What are some different pain meds

[freebird63]

Now that I am looking at having to go back on pain meds because my morphine pump is now working I was hoping to get some advice/information on the different meds out there.
Before the pain pump I was on the following:  30mg oxycontin 2x a day, 10/325mg percocet 6x a day and 5mg valium 2x a day.  This combination was not working for me.  The valium is used for muscle spasms and it works great.  But its the long acting and break through pain that was uncontrolable.  Does anyone have any advice for me, I  have an appointment with my pain doctor tomorrow afternoon and would like to have some suggestions to run by him.
Thanks
Chuck

[Red931]

My insurance also prevents me from refilling until 27 days has past since the last so if I plan on going away (which is not often) I would have to plan around it or refill where I was going.

I need pre-approval for everything and if I have to go to the ER they can't wait to throw me out because of this HMO-Blue **** I have. Let's not even talk about the Referral nonsense.

You must have a Traditional Plan if you usually don't need pre-approval so I guess you right about them dragging their feet.

[freebird63]

I have been on norco for a long time, about a year and a half, so I have built up a tolerance for it.  But like I said I have found that generic brands for percocet, like endocet, do not work at all for me.  So I have to make sure my pain doctor requests brand name only.  So once again I am playing the hurry up and wait game, the one thing that kinda struck me as funny is with my insurance I don't need pre-approval for out patient surgeries and when I left my surgeons office yesterday his nurse said she would get ahold of the insurance for pre approval for the removal of the pump.  I suspect they are just dragging their feet hoping I will change my mind.  Also with my insurance I cannot fill prescriptions early, so there is no chance of that happening.  This whole mess is long past old and has really messed up my summer.

[Red931]

I know exactly what your talking about with these surgeons. I saw my surgeon earlier this week and he told me that after reviewing my latest MRI that I would need another shoulder reconstruction but that I would need to get an EMG first.

I then asked "Why do I need an EMG?" He answered: "I have to make sure there is no nerve damage there before I go in there again."

You would think after reading that he was being a conservative and caring surgeon. Wrong!

I answered him: "You just sent me for an EMG in April that resulted in the Ulnar Nerve Surgery that you just did on me June 17th, and then showed him the 8 inch scar from the incision that he made on my arm just over a month ago. He looked at me and didn't know what to say.

BTW: I was there for a follow-up for the June 17th surgery in the first place. The MRI results on my shoulder just happened to come back last week and he couldn't wait to get me back on that table.

The better surgeons out there probably would not take our insurance.

What made you decide to go back to the Percocet and dump the Norco if you don't mind my asking?

[Red931]

I knew about the 30mg dose because my Uncle takes it as I stated earlier, that is why I looked it up. I still remember the 160 mg dose was discontinued like you mentioned. I am trying to locate where I read it. It may have been on the DEA's Site.

Tuck: In NJ it seems all are available except the 15mg. dose. I know people that are on all the others except the 15 and 160. It was discussed in PT often.

[freebird63]

Well my pain doctor increased my oxycontin to 40mg 2x a day and it seems to work better then the 30mg.  But as soon as my 30 days is up for my percocet then I am going to go back on it for the break through, but am only going to get brand name as the generic brand "endocet" did nothing for me.  I saw my neuro surgeon today, I knew I was going to have a fight on my hands and sure enough I did.  Boy if I treated people that way I am sure I would get punched in the face.  I don't understand why they feel they can treat people like ****.   The thing that made me raise an eye brow is when my neuro surgeons PA looked at the incision in my back he made the comment " who did this incision", I felt like saying duh you guys did.  But as soon as he takes the pump out and I did have to insist that he take it out and his comment was "what a waste", I will be changing neuro surgeons.  I can't tell you how this whole ordeal has really worn on my patients.  Of course the surgeon that put the pump made sure to make it sound like I was going to have even more problems after he took the pump out.  As far as I am concerned I feel the treatment I have received from my surgeon is borderline criminal.  But will keep everyone posted
Chuck

[sandee1818]

Thanks for the information. Where have I been:)
I know oxycontin was only available in 20,40,60 and 80 mg for the longest time.
I am glad to see they are making strengths in between those.

[Tuckamore]

Red,

You are correct on the doses. The issue is that most pharmacies do not carry the 15 and 30. There are not popular doses and far less of those manufactured. At least that is what I was told.

