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CAN PAIN INCREASE ON OXYCONTIN?
Hi everyone...I may have posted a similar question to this forum before...
I am really confused abt the CP and opiates.
I've had chronic pain for abt 4 yrs...put on disability 2.5 yrs ago when I was finally dx'd with DDD. I was give percocet 5/325 this I used only one everyday and it was just enough to allow me some comfort.
My pain has never been as severe as some of you here post but it has been enough to keep me from alot of daily activities like gardening, Housework even sitting at a computer desk or stairs hurt me...I spent most of everyday laying on a heating pad.
In March I was referred to a PAIN SPECIALIST and was put on 20mg of oxycontin, also given a shot of cortisone for hip bursitis....I've lost count of the months and timing, but I think this moderately helped with pain control??
Now its been 5 months and I've also had to add the percocet again and flexeril again this only moderately helps.Overall the pain is worse than it was b4 I began the oxy...why?
I know I require an increase in oxy and I realise 20mg is a very low dose
My real question here if anyone can answer is WHY is the pain WORSE than it was originally?
Has anyone else had similar response?
I am really confused abt the CP and opiates.
I've had chronic pain for abt 4 yrs...put on disability 2.5 yrs ago when I was finally dx'd with DDD. I was give percocet 5/325 this I used only one everyday and it was just enough to allow me some comfort.
My pain has never been as severe as some of you here post but it has been enough to keep me from alot of daily activities like gardening, Housework even sitting at a computer desk or stairs hurt me...I spent most of everyday laying on a heating pad.
In March I was referred to a PAIN SPECIALIST and was put on 20mg of oxycontin, also given a shot of cortisone for hip bursitis....I've lost count of the months and timing, but I think this moderately helped with pain control??
Now its been 5 months and I've also had to add the percocet again and flexeril again this only moderately helps.Overall the pain is worse than it was b4 I began the oxy...why?
I know I require an increase in oxy and I realise 20mg is a very low dose
My real question here if anyone can answer is WHY is the pain WORSE than it was originally?
Has anyone else had similar response?
Hi ans welcome.
I think you would get better response if you posted your own question instead of tacking it on to Opus's thread. That way everyone will see the heading and a new question or concern.
I encourage you to do so.
Peace,
Tuck
I think you would get better response if you posted your own question instead of tacking it on to Opus's thread. That way everyone will see the heading and a new question or concern.
I encourage you to do so.
Peace,
Tuck
read you're post aft I posted, have all these symptoms been going on for 9 YEARS??
I felt like this while i was building up my oxy...lasted abt 6 weeks and not pleasant, but then stopped...9 yrs is a long time, i sympathize and hope u can get to the cause.
I felt like this while i was building up my oxy...lasted abt 6 weeks and not pleasant, but then stopped...9 yrs is a long time, i sympathize and hope u can get to the cause.
I will also ask my PMP abt the 3x a day....but if its bursitis thats the major culprit I don't think the oxy's are going to relieve that pain since its inflamatory, yes I agree my PMP also wants me OFF the celebrex....but I wouldn't be tolerating the pain w/o so therefore we do what we need to do eh.
these threads are to be expanded and I do so myself, don't ever apologize pls. You're probms are every bit as important as mine...and I do it often to when on a topic that applies.
Are you going ahead with this law suit Red? I would, why should we put up with incompetence.. its us that suffer the concequences....and have you gotten other opinions b4 another surgery? this new surgeon sounds like he knows what he's talking abt. but I understand you're reluctance to trust anymore, you've been thru alot.
what other injections are available Tuck? I've read abt a bursectomy and wonder if this isn't the route I should consider, anyone out there thats had this done?
these threads are to be expanded and I do so myself, don't ever apologize pls. You're probms are every bit as important as mine...and I do it often to when on a topic that applies.
Are you going ahead with this law suit Red? I would, why should we put up with incompetence.. its us that suffer the concequences....and have you gotten other opinions b4 another surgery? this new surgeon sounds like he knows what he's talking abt. but I understand you're reluctance to trust anymore, you've been thru alot.
what other injections are available Tuck? I've read abt a bursectomy and wonder if this isn't the route I should consider, anyone out there thats had this done?
i have taken oxycontin 9 years....yeah, i never knew i would be like this, i feel so sick, weak. my arms and hands hurt and i pour sweat after a few minutes of moving around. i went to doctors, primary blames pain medicine, pain doctor wasn't too sure of that. I don't know what to do, i am working but barely hanging on. if i knew for sure it was pain med, i would take the plunge detox, most likely lose my job, but with Gods help, get my life back. Please does anyone have any input?
