MS Contin to Kadian?

I have been on MS Contin 60 mg's 3x day. I feel it is not working as well as it used to, as i have been on opiates for chronic failed back syndrome for the past 20 years. Been through the hell of oxycontin, the laughable results of ultram, and methadone madness. I would like to switch to kadian, my mother-in-law being an R.N. and a chronic pain sufferer, suggested asking for a switch from the ms contin to kadian, to see if there is any difference. Is this a just request? My pain can be very severe at times, i just want to stop hurting. peace

[railroaded]

It is probably too early for me to give any help, but I too have failed back syndrome, and have had 2  back surgeries, and it has been about 18 or 19 years since the pain started, the surgeries were in 1995 and 1996, but I was unable to walk before either surgery. After the second one, for a really bad herniated disk, my second, the pain waas ALWAYS there. Just very recently, and I mean REALLY recently, an insurance Doctor had to take over because they didn't want to pay for the costs. Well, I went through the gamut, and I mean EVERYTHING except Methadone, which I adamantly refused, and they couldn't MAKE me, oh boy they tried though! What I wanted to ask is what KIND of pain are you suffering from, muscle pain, nerve pain? I finally tried something for the nerve pain, Neurontin, and it has actually been helping my sciatic pain, for the first time EVER...since 1995! But I have just started, but the very first day, it was noticable! Nevr have I had a minutes relief before! And I was so desperate, I finally took what the doctor wanted me to try. I have only had some relief with oxycontin in the past, but it was noticably less effective when they obviously changed the formulation. I just wanted to also say I feel for you, and it is SO hard to get through the day....that is why I wanted to mention ssomething that actually seems to work on nerve pain! I hope you feel better, and find the right combo, it is ALL such a drag! Just to feel somewhat normal!I tried the MS contin but it didn't work on me and gave me stomach problems, and I was taking ibuprofen, which helped, at the maximum, OTC levels, but I developed ischemic Colitis and 3 feet of my colon was almost gangrene, and I can't take NSAIDS anymore. They did help, but the pain of the colitis, (not to mention the docs saying NO ever again.) Well, I took the gabapentin an hour ago, and I am praying again for some relief!

[Weathergirl21]

Hi there...

Sorry to hear of your pain issues..

Just so you know...Kadian is the exact same medication/opiate as MSContin...They are both time released Morphine.

The MSContin last from 8-12 hours and the Kadian is dosed at every 24 hours.

How long have you been on the dosage of MSContin of 180mg per day?

I don't see you mention any type of "breakthrough" medication. Most people in chronic pain management are also given a short acting medication to take on those really bad days for what is called "breakthrough" pain.

My PM happens to believe that it is more effective to be on a different opiate for your long acting than your short acting.

I am on MSContin as well...but have OxyIR for my BT medication to take as needed.

Also...I don't see you mention any type of nerve pain medication like Lyrica, Neurontin, or Cymbalta.

Or a muscle relaxer like Flexeril, Robaxin, Skelaxin, Baclofen, or Zanaflex.

These two types of pain...nerve pain and muscle spasms...are best helped by the actual medication I above listed. An opiate does not do much for that type of pain so most of us with FBS are on these as well.

This way you do not keep having to tirate up your opiate medication and keep the tolerance at a low level. I haven't had to change my opiate dosing in over 3 years.

Also, there is so much more to chronic pain management than just medications...

There is daily exercise, yoga/stretching, physical therapy (easy to learn and do at home), massage, acupuncture, TENS unit (found used online), ice, heat, biofeedback, counseling, injections, steroids, nerve ablation, etc.

Many people with CP actually suffer with depression and need to be treated by a Dr. This is nothing to be ashamed of...Learning healthy coping techniques along with how to live with a "new" normal. Some people even need medication for awhile to help them through.

But our emotional health is just as important to take care of during all of this.

As well as making sure you don't smoke (I would hope not with FBS)...eat well and maintain a healthy weight and drink plenty of water each day.

Chronic pain mgmt. is about using every possible modality we can to help get our pain level to a 5 or so with everything. If someone expects their opiate to do all the work...it will just end up not working.

So...I would speak to your Dr. and if you aren't seeing a good PM that provides you with a comprehensive plan to help manage your pain...I would be seeking treatment elsewhere..

Good luck..

[MOmom02]

I total agree with Weathergirl21-You should have a doctor writing you some type of breakthrough meds.  I am taking oxycodone for the breakthrough pain but I also take methadone for my long term- I guess that did not work for you?

If anyone knows of a pain doctor in MO. plz. help me.  I moved from the state of GA and had great doctors but in MIssouri I can not find a pain doctor that does not just want to put long needles in my back.  I have had everything done to me in the last 15 years after I was hit by a car walking into work.  I have also had 4 major stomach surgeries from my celiac and have pain in both my back and stomach but my back is the worst. Plz. let me know if you can help?? thank you.  Good luck to everyone who suffers.  MOmom02