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Posted 7/7/2012 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone, I’m sorry I’ve not been on for awhile, some of you are aware that I’ve been very low, tearful, can’t concentrate etc.......& that my Dr put me on Citalopram 3wks ago for depression, yesterday I had to see my GP to see how I am, he’s kept me on the same med as I’ve passed most of the side effects now, thank god Some of you also know that I’ve having problems with pain relief, that OxyContin & Oxynorm (BT) isn’t taking edge of my pain on my good days, my GP was awear of this the last time I visited him.....Anyhow, cutting along story short, before I went in to see him yesterday, he had a good look at my pain relief what I’ve had I’ve tried in the past, I tried Fentanyl patches because I had a massive allergic reaction & got the whole doses in one hit, Therefore I won’t be able to have any patches meds because of what happened with Fentanyl. Anyhow going back to what I was saying, we discussed different options, whether to increase OxyContin & Oxynorm or switched meds. We decided on a switch of med, He’s now put me on 60mg of MSTContinus (MSContin) every 12hrs & 20mg Oramorph oral Solution every 4hrs, he said I can take Oramorph 1hr after I’ve taken MST Continus if I need it. I Only start New meds on Monday, because my Dr wants to be on hand if I need him I call him......TBH I’m kinda scared of switching meds because when I was in hospital last year they gave me Morphine but it never took edge of my pain like OxyContin did back then, I did tell my GP this, he said they probably didn’t give me the correct dosage.......He did say to me tho if it doesn’t work he switch me back to OxyContin & increase my dosage, but I’m scared of the switch, will their me many side effects with the switch & The word Morphine making me feel uneasy TBH it scared the living day lights outta me! Has anyone done a switch from OxyContin to MST Continus (MSContin SR) & Oramorph IR for BT? I’m really scared...... I’ve also got another problem too, I can’t get out bed in the morning without taking my BT, I have no idea how I’m gonna manage to get out of bed when I do the switch because Oramorph is a liquid, I live with my parents, I know Mum would bring up to me but I can’t keep asking her to do this everyday for me because its unfair on her. Does anyone know if Oramorph IR comes in Tablet form? I’m really worried how I’m going to manage, I having to fight every morning to get of bed now & on my bad days (Before Oxynorm stopped taking edge of) but at least I can take my own BT med, with liquid its going to hard, I can’t keep asking Mum to help, even tho she wouldn’t mind it still unfair on her & make me feel bad. Have any of you got some suggestions to help? I’m really worried & stressing myself out, which making Depression worst. Thanks for taking time reading my post Much Love & blessings to all Snorkels Hi Snorkels... glad to see you post... I broke it up into smaller paragraphs for easier reading, though.  Hope that's ok.  Take care, Tina Post Edited By Moderator (Momto8kids) : 7/7/2012 3:54:38 PM (GMT-6)
Posted 7/7/2012 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Snorkels...


Good to hear from you.

Over the years - I've done the switch from morphine TO oxy and the other way - from oxy to morphine.  In fact, at one point - I was using pretty much what you have now - the MSContin... and then Oramorph for BT.  Those were some of my first medications.  I don't see what dose of oxycontin you are being switched from.... but 60mg of MS Contin, 2x per day - plus the oramorph, is a decent dose. 

I know people hear the word "morphine" and it conjures up people smoking things in an opium den or something, lol.  I'm really not making light of it... but I have to laugh some because this is what my parents think too. :) 

I think people need to let the stigma of the word go and just realize it is one of the meds for treating chronic pain... AND there are many stronger meds out there than morphine.

Sorry to get off on a tangent - back to you - I can't get out of bed w/out my BT meds either.  Yes, there is definitely instant release morphine in a pill.  I think it's just called morphine IR (instant release).  If you have the oramorph for now, though... I would just have it set up on a nightstand beside you.... do you have one of those small, plastic dosing cups?  I'd just have it all set up there, roll over, take your dose and let it kick in.  To me, it would be the same as rolling over and having to take a pill w/ some liquid.

As someone who suffers w/ depression.... anxiety... chronic pain... oh, and all sorts of fun stuff.... I can tell that you are worried and getting worked up over all of this.  Just try to break it down into small, achievable steps.  Try the new meds and see how they go.  Think positively.  Try putting the oramorph at bedside and seeing how that works.

Try to let the stress go - I know how hard it is, trust me, and just try to focus on these meds working.... and your body feeling better.

Oh, and keep posting and know we are here.  --Tina

Posted 7/8/2012 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Snorkels

I saw your post last night but I had had me evening pain meds and was really tired so I am sorry I didn't answer then.

I have never had the switch you are discussing so I can't advise on that. As far as "morphine" goes, Iam with Tina on this, we need to lose the stigma attached to it. Morphine is just a name for a strong painkiller, similar to fentanyl and oxycontin. I would forget the name of the medicine, just concentrate on how well it works for you. I have only had morphine post surgery and it works very well then. The only worry I would have is whether it would make you very tired. However the only way of knowing how it suits you is to try it. It sounds as though you have a good relationship with your GP, so if this doesn't work he is happy to change back. That is great for you.

