What pain med next?

[freebird63]

I started out with 40mg oxycontin 2x a day, then was switched to 30mg Opana 2x a day and then was switched to 50 fetanyl patch every 48 hours, then was bumped up to 75's every 48 hours.  For break through pain I am taking 15mg oxycodone 4x a day and 5mg valium 2x a day.  The problem is its not working.  My doctor made mention of trying something different next month.  What out there is stronger then the fentanly??  Its getting beyond frustrating and now starting to become depressing that I can't find any relief.  So what other long lasting pain med is out there??
Thanks
Chuck

[Tuckamore]

I am sorry that you are still struggling with your pain. Depression, stress or anxiety increase our pain....so you have a double whammy.

I've read a few articles praising the effectiveness and suitability of Methadone in chronic pain management. I think there is a lot of fear and bad press that is wrongfully associated with it. It's also reasonably priced. Each state seems to have their own opinions, rules and regulations on prescribing methadone for pain management. In the past it has been considered a detox and substance abuse control medication first.

I too hope that next Monday will bring you better answers. I'll look forward to your update.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[freebird63]

I seen my pain doctor last month and he wanted to know how things were going, I was honest and told him not good at all.  My wife and I went to see Toby Keith & Trace Adkins in concert and just from the standing and setting I could barely walk out there I was in so much pain.  He ask me what I was on the pain scale and I told him I never came down below an 8, he seemed concerned and said in September he would change something but did not say what??  I know I can't afford to go up to the 100's on the fentanyl patch.  I did briefly speak to my pharmacist and she did say they were now making oxycodone in 30mg for break through pain.  Right now I am taking 4-15mg oxycodone a day and 75's on the patch every 48hours.  This pain all the time is really starting to depress me and to top it off I can't seem to find a job so that does not help my depression.  Sometime this fall I have to go see my neuro surgeon, but he does not have much in the way to say if he can fix me or not.  I know I don't wish this pain upon no one.  I can't say as I have heard much good about methadone, but then I really don't know much about it myself.  All I know is back surgery still scares the hell outta me.  With any luck next Monday I will have some better news and will let everyone know whats going on.  Thank you all for caring.
Chuck

[DaveG77]

I was going to suggest methodone as well, I take that with oxycodone for bt pain.  

Dave

[JadedSweetheart]

I was actually thinking earlier that when I was on methadone it worked well for the pain.  I think it worked better than the oxycodone 30mg that I am taking 4xdaily now.  I did have some problems with pneumonia and I got more UTIs when taking it, but I have asthma and smoke and have UT problems anyway.
If you haven't tried methadone, it might work for you.  It is an opiod med like the others.
If you haven't tried adding a nerve medication or different muscle relaxer, that might help, too.
I hope you find something that works on your pain soon!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Chuck,

I am so sorry to hear that your opiates are no longer effective. I am sure you are depressed and frustrated. Any of us would. My heart goes out to you.

I am never comfortable suggesting a specific medication. I can say that you are on one of the strongest opiates available. Sometimes a different combination of medications can take a differance even if they are not as potent as your current medications. I imagine it will be a trail and error process.

If you goggle long acting opiates you should get a list of them. However even a better idea would be to consult a pharmacist. They are the experts in medications. They can explain a lot more and in greater detail than I ever could and most likely any of us on the forum. So please consider talking to your pharmacist.  

I sincerely hope you will find a solution to your pain control. Our members may have better suggestions for you. They should be posting  shortly. Please let us know what solutions you discover. We'll look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take Care,
~Tuck