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Change of medication for chronic pain
I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) for more than ten years, therefore experience chronic pain which has increased throughout the years. About four years ago, I reluctantly filled a prescription for 10mg of Oxy three times a day, because I couldn't manage the pain with Tylenol#3s any more. A year ago, the pain had increased to the point where I was prescribed three 20mg tablets per day. I was so afraid of becoming addicted that I forced myself to reduce my own dosage to only 2 tablets per day, taking three Tylenol#3s at the same time to combat the breakthrough pain in between Oxy dosages. The Oxy definitely helped me feel human again. I have no complaints about its effectiveness. I do not experience euphoria either ... I'm just more myself.
I also take Methotrexate injected once a week. I'm 60 years old.
I am told by many other RA and FM sufferers that you can't be considered addicted to a narcotic analgesic unless you use it for psychological reasons rather than just enough to help with pain management. In my experience, that's pure poppycock! I had to stop taking the Oxy last year for a period of one week prior to surgery. On the second day after stopping the Oxy, I was screaming in pain! It was pain that I had never felt before; pain that was completely unlike any that I had experienced from my RA or FM symptoms. It was at that point that I realized I was physically addicted to the stuff.
Three months ago, I moved to Mexico to retire. Befoe I left Canada, I was given a 3-month prescription for 20mg of Oxy to be taken 3 times a day. Remember, I mentioned that I have never taken more than 2 tablets a day, right? So now it's four months later and I still have about 20 Oxy''s left.
My Mexican doctor says that physicians are no longer allowed to prescribe Oxy in this country. Therefore, when I went to see him to renew my prescriptions today, he told me he would have to change my pain medication from Oxy to Temgesic (buprenorphine), which is the same as Subtex.
I am terrified that I will suffer the same withdrawal symptoms as I experienced before my surgery in Canada.
How should I manage this change? Can I substitute the Temgesic for one of my Oxy doses each day, thereby using half the Oxy I usually would? Or would you taper off the Oxy altogether, first, before taking the first dose of Temgesic? I'm asking you this because I have trouble explaining my questrion in Spanish, and haven\t got any acquaintences who have attempted to do this.
Sorry this was so long. Any suggestions you may have would be most appreciated. I'm really desparate because of the language barrier down here. Thanks so much!
I also take Methotrexate injected once a week. I'm 60 years old.
I am told by many other RA and FM sufferers that you can't be considered addicted to a narcotic analgesic unless you use it for psychological reasons rather than just enough to help with pain management. In my experience, that's pure poppycock! I had to stop taking the Oxy last year for a period of one week prior to surgery. On the second day after stopping the Oxy, I was screaming in pain! It was pain that I had never felt before; pain that was completely unlike any that I had experienced from my RA or FM symptoms. It was at that point that I realized I was physically addicted to the stuff.
Three months ago, I moved to Mexico to retire. Befoe I left Canada, I was given a 3-month prescription for 20mg of Oxy to be taken 3 times a day. Remember, I mentioned that I have never taken more than 2 tablets a day, right? So now it's four months later and I still have about 20 Oxy''s left.
My Mexican doctor says that physicians are no longer allowed to prescribe Oxy in this country. Therefore, when I went to see him to renew my prescriptions today, he told me he would have to change my pain medication from Oxy to Temgesic (buprenorphine), which is the same as Subtex.
I am terrified that I will suffer the same withdrawal symptoms as I experienced before my surgery in Canada.
How should I manage this change? Can I substitute the Temgesic for one of my Oxy doses each day, thereby using half the Oxy I usually would? Or would you taper off the Oxy altogether, first, before taking the first dose of Temgesic? I'm asking you this because I have trouble explaining my questrion in Spanish, and haven\t got any acquaintences who have attempted to do this.
Sorry this was so long. Any suggestions you may have would be most appreciated. I'm really desparate because of the language barrier down here. Thanks so much!
