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Dis-Spine Update

Hello All,
My PM appointment finally came today and it went rather well.  Prepared with all of my notes I went in to see my awesome doctor.  Remember I was worried about my urinalysis? Well guess what... After taking hydrocodone 4Xs a day and soma 3Xs a day and ms contin 3Xs a day, the lab results came back NEGATIVE for ms contin (morphine), and AGAIN TODAY!!  I explained to my doc that  #1 Whenever I have been in the hospital or in any traumatic incident that required the administration of morphine, the morphine never worked. It really felt like nothing was administered, and I'm talking about multiple injections.  I would always end up getting administered fentanyl or dilaudid or both to dull my pain.  I also cited the fact that 3 out of 10 caucasions have an inability to absorb and metabolize morphine.  It is a well studied genetic mutation.  I also explained to him how I changed my diet as to eliminate any heavy duty enzyme inducers and inhibitors as to eliminate the possibility of interference of absorption and metabolism of the morphine.  When I looked up at him from reading my notes on particular isoenzymes, he and my wife just started to **** themselves.  He said to relax, he is just going to switch my medication. He knows me well enough that he doesn't doubt that I was taking the medication, that I obviously have an absorption issue with morphine.  He also laughed saying he was impressed with my research.  I joked back with him, and he said he was serious.  So, my doctor is a good man.  He treats me as a PERSON, that he has known for years, I like that.  Oh and he wants me to try oxycontin 40mg TiD, for the around the clock pain med.  MY QUESTION:  Is this an effective around the clock pain med?  I have had percocet for breakthrough pain years ago and it worked, but never oxycontin.  Any first hand expirience or knowledge about this medication anyone has to offer would be appreciated.  
     I would also like to thank everyone for calming my anxiety over the urinalysis issue and the pain that came with it for the past two weeks.  I was a wreck, and to each and every one of you that answered my posts and questions:  Sincerely, a heart felt thank you.
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Avatar universal

I am happy you have such a good and understanding doctor.  Also, having one that doesn't mind if you have done your homework is worth gold.

I didn't realize some couldn't absorb morphine.   It seems that there is much I need to learn.

I am hoping that the oxycontin is working well for you.

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Avatar universal
It isn't impossible to get almost total relief at least part of the day. Some have had RX of vycoprofen,oxycontin,and lyrica together to get good coverage through the day, but everyone is different in what works. Don't give up trying to get comfortable. Others feel good most of the time and would  be crying like babies if they felt even a portion of what you have to live with. You shouldn't feel guilty for trying to find the right med. group to get relief. Most people will need more then one type of pain med because they attach to different pain receptors. Anyway I am glad you are feeling a little better...........cornish rex
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Avatar universal
I just got a F-neg result... you mentioned grapefruit juice??? I've been drinking a ot of that and other citrus drinks... could you please explain the connection. Thanks. Ms_Eva.
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Avatar universal
Yes Cornish Rex is a cat breed with curly short hair (and they don't shedd.)they are very skinny with very big pointed ears. Mine looked like a toco bell dog when he was a kitten. He looks like an alien. I'm sure you would scream if you saw him looking in your window, but don't worry I never let him out side. These cats are considered the clowns of the cat world and he is allot of fun and company when I am hurting allot.When I run fevers with my abdominal pain he curls up in a ball right were I am hurting and the heat feels good........When I was trying to find a name for myself everything kept coming back (taken) So I guess I can be a cat. Anyway it will help me remember who I am!........best wishes cornishtrex
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547368 tn?1440541785
I am glad to hear that the Oxycontin is effective. These extended-release tablets are designed to last 12 hours.  Some physicians and patients have found and/or or believe they are only effective for 8 hours. That's the reason they are often prescribed every 8 hours.

If you are not having at least 8 hours of pain relief it sounds like they are not working as designed with your system. ... or your dose may not be correct.  

