Long term narcotics for pain

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I've been suffering from a failed back surgery done 6 months ago for a herniated disk. I'm in more pain than before I had the surgery done. The thought of another surgery evokes terror in my mind right now. My physiatrist started me on fentanyl 25mg and switched me up from hydrocodone to oxycontin. My pain is finally under control and now I'm excercising, stretching, able to grocery shop alone, and even bend to scrubb my feet! The trade off is Im drowsy & constipated from the narcotics. I guess my question is...Can one continue to take opiates for a long period of time ? Are there many pain sufferers out there taking narcotics for years to effectively manage pain? I had to leave college after my back blew out 8 months ago and want to go back to school and finish my degree. I'm not sure when I can do this since 1 week ago after I started fentanyl and oxy i began to feel ok again.

tinaB

[opus88]

HI and welcome...I can't answer your question on long term use as I too just began oxycodone in March..it took me a few weeks to build up to full strength after that the side effects of drowsiness and brain fog began to wear off, now I feel pretty normal..and yes I  too am now able to do some small gardening tasks and many things I hadn't been able to for a few years...I only hope I do not have to keep upping the dosage in order to continue at this level of control(?)
I do want to answer your question on constipation....this has been a long term major problem with me, and I've had to use laxatives for a number of years(as well as following a diet with lots of water and fruits) !!! so when my pain specialist put me on oxy I was terrified of even worsening this condition...............he told me to take 2 tbsp of MILK OF MAGNESIA a.m. and p.m.
well this has worked wonderful for me, and I only need the p.m. dose and not even daily...it has been a life saver.
I realize this is STILL a laxative however its a pretty mild in contrast to some alternatives.
good luck

[Babs1469]

I'm sorry to hear about the failed surgery, All I can say is that for me personally, I have been on pain meds for years and have been able to lead a relatively normal life. It may take a while to find the right combination of drugs and the correct dosages to ease your pain but allow you to focus but it can and will happen. Just have a little faith and a lot of patience.

As for the constipation, i think most of us have a problem with that and I use mirolax in the Am with juice and on occasion a supository or even an enema when it gets really bad. Drink Lots and Lots of water!!! Something we just have to deal with I'm afraid. Best of luck to you and keep with this forum, it really helps.

XO
Babs

[Tuckamore]

Hi Diskproblem,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry to hear that your surgery was unsuccessful.

When managed correctly and taken as prescribed many ppl can take opiates for years. Babs is correct often constipation goes hand in hand with the opiate use. Most of us could not function without the use of daily pain medication and have little choice but to rely on opiates to live a half way normal life.

Take care,
Tuck