I did not know you were already taking 10mg twice a day. I assumed you were taking 20mg once a day. You know what they say never A S S U M E. LOL! You may just need an increase as you probably have built up a tolerance. Taking 10mg of Oxycontin three times a day has worked out very well for me as I stated earlier. Maybe it can also be an option for you.
The answer to your question about future surgery for me is not a good one. I went to see my new surgeon yesterday and he took an x-ray in his office and found that my previous shoulder surgeries were done wrong. He told me the other surgeon inserted (3) anchors into the bone and that is why I am having the problems I am experiencing. He told me that those anchors MUST come out. I told him I would come back next month to schedule surgery for October and he told me that I should also get other opinions from different (shoulder surgeons) as well, so that I would know that he is telling the truth. I don't know who to believe anymore, however I have gotten other opinions prior and this surgeon seems to be telling the truth. The other surgeons said that I was not treated properly but would not be specific to what was done wrong. I guess they didn't want to end up in a situation where they may have to testify against another doctor. This new surgeon has no problem with that. He said "If it was done wrong then it is what it is. Surgeons are trained in this procedure so that this will not happen to you. You don't take shortcuts like this!" I said he would do what was necessary and asked if I have an attorney. I told him that I did and I would run it by him. Sooooo......The saga continues.
That's enough about me. I just jacked the thread with my problems and we were talking about yours. LOL
BTW: I know that Celebrex works well but there are some serious concerns with it. I am mentioning it because I was prescribed it for my back problems and when my PCP found out he discontinued it immediately. I just wanted you to be aware of that.
Talk to ya soon.
The answer to your question about future surgery for me is not a good one. I went to see my new surgeon yesterday and he took an x-ray in his office and found that my previous shoulder surgeries were done wrong. He told me the other surgeon inserted (3) anchors into the bone and that is why I am having the problems I am experiencing. He told me that those anchors MUST come out. I told him I would come back next month to schedule surgery for October and he told me that I should also get other opinions from different (shoulder surgeons) as well, so that I would know that he is telling the truth. I don't know who to believe anymore, however I have gotten other opinions prior and this surgeon seems to be telling the truth. The other surgeons said that I was not treated properly but would not be specific to what was done wrong. I guess they didn't want to end up in a situation where they may have to testify against another doctor. This new surgeon has no problem with that. He said "If it was done wrong then it is what it is. Surgeons are trained in this procedure so that this will not happen to you. You don't take shortcuts like this!" I said he would do what was necessary and asked if I have an attorney. I told him that I did and I would run it by him. Sooooo......The saga continues.
That's enough about me. I just jacked the thread with my problems and we were talking about yours. LOL
BTW: I know that Celebrex works well but there are some serious concerns with it. I am mentioning it because I was prescribed it for my back problems and when my PCP found out he discontinued it immediately. I just wanted you to be aware of that.
Talk to ya soon.
It sounds like you have a plan and I am happy to hear that. Bursitis can certainly be painful. The hip contains the largest bursae in the body. The entire outer aspect of my thigh becomes very painful when my bursitis flares. Walking is even more difficult.
There are other treatments available for bursitis besides steroidal injections. If they determine that is the cause of your pain I would certainly look into those options if the injections are not successful.
Please keep us updated. It's obvious we all are concerned for you.
Good luck!!
There are other treatments available for bursitis besides steroidal injections. If they determine that is the cause of your pain I would certainly look into those options if the injections are not successful.
Please keep us updated. It's obvious we all are concerned for you.
Good luck!!
also to Red and Mollyrae...I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to read my problems and give me all you're good opinions, I have read all over many times and want to try to touch on each.
Mollyrae
I've spent all day reading thru all the links for hyperalgesia
This maybe the connection I was seeking(?)
Its the increasing pain(in short time frame) since beginning oxycontin that I just can't come to terms with.
Its interesting it was said by one study that the pain increase a patient suffers would be INFLAMATORY in nature.
Tuck
In no way am I ever offended by anyones opinion..in fact I am very grateful.
I nor anyone should feel guilty for needing pain meds in order to function, ur correct that doesn't make us any weaker than someone who needs insulin to live.
