Follow Up Re: Asking For More Pain Relief - Pain Management Message Board

IZZY'SMOM · 03-01-2008, 04:46 PM

Hello everyone~
I was going to post on the thread I started a couple of weeks ago, but decided to start a new one.
I went to my appt. It was a 2 hr drive both way. Had amazing weather, scenery, and my appointment went flawless as usual.
I dont know why I get so worried. I have the best doc, but its just in PM you never know.
My doc is a thousand times busier than he was here, and I didnt get much time with him, but all went well.
I was on the 25's that got recalled, and I actually had no clue about it, so he asked if I wanted to go to the 50's and I said no. I know someone said in the last post that I could have probably done alright on them, but I just dont want to go up on those.
So he asked me if Id like to stay on my Hydro LA and do the 12's, as well as 7.5 vic. 8xdaily for b/t.
Ive been doing that for two weeks and I love the pain relief Im getting. Its better than before, actually.
He stated that if I didnt get better relief with this combo, he would do something else and we could discuss that over the phone.
I was worried about driving over every month, and he wrote for all of my CII meds for 3 months with a week earlly refill instead of 30 days, and 3 months of my b/t meds as well.
I was thrilled. He said every 3 months we need to visit on the phone, and maybe come over for an appt every 4 months. I have a very trusting doc, but I have been nothing but honest with him for 3 yrs.
No contract, pill counts, UA's nothing. I count my blessing all of the time but more so after I read so many terrible stories with everyone suffering.
Just wanted to catch up with all of you, and sorry it took me so long.
XOXOXOXOX,
XOXOXOXOX,
IZZY'SMOM

Executor · 03-01-2008, 05:30 PM

Sounds like you two have built up an excellent Dr/patient relationship. You are very fortunate.

Just as an fyi....The re-call on the 25s has shortened supply, but the manufacturer should work their way out of it fairly quickly....They are in full production and I verified by calling the company b/c I'm on them too. The point being is that if your new combination doesn't work well, you can probably go back to the 25s fairly soon. You may need to call around to different pharmacies to see who has replenished their stock. My PM Doc said it was OK to use a different pharmacy due to a situation like this....Then go back to your regular one once the supply issue is back to normal.

Good luck!

SpinalMalady · 03-02-2008, 05:48 AM

Hey Izzy:

I'm glad all your worry was for naught. What strenth acet. is in the Vicoden?? I know that you are aware of the 4000mg/day of Acet. intake due to liver issues, and if it is 7.5/325 you should have no worries, but if it is the 7.5/500 or higher strength please be careful. With requiring that much BT med, I personally would be looking at something LA to help with the pain issues. My doc just switched me from the patches to Avinza 30mg with MSIR15mg for BT. I was very scared at first b/c I had been on Percocet 10/325, but it has been a really good change for me and I don't have to worry about taking pills throughout the day. THAT is a NICE PERK. Is it possible to discuss upping your LA (compounded (right?) hydro)?? Just a suggestion that might get you away from dosing so many times throughout the day.

Initally, when I went from the patch to the Avinza (which is a 24 hour dosing), I had to stop the patch for at least 18 hours, and I waited 24 hours just to be safe. I had a HUGE spike in pain that took me three days to get back under control, and with the PM's advice, even had to dose the Avinza every 12 hours for 3 days to get "the pain captured" as he put it. But once I did, it's been almost smooth sailing. I also had someone rear end me during that time, so I don't know if the pain spike was the med switch over or from being rear ended!

I still have some BT throughout the day, but its later in the afternoon, and either one MSIR, or even sometimes half of MSIR will do the trick. I see the PM on Tuesday, and I'm excited to tell him that for the first time since NOVEMBER, I actually have about 9 BT meds left over, and he only gave me 30. Granted it was a short month, but still!! I did have to double up those three days while I got my pain under control.

Anyhoo....good luck. I just wanted to tell you I'm glad you didn't have to worry, and to see what you thought about upping your LA meds to perhaps something different, since you have such a wonderful doc like I do.

Take care, and keep on with the pain relief. It does feel good to be around a 5-6 or so, down from an 8-9!!

Blessings,

ozzybug · 03-02-2008, 05:57 AM

Izzy-
I'm so glad things are continuing to work out for you girl. It's always nice to hear the good stories. I know it was a huge concern for you having to drive in dangerous conditions on dangerous passes. Sounds like your doctor is helping work with you on that.

Be safe, and please keep us posted!

slipperyslope · 03-02-2008, 06:12 AM

that is great Izzy but if your needing that many B/T meds a day I don't think your LA med is working enough for you. Some people prefer the SA meds for quicker relief than a base med that is LA so that must be where your at, you like your vics. its easier to pop pills through the out the day for immediate pain releif and some people prefer that than the steady flow of pain releif from your base med I am the oppsoite as you. But everyone is so different.. i am glad your Dr upped your dose and is keeping you happy and satisfied.

good for you!!!!!

SS