I take 3 lortab 10's a day and it doesn't help

[melissaky]

I have been seeing a PM dr since Jan.She has prescribed 3 a day lortab 10's for 2 mos. and 3 a day percocet 7.5's for the 3rd mo.I can't take the perc's they make me so ill so she has just kept me on the loratabs.Her policy is no more than 3 doses a day of whatever she prescribes.My problem is 3 is not enough to control my pain .I inevitably end up taking up to 5 or 6 and then at the end of the month I am running out .I have been diagnosed w/ severe stenosis in my neck ,bone spurs and bulging discs.My neurosurgeon does'nt want to do surgery yet (really don't know why) but ,I am wondering should I ask for something stronger ,should I tell my PM the truth that I need more than she is prescribing (I am scared to do this) or what? I have read a lot of posts on here and you guys are so great .I would really appreciate some feedback from fellow pain sufferers Thanks!

[designgyrl]

Melissaky,

I agree with everyone that has posted.  First welcome and we're glad that you found us.  Definitely talk to your pain doctor and explain that the meds aren't holding your pain.  It can be a hard conversation to have, but you will never know what the doctor will say unless you tell her.  Sorry to hear about your neck, I also have disc issues, so I know exactly what you are feeling and I know the ER can be cruel.  Please let us know what happens and keep posting!

[melissaky]

Thanks so much Sara! My Pm doc seems to be really nice .I really should tell her what's  going on w/ me .After all, she can't help me if I don't let her know. I have just had some horrible experiences w/ ER 's and my primary care physician.He was a total a$$ to and I will never forget how little compassion he showed me.I also was hospitalized in Jan and Feb for severe stomach pain, vomiting ,diarhea and dehydration.They thought I had Crohn's. I had a endoscopy and colonoscopy and it showed no signs of it.My surgeon thinks it's irritable bowel syndrome but doesn't really know.This has made my pain levels much worse but my PM says she is only treating me for my neck pain. So, it has been one thing after another.My family has been great but really don't understand my pain and what I am going through.That's why I am so grateful to have found this site.I'm sorry to babble on and on but this has been pent up inside of me..Thank you for your advice and listening .Melissa

[Sarajmt]

OOPS.  I forgot.  One more thing.  Ask your pain doc for Lidoderm patches.  They numb the skin and are great for the neck.  My neck is pinching pain right now.  I just put a Lidoderm on.  It already feels better.  They may do you some good.  At least used as directed, they won't hurt you.

Sara

[Sarajmt]

Well she is trying to ease your pain.  But you just need to let her know it's not enough.  I know exactly how you feel.  Sometimes you fell as if asking for more opiates to ease your pain, you fear what they're hearing is "give me more drugs.  I'm a druggie and want to get high".  Not what you are saying at all but the fear is there that that's what they're thinking.  At least that's how I feel.  And frankly, that how most ER's treat you.

Ask her what she recommends. Tell her you're still in too much pain.  Maybe ask for something for breakthrough pain.  If she won't do that at least you tried.  And if this drags on, you might want to consider a 2nd opinion from another pain doctor.  But give your present doctor a chance first.

Good Luck,
Sara

[melissaky]

I have had epidural  shots 3 times. I fainted the last time and they did'nt help my pain.She doesn't do pill counts and has never tested me yet.She was concerned that I couldn't take the percs but said we will deal with that when I see her in July.Before I had my MRI and had this diagnosed I made several trips to the ER and they treated me like I was drug seeking.It made me feel so bad that I have a fear of telling her that these are not working at this dosage.I feel at the end of my rope.This has changed my whole life .I lost my job  because of my health issues and I have isolated myself so much that I rarely go out of the house.I used to be such a vital person and this has dragged me down .It's unbearable.I was so happy when my neurosurgeon referred me to pain mgmt.I thought it would be the answer to all my prayers and it has helped a lot .I also take flexeril and neurontin w/ my pain meds but I am still suffering.I thank God I found this site .Thank you so much for your kind welcome. I can't tell you what it means to have someone to talk to that understands. I will try to muster up the courage to talk w/ my PM about this .

[Sarajmt]

Hi Melissa:  I'm awfully sorry that you're in such pain.  I do understand your problem  I have the same problems with my neck, bone spurs and all.   When I had my fusion, that was the only solution for bone spurs.  Maybe there is a new therapy.  I don't know.  What procedures have you had done? Injections or blocks of any kind?

Needing more medication is completely understandable.  It is rather unnerving to ask for more.  If she won't give you more than 3 pills a day, would she up the dosage?  Or change you to a longer acting medication?  It shouldn't hurt asking her.  Tell her that 3 leaves you in too much pain.  Don't mention that sometimes you go over your limit.  She won't like that.  Does your doctor do pill counts or drug testing.  If so, taking more than prescribed could be a problem for you. But I understand why you do it.

Hopefully, someone will be around to give you better answers than I have,  I'm glad you found us and welcome.

Sara