Aa
Changing Pain Meds
Hello I have two hemorrhagic cysts one on each ovary! The pain meds I take now are Ultram 50 mg every 6 hrs and Vicodin 7.5-750mg every 4 hrs. NEITHER one are doing jack for me. I get high--the pain is STILL there! Smh! So, I go back to my Gyno Specialist Jan 5, 2012 What are some pain meds that I should suggest him to give me? I can't take Percocet (makes me very itchy all over!) and he knows this already! Thanks for all input!
A quick comment about the Lyrica or other nerve pain meds or 'depression' meds....
Working with your Dr. to make sure of any issues...but upping one's water intake while on these meds is very important. Many people don't get enough water each day anyway...and with this type of medicine...it makes your body hold in sodium....so getting proper water amounts help with the weight gain..
As well as, many of them have you craving more carbohydrates...so making sure limit and/or eliminate all 'simple' carbs...and go easy on the complex carbs as well.
This is not discussed very often by the Dr.s as they don't know as much about medicine like Pharmacists do...and my Pharmacist gave me these hints....Again...always working with your Dr....but these helped me not gain any extra weigh while on the medicine.
Working with your Dr. to make sure of any issues...but upping one's water intake while on these meds is very important. Many people don't get enough water each day anyway...and with this type of medicine...it makes your body hold in sodium....so getting proper water amounts help with the weight gain..
As well as, many of them have you craving more carbohydrates...so making sure limit and/or eliminate all 'simple' carbs...and go easy on the complex carbs as well.
This is not discussed very often by the Dr.s as they don't know as much about medicine like Pharmacists do...and my Pharmacist gave me these hints....Again...always working with your Dr....but these helped me not gain any extra weigh while on the medicine.
I forgot watch how you do w/lyrica. (I had for nerve pain in my foot.)This made me a zombie and I gained 12lbs in less than month. I know someone that has found that doxipen helps w/her nerve pain.
You can develop adhesions from every cyst when it ruptures....And absolutely develop them within a few weeks after your surgery...
Adhesions are scar tissue...just on the inside...So..just like a regular 'cut' starts to scar over in a few weeks...this happens after most abdominal surgeries...
Again...I have a long history of years of cysts rupturing...and the adhesions would form after every single one. The first surgery they did to go in, they had to cut through so many of them...
So you can't take anti-inflammatories...but what about muscle relaxers to add to the nerve pain medication?
And you say you started the Gabapentin at 300mg...have you tirated this up yet with your Dr.? This usually can go up to 3600mg per day....
This should give some great relief with the nerve pain....
Adhesions are scar tissue...just on the inside...So..just like a regular 'cut' starts to scar over in a few weeks...this happens after most abdominal surgeries...
Again...I have a long history of years of cysts rupturing...and the adhesions would form after every single one. The first surgery they did to go in, they had to cut through so many of them...
So you can't take anti-inflammatories...but what about muscle relaxers to add to the nerve pain medication?
And you say you started the Gabapentin at 300mg...have you tirated this up yet with your Dr.? This usually can go up to 3600mg per day....
This should give some great relief with the nerve pain....
I see..and I take blood thinners cause I have a history of bloods clots since I was 15 years old. Had a total of 4-5 in my life. The last one was in the year of 2000 or 2001? I can drink tea and I will try that kind! Thanks for the advice on that.
My first laparoscopy took 3 hours the second one took about 90 minutes.
The pain could be both you might have ahesions from the endo itself. I know someone whose endo many times shows up as adhesion.
Why are you on blood thinners?
Can you drink ginger tea, if so Yogi ginger tea with honey can help.
The pain could be both you might have ahesions from the endo itself. I know someone whose endo many times shows up as adhesion.
Why are you on blood thinners?
Can you drink ginger tea, if so Yogi ginger tea with honey can help.
I don't think its adhesions/scar tissue? I just had surgery Nov. 16, 2011 that would be too fast for that to happen. Lol! I wish I could take Advil? Its a great pain reliever (use to take it). But, Once again--I'm on blood thinners-- the shots and pill. So I have to be extra careful on what I take. I think I stated that in a post before? Thanks for your input!
Yes, I've heard and did research on endo spreading to other parts of the body--especially the bowels and pelvic area. Now, so achilles? How long did your surgery take? and what kind was preformed? I'm thinking it HAS to be endo! I hope the GI doc can find what is going on!? Cause I'm depressed and a little upset about my condition!
Could the pain be from adhesions/scar tissue?
