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Posted 10/7/2011 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
To see shortened version just go to the bold...I like to give allot of background but if your straight to the point or short on time just skip it.


tldr;MRI of spine showing herniated disc with severe pain. On hydrocodone 5mg 2x daily, lidocaine patches, klonopin, skelaxin, but still have occasional break through pain thats really bad (percoset 5mg 3x daily maybe bring that up? idk). Traction and PT helping and injection on the 29th but need better comfort tell then. Doctor is conservative with the narcotics. Don't want orthopod butchering my neck when I'm only 18. Need advice on helping with opiate constipation for long term. Really appreciate any help...don't feel like I have allot of support with this whole pain thing :/

Hi guys! Its been a while since I've posted...I know I came off as arrogant and abrasive or whatever but pain and stress does that. Anyways after months of pain I finally got an MRI and it showed a minor cervical herniation in the C6 disc...not too surprised given my whole dads side of the family has that same thing..anyways Orthopod said it was no big deal, go to physical therapy, blablablah. Well after the MRI the pain started to get worse but as I'm used to pain I blew it off...finally within the past few weeks I went to get some better care. My doc is sure the disc is slipped more and I'm going to PT and they both think it will help :D :) my doc was talking about surgery stuff (she's an internist so she wasn't too pushy) and I said I wasn't ready to have an orthopedic and/or neurosurgeon butcher my neck and she laughed about it tongue anyways I've been going to PT and she gave me a prescription for Hydrocodone/APAP 5-500mg 2 to 3 times per day, 30 pills but she says she really doesn't want me taking it more than twice a day but that I should take it everyday which is nice to hear since she previously refused to give me narcotics. The hydrocodone is helping allot along with klonopin and lidocaine patches but I still have pretty bad pain...I have a traction machine at home and it helps but after the pain comes back even worse at times...PT and doc still optimistic though...Going to get injection on the 29th by an interventional radiologist right next door to my primary and going to a new pain clinic. So I need some advice here; I don't want surgery quite yet really and I think it would be pushy but I still get lots of pain..today was a good day but a few hours ago I almost passed out from the discomfort and finally just took 7.5 hydroco and about a half hour ago 2.5..I swear to God I felt like I was dying but its feeling better now...I really think I either need the injection sooner if possible or to bump up my pain meds as the 5mg twice a day is good for the most part but breakthrough pain like today will leave me scrounging for pills at the end of the month...my primary is very conservative with narcotics even with my dad who's had literally three back surgeries and I don't want to bully her around..what do I do to get more pain relief? I don't want to burn out my script fast and I already feel dirty about the narcotics but I've got school work (pre-med :P) and I miss running :/ also I need suggestions on how to get rid of the narcotics horrid binding effects long term...my bowels are stingy with narcotics...already take stool softeners and miralax as needed.
Posted 10/7/2011 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
I hate to sound pushy but at the moment I'm just really uncomfortable and need some advice :/ anyone? :)

EDIT: I'm using heat over my lidoderm patches...Ive done it before but is it safe? Its helping but I don't want to pump too much lidocaine into me haha

Post Edited (Medicalkid2) : 10/6/2011 7:22:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/7/2011 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Medicalkid,

Who is prescribing your pain meds, the orthopedic surgeon or your internist? If you are getting meds from both doctors, you may find yourself in a predicament. You are never, supposed to get opiates from two different doctors for the same condition. If your ortho is treating you for the herniation, then medications for that condition should be coming from him, unless he told you to have your GP prescribe instead.

A herniation usually will heal all on it's own in two years. While I know that herniations can be painful, that is when they are compressing the spinal cord or the nerve roots exiting the spinal cord at that level.

Taking more than you are prescribed, no matter what is against the rules, but you know that already. If your pain is not being adequately treated so that it is interfering with your activities of daily living- self care, light housework, cooking, etc, then it is time to talk to the treating doctor.

Running is a bit unrealistic for right now. Pain free isn't going to happen until the injury heals, and even then it may  not ever go completely away. We have to learn to adapt our activities to how we feel and even change the way we are doing things in order to live with chronic pain.

