HELP for newly dx with MS

[ladygraycloud]

I recently was dx with MS and have chronic pain in back, neck,down both legs and in my head, which is where they dx my MS, I have a large mass in my brain tissue and only difference is my spinal fluid is clear. I have just started taking muscle relaxers which help with the jerking and tremors but still have pain doc gave me percocet 5s for my pain but didn't work until I took 2--now for my question he always ask what I want for pain but don't know enough about any of this to tell him-I have arthristis in my major joints and deteration of the spine also can anyone help me with this problem?
It would be appreciated.
ladygraycloud

[Tuckamore]

Hello Ladygraycloud,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp. I am glad you found us but sorry to hear about your pain and diagnosis.

Don't worry that you don't know a lot about pain medications. We are here to answer your questions any time you have one. Most of our members are fairly knowledgeable about pain medications though you should always consult with your PCP or a pharmacist.

Percocet is oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together. It comes in several strengths. Your label will tell you the strength. Starting dose is usually 5mg of oxy and 325mg of Tylenol.

Percocet is a good pain medication. It is mid level. If two relieve your pain discuss this with your PCP and he may prescribe you one tablet with 10mg. Be cautious with the Tylenol and do not exceed the recommended daily amount which I beleive is 4 grams. I will look that up later to be sure of the amount.

So if Percocet is helping your pain I beleive you can stick with that for awhile. They also make oxycodone without the Tylenol in it. Would you like a list of some other meds that are comparable? As stated earlier Oxycodone is a good pain relieving narcotic and if it works I see no reason to change.

Good luck to you. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Take care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello Ladygraycloud and welcome to the Pain Forum:

Tuck has offered you some great information about the different strenghs of Oxycodone (Percocet).

There are many other pain medications on the market that might work better for you, one of which is in the Oxycodone family. It is called Oxycontin. It is in reality, Oxycodone in an extended relief formula. The medication starts at a 10mg dose and continues to 100mg. In the beginning of my pain onset, I found that this drug worked well. It gave me the added relief I needed. The Oxycontin is effective for 12hrs. instead of the classic 4hr. formula.

Another pain medication you might want to consider because you have chronic pain is one called Fentanyl. This drug is intended for persons that are opiate tolorant like yourself. This medication comes in 12.5 mcg to 100mcg. It is in Patch form and lasts 72hrs. so it has around the clock pain control. The patch is generally worn on the arm or chest. This medication is considered a "Big Dog" pain reliever because of its potency.

To sum this post up, I would discuss different pain options with your Doctor. He has asked you in the past what might work best for you and tell him that you have been doing some research on pain meds and and found this site. Giver him the information you have learned here. I'm sure that with the disorder you suffer with, it won't be a problem to increase your pain meds. Please take care and good luck with everything.
Happy Holidays,
Mollyrae