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Pain flaring up bad today :(

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Posted 1/29/2012 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
cry
For those who have not read my introduction, I'll try to sum it up: I had two radio frequency procedures done, first on November 29, 2011 & second on December 29, 2011. I had them done for Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis & Facet Syndrome- all in Lower back L4-S1. I had relief from the first one, but after the second one the pain came back on both sides. Follow up appointment was a complete waste of time- Nurse Practitioner told me to continue taking Percocet 10/325 twice a day & put me on Robaxin (muscle relaxer). I told her several times the Percocet was hardly touching the pain & she said the muscle relaxer will help- well, I could not take it as it made my heart race. Called Dr's office & explained this to them & they said since I had just been in I could not come back in for a month, so I will go back on Feb 17 (yay, my b-day), and I insisted on seeing the actual Dr!
Well, I have been suffering from severe pain and today it started getting really bad....like time to go to the ER bad. But, I do not want to sit in the ER for hours as it will just make my pain worse & I have homework that is due tomorrow. So, after taking my second Percocet & using my heating pad I am about in tears. This pain is awful today....can barely concentrate to get my homework done. Doesn't help that my husband is not being very nice....he is not good at giving support....I have to practically beg for a hug. So, I thought what better place to vent then here, where at least people understand what I am going through. I really do not know how I am going to make it to Feb 17.....this pain is really getting to me mentally and emotionally. I feel like a complete mess. Thanks for reading!
Posted 1/29/2012 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Please if the pain gets too bad just go to the emergency room...yes, we understand, but you
shouldn't have to be in that much pain, so seek out the help or the ER...as it sound like you do need their
help....Sure hope you can get some help soon and doing better....
and keep us posted will be thinking of you....Prayers that you can get some relief soon...
Posted 1/29/2012 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Firefly, I am sorry that you are having such a rough time right now. I cannot believe the drs office did not offer to change your muscle relaxer, thats the least thing I thing they should have done. If this were me, I would call Monday morning first thing, tell the nurse since you cannot tolerate the Robaxin, you need for a different muscle relaxer to be called in that you need something before the February appt..Thats just crazy.

You can always go to ER, but most of the time when we go to ER in pain they think we are seeking drugs and will not do anything for us. Maybe your hospital is different, I sure hope so.

I do understand the husband situation, thats not uncommon at all. Has he ever been to any of your drs appts so he can hear it from the dr that you really have a problem? I do hope that some how you can get some of this pain under control. Please take care.
Posted 1/29/2012 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're in so much pain --

Let me suggest that you give ice a try. Personally, I find it much more helpful than heat. It may be uncomfortable at first, but after 2 minute, I find that it brings the pain down.
Posted 1/29/2012 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Chartreux- Thanks for your post & prayers. *hugs* One of the main reasons I don't like going to the ER for pain is because they always assume I am a drug seeker & that infuriates me.
Straydog- I am going to call my doctor's office in the morning and ask that they call in a different muscle relaxer. I'm also going to ask if they will please let me be seen before Feb 17 as my pain is so bad. Yeah, I agree with you about going to the ER, that's why I didn't go because they will think I am just a drug seeker. My husband has been to some of my appointment's with me- I think he believes that I am in pain, he's just not good at being supportive. His family was never the touchy feeling kind of family, like they rarely hugged each other and rarely said "I love you" to each other, so I think that's a lot of his problem. I really wish there was a manual or something that our spouses can read to know what we are going through and to help them understand it and know how to react to us.
Cogito- I have tried ice and it's never been helpful for me. I actually think it makes me feel worse. Thanks for the suggestion though!
Posted 1/29/2012 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi firefly -

Sounds familiar, but my hubby just works long hours and doesn't see my pain.  This is definitely the place to come to talk it out.

My preference for pain reliever, also to help with mood, is tramadol.  It's not as strong as vicodin or percocet, but relieves my spine pain better - and I recently had a really painful injury!  I also want to save the other opioids for when I might need surgery.  I'm already tolerant and docs never give me anywhere enough when I need it - and I am not asking even for breakthrough, just post-op.

I also take NSAIDS for inflammation because opioids don't relieve that.  My favorite muscle relaxant is 1 mg diazepam (Valium).  That's not enough to do anything to your mind, but relieves muscle spasms better than anything.  It can make you sleepy the first few times you take it, but that goes away. This si usually only prescribed by older docs because the new ones don't learn the old, cheap generics in school anymore.  Newer is not always better!  I've tried half a dozen at least, had more side effects and less relief with the "real" muscle relaxers.  I get instant serotonin syndrome with mixing tramadol and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine).

