I had a great Doctors appointment today:)

[sandee1818]

I know alot of members have been having a really hard  time finding oxycodone in stock or at a reasonable price, I too have had this problem. I refuse to pay the outragous prices that are being charged and most will not accept insurance so I went in to my appointment today dreading it as I had already decided I was not going to get my normal prescriptions the prices are too expensive.  I was very worried that the choice my Doctor and I chose would not work and I was upset. I have been on the same medications for many years so I was so concerned that I would not find an alternitive and would be in pain until the shortage or price gouging was over. My wonderful Doctor was very nice and explained all the options and so we finally decided to try the hydromorphone 8mg every 3 hours.  I took my first dose when I got home as I do not drive when taking new medicines and about 20 minutes later I am pain free! For the first time in problaly 10 years I am pain free. I have always just stayed with the same medications.  

[optimus22mac]

Hydromorphone is Dilaudid...I take 8mg up to 4 times a day for breakthrough...along with my 24mg Hydromorph Contin (the extended release form) twice a day.  I find it to be an amazing pain reliever for me--and I am so glad it is working for you.  I found it to be a very subtle pain relief--meaning that I never really got any strong side effects when I first started taking it, I just realized my pain was much less a little while after taking it.  

[sandee1818]

You may have been in such pain after your surgery that the dose you received just wasn't enough to decrease the pain.
I know we as chronic pain Pt's consider some medications the big dogs so to speak but we should not view them this way as we all know whatever helps us function and have some quality of life is worth it in the end. I admit I was really worried about taking this medicine and I told the Doctor when we were discussing what to change my medications to and he just asked me one question, why would you be reluctant to take something that would potentially help your pain so you can get on with your life. That made me realize I do generalize medicines too much. Chronic pain Pt's do tend to see pain medicines this way as we try and stay on the lower dose and lower medicines but we have to look beyond that.

[mellie4]

I know a lot of people who say Dilaudid is terrific. I had it after my last surgery, and it was like I ate a tic tac. I was originally worried about it being too strong and was really worried about being on it.

[sandee1818]

It is Dilaudid. I should have mentioned too that I am only taking a half of a pill as it is not an extended reelease formula. So I am doing fine with 4mg and it last atleast 4 to 5 hours.
Thanks so much everyone. You all are so great:)

[mellie4]

This is great news! I am delighted for you.  What his hydromorphone?  Does it have another name?

[Sarajmt]

WooHoo!!  It's so good to hear you're out of pain. After everything you've been through, you really deserve it.  Enjoy your pain free days ahead!
Sara