OMG!

[TM001]

I am new here and I am a little unsure of what to expect. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease a little over a year ago and my doctor has been prescribing me Hydrocodone 7.5 mgs for a years now. unfortunately, in February of 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through chemotherapy and have had several surgeries in the past year. The pain in my back has gotten unbearable. No amount of Yoga, stretching, or exercising helps. Standing hurts, sitting hurts, laying down hurts. I am not sure if it is a reaction to the chemotherapy meds I had to go through but I am at my wits end. I finally called a pain management specialist and have an appointment next Tuesday. Should I expect more of the same - stretching, exercises, and lectures about how to "manage my pain naturally" or do you think they will give me something that works a little longer or better than my current hydrocodone?

[Simple77]

I was able to wean myself off of Gabapentin by using curcumin supplements and turmeric paste.  If you need instant relief, hot baths (very hot) and coffee enemas, and a heating pad have worked great for me.  

http://cancerdetox.me/2015/04/22/diy-natural-pain-reliever-turmeric-paste/
http://cancerdetox.me/how-cancer-patients-can-manage-pain/

[remar]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can't even imagine the fear and the pain that comes with breast cancer. Is everything alright now?
Are you saying you've taken the same medication at the same dose for a year, or years? Sorry, you said a years now, so I'm not sure. How many do you take per day? 7.5 is kind of a low dose if you've been on it for a year and say you're taking 3 to 5 per day. Usually at around the year mark our bodies can get used to the medication we're on and we need to changed to something different. Sometimes a person can stay on the same medication at the same dose for much longer. We're all so different.
I wish I could tell you just how it's going to be but I'm not suret. All pain Drs and pain clinics are different. I do recommend you tell them everything. They will need to know this anyway. Your back pain on top of the surgeries for the breast cancer. They also need to know your pain levels and that your current medication just isn't working that well any more to keep your pain under some kind of control. You can talk to them about either increasing your current medication or trying you on something new. Yes, there are other medications that can last longer and do a better job at controlling your pain.
Remember that you're the patient, you're the one paying the Dr. and they are the ones working for you. If you do not like what they recommend you have every right to find another pain specialist. It's so important to have a good relationship with your Dr.
I hope everything works out well for you Tuesday. We're always here to listen, be supportive and help in anyway we can.

[ChristNonsense]

It is TOTALLY dependent on your new Pain doctor. There is an entire gamut -- the ones that do NOT prescribe opiates, and push hard all that injection crap, others that ONLY prescribe opiates, and want you to "keep coming back for more," and everything in-between.

All I can say is remember...*REMEMBER*.... it's YOUR body, your decision, no matter what/how they make you feel or think, you have the final say!

...regarding your hydrocodone question, again, it all depends on the doc. Some have 'favorite' meds they prescribe, others are open to anything. I would say "play it by ear," and don't assume that you will need anything stronger.

See what your new doc has to offer.

And, don't forget: interview THEM.... don't just take whatever lands on your plate.

Good luck!

[philnoir]

Sorry that you have been having such a hard time.

I don't know what the PM doc will do. Is this a board certified pain doctor? If so, he'll have something like DABPM after his MD. If not, who knows what you've got there. Many can hang a shingle offering pain management but what they do most is prescribe meds -- sometimes they are not the most appropriate or effective medications.

Your best bet is to begin writing a clear and concise medical history, including dates, diagnoses, treatments, including medications.

Also, start to keep a pain diary. In this you track your pain through out the day, noting times of dosing, activity changes, and its effect on your pain levels.

I too cannot sit, stand, or lie in a one position for more than a couple-three hours. This wreaks havoc with my sleep cylce, but I'm used to getting up in the middle of the night and sleeping in my chair, until the pain waks me up, and then I go back to bed. Sometimes I'm in and out 3 times a night.

Living with pain is an art that you learn over time, and if you're smart, you build a relationship with a pain psychologist, and a pain doctor. Sometimes pain doctors come and go, but you a pain psychologist can be there for you through your whole pain career. (Pick one who's about your age, or younger if possible). I've known my pain psychologist for 20 years now. They can help you with find treatments and doctors, keep abreast of new treatments, and give you a shoulder to cry on occasionally.

Pain is best treated with multiple therapies. Perhaps you've found a good pain center where they understand current pain practice? Let's hope so. Let us know how you do next week.