Glad to hear you found a caring Dr. I ditto everyone's sentiments that above all, it's the most important thing! Nothing is worse than a Dr. who doesn't take your pain seriously!!!!! I didn't think you'd tried the Temgesic - or I wouldn't have even tried to find anything out about it. Everyone is different to be sure and if you've tried something and it didn't work, trust me, I'd NEVER try to tell you it DID work.I can't even imagine such a thing! Also, I do know all the generic/ chemical names for it etc., as I did some research on it after reading your (mindlink) post. I'm a curious to a fault kind of gal.
I've looked into taking nalaxone to withdraw under anesthesia, because I wanted to try a trial of LDN. I keep reading such good things about its use with all autoimmune diseases, especially MS, but theoretically, also Systemic Sclerosis, and since I have both, I'd love to give it a go. BUT stopping narcotics keeps seeming impossible. I just don't know if I could ever do it. Anyway, that's why I'm more than willing to keep researching pain meds. You never know what they might come up with in the future.
Has anyone ever been approached with the idea of the pump implant? Morphine goes directly to the brain - supposedly there's less systemic effect, and more therapeutic effect. I have been reluctant due to having the box show through your abdomen quite predominantly. I guess even lying in bed miserable, I still have vanity? lol It's getting pushed into oblivion more each day though. But I don't think I'd like the feel of it anyway.
Mindlink, I wish you the best, and I hope you find a combination or drug that works for you. I have had the fentenyl patch and actiq suckers taken from me when I went on Medicaid - that hurt! And Pallidone when someone died while on it. So, I've experienced my share of being told my pain meds were no longer available - we'd have to find something new. It's always hard. Blessings to all
I've looked into taking nalaxone to withdraw under anesthesia, because I wanted to try a trial of LDN. I keep reading such good things about its use with all autoimmune diseases, especially MS, but theoretically, also Systemic Sclerosis, and since I have both, I'd love to give it a go. BUT stopping narcotics keeps seeming impossible. I just don't know if I could ever do it. Anyway, that's why I'm more than willing to keep researching pain meds. You never know what they might come up with in the future.
Has anyone ever been approached with the idea of the pump implant? Morphine goes directly to the brain - supposedly there's less systemic effect, and more therapeutic effect. I have been reluctant due to having the box show through your abdomen quite predominantly. I guess even lying in bed miserable, I still have vanity? lol It's getting pushed into oblivion more each day though. But I don't think I'd like the feel of it anyway.
Mindlink, I wish you the best, and I hope you find a combination or drug that works for you. I have had the fentenyl patch and actiq suckers taken from me when I went on Medicaid - that hurt! And Pallidone when someone died while on it. So, I've experienced my share of being told my pain meds were no longer available - we'd have to find something new. It's always hard. Blessings to all
I'm glad you slept well and that you are feeling alert this morning. Great news that you have found a physician that makes you feel comfortable. That is so important.
And thanks also for clearing up the "Oxy Mystery." It sounds like you have an intelligent and caring physician. What more could us Chronic Pain Sufferers ask for?
And thanks also for clearing up the "Oxy Mystery." It sounds like you have an intelligent and caring physician. What more could us Chronic Pain Sufferers ask for?
P.S. ~~~ At least I got a decent night's sleep last night, which is something I craved last week. I took a half Gravol + one 3mg Valerian along with my night does of Meo-Percodan. Woke up very sore, but feeling alert. Yay!!
Sorry folks, I wrote privately to Nick yesterday (hence his message above), but should have posted here as well.
I went to another doctor who fully explained the Mexican Gov't's edict on the prescription of narcotics like Oxy. Long story short: Only specially certified Dr.s can prescribe higher levels of drugs. It's a very long process for the patient too, involving a battery of physical and mental tests, oodles of paperwork, and then the narcotic is flown in from Guadalajara to the one specific pharmacy allowed to dispense such drugs in the area.
However, the Dr. I saw yesterday can prescribe low-level narcotics. I was prescribed Neo-Percodan, essentially Dextropropoxyfine (65mg) & acetominophen (500mg), two tablets taken three times a day. I was so happy because the Dr. said his wife was on the same regime and we could "buddy up" during our recovery. She too has arthritis pain.
