Even Oxycontin not helping - Pain Management Message Board

Avalon · 10-06-2006, 06:06 PM

Hello, I am 56 and being treated by a pain management specialist due to severe DDD that is inoperable. The pain, which is in my lower back and shoots down my leg, is constant. It gets worse with certain activities (stooping down to clean, standing for more than 5 mins., etc.) but is always there at some level. I have been on Percocet for several years -- current dose is 7.5/325, which has been prescribed for BT pain. I typically don't need them til afternoon/evening, and I normally take about 3 a day. The doctor has tried several different non-narcotic meds to try to manage the pain (amitryptiline, Cymbalta), which I had to stop due to side effects. We then tried Kadian, a long-acting morphine, which made me nauseous. I'm now on Oxycontin, 20 mg. twice a day, plus Percocet for BT pain. As far as I can tell, the Oxycontin's not doing anything. I feel the same amount of pain that I did when I wasn't on any long-acting meds. I'm still taking the same number of Percs a day so it hasn't helped me reduce the need for BT meds.

My question is -- shouldn't the Oxy be doing SOMETHING? Is the dose that I'm taking considered a 'normal' dose or is it low? (I am female, 5'7" and weigh 140, if that makes a difference.) I know he doesn't want me to be popping Percs all the time, but if I still have pain, I don't have much choice. I thought Oxy was supposed to be one of the most effective pain relievers out there. I don't feel any different. What do you think? If the Oxy's not doing anything, maybe I should go off it, what's the point...

He also mentioned a fentanyl patch, but I chose the Oxycontin because the patch sounded like a hassle to apply plus it would show when wearing certain clothes. Would this be more effective than the Oxy?

I really am becoming very dejected that even the most powerful narcotics aren't bringing me any relief.

zoey1 · 10-06-2006, 06:28 PM

Have a couple of questions for you. Has your pain doc tried any cotail mixes for your meds? There are some that do better with muscle relaxors, headache meds, beta blockers, xanax with certain combinations only if your doc would agree might help you .
Also with your diagnostic test and results did you ever get refered to a rhumatologist? If there is diblitating disk damage then i would be willing to bet joint damage ) nerve damage could be happening as well and may be cascading.
Pain comes from all areas and not all pain meds is right for different kinds of pain. I am also conserned that nada was given for possible nerve damage with that diagnosis.
While i am tickled you are getting some help and have a pm doc, i would still suggest going to see a rhumatologist to see if their approach can help you stop joint damage and what their ideas might be on handeling long term of this thing.
I wish you answers luck and most of all relief please take care of yourself and know you are not alone.

wout · 10-06-2006, 06:43 PM

I was on oxi for 2 1/2 years and it worked for me to a point. my PM dr has me on Kadian now. 60mg twice a day. Yes, it does make you nausea. But I also take something for that. The Kadian seems to work fine. I've tried the patch, and actually I'd like to be on just that. You can hide the patch so it doesn't show. Nice thing about the patch, is that you don't have to replace it for three days. Less pills to take.
Also, my dr mentioned to me that oxi has it's highs and lows. It gives you a boost first and then wears out. With the kadian, its supposed to be a even flow. At least that's what my PM dr. says.

Tim

Avalon · 10-06-2006, 11:28 PM

To answer the questions above -- my PM doctor tried a combo of amitryptiline/Cymbalta (made me too tired), then Cymbalta alone (had some side effect I can't remember, then went through withdrawal coming off it), then Kadian (made me nauseous and the anti-nausea med made me too tired). Also he wanted me to try Pamelor (nortriptyline) but I'm actually afraid to try it for fear of the side effects -- I obviously am extremely sensitive to mostly everything. All of those anti-depressants were supposed to help with nerve pain. I haven't seen a rheumatologist but I don't really know what he/she could do other than what's been tried already.

I haven't noticed a lessening of pain with any of these drugs, including Kadian (morphine) and Oxycontin. The Percocet takes the edge off but the pain is still there. If the pain is severe, I have to load up on the Percocet, but then I am buzzed and plus start feeling sick. I just wonder why the Oxycontin doesn't take the pain away...is the dose not enough, or is this type of pain not helped by Oxycontin....

madhatter · 10-07-2006, 07:56 AM

You said [i think] the percs. work better than the oxycotin.Percs. have the narcotic oxycodone,oxycotin have the same narcotic[oxycodone] the difference is oxycotin is time-released,and also,oxycotin doesn't have all that tylonol in them.The way oxycotin works,a 20mg oxycotin will release 10mg of oxycodone the first hr,and 10 mg the 6th hr. a 40 mg oxycotin-20 mg of oxycodone the first hr,the other 20 mg. the 6th hr.Many peaple[including myself] complain that oxycotin doesn't last 12 hrs,that the maker[perdue] says it does,and most doc. know this,and will perscribe them tid[3x a day] I take 80 mg of oxycotin tid[3x a day] wich releases 40 mg first hr,40 mg. 6th hr. iI tried the patch,but i was always tired,and had problems with them staying on.Goodluck,let us know how you make out.