You are at the very beginning of the treatment protocals. Most doctors don't prescribe opiates of any sort this early into the treatment standards. Breakthrough meds are usually short acting opiates, which you are currently taking. The only options available are for the treating doctor to give you another dose for breakthrough pain or perhaps go up to percocet, rather than vicoden. Or go up a small quantity of milligrams. Perhaps 7.5/325 hydrocodone might help. Again, you need to talk to whichever doctor you are seeing for the herniation. Internists however are not well versed in spine conditions , structures, and treatment protocals for spine conditions.

As for the lidocaine, if you read the warnings, it says very clearly to NOT ever use heat with the patches as it can cause too much of the lidocaine to be released at once and may cause serious complications. I wouldn't continue the use of a heating pad while using the lidocaine patches.

As for how to treat the constipation that comes with taking oral opiates, metamucil goes a long way to ensure regularity. Miralax as needed, and stool softeners all help. Eating fruit, and fresh vegetables, help as well. There is a medication that can be prescribed by the doctor if you are having difficulities still .

Posted 10/7/2011 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry for the post below but I'm frustrated and sort of venting but it has more details for you :) Please just bare with me I need some support here :/


No I'm not doctor shopping, and I am sort of offended you jumped on me in the first sentence...The ortho is just a consult basically since he's very busy and I told him I want one MD prescribing everything to save me the trouble of all those scripts....and yes my pain is interfering with daily activities. I can't even hold my head up without shooting pain. I was walking around the other day and I just dropped my water bottle. I don't expect pain free, I've had chronic pain since I was 15, I don't care about pain free, I care about producing results with my work. I'm not trying to be an ass and I appreciate you taking your time but I've literally heard that same lecture 99999 times. I don't want to hear it, I've lived in pain for a LONG time and decent pain relief is just common decency. While Internists aren't experts on the spine the orthopod who examined me very thoroughly is dual board certified in spine surgery/shoulder surgery and pain management and left my internist to prescribe. MD's are MD's...they all have some knowledge on treatment of pain.

I don't expect any complete healing or whatever; I am studying to become a physician down the road and have MD's as family members (though I would never bring them into my health care for ethical reasons) and I know very well already the BS controversy over Opiates. I'm assuming you have chronic pain so I won't lecture you on what its like when you can't so much as get out of bed without shooting pain. Today I briefly passed out was the shear level of pain not wanting to take more pills and I am not even kidding you with that, It was sickening and scary and because of it I got none of my school work done..I took the dose she recommended and when the breakthrough pain hit I grinded my teeth tell I passed out and then I said this is ridiculous and took 7.5mg instead of 5. I am an athlete (former, been disabled for 5 months), I did adapt during my time as an athlete lifting weights for an hour a day and doing cardio in the form of rowing/erging. I am a stickler about nutrition with a fibrous diet. My dad has 3 cervical herniations and still runs marathons, his discs are not going back in and he takes Vicoprofen 7.5 every 6 hours...my PT and docs all agree I should exercise just not now, the disc is pretty out there but it will hopefully go back in. I talked to my Internist 2 days ago after nearly crying on the phone with her nurse because I couldn't even shower without intense pain when raising my arms and she won't up anything until after she examines me next month and I go to the PM doc....I have literally done every other healthy non-narcotic treatment and have seen PM docs before, been on Mobic, Ketorolac, Chiropractor, etc. I'm not looking for a Vicodin buzz, in fact I can't even find any euphoria in narcotics because of the pain. I want more vicodin/percoset so I can get out of bed with less pain and function in the 5/10 pain state I was in before instead of nearly loosing consciousness at times. My hand writing in school is getting worse, and even in activities I LOVE I am having serious problems. There are people worse than me I get it but It doesn't change the fact that I am disabled. I don't want a pitty party, just normality. This summer it was hard to tell my girlfriend I couldn't do certain things at certain times because she would go to grab my neck and I would nearly fall over...Besides 5mg of hydrocodone three times a day is a joke. I was on oxycodone IR 5mg every 4 hours at one point for another injury.