Another thought is you may require a different break through medication or an additional non-narcotic med. Nothing will take away our pain at 100%... that's an unrealistic goal as I believe you have noted in one of your posts. I am lucky to be at a pain level of 6.,  occasionally a 5. I am usually closer to a 7. That's a bit higher then the PMP would like but I chose to stay on lower doses then max out on the opiates too quickly.

Yes please let me know if you find that article as everything I read is just the opposite of what you have posted.

Best of Luck!
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Avatar universal
Cornishrex,
Thank you for your post.  It truly gives me comfort just knowing that despite all the atrocities happening in this world every minute, that there are still people that can be bothered to care for others.  Thank you, and I am happy to report that my new medicine is helping me enough to not mind being conscious, and that I am grateful for.  A little off subject here, but is a Cornish Rex a cat?  Thanks again.
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Avatar universal
Hi Tuck,
I have been taking the oxycontin for a few days now, and all I can say is, what a difference.  There isn't a drug made that will take away all our pain unfortunately, but I have to say I am at a tolerable level.  The oxycontin works.  The only complaint I have is at three times a day, it doesn't last.  A fourth dose would make all the difference, but I don't want to sound like a spoiled brat.  I just get woken up in pain at about 3 am without fail, and can just wait until it's time to take my morning dose.  I am embarrassed to tell my doctor this because I don't want to sound ungrateful for the releif I am getting, that I so desperately needed.  I have been going nuts trying to find the source of the information about the Trazodone and how it affects opioid metabolites.  The mayo clinic, my PDR, actually I think it was on a site belonging to a company that does drug testing, I'm sorry, I can't remember.  Actually try googling how antidepressants affect drug testing.  I will look again, try to retrace my steps, so to speak.  In the mean time, I have adjusted my diet to eliminate as many enzyme inducers and inhibitors along with metabolism accelerators. (No Grapefruit Juice) lol.  My doctor is also substituting my Trazodone with something else.  I have also ordered some home urine drug tests.  I'm going to see if I can't solve this mystery with some actual evidence.  Well, I think I have went on and on for you long  enough.  Have a great day.  Thank you for taking the time to care.  Talk to you soon. Bye. ;)
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547368 tn?1440541785
Thanks for the update.I've been wondering how your appt would turn out.  I am so glad to hear that things went so well. Thank goodness for physicians that treat us like humans!!

Oxycontin is Oxycodone in the long acting formulation. Percocet is Oxycodone in the short acting form.... with some acetaminophen (Tylenol) thrown in it.

Most ppl find this to be an effective drug. Your PMP went right to an average dose and ordered it TID (three times a day) instead of beginning on a lower dose at twice a day. He obviously wants to treat your pain effectively.

It may make you a bit drowsy at first but this will soon subside. The first few days I took it I was even a bit disorientated.

Morphine has never worked for me unless they up the dose so high that I am a zombie. Then I think I still have the pain but I am so OUT of it that I don't know it. Sadly most physician's don't believe that Morphine doesn't work for everyone. I am happy to hear that yours listened. :o)

Please let us know how effective the Oxycontin is for you. Keep in touch!! Again, thanks so much for the update!

~Tuck
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Avatar universal
That is wonderful that you have taken charge of your health and have learned and absorbed all that you have. It is true that if you don't have a problem that can't be easily seen or dealt with you won't get the help you need unless you are ready with questions and good information that helps move a busy Dr. on your behalf. Oxycontin is in the opiod family.(don't think I spelled that right). hopefully this will work for you. It is a great long acting drug much stronger then percocet. I was on that and it wasn't any better then asprin for me. Oxycontin is much better. Because there are many different pain receptors some people will still need another pain med. in addition to your main medication because of it not working for a different pain receptor that is not responsive to that drug, but it isn't the same as your absorption problem with morphine So it sounds like you  are moving in the right direction. This med. alone might work for you but if it doesn't totally do the trick don't loose heart because it is not unusual.  Good Luck and God Bless. I am so thankful we live in a place were we can get pain relief...........let me know how your new med works for you. .............Dawn cornishrex                                                                                                        
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