday. I will post a note and let you know how I feel. Thanks again!
JT

jdlfmc · 03-19-2005, 05:54 PM

I think if you know that there is no way you will get better and that meds is in the rest of your future I would seek a PM dr that is qualified to implant the pain pump, I just had SCS implanted for nerve damage and have been on pain meds for almost 6yrs and if the SCS doesn't provide me with enough PM I will then seek the pain pump, which is where I'll eventually end up as I have serious issues with all levels of my spine ans they are not operable.
Just a thought.
Linda

trainerjr · 03-19-2005, 06:10 PM

Linda, Thanks for the thought. I know that my condition will not get better. As I age it seems to get worse. I have been pounding the ground in the Army for 22 years. I sometimes feel all alone. I have a great family, life and future, but some days pain dictates my life. I am not new to PM, just new here. It is a great way to read other's concerns and problems. I see I am not alone. The last month has been worse than most, just trying to find answers. Maybe a pump is in the future, but I don't think I am there yet. This site has kept me busy reading about other people in pain all day!! It has been great therepy!!
JT