Again sorry, sorry, sorry..the pain has really made me a more bitter and short person and I don't want it this way anymore..I used to put people before my self and now all I can do is pray for others and myself to get better. If you can stand my stand-offish attitude and borderline arrogance (hell probably just arrogance ) I would seriously be grateful :) :) The saying doctors make the worst patients doesn't always extent to just doctors...I bring allot in when Im ill and lately I've been backing off that. I just need support as my professors, employees, etc. do not care that a piece of work is not done because my arm went dead...they just want it done and that's fair; its business. Unfortunately I know allot about medicine so it can really piss people off when I disagree with an MD or someone on here about a choice..I try to restrain from that though.
Posted 10/7/2011 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, I'm surprised to see your post. I can't remember if I saw your previous posts, but your situation/story really reminds me of my own right now. I was injured somehow last December and am now dealing with two herniated discs and persistent pain. I've had epidural injections, physical therapy, and been to see several specialists. Surgery is probably not an option to me because I also have scoliosis, which complicates the normal discectomy procedures.

Since last year when this happened for no actual reason--no actual injury just woke up one day in pain--I lost my job and had to quit attending college. It's depressing because I want to do those things, I hate being stuck around at home in pain all day--but I simply can't do anything like that in my current state.

Fortunately, my doctors did allow me to try narcotic medication, although honestly it didn't actually help my pain much at all. I was on Vicodin, though I forget the dosage right now. It sorta just made me feel loopy without helping the actual pain. I'm on Tramadol now, which helps a little bit more. Overall though, I am in the same state of pain I was last year.

Are you seeing a pain specialist? My primary doctor was very hesitant to prescribe narcotics at first, but after I went through pain management I think it has helped to show that I'm really looking to abuse medication, so he has been more helpful. Have you tried any other medication aside from narcotics? Tramadol isn't technically considered a narcotic, but it has similar effect. It's generally easier to get prescribed due to its low street value and what not. I've seen other people talk about nerve-type medication like Lyrica on here before, but that's probably something to look at after having tried the other alternatives?

I would simply tell your doctor how much pain you're in and just be honest. Say that you're not looking for narcotics exactly, just that you--need--something to help you until you try other alternatives. Perhaps a different dosage or type would be helpful. My doctor had me on 5/500mg of Hydrocodone at first, but later increased it to a much lower APA dosage with 7.5 Hydrocodone. It helped a little, but again, I really just didn't have much relief with it. I honestly got more help from using heat compresses and icy hot, actually, and that's saying a lot because those things hardly help at all. lol!

I think you just need to make sure that you're doctor understands where you're coming from. You know you're not a narcotic junkie, but not all your doctors are going to know that until you have a history with them or the medication. Unfortunately that could take time.

Sometimes acute attacks or trips to the ER could prompt your primary to feel more of a push to give you quick treatment, but I would think that going to the ER for this would overall be a waste of time. Still, if you're really up against the wall you do have alternatives just in case. So keep that in mind if you ever feel too upset or pained or have some really acute pain--just make sure the information is fed back to your primary doctor.

Keep posting, I'd like to hear how things work out for you!
Posted 10/7/2011 8:30 AM (GMT 0)
"MRI of spine showing herniated disc with severe pain."

^I am realizing I'm very much not alone and that a lot of people have the some issue. I too through an MRI was revealed to have a buldged disc at L5 with little or no gel (appeared as a dark spot on the MRI) in the disc.

If you want to help with the constipation, go ahead and laugh but fiber 1 bars help A LOT. If that does help, try magnesium citrate solution. Make sure you drink water with it though to prevent dehydration.

Hydrocodone isn't the best medication for Nuero pain in my opinion (see my other posts for details). However, perhaps supplementing it with Lyrica sounds like a possibility. Lyrica is a schedule V and its non narcotic, so your doctor shouldn't have an issue putting you on a trail of it. It does have some side effects but it might be worth a shot ;)
Posted 10/7/2011 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to say...have you tried prunes for the constipation? I get a really cheap brand, because the cheap ones work the BEST for me:) I eat a few every night before bed, and I'm fine in the morning.

If you can stomach them, they can really be a Godsend.

