medicine question

Hi ELderLy - Glad to hear you've got a good PM doc that listens to you.  It is soooo important.  How long have you've been on the 10mg of oxycontin?  Hmmm.  Just from my experiences and such, I think the jump between 10mg BID and 60mg BID is a pretty big jump.  Not saying that's not what you need, it very well might be.  Does the oxycontin seem to work 12 hours for you.  I've been on oxycontin a few times - I've used it 2x/day; there's been other times where my script would be 3x a day (about every 8 hours).  That seemed to give me better, "even" pain control.  The most oxycontin I've been on has been 80mg 3x day w/ a BT med. That being said - I'd ask to jump to 40mg 2x a day.  You could also ask for oxycodone (not Percocet w/ acetaminophen); the instant-release oxycodone.  I think I've used it before in a 10mg or 15mg pill.  Don't quote me on that.  Could you try that for a month, and ask w/ a follow-up appt in a month to "check-in" and see how that's working.  That way, if you need to jump your dose again, you don't have to wait two+ months.  When my doc is adjusting my meds (increasing dosages, changing things, etc) - I always go see him more frequently. Let us know what you decide - Good Luck to you    --Tina

Usually going in and asking for a specific dose of a certain med is a red flag to a lot of doctors. If it was me I'd just be honest and say the current dose isn't covering my pain, and ask what the options are. I agree with others that seeing your doc more frequently until the best dose is found is a good strategy.

PaLady

 That huge jump was just an example, no, 10mg does not last 12 hours. I think being the nature of the consistency of the pill, alot of goes thru the system un used. I took a 10 mg and put in my gum/cheek last nite to see what the breakdown time was from saliva/moisture, the majority of the pill was still there after two hours and was hard. Now, everyones system being different. Im sure that i pass more of the pill than my body absorbs. Now at that rate, thats some expensive #@#%. So with the possible increase to 40, and instant release oxycodones, i might possibly get some relief, otherwise to get any relief i double up on the 10/325 twice a day and have some decent pain relief, still there but not as intense. Lately, my rib cage hurts, from holding my breath, anticipating the next wave of  excruciating jabs of pain in the buttox and calf of my leg, like being stabbed with huge knitting needles. Just looking for somthing that works, im sure PMD will come up with a plan, thats his job and he is good at it. He is my neigbor, my friend and most of all, he is my doctor who cares.

Elderly,
I agree that oxycontin doesn't last the same amount of time for each person. We all metabolize medication differently. Some of this may even be genetic. My thought after reading your last post would be for you to keep some type of pain journal that specifically lists what symptoms you get, when you've taken each med., the relief you get & how long it lasts, etc. and take it to your doc. Then maybe both of you wili see a pattern of how long the oxycontin lasts for you, and what increase you might need, along with BT meds. But I also agree with Pamela that holding it in your mouth isn't good and may be dangerous. Plus it's not the same as having the medication absorbed through your system.

PaLady

Yep, I sure am! Can I come visit your Mom, too?!

I think all of us in the cold climates ought to be able to "visit" anyone on HW who lives in a warmer place and stay for several months!!

BRRRRR......it's cold in PA!

PaLady