Thats not why I'm questioning the opiates....I'm just having the hard time with the pain increase since beginning these meds.
It could be a deterioration of my conditions for sure, I question why in such a short time frame when this condition has been with me already for years, it has deteriorated over the years yes but not so rapidly........
In march I originally saw 2 doctors at a health clinic first doc is a PMP. I was told the pain in my legs is neuropathic and related to DDD. and prescribed oxycontin 10mg x 2 per day also percocet for breakthrough. I also have used neurontin for a few years..he increased the dose to 1800mgs.
Same day, same clinic I later saw a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist)...he did a BONE SCAN (MRI was also done before) and told me I do have DDD but also bursitis in both hips and in his opinion the pain was radiating to my legs and thats what was causing the hip and leg pain...so he recommended the cortisone injections, did have first set in March with only temp. relief.
So 2 doctors 2 opinions.
I do take celebrex 200 mg this is a NSAID...my PMP wants this discontinued!!! however I wouldn't be walking right now if I didn't use.
Red
Yes like I just told Tuck, I do take a NSAID 200mg and this gives some relief.
And I have always been on an even distribution of the oxycontin 10 mgs every 12 hrs. with percocet for breakthrough, which I need midday.
Without the NSAID I wouldn't be walking without support, along with the aching/throbbing in my leg muscles they also feel and operate like they are incased in cement.(for lack of a better discription)
So in conclusion(yes there is an end)...
I have no problem with an increase in oxycontin if this will solve my pain issues...as long as I don't need a constant increase OFTEN.
I will also continue with the cortisone..another in 3 weeks time, as long as this gives me MORE than 4 weeks of relief, otherwise its not worth the risk (again complications with steroid use)
I will talk to my PMP(3 weeks, same clinic) to see what his thoughts are on hyperalgesia and a) tapering off oxycontin OR b) increasing the dosage.
I guess this will tell the story won't it, if I take more oxycontin I will either receive better pain control OR an increase in pain.
A real paradox isn't it.
p.s. Red..glad to hear ur getting somewhere with you're pain issues ru still going thru with more surgeries?
thx all for bearing with me and my manuscript
Mollyrae
I've spent all day reading thru all the links for hyperalgesia
This maybe the connection I was seeking(?)
Its the increasing pain(in short time frame) since beginning oxycontin that I just can't come to terms with.
Its interesting it was said by one study that the pain increase a patient suffers would be INFLAMATORY in nature.
Tuck
In no way am I ever offended by anyones opinion..in fact I am very grateful.
I nor anyone should feel guilty for needing pain meds in order to function, ur correct that doesn't make us any weaker than someone who needs insulin to live.
Thats not why I'm questioning the opiates....I'm just having the hard time with the pain increase since beginning these meds.
It could be a deterioration of my conditions for sure, I question why in such a short time frame when this condition has been with me already for years, it has deteriorated over the years yes but not so rapidly........
In march I originally saw 2 doctors at a health clinic first doc is a PMP. I was told the pain in my legs is neuropathic and related to DDD. and prescribed oxycontin 10mg x 2 per day also percocet for breakthrough. I also have used neurontin for a few years..he increased the dose to 1800mgs.
Same day, same clinic I later saw a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist)...he did a BONE SCAN (MRI was also done before) and told me I do have DDD but also bursitis in both hips and in his opinion the pain was radiating to my legs and thats what was causing the hip and leg pain...so he recommended the cortisone injections, did have first set in March with only temp. relief.
So 2 doctors 2 opinions.
I do take celebrex 200 mg this is a NSAID...my PMP wants this discontinued!!! however I wouldn't be walking right now if I didn't use.
Red
Yes like I just told Tuck, I do take a NSAID 200mg and this gives some relief.
And I have always been on an even distribution of the oxycontin 10 mgs every 12 hrs. with percocet for breakthrough, which I need midday.
Without the NSAID I wouldn't be walking without support, along with the aching/throbbing in my leg muscles they also feel and operate like they are incased in cement.(for lack of a better discription)
So in conclusion(yes there is an end)...
I have no problem with an increase in oxycontin if this will solve my pain issues...as long as I don't need a constant increase OFTEN.
