Is it time for LA meds? - Pain Management Message Board

ladyjayy · 04-11-2008, 11:39 AM

Hey everyone,

I posted a few months back when I finally started taking pain meds after a year of pain and was amazed at all the support and great info I got. I've not been around because I've been doing pretty good and have (FINALLY) gotten a diagnosis for my burning, searing butt and leg pain. Long story short, I made a huge trip to CA and had neurogram done of the nerves in my butt/pelvis and I have piriformis syndrome on both sides. This is what we've always thought but lacked definitive testing for it...but now the neurologist and neurosurgeon (yes, i said surgeon) agreed this is what it is and I am scheduled for surgery May 16th. I can only have one cheek done at a time, so my left side will be done first and later the right.

Now, here's the question: I'm on percocet 7.5 and I'm averaging 4.5-5 pills a day...I've been on this for nearly 3 months and I'm pretty sure I'm building a tolerance. Right now the system that works the best is take one 7.5 and follow it by a half a pill an hour later. For whatever reason, that seems to give me the best coverage for the next four hours.

I'm meeting with my doc on Tuesday I think I would do better on a higher dose or...go for the LA meds. I'm not sure if it's the time for LA meds because of the upcoming surgery and, also, I'm sorta of alright now with SA meds. Well, actually, the ups and downs suck but I'm also very nervous about adapting to the side effects of LA oxy. The percocet is good for me...does not make me drowsy, actually wakes me up a little and I was wondering if the same effects would come from the LA oxy seeing it's the same drug, just a different release rate?

I'm not really up for adapting to a new med that could make me pukey, sleepy, stoned, etc. I am endlessly grateful that the percocet does not do this to me because all other pain meds did which is why I didn't take anything for the first year. I would LOVE to even out the ups and downs of the pain, but, as stated earlier, HATE the thought of being stoned out of my mind on a new med as I get used to it.

So, I guess I'm asking what you all think: LA meds or up the dosage on the SA...all of this while keeping in mind I'm having surgery in a month.

Take care,
Julie

cmpgirl · 04-11-2008, 12:04 PM

To me, if you are truly chronic, LA meds are absolutely the best way to go. Your doc can start you off gradually at lower doses to see how you tolerate it and any possible side effects. Unfortunately, because different meds work for different people, it is usually trial and error in the beginning.

If it were me, I would approach your doc by letting him/her know that you are having a very hard time with yo-yoing up and down all day on your current medication. It's better to do it that way, rather than go in and ask, outright for a certain med.

This is just my opinion, but I'm sure many others will agree. My doc prescribing LA meds for me was a huge change for me and for my quality of life.

I wish you the best. cmpgirl

Executor · 04-11-2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpgirl

If it were me, I would approach your doc by letting him/her know that you are having a very hard time with yo-yoing up and down all day on your current medication. It's better to do it that way, rather than go in and ask, outright for a certain med.l

I couldn't agree more. A little experimentation will probably be needed to determine what the right dosage is for you.

I also think the decision sorta hinges on whether or not your condition will be "chronic" after surgery, or if you will dramatically improve. If the former, you will need to eventually move to an LA med. If the the latter, I wouldn't increase, or take any more than you have to because it will that much harder to eventually quit.

Good luck, and I hope this helps.

Ex

brianpain33 · 04-11-2008, 03:24 PM

I think the big question is whether you are on any other medications for the nerve pain? The opiate/opiod medications tend to not work all that well for nerve type pain although it does seem to be helping quite a bit for you. Have you ever tried Lyrica, Neurontin, or even Cymbalta for the nerve pain? Let us know.

brian

JoJo921 · 04-13-2008, 07:53 PM

If I were you, I would discuss your flare up's with your doc. Your having flare ups because the SA meds you are currently run in and out of your system so quickly that you are not recieving a steady stream of relief that LA meds offer. This is what my doctor told me. I started with Norco and my pain levels would go up and down so quickly he started me on oxycontin. This offered me a more steady stream of relief with flare ups much further apart. So at this point he prescribed a SA version of oxycodone and that pretty much took care of the majority of my pain. I realize that nothing is going to take the pain away completely so I try to excersise by way of walking and attempt to do bends as often as my body will allow as well as taking my meds exactly as prescribed and I know have some quality back to my life. Good Luck with your upcoming surgury and keep us posted.