Remember we're not doctors.  We can only tell you our experiences.

Posted 1/29/2012 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I  feel so badly for you, that you are in so much pain.  Definitely call the dr's office and ask for a different muscle relaxer and to make your appointment sooner with the dr.  I find that the ARNP or PA is ok if you are stable and there are no problems, but for your situation, I think you need to see the dr.

As for hubby not being a "touchy feely" kind of guy, well, there is not much anybody can do about that, including you.  But you can come here and get support from the members here, who are more than happy to listen and to give support and info at times to you.

I, for one, will be praying that your dr's office will be more responsive to you the next time you call.  Please come back here and let us know the outcome.

By the way, you never said how much percocet you were taking.  Perhaps the dr. will consider increasing your doseage.  That is what I needed and it worked out well.  I went from 5 mg to 10 mg to 15mg mgs and that is where I am now.   So there are options to you, I am sure.  Just be open and honest with your doctor and tell him or her how much pain you have been experiencing and express the need for medication intervention.  Again come back and let us know what has transpired.

Hoping and wishing for good results.  God bless.

Lindaloo

Posted 1/30/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Firefly, i like your screen name, cool.

I wanted to welcome you aboard, Gosh so sorry you are suffering so much. I sure hope you can get in to the dr. and get your meds changed. have you thought of seeing a pain specialist?
Remember you can come here and vent any time you want. We all understand.

Let us know how you make out.

Suzane
Posted 1/30/2012 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Lindaloo- Thank you for the prayers, it's really appreciated. I will be calling the office tomorrow morning & begging to get an earlier appointment. The Percocet I take is 10/325 twice a day. I really hope when I am able to see the actual Dr that he will either increase my dosage or put me on an extended release or long acting pain medication. The 2 percocet's/day are not even coming close to touching the pain. God Bless you as well!
tmjpain- Thanks, I love the show Firefly that was cancelled years ago, so that's my screen name for everything. Thanks for the warm welcome! I am actually seeing a pain specialist, just having a hard time getting an appt with the actual dr instead of the np.
Posted 1/30/2012 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
I hope the doctor listen's to you...and that something else can be called out...
and so very sorry your in this situation, Many prayers with you in hopes you
can get some relief soon...do keep us posted ...
Posted 1/30/2012 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Chartreux- I hope something can be done soon or I am going to lose my mind. ;) Thanks so much for the prayers! *hugs* I will keep you guys updated.
Posted 2/6/2012 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Firefly

I`m so sorry to hear you`re in so much pain and the medication isn`t working. I know it is hell having to wait to see the doctor when the medications don`t work. I know every case is different but perhaps a slow acting medication as well as percocet would help, like Norspan patches or oxycontin. I have taken Norspan plus oxynorm which I think is a version of percocet or at least very similar (immediate release oxycodone) and it was quite helpful. The Norspan gave me really bad breakthrough pain though so I tried just taking oxynorm on its own but it would only take the pain away for an hour or so. Then the pain specialist recommended oxycontin plus oxynorm and it has been a really good combination. A few times I have not been organised enough and have forgotten to make a doctor`s appointment before my script ran out and without the slow release medication the immediate release one doesn`t do much, but I don`t need to take the immediate one all the time. Since you are seeing a pain specialist they may agree to Norspan (buprenorphine) as its considered to be less addictive than other opiates. I`m not an expert though so I don`t want to recommend drugs but that was my experience.

I know what you mean about not wanting to go to the ER as you fear you will be seen as a drug addict, it`s really off-putting when you have to plead your case again to a new doctor. I have avoided going for the same reason even when I probably should have. Do you have any medical records you can bring with you? I`ll be thinking of you over the next few days and hoping you are helped on the 17th. Hang in there, Di :)

Posted 2/6/2012 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Fire. Sorry the rhizotomy didn't work, or even caused more pain. Hope today is better for you (I noticed this was written a few days ago) I'm impressed that through it all you're doing school and you should be proud of yourself that you're getting something productive done each day. BIG KUDOS to you! Unfortunately, there are so many drug seekers (even in the medical community) that the ER doc's are so on alert about that, I can't blame you for not wanting to go. The valium that someone else mentioned is a good muscle relaxant for me as is skelaxin. I hope it helps. Also, is there something more extended release that you can use? I know not everyone has the same insurance benefits but Opana is really helping the pain from my issues right now. I hope you're having a more painfree week. (gentle hugs)