I will also continue with the cortisone..another in 3 weeks time, as long as this gives me MORE than 4 weeks of relief, otherwise its not worth the risk (again complications with steroid use)
I will talk to my PMP(3 weeks, same clinic) to see what his thoughts are on hyperalgesia and a) tapering off oxycontin OR b) increasing the dosage.
I guess this will tell the story won't it, if I take more oxycontin I will either receive better pain control OR an increase in pain.
A real paradox isn't it.
p.s. Red..glad to hear ur getting somewhere with you're pain issues ru still going thru with more surgeries?
thx all for bearing with me and my manuscript
I am on Red but was busy with other posts and didn't see this conversation...Sorry.
First let me comment on Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. The major discovery and some what controversy was made around 2000. It contends that the "classic opioids like morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and Dilaudid (hydromorphone) break down into metabolites that are 'hyperalgesic', that is, molecules that can actually cause pain when they accumulate under conditions of chronic administration."
And "This might explain the experience of switching to more and more potent opioids which in turn produce more and more hyperalgesic molecules, and so a vicious cycle develops".
And "Methadone is different. It breaks down to methadone which is not a hyperalgesic substance." So in my opinion and my prescribing physician's opinion, if this is the cause of your increased pain, try methadone. I have and can confirm that my increased pain is not due to Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. However Opus that does not mean that you are not one of the few that this can be a factor.
It is a widely held medical fact and/or opinion that to some degree what NorcoQueen indicated has a very true base. Most anyone who stops a long term narcotic will suffer a degree of what is commonly know in the medical community as rebound pain. Simply put your body will hurt more because it has become accustomed to opiates, your pain receptors are "jumbled up" as NorcoQueen put it. But under this supposition once your pain receptors return to normal and a possible Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia clears your pain should be basically gone or greatly reduced. With a little exercise, positive thinking and sunshine you will return to "normal." It works for some, everything works for some. I've been there and done that, not once but many times and for me it has not been the solution but than again everyone if different.
My concern with this thread is that there are severe CP suffers with pain causing disabilities that cannot stop opiates and still function. If we could we'd all be happy, except the drug companies. I don't want anyone to "feel bad" or less of a person because they require opiates. If you are one of the many that must rely on opiates you have nothing to apologize for, you are not weak, you are not doing something wrong, your pain threshold is not low and you are not a drug seeker.
And Opus if I understand your post correctly it is your overall pain that has become worse. If it is your hips than you may benefit from another steroid injection for the bursitis. Because I have had bursitis in my hips since my late twenties I can always tell when it is time for another injection. If your joint or surround tissue is painful to touch, move or you have trouble resting on it that it sounds like it has flared up again.
Opus you should have the ability to try anything within reason) that you feel may help you. If you want to go off the Oxycontin than discuss that with your PMP. I am confident that he will help you wean off and determine if your increased pain may be related to Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. Whatever works for you is wonderful. I hope I did not come across as dismissing the possibility that the Oxycontin could be the issue. Obviously I don't think that is the fact, but that is just my opinion and that is all it is. I am not an expert and even the experts disagree.
Red is correct. An antiinflammatory may help your pain. It is part of my medication regime. Ibuprofen works best for me, Anacin works best for my dad and Aleve (naproxen) works best for my husband. Most Opiates (other than Percodan) do not contain NSAID's. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not a NSAID.
Peace,
Tuck
First let me comment on Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. The major discovery and some what controversy was made around 2000. It contends that the "classic opioids like morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and Dilaudid (hydromorphone) break down into metabolites that are 'hyperalgesic', that is, molecules that can actually cause pain when they accumulate under conditions of chronic administration."
And "This might explain the experience of switching to more and more potent opioids which in turn produce more and more hyperalgesic molecules, and so a vicious cycle develops".
And "Methadone is different. It breaks down to methadone which is not a hyperalgesic substance." So in my opinion and my prescribing physician's opinion, if this is the cause of your increased pain, try methadone. I have and can confirm that my increased pain is not due to Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. However Opus that does not mean that you are not one of the few that this can be a factor.
It is a widely held medical fact and/or opinion that to some degree what NorcoQueen indicated has a very true base. Most anyone who stops a long term narcotic will suffer a degree of what is commonly know in the medical community as rebound pain. Simply put your body will hurt more because it has become accustomed to opiates, your pain receptors are "jumbled up" as NorcoQueen put it. But under this supposition once your pain receptors return to normal and a possible Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia clears your pain should be basically gone or greatly reduced. With a little exercise, positive thinking and sunshine you will return to "normal." It works for some, everything works for some. I've been there and done that, not once but many times and for me it has not been the solution but than again everyone if different.