I know I have pelvic pain from a laparatomy (removal ovary/cyst & pelvic turmor). I do get pelvic pain but I am assuming it is scar tissue. It is painful...
I don't take anyhting but advil. My urologist & my PCP & my surgeon all think it is anothr cyst. I can't get into my gyno until Jan 27.
Whatever it is it comes & goes.
I know I have pelvic pain from a laparatomy (removal ovary/cyst & pelvic turmor). I do get pelvic pain but I am assuming it is scar tissue. It is painful...
I don't take anyhting but advil. My urologist & my PCP & my surgeon all think it is anothr cyst. I can't get into my gyno until Jan 27.
Whatever it is it comes & goes.
This doctor has found that there is more than one type of endo and they all look different, yet many doctors (those who are typically not specialist). Still only look for one kind. Of course you have g.i. issues, most women with endo do-- the endo gets on the bowel. (I also had it removed off my ureter during both surgeries.) I Have had two endo surgeries and both times I had endo on my bowel. The first time he had to remove my appendix because it was infested with endo.
I hope this g.i. doctor can help you,
achilles2
I hope this g.i. doctor can help you,
achilles2
Achilles I was thinking the exact thing actually. But, when my Ex-Gyn (yes he is an Ex-Gyn for a very good reason) when in to take out the uterus? He said the only thing he had seen was: Adenomyosis which was all wrapped around my uterus--which that was causing major pain also. He stated he did not see any endometriosis. I thought he did see some on my pelvic exam months before--but, didn't see any in surgery! Huh? Smh! So I guess I have to wait and see the next doctor coming up. Which is the GI doctor that has a background experience in pelvic pain--kinda weird. But, hey! if the GI doctor can figure it out? Cool beans with me. Like I said? I have GI problems any way--that's another reason why I'm going to this doctor. On the other hand? I thought she would send me to a Urogynecologist? Since its a pelvic floor issues. Thanks for your input!
When you had your hysterectomy did your surgeon look endometriosis? And by looking I mean biopsying. If you had endo and it was not removed then that would be why you feel worse. I am wondering if your cysts are not endomtriomas if so they need to be removed or you will just get worse. If you have not seen an endometriosis specialist I recommend that you get a hold of the endometriosis association.
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
I hope this helps,
achilles2
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
I hope this helps,
achilles2
I forgotten to answer your other question. No, I don't take birth control--I would be at HIGH risk for a blood clot. Blood thinner and birth control DON"T mix!
Its in my pelvic area--which some of it could be associated with my hemorrhagic cyst! But, the Gyno Specialist said it could be something else? (since my cysts have gone down a great deal--yet still open) I Had the appointment today with my doctor (my personal physician). I told her my symptoms and how worse they have gotten after my hysterectomy which was on Nov, 16, 2011.
I've had been having pelvic pain for quite some time....it has just gotten worse since the surgery. So, its getting to the point...I have to lay down and use a heating pad continuously! I'm NOT TAKING THOSE MEDS as I mentioned in my post. They don't work....I guess my pain is greater than the meds? So I did STOP taking both of the Ultram and Vicodin. I only took three of the Vicodin it was 12 total.
But, my doctor wrote me a new script for the pelvic pain. Its called: Gabapentin 300 mg caps. I've heard of this medication--never used it. I did some research on this med. I see its was/is used for seizures, headaches, hot flashes, etc.etc. Therefore, I'm reaming hopefully that it will work and hopefully my pain will go away totally. Like I said this pain is really bad--and if a woman has NEVER experience pelvic pain or anything related to it? Then you have no idea what this pain feels like. This is coming from a woman who can take pain to a great deal and hates meds!
But, in this case--yes, PLEASE pass the meds! So I have been off pain meds for over two weeks and been in complete pain. I just want the source of the problem stopped--by all means necessary. So I can get my life back to normal. My doctor is going to send me to a GI doctor to check out the pelvic area and I have some GI issues any way? Killing two birds with one stone! Thank God! I hope this doctor has some answers to my mysterious chronic pelvic pain?
I've had been having pelvic pain for quite some time....it has just gotten worse since the surgery. So, its getting to the point...I have to lay down and use a heating pad continuously! I'm NOT TAKING THOSE MEDS as I mentioned in my post. They don't work....I guess my pain is greater than the meds? So I did STOP taking both of the Ultram and Vicodin. I only took three of the Vicodin it was 12 total.
