OxyContin for Chronic Back Pain

[france12]

I have been searching for some help.  I had a worker's comp injury in 1995, four subsequent back surguries and a fusion, have a current protruding disk; have had shoulder repair, broke my foot 4 months ago.  I have been on a  time-released OxyContin since the last surgery in 2004.  Working with my doctor, I reduced the use from 240 mg daily to a maximum of 120 daily.  He also prescribed Lidocaine pain patches to help manage the leg pain, which is particularly difficult if I sit or ride for a long period.  I generally used these 1-3 times a week.  This made my back/leg pain tolerable, but it never goes away.  Other meds were Lexapro for anxiety, which, according to my doctor added to tension and leg pain.  I have never had a "high" and do not understand or know what that is.  But, if I do not take the OxyContin, I am in such severe pain that I cannot stand upright.  Prior to the 4th surgery, my surgeon said I was undermedicating and should take more of the oxycodone.  I explained to him I was not looking for completely pain-free, but for functionality.  I have been afraid of addiction ever since seeing the black and white films shown to my high school class back in the 50's -- I just want to be functional.

Long story short, my doctor left to practice in another state and Worker's Comp assigned me to a pain management clinic for the past year and 8 months.  Several months into the pain clinic treatment, Comp began denying the Lidocaine and Lexapro.  The PA's disagreed with Comp's decision, but were not good advocates.  They began prescribing epilepsy drugs for the leg pain, but they caused funny things in my brain and even black-out periods.  I stopped taking them.  The PA's then recommended I consider fentynol patch.  I agreed to research and come back at next monthly meeting.  New PA then informs me that I am being put on Suboxone--no explanation, no warning, no reason of why switched gears.  Appointment did not go well.  So, the doctor who owns the practice (whom I had seen only once before) comes in and tells me it is a done deal.  Reason he gave is I have increased pain over the past 3 months (I broke my foot and was wearing a soft cast that put me off balance).  I asked him why the Suboxone pamphet I had just been handed said "not to be used for pain" and he said after taking Suboxone he did not believe I would have pain.  I asked him about addictiveness of Suboxone and he replied that after 18 months or so they would "detox" me.  Like I said, I am afraid of addition and he is scaring me to death.  

I appealed to Comp to NOT TAKE SUBOXONE, but can find very little information about it and why this doctor would want me to go this way.

Input appreciated.

[france12]

How do you handle the pain without oxy?  Before my surgeon got the meds adjusted I was basically bedridden and had no life socially, professionally, or family.  When the meds were adjusted, I would only have about once every 3 weeks a bout where I had to go to bed for several hours to relieve the pain, but the rest of the time I was active.  I am scared to return to that nonfunctional life and the depression that it will bring.

[france12]

In CA Worker's Comp controls everything you do for the work injury.  You can get nothing unless they approve it.  Also, you have to have them approve changing doctors.  But, anything outside of the back injury, they will not approve or pay for.  Neither will Medicare.  When I broke the foot, my family doctor wanted to give me more pain medications, but I refused them.  I also have refused them for dental surgery.   Like I said, I am in a state of shock at the sudden change in proposed treatment.

What do you use for pain if they just cut you off and Suboxone doesn't help pain?

[wildwoodone]

did you have a contract with the pain clinic?  If you saw any other doctor when you broke your foot or for any other reason that gave you any pain medicine, that could be the reason they are doing this.

[Holliee]

check ur inbox I sent you a message

[Wolverine819]

I have a very similar story as you,was on oxycontin and roxicodone for chronic back pain.Got addicted to them and went in to Detox where I was put on Suboxone.It stopped the cravings for the oxy.You have to be in withdrawal for it to work,I dont understand why they are putting you on it unless they want you off the oxy.I have been on it for 3 months and have had no problems but was told getting off it has bad withdrawal.You have to taper off,you cant just stop.Also it has done nothing for the pain.I was also wearing the lioderm patch and before I detoxed I had a fetanyl patch in addition to the oxys and roxis
If I was you I would ask for a full explanation before you start it.

[france12]

This has taken me completely by surprise.  At my own volition I have kept the meds as low as possible--but I do have significant pain.  I was totally blindsided by this doctor.  The only possibility I can think of is CA has passed ************** diversion and there is big money in having a practice for this.  But, that doesn't help me.  Also, I only went every 3 months with the surgeon, but the clinic required monthly and on Suboxone said possibly even daily.   I have tried to find information that would justify putting me on an absolutely addictive drug when I may have a tolerance for a different drug (OxyContin).  But, even that has not been shown since tolerance is indicated when you increase dosages.  I am afraid Comp will take away my so-called lifetime medical if they rule I have to do this, but doing it scares the heck out of me.

Thank you for confirming that Suboxone does not handle pain.  I know I have pain for real since I have had several tests that would not allow me to take the meds before the tests and I had to be taken out in a wheelchair because I could not stand after over 14 hours without meds.  Now I know to insist that I not be delayed for testing.  

I am looking for information on studies for using Suboxone for tolerance and not addiction but have not found any.  This doctor gave me no information as to how he determined this treatment and even refused to give me access to the reports he has apparently been writing to Comp about me.  Contacting an attorney to get the records.  For all I know he has said I am a heroin user or whatever.  I hope not.  And, if I were, I believe I would be big enough to admit I needed help.

[Holliee]

I did a lot of research on suboxone and it work all on your mind and nothing else. I'll post site as soon as I find it...

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Sub has been prescribed for pain as the European formulary Temgesic for years. That said, I am a chronic pain patient and it did nothing for me for pain.  

[Holliee]

wow I will tell you this suboxone is NOT AT ALL FOR PAIN. I know I tried suboxone and I have true pain and it did nothing for my pain and I also know others that have tried also and same nothing for pain. He should have told you why switch if you ask me something is up and he thinks you have some kind of problem he the only doctor you go to....Something is not being told make no sense at all. Pain clinics usually do not write suboxone it;s a maintaince drug to keep you off pain meds opiates oc because if your on suboxone and you take opiate you will go into full blown withdraw.....  I believe I would find me another doctor you will feel pretty bad switching like that