My concern with this thread is that there are severe CP suffers with pain causing disabilities that cannot stop opiates and still function. If we could we'd all be happy, except the drug companies. I don't want anyone to "feel bad" or less of a person because they require opiates. If you are one of the many that must rely on opiates you have nothing to apologize for, you are not weak, you are not doing something wrong, your pain threshold is not low and you are not a drug seeker.
And Opus if I understand your post correctly it is your overall pain that has become worse. If it is your hips than you may benefit from another steroid injection for the bursitis. Because I have had bursitis in my hips since my late twenties I can always tell when it is time for another injection. If your joint or surround tissue is painful to touch, move or you have trouble resting on it that it sounds like it has flared up again.
Opus you should have the ability to try anything within reason) that you feel may help you. If you want to go off the Oxycontin than discuss that with your PMP. I am confident that he will help you wean off and determine if your increased pain may be related to Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia. Whatever works for you is wonderful. I hope I did not come across as dismissing the possibility that the Oxycontin could be the issue. Obviously I don't think that is the fact, but that is just my opinion and that is all it is. I am not an expert and even the experts disagree.
Red is correct. An antiinflammatory may help your pain. It is part of my medication regime. Ibuprofen works best for me, Anacin works best for my dad and Aleve (naproxen) works best for my husband. Most Opiates (other than Percodan) do not contain NSAID's. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not a NSAID.
Peace,
Tuck
You were posting back to Tuck while I was posting to you. I don't know if Tuck is still on so I will tell you that opiates alone don't help with inflammation. Only opiates combined with an NSAID such as ibuprofen, aspirin (Percodan, Vicoprofen) will decrease inflammation.
Naproxin is also an NSAID but for some reason doctors don't like prescribing it with opiates around here. I was prescribed a drug called "Mobic" that worked well for inflammation.
Have you had an MRI done on your hips? There may be another problem going on there. It is also very possible for your injuries to progress quickly in a short time. I am living proof of that.
Cortisone injections work for some people and do nothing for others. Either way, the effectiveness of them decreases over time.
Naproxin is also an NSAID but for some reason doctors don't like prescribing it with opiates around here. I was prescribed a drug called "Mobic" that worked well for inflammation.
Have you had an MRI done on your hips? There may be another problem going on there. It is also very possible for your injuries to progress quickly in a short time. I am living proof of that.
Cortisone injections work for some people and do nothing for others. Either way, the effectiveness of them decreases over time.
just read you're comment aft I posted...that is very interesting isn't it and maybe thats the lead I have been searching for?
this may not be my case BUT its possible it just could be and like I said earlier I want to be armed with all the knowledge I can b4 seeing this pain specialist again,
so thank you also, I will do alot of reading on the website you have mentioned.
this may not be my case BUT its possible it just could be and like I said earlier I want to be armed with all the knowledge I can b4 seeing this pain specialist again,
so thank you also, I will do alot of reading on the website you have mentioned.
BTW: You can see that it is working well because I could not have typed this much three weeks ago without having severe pain in my right shoulder and elbow.
I take the same medications (Oxycontin, Percocet) as you do Opus. I have back herniations as well as a host of other orthopedic conditions as you know.
While long term use of opiates has been known to increase your pain levels, it may not be your problem as you have been on a steady low dose for sometime as have I. Most people that experience more pain while on opiates long term are taking much more than we do and their tolerance gets so high that they need much more to achieve the same level of relief.
I recently had the same problem that you are experiencing. I was taking a 20 mg. Oxycontin dose in the morning and two to three Percocet 5/325 mgs. thereafter throughout the day for breakthrough pain. The Percocet was taken usually around the same time everyday as the Oxycontin is time released as you know and cycles through your system every few hours, supposedly up to 12 hours. The 12 hour thing is up for debate.
So anyway, I am taking 30 to 35 mgs. of oxycodone a day but found that my pain was increasing. I am an orthopedic mess so it is hard to tell if it is because my conditions are progressing or the pain meds need to be increased so I talked to my PCP about it and this is what he came up with.