Hope you get some relief soon.
Posted 10/7/2011 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
I went to see a pain management doc 3 times this summer. The only reason I didn't wait some ungodly amount of time (like 3 month wait list behind workers comp guys) was because my family new the owner of the group who was an anesthesia guy and looked at my back and prescribed me Mobic and Skelaxin which I had already tried but I humbly took not wanting to be pushy with the narcotics...I really was in discomfort much longer than I would like to say...I have Crohn's/IBS (that's how I originally got started on here) so that was always uncomfortable and while narcotics helped with the pain they always binded me up and from the start when offered things like Percoset, Vicodin, etc. I simply said no to avoid the issue all together. I have had some acute pain from the Crohn's and neck pain and that did "wake up my doctors" to be a bit more aggressive but they treated it as acute pain not chronic. I pretty much dread the ER now though...they would always look at my medical history then do a battery of useless tests to confirm what I/my docs already knew, slam some morphine in and send me home...not very productive other than a report to my primary. I think my primary is hesitant because both my parents have chronic pain and I also have anxiety and for a few months she thought it was an attention thing and actually told me that up front...since I want to be a doc and I love psychology I respectfully disagreed with her and did not say anything tell recently. My parents are understanding of my discomfort but they don't remember what its like dealing with pain initially with nothing but naproxen and tylenol.

grainofsalt said...
"MRI of spine showing herniated disc with severe pain."

^I am realizing I'm very much not alone and that a lot of people have the some issue. I too through an MRI was revealed to have a buldged disc at L5 with little or no gel (appeared as a dark spot on the MRI) in the disc.

If you want to help with the constipation, go ahead and laugh but fiber 1 bars help A LOT. If that does help, try magnesium citrate solution. Make sure you drink water with it though to prevent dehydration.

Hydrocodone isn't the best medication for Nuero pain in my opinion (see my other posts for details). However, perhaps supplementing it with Lyrica sounds like a possibility. Lyrica is a schedule V and its non narcotic, so your doctor shouldn't have an issue putting you on a trail of it. It does have some side effects but it might be worth a shot ;)

At the office visit 3 days ago she brought up Lyrica and I said no no no...I know too many people with herniated discs that have no relief from that..don't get me wrong; I've heard success stories but she even said it might help...I had taken Vicodin, Tylenol #3, Roxicodone, etc. before both legitimately and sort of against her suggestions and knew it helped a hell of allot more than Lyrica (I had taken something similar before as a kid for seizures). I crushed my hand in an accident (its about 95% better now) and had doctors throwing Roxicodone at me and I never took all of it because of the sheer quantity. When I started to have pain in my neck really bad I took very modest doses of those things...she disagreed with me but understands better now...Finally I don't laugh at any suggestions! :) Magnesium citrate is brutal so I'll stray away from that but fiber does help...I usually eat these little wrapped up mini prunes and those help allot I'm just concerned that since I'm on Hydrocodone on a regular basis instead of as needed sort of not as directed that it will be more of a problem. I do have allot of muscle tension but I take klonopin at night for that which helps..its reaction to long term pain...I've always tensed up with injuries.

flower123 said...
Just wanted to say...have you tried prunes for the constipation? I get a really cheap brand, because the cheap ones work the BEST for me:) I eat a few every night before bed, and I'm fine in the morning.

If you can stomach them, they can really be a Godsend.

Hope you get some relief soon.


Thanks!
Posted 10/7/2011 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Medicalkid...I might be wrong but I thought you were having Crohn's type issues awhile back?  Am I totally thinking of the wrong person?
Posted 10/7/2011 3:15 PM (GMT 0)

krw135 said...
Hey Medicalkid...I might be wrong but I thought you were having Crohn's type issues awhile back? Am I totally thinking of the wrong person?

Yeah I was and to a certain extent still am...I have less GI symptoms from it but do have pain from it still. The narcotics are not a good idea since I have issues alone with constipation but I will need to work on those....I was on Oxycodone for 2 months at one point and I managed the constipation with Miralax but for some reason hydrocodone is different on my body then oxycodone. I guess you get used to it, but that added with a herniated disc is not a fun thing to deal with as some of you might personally understand.

