hydromophone(dilaudid)

[dave1990]

have been using hydromophone(dilaudid) 4mg for about 4 years for pain caused by severe chrons (with fistulas ), it worked well I was taking 4mg every 4-6 hrs, but now my chrons is under control but I continue using 4mg per day, i would like to stop but keep thinking its helping me in some way. I have tried to cut down to 2mg than nothing but as soon as i do that i feel like im having flare up so i go back to the 4mg per day, i have noticed mood swings when i try to stop taking it.
any suggestions on how to stop would be good, also i worry about the damage that the dilaudid has done to my body?
thank you

[Tuckamore]

If you are comfortable with the amount you are taking and your physician obviously agrees than I would continue to take it.

Chronic pain/chronic disease patients have nothing to apologize for when taking opiates as prescribed. None of us are very happy with the fact that we must rely on opiates to make it through a day, have some level of functioning and some degree of normalcy and pain control.    

So if you are concerned about the opiates you require because of others ppls opinions, please don't be. They haven't been in your shoes.

I assume you are being followed by a gastroenterologist as Crohn's Disease can be a very serious disease and difficult to control. Most PCP will not even attempt to treat Crohns. It requires a specialist and specific medications geared to treat the life long condition. I high fiber diet alone won't do much to treat the disease. Indeed during a flare there are several high fiber foods should be avoided. Each person effected with the condition may react differently.

After some soul searching please do what you beleive is best for you. If your condition is in remission and you sincerely want to stop the narcotic than impress this upon your treating physician. You should be the Captain of your Ship!

[dave1990]

thank you for your comments, my Dr dosent seem to think its a big deal he says 4mg is not much if its helping? i just dont know which way to go.

[Mollyrae]

Hello Dave:

I think that you should consider cutting back on the opiates and replace it with a High Fiber diet. This can help with the constipation issues a great deal. Making one regular can actually help heal ceritan organs in the body.

It's noted that becoming regular can rid the body of unwanted toxins that can create havoc in the intestines. Hooking up with a really good Gastroenterologist wouldn't be bad either.

My best,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hello Dave,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us on MedHelp and took the time to post. I am sorry to that you suffer with Crohn's Disease. My son has Ulcerative Colitis. Both similar conditions are often life changing.

It's interesting that you notice a flare of your disease when you decrease the Dilaudid. I'm wondering if the constipating factors of the opiate has an effect on your condition. The Dilaudid may also cause some relaxation of the peristalsis of your intestines. So the medication may be treating the condition as much as it is treating your pain, therefore you note a flare when you decrease it. Just a thought.

I had chronic diarrhea from the loss of over three feet of my small intestine until I began taking opiates for pain management. The literate supports the fact that they effect the function of your intestines.

I agree with Maky that you should discuss this with your physician. You may require other medications if you discontinue the Dilaudid. In my opinion the other symptoms you are noting is your body withdrawing from the opiate. This is normal for any one that decreases or discontinues an opiate.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates with interest. MedHelp also have Forums related to Crohn's Disease. You are always welcome here but you may also want to post your question on one of our sister communities. I wish you the best of luck.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[maky158]

It's best to tell your dr and he/she can help you! Doing it yourslef can be very tricky and painful! Even unsfae! At least your Dr can wean you off and monitor you!  Good Luck with it all!