He changed my prescription from 20mg. of Oxycontin once a day to 10mgs. three times a day and guess what: My pain levels have decreased to the point where it is it bit more tolerateable and I can get around better. I also only have to take the Percocet now if I am a little more active than usual or have been standing with my weight on my ankle for more than a half an hour at a time, but not more than one a day since the change.
The reason for the improvement is because there is a better distribution of the medication in my system without having to increase my daily mgs. of the medication. So I am still taking 30 to 35mgs. of Oxcodone a day but with better results.
Hopefully this can work out for me for the long haul and I will not need to increase my dosage if at all. I have been able to stay at my present dosage for over a year now and have undergone three additional surgeries and am facing another one soon so this worked out well for me.
In conclusion, LOL, you may want to discuss a change like this with your doctor (10 mgs. Oxycontin 2X daily) to see if it works for you. It is a hell of a lot better than increasing the amount of the opiates you are taking, when you can still achieve the same result without doing so.
Let us know how you make out.
While long term use of opiates has been known to increase your pain levels, it may not be your problem as you have been on a steady low dose for sometime as have I. Most people that experience more pain while on opiates long term are taking much more than we do and their tolerance gets so high that they need much more to achieve the same level of relief.
I recently had the same problem that you are experiencing. I was taking a 20 mg. Oxycontin dose in the morning and two to three Percocet 5/325 mgs. thereafter throughout the day for breakthrough pain. The Percocet was taken usually around the same time everyday as the Oxycontin is time released as you know and cycles through your system every few hours, supposedly up to 12 hours. The 12 hour thing is up for debate.
So anyway, I am taking 30 to 35 mgs. of oxycodone a day but found that my pain was increasing. I am an orthopedic mess so it is hard to tell if it is because my conditions are progressing or the pain meds need to be increased so I talked to my PCP about it and this is what he came up with.
He changed my prescription from 20mg. of Oxycontin once a day to 10mgs. three times a day and guess what: My pain levels have decreased to the point where it is it bit more tolerateable and I can get around better. I also only have to take the Percocet now if I am a little more active than usual or have been standing with my weight on my ankle for more than a half an hour at a time, but not more than one a day since the change.
The reason for the improvement is because there is a better distribution of the medication in my system without having to increase my daily mgs. of the medication. So I am still taking 30 to 35mgs. of Oxcodone a day but with better results.
Hopefully this can work out for me for the long haul and I will not need to increase my dosage if at all. I have been able to stay at my present dosage for over a year now and have undergone three additional surgeries and am facing another one soon so this worked out well for me.
In conclusion, LOL, you may want to discuss a change like this with your doctor (10 mgs. Oxycontin 2X daily) to see if it works for you. It is a hell of a lot better than increasing the amount of the opiates you are taking, when you can still achieve the same result without doing so.
Let us know how you make out.
and NorcoQn thx for the input...I agree tuck the decision is easy when the pain is so severe like the pain you describe, when I have an acute attack I too will take ANYTHING just for some relief, a person has to function or you're not living are you..
I was functioning b4 the opiates but at a very low level....I really was ok it I did nothing just lay around on a heat pad and thats no way to live either.
My back pain is now "satisfactorily controlled and stabilized" its my hips/legs that are becoming WORSE.
therefore what I need to get clarified by the pain doctor
1.what is causing the leg/hip pain..I've had 2( or more )different opinions...Is it the DDD or BURSITIS?
If it is the DDD ok increase the meds
But if its the Bursitis than I'd rather go with cortisone shots...had the first set in march 2nd set in september.
2. BUT explain WHY have my hips/legs become worse SINCE the cortisone/oxycontin treatments?
this is where I am confused.
I can't see why there should be a deterioration in such a short time span(I know this is what they will tell me too)...this pain has been there for along time so WHY would it deteriorated immediately AFTER an intervention with cortisone and opiates?
I'm sorry I must sound so scatter brained...I'm just having such a hard time getting my head around and understand as much as possible before I go to my appointment...if not fixed in my own mind I tend to get easily led.
Tuck in you're experience are opiates effective for INFLAMMATION?
thx so much both of you
I was functioning b4 the opiates but at a very low level....I really was ok it I did nothing just lay around on a heat pad and thats no way to live either.
My back pain is now "satisfactorily controlled and stabilized" its my hips/legs that are becoming WORSE.
therefore what I need to get clarified by the pain doctor
1.what is causing the leg/hip pain..I've had 2( or more )different opinions...Is it the DDD or BURSITIS?