PS I was also DX with adenomyosis. I'm taking compounded progesterone (micronized) that really helps my symptoms! Take care
Posted 2/7/2012 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
di43 & friedspine- Thanks for the replies! I am unfortunately having a severe pain day today :( The 17th cannot come soon enough (it's my b-day as well)! I want to be on Oxycontin or something like that since the two Percocet's a day are not doing a thing. When I saw the NP last month for my follow up after my last RF she would not put me on an extended release or long acting medication- said that I have to be abusing the Percocet's before those medicines are considered! What bs is that?!? I plan to tell my Dr what she said and hopefully he will help me more than she did. I have excellent insurance, and only time I've had a problem with getting a medication filled was with Lyrica, but after my records were sent to the insurance company they immediately approved it. Thanks for saying I should be proud of myself for being in school- it's really tough, especially on bad pain days. Thankfully it's online school, but it's still hard to sit up most of the time to be on my computer. I am also starting a part time job from home this week, so I hope I am able to do it with no problems. As far as the adenomyosis- the Dr's didn't know I had it for sure until I had my complete hysterectomy. They suspected as it ran in my family, but confirmed it when they opened my uterus and saw all of the fibroid's. I had to have the complete hysterectomy when I was just 27- female problems were on both sides of my family, so I was hit with a double whammy. I had severe endometriosis that would immediately come back right after having laparoscopies done. The endo was so bad with the last lap that they almost had to remove part of my bowel. I also had polycystic ovarian syndrome really bad and had a lot of ruptured cysts, so I was always in extreme pain and had periods from h**l. After many years of trying to get pregnant and not being able to, and years of severe pain, I finally decided the hysto was the way to go especially since the POS was so severe and can turn into cancer. OK, I just realized I wrote a book, sorry about that. Again, thanks for both of your concerns- it helps to have people to understand what I am going through.
Posted 2/7/2012 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fire, dang I can't believe the NP want's you to be addicted to give you something with ER?? She/he doesn't sound like they know how to deal with a chronic pain patient. I hope you get to see your doc and they can help with a better alternative before the 17th!!! Well happy birthday (in the hospital) too. Tell them it's your Bday and to give you a margarita through your IV! HAHA! Even online school going through what you are is a victory, so WTG you!

I had a endometrial ablation, it also runs in our family bad too (seems to run in families) and my sis and my mom both had hyster's. My sister had many laprotomies and after the birth of her child she ruptured, they thought it was cancer, the endo was so widespread in her body she was CERTAIN it was cancer. She sent her uterus (cause they had to remove it because they couldn't find the bleed) to 7 different universities through the nation. It was endo. When I was having the large clots my gyno recommended a endometrial ablation. When she was performing it, she told me she felt I had more of a adenomyosis instead (I think the only sure way to see if you have it is to remove the uterus) My family doctor was the one that tested my blood and found me to be estrogen dominant. By taking the micronized progesterone as a cream externally it's relieved my symptoms by 75%!!!! I'm now 48 and am only getting my cycles every 4 months so once menopause hits I won't have the pain anymore and didn't have the hysterectomy (they say that I have bowel attachement as well) YUCK! It's a sketchy surgery and can be quite involved. I'm glad my family doctor found this remedy. I also give it to my daughter (22) who has it as well. WHen she's really good and takes the cream twice a day her cycles aren't as pain free. When she doesn't she's in bed begging for something to help relieve the pain.

She also tested estrogen dominant too. According to my family doc that it causes PCOS, fibrods, endo and adenomyosis. I don't know why more isn't said about it in the medical community? Many medical doctors only go by what they learn in med school. SOme of the better doctors actually do research on other modalities (Low vitamin D for Muscle pain, estrogen dominance, ect)

PS I write books all the time, so don't apologize to me, it's nice to meet you. And please, feel good that you're doing something constructive with your school!! RIGHT ON SISTA!
Posted 2/7/2012 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
fireflyhillary,

I had no idea what you had been through in your life. Thank you for sharing it with us. I, for one, am honored.

Pain is no stranger to you and I know you will stand up for yourself and get the pain control that YOU DESERVE. You have shown all of us how strong your are by going to school and attempting a job in the home at the same time.

No, you are a fighter every inch of the way and I am rooting for you girl. You will MAKE them listen to you, I have no doubt.

God's blessings over you.

Lindaloo
Posted 2/7/2012 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome FireflyHillary....I am sure sorry you are suffering so much. I sure hope you can a change of meds soon. Keep posting as you will soon learn there are lots of caring and supportive members.

