Help needed in southwest Florida

[poorboy126]

Ok well a little about me, I'm brand new to this site and I'm hoping this site is different from some I have found that seem to be full of addicts and pushers and not legitimate people with documented chronic pain that really need pain meds. I have severe loer back pain and neck pain and have several xrays and am currently waiting for my ins. to approve a mri. My question is, would anyone have any suggestions on a good pain mgmt doctor in the Sarasota,Venice,North Port or Port Charlotte area? I have tried the chiropractor route and that just made things so much more worse that I know had to have these xrays done to see what is the real problem. My family doc prescribes me Percocet 10/650mg 3 times a day but these don't seem to last more then 2-3 hours per pill and she won't increase my dosage becasue she says she is not a pain mgmt doctor. Don't get me wrong, I love my doctor and will continue to see her for family issues but I guess I need to find a pain doctor. So with my current prescription I run out a week early because I usually need 4 to 5 pills a day. I would love to find something that takes the pain away as good as these but without the acetaminophen because I fear about damage to my liver. Well I'll stop rambling on and Thanks in advance to anyone that can give me any tips.

[Tuckamore]

It's the 650mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) that would be too high of a dosage in a month. Therefore 180 tablets would exceed the intake of Acetaminophen per FDA recommendations.

In my opinion there is no good reason for all that Acetaminophen if you are taking Oxycodone (Percocet) long term.

There isn't a "normal" dose of Percocet. Physicians differ as do conditions and situations .If you're looking for maximum  dosages of Percocet again it's the Acetaminophen that is concerning... and physicians are usually under the guidelines of FDA recommended dosage. The FDA still suggest that 4,000mg per 24 hour period. of Acetaminophen not be exceeded. However the concerning issue is Acetaminophen has found it's way into many, many drugs. Your cough syrup, sleep aid allergy medication and so much more usually contains Acetaminophen. So many are taking it without either realizing it or adding it up. That's the concern.

Best to talk to your prescribing physician.

~Tuck

[poorboy126]

Hey I was wondering, is anyone out there willing to tell me what the normal or max daily dosage is for 10/650 Percocet? I guy told me he has heard of 180/month but I would think that is way to much especially with all that acetaminophen. Maybe I'm just clueless, somebody set me straight please.

[poorboy126]

Thanks Tuck, I will talk to my Doctor about that referral. I will post my progress.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Poorboy,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. You have found the right forum. We I proud to be part of MedHelp's professional environment. There are no "pushers" here.

First let me say that I am never comfortable suggesting a specific physician, for obvious reasons. I live in the Panhandle of FL and see a PMP that is wonderful. He has strict guidelines and is not part of the "Pill Mills" that has grabbed so much media attention in this state. I found him through a PCP referral. I believe that is the best way to locate physicians that are responsible and professional. So my suggestion to you is to request a referral from your PCP. The two will work hand-in-hand and a referral is often required when consulting a PMP.

Your opiate use is not high but given the atmosphere in FL I understand your PCP position. There are also other approaches/procedures that may be beneficial in controlling your pain. A good PMP will work with you to control your pain levels utilizing all avenues. You may find that a long acting opiate will reduce your pain levels more effectively then a short acting one.... or the use of both may be what you require. Pain Management is often a trial and error process. It can be lengthy. It's my opinion that a good patient/doctor relationship is essential.

I hope you request that referral. You deserve to be comfortable and have good pain control. Please keep in touch and feel free to ask any additional questions. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Take Care,
~Tuck