Oxycodone versus morphine and surgery

[mellie4]

I had an appointment with my surgeon today, and I was right.  Both screws are migrating out of position and one of them is right underneath the skin.  This is what's been causing my increased pain all along.  The pain clinic has been able to get the RSD pain under fairly good control with some blocks, the Fentanyl and oxycodone for BT pain.  Unfortunately it's not doing anything for this pain.

I had taken morphine in he past but didn't care for it as it made me constantly hungry, but it did work well.  Now I'm wondering if I'd be better off taking that maybe at a higher doe until the surgery.  

I'm just not sure what's stronger for the BT medication.  I know Vicodin won't do it.  I tried Dilaudid after my last surgery but it didn't work at all.  Just wondering w[hat people think.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

[flower12345]

I'm sorry that the morphine isn't working for you. It's good that they're going to get you in so soon. I can't imagine the pain that you're having. Will they put you under general anesthesia during the surgery? How will the recovery process be? Will you notice a difference soon after it's done? Praying for you.

It's ashame that the food wasn't great, but hopefully the fruit will be better. In my experience with farmer's markets, it's always hit or miss with things like baked goods. Sometimes they're great though. Okay, I'm babbling!

Flower

[mellie4]

I saw the NP at the pain clinic today.  We decided to switch over to the morphine 15 to 30 mg. 3 times a day thinking a change in the BT med might help.  So far, nothing.  Except making me ravenous!!!  (And I'm telling you, I killed myself getting to a size 8; I refuse to gain weight over a med that's not even helping the pain.)  The Diluadid was like this, too, nothing.  I probably need a stronger dose of the oxycodone, but I don't think she's comfortable upping the dose.  I was already taking 20 mg. every 4 hours.

They're trying to get me in asap.  Maybe Thursday.  It's all about the approval from worker's comp.  I will be on the phone all day tomorrow with Utilization Review to get them to approve it and then have their doc look at it after the fact.  Their doc has never disagreed in the 7 or 8 surgeries I've already have.  What we don't want to happen is that screw to break through the skin.

Both screws are coming out and possibly some wire and mesh if the scar tissue is built up enough to hold everything together.  He said it will be only a matter of time before I reject that as well; that obviously my body is going to reject foreign objects.

Supposedly this surgery will be a big nothing compared to the others.

On another note:  I went to the local farmer's market and spent way too much money because the morphine makes me soooo hungry.  Two loaves of different bread that looked so yummy ... not good; very dry.  A batch of raspberry chocolate scones ... too wet for scones ... and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies ... passable.  I also got some nectarines and a small watermelon that are chilling and hopefully will be better than the rest.  (I do have some awesome peaches from my own trees and some great tomatoes.

Maybe that will be my next career since court reporting will be out of the question.  I know I can make better oatmeal cookies and bread.  I could make those kids of mine know what REAL work is ... planting, weeding, etc. :)

[Tuckamore]

Hi Millie,

It's terrible that you screws have dislodged. It must be so terribly painful. I am sorry that you have to suffer with this complication. I remember you telling us that you could "feel" the position of the screw. You've just proven once again that we know our bodies better then anyone else.

Have they set a surgical date? I certainly hope that this newer pain going to be short lived. Enough is enough!

I am not comfortable advising you on a specific narcotic medications for several reasons. One of them being the fact that we are all different. What works for one in a given situation may not work for another. You have no relief with hydrocodone yet I have better releif with it than oxycodone for short term, break through pain.

In the hospital Morphine had to be given in such high doses to be effective that it often caused hallucinations. Yet I know that for others chronic pain patients Morphine is much more effective at lower doses.

Discuss your current pain levels with your prescribing physician. between the two of you it should be decided what is the best choice for you. As you know it is often trial and error. Let's hope that a surgical correction will be scheduled soon...and that this new pain will soon be a thing of the past.

I am so glad that you keep us updated. It is appreciated.

Best Wishes,
~Tuck

[flower12345]

Hi. So sorry that you have all of this pain. Will they be able to fix the screws eventually? The only other breakthrough that I could think of is Opana, but I have absolutely no experience with it, and I have read that it is not that effective for some people while others think it works great.

I have taken morphine, and it was very effective for my pain, but I couldn't tolerate the side effects. They do make instant release morphine so maybe you could ask your doctor about that. On the other hand, I haven't ever read about anyone taking the Fetanyl Patch and short-acting morphine for breakthrough, so I'm not really sure. Sorry I can't help you more.

Hugs,

Flower