My doctors actually think the Crohns pain might have been from the disc issue...Idk I just sort of got sick of talking about illnesses all day online and with doctors....I just know some people close to me that make their entire life about their pain and illnesses and I don't want that at all...I do have an interest in medicine and getting better my self but I want it fixed..I don't want to complain about it, I just want some form of realistic relief. I always wish I could be like the people who have serious injuries/serious chronic pain but take their OxyContin or whatever and get on with life...I really admire that and I think with the right treatment I can live life the way I want. With more pain I can't do allot of things I'd used to do; yes I realize chronic pain means life changes but if you can help it why not? :)
Posted 10/7/2011 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Now see, for me I can go from consitpation to diarrhea...I was consitpated all week
and I tried Bananas, apples, grapes and last night bean soup, so 1 hour after the bean soup
I ran to the bathroom and had diarrhea, off on for an hour...sure would be nice if pain medicines had
no side effects at all, but I think for me it's more of the muscle relaxer that's causing it...
Many well wishes to you and I sure hope you can find some help...
Sure wish I could offer better help/advise...
Posted 10/8/2011 6:23 AM (GMT 0)
First, I didn't jump on you at all. I don't know where you got that from? All of that aside, if you are having numbness, dropping things and are in such severe pain that you can't lift your head up, then it is way past time for a surgical consult to see exactly what is happening in your spine and the effect or possible lack of effect that this herniation may be having on it. An EMG is probably also needed to see what nerve root may be effected that is causing the problems with your arm(s). If the nerves are being effected, or the spinal cord, then the longer that you leave things as they are, the lesser the chance that you can make a full recovery. Nerves in the spine do not regrow, so damage done to them can be permanent in short window of time.
If I were you, I would have a surgical consult with both another orthopedic board certified spine surgeon and a board certified spinal neurosurgeon to find out what if anything may be related to this cervical herniation. What exactly did the MRI report say? MRI reports don't say herniation with severe pain. They don't evaluate pain, they evaluate whether or not there is an impingement of the nerves in the spine anywhere. If there is stenosis, or nerve root compromise.
The surgeons may suggest a myelogram to see in real time if there is any impingement and I think, given your complaints that it might be worthwhile to see if there is.
Cervical spine surgery is much easier than lumbar or thoracic spine surgery and the options available for minimally invasive approaches to treat the herniation would leave tiny scars if any and just might be the ticket that allows you to get back into school and get your life back on track.
Lyrica is one of many medications available for treating neuropathic pain . It works well for many people, and while any medication has side effects, most of them disappear when you have been on the medication for a few weeks. If the pain is simply caused by neuropathic pain, then there are much better treatment options available for easing that pain than what you are currently taking and then you can rely on breakthrough meds to treat mechanical pain if you need them.
You really do need to at the very least go see both types of spine surgeons and at least listen to what they tell you before discounting surgery before you know whether or not it might be the one thing that will give you back your life.
Just so you know, I am a two time Cauda Equina Syndrome spine patient. I am in need of a third surgery so that I don't become permanently paralyzed-and in a wheelchair full time instead of some time. I also have a tethered spinal cord, the cord covering ( dura) is adhered to my vertebre in three levels, severe stenosis at three levels, several herniations in both cervical and lumbar areas and so far have had two spine surgeries. I have been a chronic pain patient since the very early 1990's........
Posted 10/8/2011 5:31 PM (GMT 0)

mrsm123 said...
First, I didn't jump on you at all. I don't know where you got that from? All of that aside, if you are having numbness, dropping things and are in such severe pain that you can't lift your head up, then it is way past time for a surgical consult to see exactly what is happening in your spine and the effect or possible lack of effect that this herniation may be having on it. An EMG is probably also needed to see what nerve root may be effected that is causing the problems with your arm(s). If the nerves are being effected, or the spinal cord, then the longer that you leave things as they are, the lesser the chance that you can make a full recovery. Nerves in the spine do not regrow, so damage done to them can be permanent in short window of time.
If I were you, I would have a surgical consult with both another orthopedic board certified spine surgeon and a board certified spinal neurosurgeon to find out what if anything may be related to this cervical herniation. What exactly did the MRI report say? MRI reports don't say herniation with severe pain. They don't evaluate pain, they evaluate whether or not there is an impingement of the nerves in the spine anywhere. If there is stenosis, or nerve root compromise.
The surgeons may suggest a myelogram to see in real time if there is any impingement and I think, given your complaints that it might be worthwhile to see if there is.
Cervical spine surgery is much easier than lumbar or thoracic spine surgery and the options available for minimally invasive approaches to treat the herniation would leave tiny scars if any and just might be the ticket that allows you to get back into school and get your life back on track.
Lyrica is one of many medications available for treating neuropathic pain . It works well for many people, and while any medication has side effects, most of them disappear when you have been on the medication for a few weeks. If the pain is simply caused by neuropathic pain, then there are much better treatment options available for easing that pain than what you are currently taking and then you can rely on breakthrough meds to treat mechanical pain if you need them.
You really do need to at the very least go see both types of spine surgeons and at least listen to what they tell you before discounting surgery before you know whether or not it might be the one thing that will give you back your life.
Just so you know, I am a two time Cauda Equina Syndrome spine patient. I am in need of a third surgery so that I don't become permanently paralyzed-and in a wheelchair full time instead of some time. I also have a tethered spinal cord, the cord covering ( dura) is adhered to my vertebre in three levels, severe stenosis at three levels, several herniations in both cervical and lumbar areas and so far have had two spine surgeries. I have been a chronic pain patient since the very early 1990's........


