Methadone for Chronic Pain

[Jacqie123]

I was in chronic pain and bed ridden for several years. The doctor suggested surgery for my back pain and I then began checking out other options. The doctor put me on a low dose of methadone 25mg. in morning and if I had more reoccurring  pain after 6 hours I would take 10mg more.  I have been on this dose for 5 years and have been able to gain my life back. The trick to using Methadone for pain is to keep the dose low and not go up. Methadone is a long acting pain reliever and works very well if you do not over use it.  In the beginning it may take a week or so to get the drug into your system and working properly. I also found out with the pain relief I can do some stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles around my spine to quiet the pain I get from degenerative spine disease. When you can not move and strengthen the muscles they become limp and the pain is bad. Today, I am 63 and relatively pain free. I do feel some pain but it is tolerable. No drug gets rid of chronic pain 100 % but if you can get the pain low enough to tolerate you can live a normal live. Also, with a small dose you head is relatively clear and you are not all dopey and sleepy which is a sign of too much.  

[BokehGirl]

Hi Jacqie ~ Very happy about your experience with Methadone. Glad it is working for you and giving you relief to be active and enjoy your life!

[philnoir]

Jaqui, methadone is an excellent medication for pain for a variety of reasons, and helped me to manage pain of a long-term spine disorder for 12 years.

There is research that links methadone to a particular cardiac problem. The cause is poorly understood, but to minimize risk, my doctor has ordered a 12-lead ekg with my annual physical (when I am using methadone), since i am also in my 60s. So far, I remain without cardiac symptoms.