Will run out of meds and worried

[mellie4]

I am now panicking.  When I got my last prescription, the pharmacy, Walgreens, didn't have enough pills to fill the script.  Since it was early evening on a Friday, I had them fill what they had.  This meant the remaining pills, like 100, I would need a new prescription for.  I emailed by nurse practitioner and told her and then forgot about it.  Wednesday late afternoon the nurse practitioner calls me to check on how the new cream she gave me is working.  She also said, "No problem on sending the balance of the script.  I'll mail it today."  I figured I'd get the prescription either Thursday or if not, definitely on Friday.

Well, my mail just came and my prescription isn't here.  I called the pain clinic (thinking maybe I could drive up there and get another one before they closed, but she's out at a conference and won't be back until Monday.)  I am going to run out of my pills before Monday.

How best should I use what I have so I don't get withdrawals?  I can go to the clinic on Monday morning to get the prescription; so I just need to get to then.

I normally take 45 mg. oxycodone every four hours (I take 3 15 mg. pills.)  I have 9 15 mg. pills left.  How best should I space these out to avoid going into withdrawals?  I am so afraid of that and also afraid of the pain flare-up I'll get from this.

(In addition to the oxycodone, I also take 120 mg. Cymbalta (60 in the a.m. and 60 in the p.m.; 800 mg. Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours, Clonidine 2 mg. a day (1 mg. in the a.m. and 1 mg. in the p.m.) and I have a compounding cream to apply 5 times a day.  I will not be running out of any of these.)

Any suggestions?  I am seriously terrified of withdrawals.  I have 4 kids and no help with them for the weekend.

Thanks.

(I have never ran out of medication.   Even now, running out was not because I misused them but because the entire script couldn't be filled.)

[Sarajmt]

Hi Mellie:  It's hydrocodone.  Actually I need to ask for either a higher dosage or more per month.  I'm hopeful the procedure works Monday but I still think it's not enough.

Yes, do ask about a pain therapist.  My pain therapist was clueless but another therapist did help me.

Someone, Mollierae I believe, did a post about taking down their dosages.  She might be able to give you more insight.

Sara

[mellie4]

What is norco?  I've seen it on here several times but I'm not familiar with it.  I am trying to get to see a pain psychologist.  Maybe it will help.  I started out with such high hopes with my first surgery.  When I had to have the last one (8th or 9th) and have it fused, I knew I'd lose motion but I hoped I'd at least lose the pain.  If anything, it's worse.  The RSD is better and seems to be controlled with the blocks, but I just never thought this was where I'd wind up.  I'm sure no one did.

[BP88]

You guys aren't alone; I have memory problems, too.  And I'm only 21.

I believe it's your subconscious mind always worrying about the pain and when you try to recall events it's hard to get your mind to think about anything other than the pain.

[Sarajmt]

HI Mellie:  It took me a while to accept that this was my life now.  Unless someone comes up with a miraculous cure, I'll take what relief I can get.  For the nerve, neck and hand pain I am somewhat hopeful that advances will be made in our lifetime.

But as for my adhesion pain, I have little hope.  It's a problem most doctors seem to want to sweep under the rug.  As it commonly develops after surgery or infections, the doctors want to believe it either doesn't exist or that adhesions do not cause problems.  I can't tell you how may surgeons have told me this.  My pain doctor would like to be able to show them the results of their surgical handiwork.  She treats several adhesion patients.

You might want to look into a pain therapist.  One could maybe help with the depression and acceptance of your present life.

I too have problems with memory.   It was much worse on the fentanyl patches.  A little better on the norco.  It is a worry.

Sara

[pmartin1664]

Hip Hip Hooray!  I am sincerely happy for you! You staved off a bull running straight for ya! To say the least. I bet popping open that envelope was tandamount to getting that huge tax return, better than a X-mas present. What a calmness of spirit now, uh?  Lesson learned, I'm sure. From this point forward nothing seems to matter as much, Yep, that's what pain relief is,....  Take Care, Pmartin

[mellie4]

Thanks, Sara.  I'm glad, too.  I am so up and down with what I want to do.  I really don't know.  I do know the pain was too much to even function.  But I just wish I could take a lower dose.  At the dose I'm at, I find I'm forgetful.  My kids ask me things and I have no recollection of it.  

I've always been worried about addiction.  Growing up I saw my uncles battle alcohol and then I married an addict.  

I also think I haven't accepted the fact that I may have to be on pain medicine for the rest of my life.  I'm still chasing the elusive cure.  I'm going to talk to them at the pain clinic about getting an antidepressant.  Not that I want to add anything but clearly the Cymbalta does not work for me for depression and anxiety.

I want to be the way I was before all this ... enjoying being with people and my kids.  I shut myself off too much and no matter how I try I just can't make myself socialize.  

Thanks for the nice words.  I can't imagine what it would have been like to be in full-blown withdrawals.  The little I was experiencing was pretty bad.