I know you weren't trying to jump me its just I don't respond well at all to people posting with that type of tone. I understand your in pain, but I live with two chronic pain parents who always seam to play the "My pain is worse!" game which I quite frankly do not care about (though they are changing). I'm sorry you are at risk for further disability I am. The MRI didn't reveal "severe pain" obviously its an image, I just summed it up like that as most people do not enjoy walls of text. What the MRI DID show was the disc pushing on the nerve with allot less contrast than the other discs... less contrast=less fluid or something to do with the MRI's depth of view, so it could mean its herniated OR the MRI was not conclusive enough. Orthopaedic said he didn't think the disc was causing anything to severe yet but wanted me to see the PM doc and do physical therapy asap. I will say I am going to eat my words and agree with you on the surgery consult again...I guess if my Internist brought it up it probably meant something as she is not one to bring up invasive procedures. I am going to see the pain management doc who is a physiatrist and is going to do my injections and see what she says as well, more than likely she will recommend it as well. I appreciate your advice I really do and if you can deal with me I appreciate the replies...its just I don't like being treated like I know nothing about this..I've studied anatomy enough to know vaguely what goes on in the spine and it does indeed scare me.
Posted 10/9/2011 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
It's 2 AM, I've been thoughtlessly trying to fall asleep since 10:30 but I have shooting pain down both arms, neck discomfort and I've maxed out on what ky doctors have written on my Hydrocodone (5mg 2x max daily) and Klonopin (1mg) scripts plus Benadryl plus lidocaine patches plus my traction machine....surely i won't go insane before someone starts to care :/ this is so frustrating :( I'm getting an earlier appointment on the 20th with the physiatrist for sure (my dads appointment). I just want to go back to half way decent comfort so I can sleep :|
Posted 10/9/2011 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're having such a miserable time. I'm sure you can get something to help you sleep or ease the pain somehow, and I hope that happens as soon as possible for you.
Posted 10/9/2011 7:47 PM (GMT 0)

misterkatamari said...
Sorry you're having such a miserable time. I'm sure you can get something to help you sleep or ease the pain somehow, and I hope that happens as soon as possible for you.


No because that would make my physician uncomfortable God for bid that. I used to take ambien and she won't prescribe it to me anymore because she thinks the Klonopin is enough but I have such a tolerance to the Klonopin it only relaxes me. I wouldn't have to take 1mg if I was wasn't so uncomfortable. I'm so frustrated right now...its a beautiful day outside and I'm at home with my traction machine while everyone else moves about. And no I'm not taking anymore Hydrocodone because that would be "wrong" or "drug abuse" or "jumping the gun". I'm going to the new doctor soon so I guess I have to wait but it seams every time I come up with a suggested diagnoses, test or treatment plan doctors disagree with me only to agree months later when I'm in a state like this. I think I'm going to have the surgeon just go for it...
Posted 10/12/2011 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the other posters on the constipation issue. You must find what works for your body. I have IBS from adhesions and endometriosis issues, and found that stool softeners help when prunes, fiber, and fruits and vegetables don't do the trick.

