Pain/ Medication(s) for Back & Neck

[1freedomfighter]

My question(s) are primarily about pain treatment for my neck and back. I will start with what happened, what I was given, what I'm on, and where I'm currently at. After sustaining Bi-Lateral wrist fractures i.e. (Left & Right Triquetrium, & Left and Right Styloid) in addition to a CV3 fracture, I was hospitalized for almost a year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I was to recover. To say the least they were fairly diligent about treating my pain and addressing it via long term Pain Management. However, after treatment was complete, I sustained two disc herniations in my L3-L4. I was put on somthing called Tramadol (Ultram) 100mg bid for 2 weeks. In short, it was absolutely ineffective in treating the slightest amount of pain, so I was put on somthing called Hydrocodone 10mg tid as needed, while it barely helped, my stomach could not handle the Acetaminophen/ Tylenol in the medication. Finally I was put on somthing called Oxycodone 15mg tid as needed, well, it helped, a lot. I was on this medication for almost 6 months prior to my discharge.

NOW, I am at the VA (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) and taking somthing called Methadone 5mg tid as needed for my back, wrist, and neck pain. It dose nothing for my pain, and is completely ineffective. I have tried simply asking for what I used to take, but for SOME REASON, it seems to be an up hill battle. Now, I'm not an idot, I know the nature of this particular medication and the bad rap that comes along with it, however, when asked what worked and alliviated my pain, I would have to respond with Oxycodone 15mg tid. Simply put, it worked. I have been told I should go to PT, or OT, but last time I went to either clinic, it put me in more pain than I initially had to begin with, thus being utterly counter productive to the whole idea of managing my pain. In addition, it further injured me to the point of confining me to a bed for up to 2 days at a time.

I weigh 250lbs, and have tried asking for somthing with little to no Acetaminophen, as my stomach is sensitive due to all the Ibuprofen I've had. But I keep getting this response "Oxycodone can be habbit forming", I know this, but the bottom line is, it worked, that was truely the one medication that actually helped me and improved my quality of life. Again I'm told that the object is to avoid euphoria. To put this simply, my Primary Care Provider is trying to avoid me feeling good in conjuction with alliviating my pain??... Is this correct. Is this really the case? That they are trying to avoid making me feel good in conjuction with treating my pain?

In short, I dont know how to approach this, nor do I understand the logic in it. I have taken this medication before, it worked, so what should I do. Thank you for your time, and consideration. I apologize for this being so long.

Thank You!

LT Murphy
US Army    

[richmill1]

the amount of drugs prescribed is minimal for someone your size..hydrocodone and methadone are also addictive..if oxycodone works that is what you need, you might try a pain management md..when you are in pain there is very little euphoria..good luck

[kayakka]

How sad they treat you like a child. You have found what works for you, and they prescribe anything but. Nobody I know of hurts themselves deliberately so they can be prescribed opioids, and unfortunately politics rears its ugly head even in the pain management arena. Now I,ve got that off my chest, I have to agree with selma about acupunture, and why not try every non-************** around, it can't hurt(no pun intended)

[selmaS]

First, let me say THANKS for being a part of the US military!!!!  : )
Second, don't apologize for venting, that is exactly what this forum is for!!
now third.....ur meds, all I can say is from reading others on meds and trying to get them even after brain surgery, it's all the same stuff.....they get looked at like they r some kind of dope feinds.....it hurts for the medical pros to not look beyond what the rep is of the drug and use like medication!!!
Most on the chiari forum can related to ur issue.I myself, can not take oxycodone...I get all itchy.....not good, and it did not give ne relief. So when it gets realbad I take advil or alieve......it takes the edge off, but for me nothing has gotten rid of the pain no matter how strong the drugs r.
Have u tried acupuncture?....I know a few who r using this method of pain relief and it appears to work for them.

Sorry I was not able to offer much more than this.....

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"