But, my doctor wrote me a new script for the pelvic pain. Its called: Gabapentin 300 mg caps. I've heard of this medication--never used it. I did some research on this med. I see its was/is used for seizures, headaches, hot flashes, etc.etc. Therefore, I'm reaming hopefully that it will work and hopefully my pain will go away totally. Like I said this pain is really bad--and if a woman has NEVER experience pelvic pain or anything related to it? Then you have no idea what this pain feels like. This is coming from a woman who can take pain to a great deal and hates meds!
But, in this case--yes, PLEASE pass the meds! So I have been off pain meds for over two weeks and been in complete pain. I just want the source of the problem stopped--by all means necessary. So I can get my life back to normal. My doctor is going to send me to a GI doctor to check out the pelvic area and I have some GI issues any way? Killing two birds with one stone! Thank God! I hope this doctor has some answers to my mysterious chronic pelvic pain?
Are you on birth control pills? I had ovarian cysts that would rupture...A few every month...It was only a very mild pain duringt before they ruptured...but when they did...For at least a few hours it was pretty awful...
I've had a few surgeries to remove them...as well as they took out my appendix as they were worried it would rupture as well...
I realize that all pain is relative...but to be on daily medication for this, especially opiates, is not the norm at all and you will run into many Dr.s who will not keep prescribing or going up in dosage or stronger medicines...
That type of medicine for this is meant to be on just the bad days....
That is why you have become so tolerant to them...It is very odd that you are still getting such a rush from them after the first few weeks...
How many Vicoden are you taking per day? As well as it's also very odd to be prescribed two short acting medications....Usually it's Ultram OR Vicoden...but not both...
So I'm just trying to warn you that it will be much more difficult to have a Dr. keep prescribing this..As well as state laws are changing rapidly on anyone besides a PM Dr. prescribing opiate pain medicine...And if it's for a chronic condition...They have to absolutely show that everything else has been tried, that you are treating it with many other modalities and not just a narcotic..
Again...I'm not trying to say you don't have the pain you do...Just trying to explain that you are outside the norm with the reason why you need them each day and on what you are being prescribed...
What Dr. did you see on the 5th? Are you seeing him again on the 11th or is this another Dr..
A HUGE thing is to make sure you are not getting pain medicine from two different Dr.s..
The reason I mentioned birth control is once I stopped taking it...My cysts went completely away! It was wonderful!!!! I had my honeymoon get sidetracked by a ruptured disc...Right as I was waiting in line to get into the Vatican......After sitting for about a half an hour....I did the 4 hour tour.....But was wiped out...
Back then...they just gave me anti-inflammatories...and a muscle relaxer which is helpful as well..
I do wish you well...keep us posted...
I've had a few surgeries to remove them...as well as they took out my appendix as they were worried it would rupture as well...
I realize that all pain is relative...but to be on daily medication for this, especially opiates, is not the norm at all and you will run into many Dr.s who will not keep prescribing or going up in dosage or stronger medicines...
That type of medicine for this is meant to be on just the bad days....
That is why you have become so tolerant to them...It is very odd that you are still getting such a rush from them after the first few weeks...
How many Vicoden are you taking per day? As well as it's also very odd to be prescribed two short acting medications....Usually it's Ultram OR Vicoden...but not both...
So I'm just trying to warn you that it will be much more difficult to have a Dr. keep prescribing this..As well as state laws are changing rapidly on anyone besides a PM Dr. prescribing opiate pain medicine...And if it's for a chronic condition...They have to absolutely show that everything else has been tried, that you are treating it with many other modalities and not just a narcotic..
Again...I'm not trying to say you don't have the pain you do...Just trying to explain that you are outside the norm with the reason why you need them each day and on what you are being prescribed...
What Dr. did you see on the 5th? Are you seeing him again on the 11th or is this another Dr..
A HUGE thing is to make sure you are not getting pain medicine from two different Dr.s..
The reason I mentioned birth control is once I stopped taking it...My cysts went completely away! It was wonderful!!!! I had my honeymoon get sidetracked by a ruptured disc...Right as I was waiting in line to get into the Vatican......After sitting for about a half an hour....I did the 4 hour tour.....But was wiped out...
Back then...they just gave me anti-inflammatories...and a muscle relaxer which is helpful as well..
I do wish you well...keep us posted...