I just wanted to bring to your attention a previous post. It asks that we not copy and paste other posts into our own. The site owner pays for each letter on the forum, and copying and pasting responses can create long posts and higher costs. You can find the post asking this here www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=16&m=1967764

You can take this advice or leave it, and it is not meant to pick at you or irritate. I have learned that it is very hard to read the emotional intent with online posts or texts. What you may take as an attack is merely what someone intended as just advice. It can also be taken the wrong way when someone asks for advice and then argues with the advice someone gives. Online communication can create these kinds of issues. We are all here suffering with chronic pain, the same way you are, and must keep that in mind when we post or respond to posts. Sometimes I have to walk away from online communication and look at it from different perspectives before responding so as not to answer in anger or irritation.

I hope that you are getting some relief and help from the advice posted. I remember what it felt like to not have adequate pain control, it affected everything. I pray that you get the control you need soon.

Mindy
Posted 10/13/2011 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
MedKid,
I am going to give you a piece of advice , well two actually, the first, is to take what you want and leave the rest. In other words, when someone takes the time to respond to your posts, be appreciaive of that fact. Read what they say, and if you feel that any of it applies to you, then use it as you feel it may be helpful to you and ignore the rest of it.
The second piece of advice, is to stop telling someone what they can tell you, or how much you know. I posted my own medical conditon NOT to "one up you", because I don't ever believe that pain someone feels should be compared to another's, but because of what you said in your first reponse to me. I've noticed in several of your posts, that you discount suggestions realitively quickly, and use your family's medical background to discount those suggestions.
While 5 mg , three times a day may not be a lot of pain medication in your experiences, you can not compare one condition or injury and it's treatment, to what is going on with your body now. Medications used to treat acute conditions or injuries are dosed much differently than they are for chronic conditions. As I said to you in an earlier post, you are only at the very beginning of this journey into treatments for your neck, and listening to and following your doctors suggestions, even when you may not agree with them , might find you with a lot more comfort and less pain than trying to do things the way you want them.
Sandi
Posted 10/13/2011 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
I saw this thread and it made me think of that Staind song :p

Klonopin helps A LOT for sleep issues associated with pain, and its hypnotic effects last for a while if only taken at night. However, its muscle relxant effects seem to disappear quicker than its sleep properties. With that being said, good sleep is important for pain control so in that respect, I think klonopin can be a good adjuvant. Just my view.
Posted 10/13/2011 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
mrsm123 said exactly what I was thinking and wanting to say, but was not strong enough to. I think that you have much to offer this forum and could learn much about learning to cope with pain issues. Did you ever think about coming on here for more than just an answer to a question, getting and giving support from your experiences and others?
Posted 10/13/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Well it turns out my injection has been cancelled and moved a month up. My primary is not seeing me for another 3 months, and I can't get a referral to any other place because the place that I'm going to in a month and half makes sure you stay with them to avoid "doctor shopping". I can barely feel my left hand and have shooting pain in my should/arm. I'm left handed and I have a class where everything must be hand written. I'm assuming this is the kind of care I'll have to deal. Thanks for the posts guys.

EDIT: Going to the ER. My doctor's nurse and basically said go to the ER.

Post Edited (Medicalkid2) : 10/13/2011 3:37:12 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/14/2011 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Just got back from the ER...The ER doc was coincidally an old friend of my family and he immediately gave me oxymorphone and a muscle relaxer and called a neurosurgeon right away and got me an appointment and wants me to call in the morning. He sent me home with a script for Flexeril and Percocet as well as two tabs of Percocet so I can sleep tonight and get up in the morning. He seamed to be pro surgery so I'll see how this goes... Fastest Ive ever been in the ER!
Posted 10/14/2011 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you had to go to the ER, but I'm glad you got some treatment that you're satisfied with. It definitely sounds like you needed some acute treatment for this so you could just get some rest!

Also, just in case you have to see them in the future--you may want to make sure the other clinic you were to see that makes you 'stay with them' knows what is going on with the ER and the neuro appointment. Either way, I'm glad you got some help.

Keep us updated and let us know what the neuro says and how you're feeling!
Posted 10/14/2011 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Med Kid,

Sorry to read that you wound up going to the ER, but it seems that it turned out well for you, in that you got better control over the pain and the consult with the neurosurgeon.

Do call the physiatrist/PM doctor that is prescribing your meds or doing the injections, and let them know that you were seen at the ER and what meds they gave you. This way, you aren't accused of doctor shopping.

I hope that the neuro has a game plan for getting this taken care of, and you get back on your feet relatively shortly.