If it is the DDD ok increase the meds
But if its the Bursitis than I'd rather go with cortisone shots...had the first set in march 2nd set in september.
2. BUT explain WHY have my hips/legs become worse SINCE the cortisone/oxycontin treatments?
this is where I am confused.
I can't see why there should be a deterioration in such a short time span(I know this is what they will tell me too)...this pain has been there for along time so WHY would it deteriorated immediately AFTER an intervention with cortisone and opiates?
I'm sorry I must sound so scatter brained...I'm just having such a hard time getting my head around and understand as much as possible before I go to my appointment...if not fixed in my own mind I tend to get easily led.
Tuck in you're experience are opiates effective for INFLAMMATION?
thx so much both of you
Hi Opus:
Yes, Opiates can cause pain. I have retrieved an article for you to look at. The Term is called " Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia". There are more articles if you Google the term. This does not happen for everyone but for a select few, it can be a problem.
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Do Narcotics Increase Pain?
An under-recognized problem is that for some people, narcotics can set up a process where pain will increase over time, even if they initially decrease pain. Narcotics can cause what’s call hyperalgesia, which is an increase in pain sensations. When this occurs, sometimes doctors think the medication isn’t working and increase the narcotic, when in fact the narcotic itself is increasing pain. A vicious cycle can develop. As with all drugs, for narcotics to continue to be prescribed, it should be clear that they’re decreasing pain.
Conclusion… Pain is bad, and sometimes narcotics are helpful and should be used. We need to be sure that for any patient, the benefits are worth the risks. When narcotics are used, it’s important to see if a person’s functioning is improved, in addition to a decrease in pain.
I hope this was helpful. Please take care,
Mollyrae
Yes, Opiates can cause pain. I have retrieved an article for you to look at. The Term is called " Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia". There are more articles if you Google the term. This does not happen for everyone but for a select few, it can be a problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do Narcotics Increase Pain?
An under-recognized problem is that for some people, narcotics can set up a process where pain will increase over time, even if they initially decrease pain. Narcotics can cause what’s call hyperalgesia, which is an increase in pain sensations. When this occurs, sometimes doctors think the medication isn’t working and increase the narcotic, when in fact the narcotic itself is increasing pain. A vicious cycle can develop. As with all drugs, for narcotics to continue to be prescribed, it should be clear that they’re decreasing pain.
Conclusion… Pain is bad, and sometimes narcotics are helpful and should be used. We need to be sure that for any patient, the benefits are worth the risks. When narcotics are used, it’s important to see if a person’s functioning is improved, in addition to a decrease in pain.
I hope this was helpful. Please take care,
Mollyrae
Thank you for clarifying your comments. I'm sure you didn't mean to come across in that manner. I am so happy that you are able to control your pain without opiates. I hope that it continues for you.
Best of Luck,
Tuck
Best of Luck,
Tuck
Thank you for your concern and your post but understand that not everyone can live even a half way normal life without opiates to control their pain. When used correctly they can make the difference between functioning or not functioning. My father would not walk, eat nor sleep without them.
Some ppl cannot function due to severe pain. I've been there as many others have been. I was not on opiates for years. There was nothing jumbled up with my pain receptors. I was active. I did walk miles a day and had a demanding career. I did all those things I was suppose to do to cope. I still came home most nights, collapsed and cried waiting to die because the pain was so severe.
I am happy that you are able to function well without opiates but that does not mean that your way is right way or that it will even work for the majority of Chronic Pain Suffers. I just don't want other CP sufferers to think there is something wrong with them or they are weak because they require opiates.
Tuck
Some ppl cannot function due to severe pain. I've been there as many others have been. I was not on opiates for years. There was nothing jumbled up with my pain receptors. I was active. I did walk miles a day and had a demanding career. I did all those things I was suppose to do to cope. I still came home most nights, collapsed and cried waiting to die because the pain was so severe.
I am happy that you are able to function well without opiates but that does not mean that your way is right way or that it will even work for the majority of Chronic Pain Suffers. I just don't want other CP sufferers to think there is something wrong with them or they are weak because they require opiates.
Tuck
I forgot to mention that I have DDD too.. as well as Spinal Stenosis..
Heck... who ever THOUGHT that I'd be falling apart so fast... NOT ME... Cuz, I'm only 50 but SOMETIMES feel like I'm 80...