Thank you for the detailed information and run down. Sorry for saying "high". That's what the medication does. I don't care about getting high --cause I'm not a drug addict. Lol! I just wanted the stupid-worrisome pain to go away. He STILL would not change my medication and told me to keep taking the current medications I'm on (which I stop taking--cause they don't work). But, like I was trying to get it Thur his brain--they DON'T WORK and I've only been on them for a month! I was under the care of my Gyno Specialist--because of the Hemorrhagic cyst.
I see my doctor Tuesday 01/11/12 and I will discuss with her my pain level. I know for a fact she won't give me a narcotic (she states people get hooked on them--true)! Which I could care less (I actually hate take any form of pills--pain killers or not? But, this pain here? yes, I NEED something strong for it!). She will give me an anti-inflammatory--but, it has to be a high dose to get rid of this pain I'm having.
I don't want her to think the pain is "all in my head" cause some doctors do try to make you feel that way. Its to the point--my pain makes me be in a ill mood. and I don't wanna be like that--but, that's how it is. They are also kinda funny about what pain meds they may put me on cause I am taking blood thinner--which I have to be on for the rest of my life. I can't take any Ibuprofen, which does wonders for me and takes the pain away instantly. But, by me being on blood thinners it could cause bleeding. Ugh! I guess I have to wait and see what she says?
I see my doctor Tuesday 01/11/12 and I will discuss with her my pain level. I know for a fact she won't give me a narcotic (she states people get hooked on them--true)! Which I could care less (I actually hate take any form of pills--pain killers or not? But, this pain here? yes, I NEED something strong for it!). She will give me an anti-inflammatory--but, it has to be a high dose to get rid of this pain I'm having.
I don't want her to think the pain is "all in my head" cause some doctors do try to make you feel that way. Its to the point--my pain makes me be in a ill mood. and I don't wanna be like that--but, that's how it is. They are also kinda funny about what pain meds they may put me on cause I am taking blood thinner--which I have to be on for the rest of my life. I can't take any Ibuprofen, which does wonders for me and takes the pain away instantly. But, by me being on blood thinners it could cause bleeding. Ugh! I guess I have to wait and see what she says?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
I am sorry to hear your current pain medications are not effective for the pain you are dealing with. How long have you been taking Ultram and Vicodin? If you have been taking them for over a year at the same dose you may have reached tolerance. But the fact that you posted that you get "high" from the pain medications but don't feel any relief from the pain indicates that opioid pain medications may not be the right choice for your type of pain. As when tolerance is achieved, many times the side effects of light-headedness, dizziness, euphoria, and sense of well-being are diminished. Given that you are still feeling a "high" sensation tells me that the medications are probably still working; however, they may not be strong enough to reduce the type of pain you have or they may just not be the right type of medication for the pain you are experiencing. Are the cysts inoperable? Or are you delaying surgery to remove them for some personal reason? I am not familiar with any other type of medication that may be helpful for your pain. Have you tried any anti-inflammatory medications?
Within the opioid family, there are: opioid antagonist medications such as the BuTrans patch; opioid angonist medications similar to the vicodin you are taking but stronger such as oxycodone (which you said makes you itch), morphine, fentanyl (your current dose of opioid medication is not high enough to be opioid tolerant enough for fentanyl). There is a stronger medication that is similar to the Ultram you are taking as it acts on the mu opioid receptors as well as increases serotonin in the brain similar to a SSRI anti-depressant. It is called Nucynta. This is not a complete list of the opioid medications that are available.
The BuTrans patch lasts 7 days and is considered a long-acting medication. Fentanyl lasts 48-72 hours and morphine comes in both immediate release (lasts 4-6 hours) and extended release (lasts 8-12 hours) formulations. Many with chronic pain (including myself) take both a immediate release and extended release opioid. The extended release opioid is taken on schedule and the immediate release opioid is used for any breakthrough pain that occurs between dosing of the extended release opioid. Keep in mind that transitioning to a stronger opioid comes with increased constipation and many have to take a laxative on a regular basis; otherwise, complications such as an impacted stool could occur. Miralax is good laxative to try first.
I wouldn't throw out names of these medications to your physician at your appointment as he/she may suspect you as a drug seeker. However, if you have been seeing this doctor long term and you have a long trusting relationship with him/her then bringing up medications that you have heard about and that others have said were effective for their pain should be okay. If you are unsure, it is best to discuss simply your pain levels and what activities you have had to withdraw from due to the pain; let the doctor choose the medication(s) he/she thinks would be appropriate. Definitely DON'T tell your doctor that you get "high" but still have pain. Please update us on how your appointment went and I hope it will be helpful to you.
femmy