Age 45. Have degenerative osteo-arthritis stemming from multiple injuries sustained in 1981, including three separate breaks to the backbone. Also have advanced osteoporosis.
I experience pretty much constant pain for past three years now. For two years I have been on Hydrocone, which has become less and less effective. I am currently taking 10mg yellow tabs, can't really make 180 tabs last three weeks. I literally can't get out of the house in the morning without at least 5 or 6 tabs, that would be the minimum just to feel "normal", i.e. able to move and have some semblence of a will to live. I can survive the rest of the day without additional medication if I have to, but become so cross, moody, and uncomfortable that it's not something I'd do unless I had no choice.
My doctor talks about sometime in the future it may become necessary to switch to stronger pain meds. From the research I have done, I think we should do this now, I don't like the idea of ingesting all of the Tylenol in these Hydrocones (Tylenol has always been basically useless for me, Tylenol would only ease my pain if I happened to choke to death on it). It is hard for me to discuss with DR because I am afraid I will be viewed as exhibiting "drug seeking behavior" and have my pain meds taken away, as it is I'm constantly having to request early refills and getting lectures about it.
I have tried a couple of times to just stop taking the Hydrocone, I used to live without it after all. I rapidly become very sick; nauseated, hot/cold, weak, rapid breathing, unbelievable fatigue and apathy toward life at all. Sorry, it's more than life is worth to feel like THAT. If I thought that's all there was I wouldn't have it. I have been strongly tempted to secure additional Hydrocone via internet pharmacies but am certain my DR would find out about it and boom, no more pain meds. I feel trapped. They made this drug like this on purpose, didn't they? Damn big pharm!
How far down Hydrocone Road do I have to travel before it's too far and I can get some better pain relief? I do have a home and a family to support, and it's ridiculous to tell someone with all of our medical technology I have no choice but to be in dire pain and depressed all the time.
Any suggestions?