Now I'm at the 24-hour mark with the Neo-Percodan and I can't say it's much better than the withdrawal I experienced all last week from the Oxy (and didn't finish). All symptoms are lessened slightly though, except for excessive sweating and burning under the skin. I have a general restlessness and yet no energy at all. It's very uncomfortable to say the least.
I'm going to call the Dr. today to see if I can get anything else to help assuage the symptoms.
Tuckamore: I was prescribed Temgesic but never took it, after what I read here about withdrawals from it.
Jan: Thanks for your insight. There may come a time when I'll try the Temgesic out of desperation, but I'm now on this Neo-Percodan, so I have to give it the old college try. I still have some Oxy left if there's a gap in switiching meds, but I'd be damning myself if I took it ~ I just can't go back to where I started!
Thanks everyone! Gotta love ya for putting up with me.
I went to another doctor who fully explained the Mexican Gov't's edict on the prescription of narcotics like Oxy. Long story short: Only specially certified Dr.s can prescribe higher levels of drugs. It's a very long process for the patient too, involving a battery of physical and mental tests, oodles of paperwork, and then the narcotic is flown in from Guadalajara to the one specific pharmacy allowed to dispense such drugs in the area.
However, the Dr. I saw yesterday can prescribe low-level narcotics. I was prescribed Neo-Percodan, essentially Dextropropoxyfine (65mg) & acetominophen (500mg), two tablets taken three times a day. I was so happy because the Dr. said his wife was on the same regime and we could "buddy up" during our recovery. She too has arthritis pain.
Now I'm at the 24-hour mark with the Neo-Percodan and I can't say it's much better than the withdrawal I experienced all last week from the Oxy (and didn't finish). All symptoms are lessened slightly though, except for excessive sweating and burning under the skin. I have a general restlessness and yet no energy at all. It's very uncomfortable to say the least.
I'm going to call the Dr. today to see if I can get anything else to help assuage the symptoms.
Tuckamore: I was prescribed Temgesic but never took it, after what I read here about withdrawals from it.
Jan: Thanks for your insight. There may come a time when I'll try the Temgesic out of desperation, but I'm now on this Neo-Percodan, so I have to give it the old college try. I still have some Oxy left if there's a gap in switiching meds, but I'd be damning myself if I took it ~ I just can't go back to where I started!
Thanks everyone! Gotta love ya for putting up with me.
To all: "mindlink" has found a better alternative(and a better Dr).
Jan: Temgesic is just a name used in some parts of the world. In most parts it's called Buprenorphine. It's main use is as a substitute to other opiates in addiction. It is rarely used for pain management these days.
I'm sure we'll hear from Mindlink soon enough, hope she's doing well.
Nick.
Jan: Temgesic is just a name used in some parts of the world. In most parts it's called Buprenorphine. It's main use is as a substitute to other opiates in addiction. It is rarely used for pain management these days.
I'm sure we'll hear from Mindlink soon enough, hope she's doing well.
Nick.
Hello Mindlink,
I am sorry you were treated to badly. If I ever considered living in Mexico (I haven't) my thoughts have changed. I am glad that you are still looking for a physican that can prescribe a medication that works for you. I will be watching for your updates. Good Luck!
Yes Jan, I do understand the action of Temgesic. I have no doubt that Temgesic is an effective pain medication for some ppl. I think that was not the concern for Mindlink. Just like one opiate works well for one person and not another, Temgesic was not effective for Mindlink. Oxycodone is not very effective for me. I don't take it contrary to the raves it gets. At least that it how I understood the post, unless I am totally off base. And that has occurred in the past!!
Peace, Tuck
I am sorry you were treated to badly. If I ever considered living in Mexico (I haven't) my thoughts have changed. I am glad that you are still looking for a physican that can prescribe a medication that works for you. I will be watching for your updates. Good Luck!
Yes Jan, I do understand the action of Temgesic. I have no doubt that Temgesic is an effective pain medication for some ppl. I think that was not the concern for Mindlink. Just like one opiate works well for one person and not another, Temgesic was not effective for Mindlink. Oxycodone is not very effective for me. I don't take it contrary to the raves it gets. At least that it how I understood the post, unless I am totally off base. And that has occurred in the past!!
Peace, Tuck
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