Addicted to opiates - failed back surgery

[IceOnFire]

So MY DOG is a 27yo male who has had 2 back surgeries. First was 2 1/2 years ago and was a microdiscectomy at a lumbar disc. Wend over a year doing pretty well post op and wasn't using anything besides a Vicoden from time to time. HE never had a problem stopping medication at that time. Last March HIS pain returned, had another MRI and it showed that HE had re-herniated the same lumbar disc.. Went back on pain medication (5mg Percocet 4x day) prior to surgery and while we were still trying physical therapy. Had a Fusion in October and had a lot of trouble getting pain relief even in the hospital. HE was on Morphine with little relief so they went to OxyContin / Percocet  combo that seemed to work. Went home on 20mg Oxy 2x day and 1-2 10/325mg Percocet every 6hrs as needed for breakthru. Dosagges and medication types have changed over the past 8 months but HE has always been on some type of Oxycodone product
   At this point and time HE is still experiencing moderete-near severe pain. Currently being prescribed 20mg oxy 2x day and 1 5/325mg percocet 2x day as needed for breakthru pain.

    Now, here is the vicious cycle. He gets the Script for the Oxy and tends to go to town on them because taken as directed they are barely cutting into the pain. When HE runs out of those, he moves on to the percocet. and then will take whatever HE can get his hands on until it is time to refill.

     HE still has bad pain and a recent CT scan showed that the bone graft hasn't fused yet. There is still real pain that needs to be addressed but the docs seem to be reluctant to increase dosage. I mean, one way or another HE is going to need help getting off these things when they are no longer needed. HE feels that he has built up a pretty good tolerence over time and that docs are not taking that into consideration. HE has lots of trouble getting a good night's sleep and then sometimes will sleep for 14-15 hrs at a time, missing an entire day while catiching up on missed sleep. Also, HE wakes up with WD's starting to kick in and need something right away.

     It's a really bad situation. The docs have tried other meds (Meurontin ect.) to see if they helped with no effect. The Oxy is the only thing that gives very mild relief of the pain and he has been on a decent dosage of pain medication for a year and a half. HE is taking more than prescribed to get any sort of relief of pain and docs still seem hesitant to give more.

Any suggestions???

[IceOnFire]

Appreciate the comments. It is possible that my dog has not been strong enough with his Dr. Haven't discussed pain management. He's still seeing the Neurosurgeon. Getting a Bone Stimulation Belt this week to help with the fusion but once again, just seems that Dr. is gunshy about prescribing more. No my dog should have never gotten away from the reccomended dosage in the first place but this is something that is going to have to be adressed sooner than later.

[misterkangfish]

I was addicted to Oxycontin (not prescribed) and I'm not really reccomending what I'm about to say but if I took a 20 mg whole the time realease was to slow to keep the jones off. I found if I bit them at least in half if not chewed them up completly it would work better and just as long BUT I was taking them to feed the addiction and NOT for pain releif. It seemed that a 20 released the oxycodone too slow to get or keep Mr. Jones away. I almost feel that I shouldn't post this 'cause it is not the proper way to use it but it worked better for me that way. If HE is going to have to stay on pain meds. and can't or doesn't want to stop that might work. If it were me I would try this once or twice to see how it did. Keep in mind that I am an addict and was only taking it to feed the addiction. I seem to be a master at getting the most out of whatever I'm using at the time. DON"'T crush and snort or shoot them! That will definately make things worse. I've sat here now for a few minutes debating on whether or not to post this but here goes. Good luck and I'll pray for HIM.  

[soreadytodetox]

good morning has he really pushed the issue of the meds with the dr.? how much does it take for him to be able to be comfortable and tolerant? maybe get a second opp.? i have a few friends taking the oxys for pain one in a bad car wreak the other for broke back and they both are at 80x2 twice daily plus the percocets for the breakthrough. one had to get a second dr. the first never would up the dose or give her more than 20x2 daily plus the perc. the new dr. said  he didnt see how she could stand the pain as long as she did up her to the 80's x2 plus 5/325 x4 daily carla said she can tolerate her self now some drs. just dont want to go the extra mile!  i think you should voice your pain to him if he doent help you find on who will! your paying the bill right?  hope everything gets better! good luck god bless    sincerly sherri

[GoingToMakeIt]

Welcome to the forum. This type of pain is so hard on everyone. The only suggestion I can make is make sure he sees a pain management Dr.