Pain management question

[Zeppfan]

After two foot surgeries, I have been on 40 - 50 mgs of percocet (10/350) for eight months. Dr. put me on 20 mgs of oxycontin twice a day with percs for breakthrough. The oxy seems ineffective and has only increased my battle with constipation to a new, profound level. I would like to discontinue the oxy as my pain occurs only when wlaking (nerve pain) and simply take something during the day for breakthrough purposes. is there something that I can switch to that will be as effective as the percocet was for so long or should I simply stick with the 50 mgs of perc per day and deal with it's marginal effectiveness? Don't know that i want to escalate the levels of narcotics at this point..........I am already physically addicted to the opoid and am hesitant to increase.  Confused and a bit frustrated.

[Zeppfan]

Thank you for your helpful thoughts and suggestions.  My  primary care physician,who is wonderful, is treating me and has afforded me alot of input into my treatment. I will consider your thoughts carefully.

Peace

[Tuckamore]

Hi Zeppfran,

I hear and understand your frustration. It seems to go hand in hand with chronic pain and management. You are fortunate that your pain is only present with ambulation.

I too was very hesitant to add a long acting opiate. I held off for years. Probably longer than I should have. However there came a point when the short acting meds where simply not managing my pain to tolerable levels.

My prescribing physician allowed me to call the shots. In my opinion that is one of the things that makes her great. Your PMP may allow you the same autonomy. When it became so very obvious that I required more pain management than what the short acting meds were capable of giving I recognized that fact. I knew when the time was right and I think you will also. Your physician should trust and respect your wishes. In fact I bet he/she will if you voice them.

If you are willing, and more important able to handle the increased pain that will come from just using the percocets than in my opinion that should be your choice. Always talk to your PMP/PCP before you discontinue any medication.

I am always reluctant to suggest a specific medication for various reasons. So again my suggestion is a long discuss with your PMP.

I hope you 'll share with us the decision that you and your physician make. We all learn from one another. I'll be thinking of you and looking forward to your updates.

Take Care,
~Tuck