In October, it will have been 11 years since I was diagnosed HIV positive (I'm now 37). My viral load is undetectable and I have over 730 t-cells, so regarding my HIV, I'm pretty healthy and fortunate. The only issue I deal with (and have for the past seven years) is peripheral neuropathy in my lower legs.
Recently, my Pain Management doctor doubled my medication to 30mg Roxicodone, six per day which has greatly reduced my pain however I still experience times of break through pain, normally a few hours a day prior to my next dosage. Being that Roxicodone is an instant release drug (I did not find MS Contin or Oxycontin effective - plus had nausea and tolerance issues), I do not know how to approach my doctor and ask for something for breakthrough pain.
And, if I approach her - what should I ask? What specifically would you prescribe in this situation? Over the years I have taken everything from Neurotin, Lyrica, Vicodin, Percocet, Lortab plus the drugs mentioned above. I have concern about APAP due to HEP C (also related to HIV) so I just don't know what I can be given for break through.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Darin in Ohio