Good luck,

Sandi

Posted 10/14/2011 7:17 PM (GMT 0)

misterkatamari said...
Sorry to hear you had to go to the ER, but I'm glad you got some treatment that you're satisfied with. It definitely sounds like you needed some acute treatment for this so you could just get some rest!

Also, just in case you have to see them in the future--you may want to make sure the other clinic you were to see that makes you 'stay with them' knows what is going on with the ER and the neuro appointment. Either way, I'm glad you got some help.

Keep us updated and let us know what the neuro says and how you're feeling!


Yeah the ER physician wrote it for take 2 tabs every 4 hours which is good since I don't think I'll need to do that. I only need 5mg every 4-6 hours. When I got their I felt really dirty like drug seeking but the doctors there seamed to take my discomfort pretty seriously as I got in and our in 2 hours and the ER was packed. I was surprised that he consulted a neurosurgeon so fast though :O

mrsm123 said...
Med Kid,Sorry to read that you wound up going to the ER, but it seems that it turned out well for you, in that you got better control over the pain and the consult with the neurosurgeon.
Do call the physiatrist/PM doctor that is prescribing your meds or doing the injections, and let them know that you were seen at the ER and what meds they gave you. This way, you aren't accused of doctor shopping.
I hope that the neuro has a game plan for getting this taken care of, and you get back on your feet relatively shortly.
Good luck,
Sandi

Yeah I haven't really been prescribed anything from anyone else other than my Internist and PM doc I saw months back and my Internist will get the ER report. I'm glad I'm comfortable but my Internist and mom are being really harsh about the fact that I went through the hydrocodone so fast. They both really are suggesting that "I'm not in that much pain" or that I'm being irresponsible which is really bothersome. Before I went to the ER yesterday I could not function very well and was in tears since I couldn't do something I had planned with my friends for a month let alone even get out of bed or focus on school work. If I wasn't in serious pain I wouldn't have burned through the script so fast and thus I wouldn't need to go to the ER...The Percocet is much better than the Vicodin though! It does not have as much sedation and almost has less euphoria but MORE pain relief! I remember taking it for my broken hand when I had to take more than the limit of tylenol and hydrocodone at a time to get relief. Although it is a bit more binding (which is why I could never abuse narcotics, I'd end up with a bowel obstruction :O) I guess I'll just have to stay more hydrated and what not. I'm just concerned about the fact that its more controlled but I guess that's why I'll see the PM doc. I really don't want to be in the position where I have nothing left like yesterday and I feel like a jerk about it but the pain was making me loose my mind and I imagine if I didn't have any common sense and just kept asking for more and more, people would have thought I was an addict or something.

I'm just frustrated that the people around me seam to worry more about abuse issues than my physical state. My dad has the same herniation so he gets what its like to not be able to get comfortable in any position and my mom has some type of pain disorder and takes Lortab for it but for her it just "makes things better", for me I can't do allot of things I used to do...she used seam to understand I was uncomfortable but now she just keeps saying "I don't know how you could go through that much Vicodin" as if 5mg 2x a day is some serious quantity...I don't know..I just look at medicine as medicine..if it happens to be a controlled substance and I am prescribed it so be it.

Anyways I'm really pro-surgery now as the Percocet doesn't get rid of ALL the pain and probably won't unless I take 10mg and to be honest I prefer not to be doped up completely like that...really don't want to end up like the people on 320mg of OxyContin a day barely able to stay awake, and I don't mean that offensively as I know some of you guys don't have the luxury of surgery. I'd like to get it so I only have to take Naproxen and percocet less than once a day for breakthrough pain. The ER physician said I could probably get in for the surgery within a few weeks if not days if it got to unbearable, but I need to think about it. I would also like to have it done right before Christmas break even though the recovery period seams short, I'd like to be at home for it. The range of motion loss is the one thing I fear most, I don't mind scars. Thanks for the replies though :)


EDIT: I'm usually not nervous when it comes to surgery and procedures but I've been thinking about it and its essentially my brain they are going to be cut around :O does anyone have any input or experience? I just think I have trouble trusting most docs cutting around my brain..I know the procedure is not really super invasive but still.

Post Edited (Medicalkid2) : 10/14/2011 2:29:47 PM (GMT-6)

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