Also, if you can muster up the energy to get a little EXERCISE... get out and WALK, BIKE, anything that's LOW IMPACT is good for you (AND me) plus WALKING really does let you SEE the WORLD thru YOURSELF!
God Bless you!
Heck... who ever THOUGHT that I'd be falling apart so fast... NOT ME... Cuz, I'm only 50 but SOMETIMES feel like I'm 80...
Also, if you can muster up the energy to get a little EXERCISE... get out and WALK, BIKE, anything that's LOW IMPACT is good for you (AND me) plus WALKING really does let you SEE the WORLD thru YOURSELF!
God Bless you!
Hi Opus,
I am sorry that you pain is worse. Yes your pain can increase over time. Some ppl will tell you that you are becoming accused to the Oxycontin. I (and my PCP) beleive that what really happens is your condition is progressing, thus more pain. I do not take Oxycontin. I have had my pain meds increased several times over the last five years but my condition has deteriorated. When I began taking them I was struggling to work a demanding 50-60 hour a week career. Fourteen months ago I had to give it up even with a med increase my pain was intolerable and though I had reduced my hours I could no longer continue working. I imagine the same has happening with you.
My father was recently started on Oxycontin. It has taken several months to find the right dosage to control his pain. He is on 30mg of Oxycontin twice a day. They started him on 10mg and had to increase it gradually until they reached the right dosage. He too said initially it was effective but what he really meant was the pain was reduced and but not really controlled.
I suggest you talk to your PMP. It may be time for a slight increase. Your dose is not high. Please let us know how you are doing.
Take Care,
Tuck
I am sorry that you pain is worse. Yes your pain can increase over time. Some ppl will tell you that you are becoming accused to the Oxycontin. I (and my PCP) beleive that what really happens is your condition is progressing, thus more pain. I do not take Oxycontin. I have had my pain meds increased several times over the last five years but my condition has deteriorated. When I began taking them I was struggling to work a demanding 50-60 hour a week career. Fourteen months ago I had to give it up even with a med increase my pain was intolerable and though I had reduced my hours I could no longer continue working. I imagine the same has happening with you.
My father was recently started on Oxycontin. It has taken several months to find the right dosage to control his pain. He is on 30mg of Oxycontin twice a day. They started him on 10mg and had to increase it gradually until they reached the right dosage. He too said initially it was effective but what he really meant was the pain was reduced and but not really controlled.
I suggest you talk to your PMP. It may be time for a slight increase. Your dose is not high. Please let us know how you are doing.
Take Care,
Tuck
Your PAIN RECEPTORS kinda get jumbled when you are on pain meds.... and the LONGER you are on them.... the more jumbled your receptors get.. vicious cycle)
Your body FIGURES that if it DOESN'T get the pain meds...
"oh my GOSH.... I THINK I'm in pain.. so I BETTER take SOMETHING"
(hope that makes sense..)
So with that said, you just need to get thru your w/d THEN figure out HOW much pain you are REALLY IN...
I have been Norco Clean x's 29 days after a 3 year history of taking 8-10 a/ day (for 2 back surgeries) AND I hafta say that my PAIN is aLOT more tolerable NOW then WHEN I was taking the Norco... You just GOTTA FEEL...
Hang in there and keep on posting... because..this site has been a LIFE SAVER for me and remember that
EVERYDAY THAT YOU DON'T USE IS A BETTER DAY THAN WHEN YA DO!
Hugs and Prayers your way!
NorcoQueenoftheUniverse
Your body FIGURES that if it DOESN'T get the pain meds...
"oh my GOSH.... I THINK I'm in pain.. so I BETTER take SOMETHING"
(hope that makes sense..)
So with that said, you just need to get thru your w/d THEN figure out HOW much pain you are REALLY IN...
I have been Norco Clean x's 29 days after a 3 year history of taking 8-10 a/ day (for 2 back surgeries) AND I hafta say that my PAIN is aLOT more tolerable NOW then WHEN I was taking the Norco... You just GOTTA FEEL...
Hang in there and keep on posting... because..this site has been a LIFE SAVER for me and remember that
EVERYDAY THAT YOU DON'T USE IS A BETTER DAY THAN WHEN YA DO!
Hugs and Prayers your way!
NorcoQueenoftheUniverse
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