Issues with Pain Medication

[hollyrosemom]

Does anyone have issues taking pain medication?  My daughter seems to get worsening symptoms if she takes anything stronger then Advil.  Dr. gave her some Tylenol w/ codeine to try and help her pain but she says she starts getting bad pains in her back, chest, jaw, when she takes this.  This also happened when she was given medication for migraines.

I know mostly everyone has neck pain, but Holly is complaining that it hurts to even touch her neck, do others have this issue.

Thanks again for the info and help!  

[kris278]

I hope Holly's appointment goes well :) I'm so glad that you're getting her the help that she needs now...so that hopefully the rest of her life will just get better from here!

[hollyrosemom]

Thank you for the information, Holly is 13 and we are really just beginning this journey.  She is in constant neck and back pain making it nearly impossible to go to school and try and sit there for 6hrs.  I'm hoping our neurosurgeon on the 9th will put us on the road to a happier Holly.  Her life changed almost overnight she went from an active happy dancer and honor role student, to no longer being able to dance or attend school.  I am just so sad for her and looking for any and all help and options.  Thanks again for responding.

[kris278]

I'm so sorry your daughter is having such problems. Chronic intractable pain has been one of the most debilitating symptoms I have. I don't know how old your daughter is, but my symptoms began to emerge when I was in college. I was unknowingly exacerbating the pain by wearing halter tops, racer back sports bras, bikinis that around the neck, etc. Before I made that connection (and on other "bad days" too), I missed lecture after lecture because I couldn't even move my head...let alone sit somewhere looking relatively out together when there's such invisible pain. And don't get me started on manual transmission cars, stop/go traffic, and bright lights. All spell out pure agony, in my eyes.

Let me start off by saying that I'm sensitive to a lot of medications and some did make things worse, like you mentioned your daughter is experiencing. Topamax and imitrex caused me worse headaches. I did Botox injections in the skull -- horrific experience and left me with intractable head pain like I get following spinal taps. Topical lidoderm patches make *some* impact and don't experience the same sympyoms as they're not ingested. The relief, though, isn't as deep. I have severe reactions to percocet/oxycodone and some help from tramadol, but not significant. For the last several years, I've had Vicodin 5mg PRN (usually 2/day, making sure I took one before starting the day and experiencing any pain) and that's been great at targeting acute pain. My pain management physician also maxed me out on NSAIDS, which in turn, put me in pre-renal failure, so a new plan had to be hatched...and fast! Recently, I began Hysingla, which if you don't know is extended release hydrocodone (like vicodin) but without the acetaminophen (to keep those kidneys protected!). It's been a really great experience so far. Minimal side effects aside from opioid-induced constipation. I've also found that if I take the pill at night, thinking it will peak and be perfect when I awake the next morning, that it doesn't work that way -- I end up with headaches (not Chiari headaches, but persistent, dull, and aching nonetheless.) On days I'm super active, I have breakthrough pain and it can be filled with the IR Vicodin 5mg. While I HATE the fact that I have to take pain pills to make it through the day, I LOVE that I'm a person again! The ER has entirely changed my life. Again, I don't know how old your daughter is and if all other avenues have been pursued, but I just thought I'd put that out there. I've also taken a host of other cocktails (flexeril, lyrica, gralise, savella, low-dose naltrexone), but in terms of tackling the pain at its source, the biggest winner for me has been my current setup.

Also, warm and cold compresses along with ThermaCare Hest Wraps (I use these ALL the time under clothing and they really help neck and shoulders).

Hope she's doing well :)

[selmaS]

  No worries....try to relax as you need to keep healthy for yourself as well as her.....know you are doing what you need to by educating yourself.....

Let her know she is not alone, which will help her too....hang in there <3

[selmaS]

  My neck bothered me so much, that I could not wear a necklace or a turtleneck shirt.....I felt I was being choked....

Meds not working as they are intended could be an EDS issue with her....was it ruled out?

[hollyrosemom]

She hasnt been looked at for EDS yet, but from what I read about it Im pretty sure she has the hypermobility type.  We are meeting with our first neurosurgeon on the 9th.  Thanks for responding to my questions i really appreciate it Im so scared and worried for her and it really helps to talk to others so i can try and understand and help her.