New to pain management care

[bear2003]

Hello! I’m new to pain management care. I have to have a hip replacement. I have osteoarthritis in my hip and very bad pain in my left hip, buttock, thigh, knee and ankle. I have an appointment for a second opinion next month (the pain management dr referred me to the surgeon), I will decide which doctor to use. I signed the contract. I was prescribed
APAP/CODEINE 300MG - 30MG 1 tablet every 12 hours. That dosage didn’t help so I took 3 - 4 a day. I want to tell them straight up what I am doing, not wait until a pill count or urine test. Is that an okay thing to do? How do I go about it? I understand I will be dismissed. I knew it wasn’t enough once I got the medicine home. I should have called right then but didn’t. Thanks for your time and I appreciate any responses.

[mkh9]

I am sorry you are in so much pain. Use of opiates (even lesser strength ones like Codeine) cause your brain to need more and more. It is addictive but with chronic pain it is different you can switch to a more appropriate combination. .  I know it is going to be hard to confront them. But it is better to talk to them before a drug screen. Do you think you have a good doctor that would listen?
mkh9

[specialmom]

That's difficult and I too am sorry.  I think being honest is your best hope.  Doctors are under so much scrutiny that they do sometimes make no exceptions but all you can do is explain.  I hope that they can offer some alternative suggestions for you for chronic pain.  So hard to deal with!  Again, very sorry.

[backhurtz]

Unfortunately, you have made the same error that has cost many pain patients their access to pain medications.
NEVER self medicate or take more than prescribed of ANY pain medication.
I am not yelling at you, but capitalizing for emphasis- the number one reason for getting dismissed from pain management is self medicating/misuse.
Pain management is not about eliminating pain, but managing it to levels that allow you to function as much as possible, while reducing pain.
Taking more than prescribed is SELF MEDICATING- and can be lethal.
The proper steps to take when your pain meds aren’t working is to contact your prescriber and ask them what you should do. Only if they permit added doses should you take them.
This could be a bigger issue if you do need surgery, since pain management post op may be withheld or severely limited.
Your best option is to be honest, despite the potential consequences of dismissal and hope that the doctor is willing to continue to treat you.
The other issue is IF you are tested or called for a pill count and you have nothing showing-those results become part of your medical record, and can result in blacklisting- restriction on opiates from any doctor/pharmacy.

[pet1324]

I know some caring doctors that can help you. what state do you live in

[KLFrench]

Hi! In my experience, if you need a hip replacement, no amount of meds will truly help you be comfortable. I’ve had two replacements after 3 reconstructions & I know how painful it is and I feel for you. That said, taking more meds without talking to your doctor will put you into a pit that’s tough to crawl out of. There are always reasons to take more & they’ve heard them all. Confirm your surgeon & get a date as soon as possible & until then maybe try TENS units (Amazon has lots of options or even CVS). Best of luck!