Tired of taking pills - Pain Management Message Board

hadenoughpain · 10-02-2007, 02:08 PM

I have been on so many kinds of pain pills for the last two years till its not funny. It drives me crazy having to stop and take a pill. I had a spinal fusion almost one year ago with no relief in sight! I have been through physical therapy and the epidural injections still no relief. My pain management doctor just says take these pills come back and see me in four months. Does anyone have any advice??? My pain sometimes passes a ten! I am even wearing my tens unit but sometimes that doesn't work. All that I am wanting is some relief.
Thank you!!

whitfield · 10-02-2007, 03:25 PM

I felt the same way about taking pills all the time--having to carry them with me etc. etc.--Then doc put me on the Duragesic Patch--Put it on and lasts for 3 days (well, at least 2--supposed to be 3)--but do not have to worry about carrying pills everywhere--something to discuss with your doc--Good luck--Roger

hadenoughpain · 10-02-2007, 05:15 PM

Thank you for your reply. What is your story? Did you have back surgery?

whitfield · 10-02-2007, 06:05 PM

No, no back problems thank God--Most people on these boards regarding chronic pain have back/neck problems--I have chronic pancreatitus probably caused by chemotherapy--have had quite a few health issues in the past few years--last year had both hips totally replaced--again from medication(prednisone) which they used in treating my Multiple Sclerosis--But, I can walk, drive short distances and live independently, so I can't complain too much--Lots of people are worse off than me--I have always said that pain was easy to deal with--BUT, I have never had a problem getting medication either--Lots of people have a difficult time getting doctors to prescribe proper medication--It can be difficult as you will learn in reading some of the posts. Seems as if your doc at least will prescribe pain killers--are they opiates? If so, he may be willing to prescribe LA(Long acting) pills that should last 12 hours and I have even heard of 1 type (avinza I think) that is supposed to last for 24 hours. Take Care--Roger

Fabrashamx · 10-02-2007, 06:45 PM

Hi Had,
I would ask the doctor about going on something long acting, like the patch, which Whit mentioned. Keeps people off the clock watching/every 4 hours treadmill. I am still on short acting meds, I had a neck fusion over a decade ago, My new doctor has offered to put me on methadone, and I am considering that.

Good luck and welcome to the board!
Your Friend, Fabby