Chuck,
I am hoping the best for you. CSF leak can be dangerous and you need to follow it very closely. I am glad that they are checking you thoroughly. Your physicians seem concerned also. Please give the Norco a try. It works well for a lot of ppl.

I'll be watching for your updates. I do wish you luck and take care.
Tuck

[Red931]

I thought the same thing that Sandee posted about the Oxycontin Doses, except for the 30mg as my Uncle takes that dosage so I knew it did come at a 30mg. dose. I take 20mg. myself. With that said I would say your doctor was telling you the truth. I do remember reading that the 160mg. dose was to be discontinued due to overdose.

However, I was able to find this information on the Web and it was last update in March, 2009:

OxyContin Strengths
OxyContin tablets are available in the following strengths:


    * OxyContin 10 mg
    * OxyContin 15 mg
    * OxyContin 20 mg
    * OxyContin 30 mg
    * OxyContin 40 mg
    * OxyContin 60 mg
    * OxyContin 80 mg
    * OxyContin 160 mg.

It seems that they are still dispensing it at 160mg.

Anyway it was working well for me since October of last year, but since my last surgery on 6/17/09 I am not getting the same pain reduction either. I don't want to increase my dosage because it is starting to make me tired all the time also, so I know how you feel. I am going to talk with my doctor about some new options on Tuesday, but I have a feeling I am going to get the same results that you did.

I would like to just add that I was taking Hydrocodone also for breakthrough pain while on Oxycontin early on and found that I felt a fogginess upon waking from sleep that lasted all day and was switched to Percocet for breakthrough pain as you were on before. You may not have this happen to you because we are all different but I thought it was worth mentioning.

If my doctor switches me to something other than an increased dose of Oxycontin as yours did I will be glad to share the information with you.

Good Luck with the Neurosurgeon!

[freebird63]

My pain doctor claimed the 30mg oxycontin was a long acting.  But today he gave me 40mg and just left me with norco for the break through pain, which I was not happy about.  Tomorrow I have to go in and have an x-ray to find out where the catheter is going in my back, but my doctor agreed that it was not working and is also suggesting another blood patch for the CFS leak, oh and also have to have some lab work done to determine if I have an infection.  Out of all the pain pump cases he has done, I have been the most challenging...go figure.
I still just want the thing taken out.  The biggest challenge is going to be seeing my neuro surgeon tomorrow.  Wish me luck

[Babs1469]

I have had great success with Kadian ER 80 mgs 2x day and Opana IR 10 mg 4xs day Plus I'm on cymbalta and Soma for pain, Lots of other meds but those are the pain ones

Best of Luck

XO
Babs

[sandee1818]

Hi Chuck,
You say you were in 30 mg of oxycodone, this is not an extended release form. The only strengths available of ER oxycodone (oxycontin) are 10, 20, 40, and 80mg. I am not sure if they still make 160mg or not. You should try the ER version first and then go on to other options.

[optimus22mac]

Hi Chuck,

I was on about the same doses of Oxycontin and Percocet as you--except I was on 40mg Oxycontin twice a day.  I was taking the maximum number of percocet that I could for breakthrough, and I was getting no pain relief from any of it, mostly because I'd become tolerant to the medications.
We switched my prescription to Hydromorph Contin and Dilaudid for breakthrough, and the pain relief is amazing for me, with minimal side effects.  So, I have had great success with this change.  

I hope you find some relief soon.

[Mollyrae]

Hi Chuck:

Was the Doctor not able to adgust the Morphine Pump? Usually that would be the protocol. There are many options for you. The Fentanyl Patch offers 72hr. around the clock pain relief and works well for many including myself. There are many benefits to the Patch, one being that it does not cause the euphoria...makes you feel more on the normal side of things. The other is the constant flow of medicine. Waking up and not having to take a pill to get going in the morning has been one of the biggest.

I am not familiar with the other "Big Dog" meds. Others will post as the day goes on so be patient. I realize that your appt. is today and hopefully others will post before then.

Please take care and good luck in the future.
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hi Again Chuck,

Good to hear from you but sorry about the poor results you have had with the morphine pump. You may want to consider MS Contin or the Fentanyl Patch.

I'm sure your physician will have some suggestions for you. I hope you'll let us know what the two of you decide and how well it works for you. I'll look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Tuck