Blessings, Amy
Posted 2/7/2012 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Friedspine- I'm a little confused, who is in the hospital? You made it sound like I am. You seem to have excellent Dr's who really know what they are doing, you are very lucky! My hysto was 7 years ago and I am so glad that I had it done; and yes, the only way they can be sure it's adenomyosis is by removing the uterus and cutting it open. Seems like there would be an easier way to check for it, but I guess not. I'm sorry your daughter is suffering with the same things you are- it does run in families & I couldn't even tell you how many school days I missed growing up due to the severe pain. What do you know about having low vitamin d levels? Mine are very low. Thanks for all of your support!
Lindaloo- Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. I do try to be as strong as I can, sometimes it's not easy, but I don't want this pain to define who I am, which I'm afraid it is starting to do. God bless you as well!
sos007-Thanks! I will keep everyone posted....sure do wish I could get in to see my Dr before the 17th, oh well. :( Blessings to you as well!
Posted 2/7/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Update: Got my appointment moved up to this Friday!
Posted 2/8/2012 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Well there you go, our prayers have been answered,at least part of them. I knew you would get that appointment moved. That is soooooooooooo good.

Next, make that dr. listen to you about your meds and your pain. Make him/ her realize how you are suffering and that you need him or her to HELP you. That is what you are paying for, after all! Oh I will go and say prayers of thanksgiving now.

Yay Yay Yay! Making headway!!

Lindaloo
Posted 2/8/2012 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Lindaloo- I am so glad they finally agreed to let me come in early. I am going to talk my Dr's ear off because this pain is just too severe. Thanks for your prayers!!!
Hillary
Posted 2/8/2012 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Firefly

I`m so happy for you that you got your appointment moved forward. At least now even if it`s a couple of days it`s not so far away. Yes make sure they listen to you and tell them how unbearable the pain is. I know when I`ve been trialling meds the doctor has indicated if the dosage doesn`t seem right or it things get really bad to call him. Maybe you should tell him about not being able to move up your appointment and say you`re scared if whatever he tries next doesn`t work and you can`t get in for another month if there`s a way to get around the `appointment only`rule if you`re at breaking point again between appointments.

I can`t believe that comment about not giving slow release meds until you`re addicted!!! What a load of b.s! Of all the stupid things I`ve heard about pain meds that has to be top of the list lol. How do you even respond to that, especially coming from a medical professional? Perhaps I`m wrong but I thought it was the slow meds doctors preferred as the dose is controlled. I suppose they can be abused. One of my doctors when trying to decide what med to increase said he thought it would be better to increase the oxycontin as the immediate release one is more addictive. I guess they all have their own ideas.

Anyway take care honey and I`ll be thinking of you on Friday and crossing my fingers for a positive result xxx Di

Posted 2/8/2012 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
di43- Thanks for your advice- I am going to tell him that I had a heck of a time getting an earlier appt. I know that this appt will mean that I am 19 days early for my percoccet, but at this point I don't care, I need to be given something on top of the percocet. The NP mentioned me trying epidural's with their office as the ones I had with my previous pain doctor did not help- but that jerk did epidurals on both my right and left sides at the same time & I know that is not how they are supposed to be done. My husband is sick of me being a human pincushion, so not sure if I will try the epidural's again.
I could not believe the comment about not giving slow release meds until I'm addicted as well- I've never heard such nonsense in my life. I realize all meds can be abused, but I am not an abuser and do not take my percocet's more than twice a day since that is what I am prescribed- but that dosage is not helping me. I don't think it's too much for me to ask for something like oxycontin, is that bad of me to ask for something like that?
Thanks for thinking of me, that really means a lot to me to have such wonderful support here! I am so thankful for everyone!
Posted 2/8/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am new.   I feel for you. I have rh in hands and feet.  I live in South Dakota and it 8 degrees outside and pain in hands and feet are there today.  My Mom had same thing, so I know where I got it. 
Posted 2/10/2012 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Saw my actual Dr this morning and he listened to me. He upped my dosage of Baclofen (muscle relaxer) to me taking 4/day instead of 3. Wrote me a prescription for Lidoderm patches, which I will pick up later today from pharmacy. He is sending me to a Radiology Interventionist to see if my SI joints are ruptured, and if so I will have to do spinal fusion. That is not what I wanted to hear. I am freaking out just a bit. Still in severe pain, but it's cold here so that always makes the pain worse. I hope everyone is having a good Friday!
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