I remember my mum used oromorph a long time ago. It is a very quick acting breakthrough medicine, which will be good for you. Does it have to be kept in the fridge, is that why you can't have it by your bedside the night before. As a mum with a 31 year old daughter, I know that I would do anything for her willingly. I am sure your mum will not mind, especially if it works and it allows you to be more mobile. Maybe you can find something to keep it in, in your room, maybe a flask or something to keep it cool.

I am so glad the citalopram is working for you and you are past the side effect stage. You sound happier and it is so good to see you posting here, you seem a bit more confident. Little steps Snorkels, don't expect too much too quickly, and just take each day as it comes. Don't stress over the morphine, it is just a word, more important is how it works for you. Your doctor will work with you, don't look for problems, just see how it goes. Have you spoken with your mum about the oromorph, I am sure it would help you relax if you could speak to her and tell her how worried you are about it all.

Keep in touch, let us know how you get on, I for one will be waiting to here from you! You are always there with a kind word for me, I am very grateful to you for that. If I can be here for you and help in any way at all, just let me know. Where are you in the UK by the way, I am in the north of Scotland.

Take care

Love Jane
Posted 7/8/2012 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tina & Jane, Thankyou so much for you’re kind words, suggestions & help you both given me, I will answer your questions in minute if thats ok?
Before I carry on, Tina I’m so sorry I didn’t make easier for people to read my post, I’m new to forums & don’t really know how to set them out. I’ll take extra care in future, Thankyou for pointing this out to me Hun.
Oh & No probs with editing my post. I’ve realised too I didn’t put “Please” when asking for help, advice & suggestions, I’m really sorry about that too, think all worry & stress got to me to much & forgot my manours.

Thankyou so much for putting my mind at ease Tina I really appreacaite it, I try not to stress myself out with the word of Morphine, Just when you hear the word it makes you think OMG!!! My Dr also commented on this, he must have read my face......Thankyou also for putting my mind at ease about switching to MST Continus (MSContin), I feel alittle easier knowing someone else has made the switch!

Before I carry on, I was on 40mg OxyContin every 12hrs & 20mg Oxynorm (BT) 3 times aday, My Dr looked up to make sure I’m on correct dosage, but he did say he’ll alter dosage I need it. I sorry I didn't say in my 1st post.

Thankyou also for your suggestion, regarding dosing cup, I do have one but unfortunately I can't use it because I have a mischievous cat who sleeps with me at night, he's a little love but gets up to alsorts & knowing Felix he will either keep dipping his paw in & taste/drink it or knock it over, I can't even have a glass of water on my bedside table side cause he drinks it, I have to have bottled water with a sports cap on that way he can't get at it, so i'm absolutely terrified of having Oramorph in dosing cup unless its covered up.
Thankyou too for telling me that their is a tablet form of Oramorph, I think I might end up on that because at the moment I can't see a way I can do this without having a cap or cover over the liquid.
Thankyou again for your help, support and advice, i'll try & stay positive & take small steps.

Hi Jane how you feeling hun? Hope you are taking it easy & doing as what the Dr says? First of all I'll like to thankyou for all the support, help & advice you have given, both you & Tina have been brilliant with me, very patient with me too, yours & Tina's words of kindness has help me so much, Thankyou both from the bottom of my heart.

Yep, I do have a good relationship with my GP he,s brilliant with me, so patient, kind & tries his best to help with my pain relief, TBH I wouldn't know what I would do without him, he's been a god send to me because when I saw pain management clinic he wouldn't help me, only a tense machine! When I told my PM Consultant that the tense machine didn't help & that I was still in server/chronic pain, he said Theirs nothing else he can give me & Discharge me from the clinic, when I told my GP he wasn't very happy with consultant I can tell you. Ever since that day my GP took over my pain relief, I'm so grateful too him!

Anyhow going back, I talked to my mum told her how worried I am, she is happy to bring the dose up to me in the mornings but I can't asking to do this because she looks after my 6mth old Niece everyday except weekends. Also if I need to go to toilet early morning I have to take my breakthru med 1st wait till it kicks in before I can move, so I'm well & truly in pickle!
No Hun, Oramorph doesn't have to be kept in the fridge, my worry is Felix my cat as I mentioned above, i'm so frightened he'll dip his paw in & Taste it or knock it over, I just dont know what to do. Maybe I can find a flssk like you said but I won't be able to measure it out myself because I can't move, again I'm stuck to what to do. I really/want to keep on liquid (if it works for me) with it being fast acting like you said, it would be alot better for me, but I don't see how I can do this at the moment. Maybe i'll call the chemist tomorrow to see if they can suggest something failing that, i'll have to ring my GP, Which I really don't want to do.

Thankyou for saying I sound happier being on Citalopram, I was feeling alittle happier, but today I feel so low, teary again & my mood is up & down

Thankyou both again for everything, you both so very kind, I will try to get on here as much as possible it all depends on how I am. I also try & updated on how I'm getting on with new meds, I hope that they don't make sleepy as the Dr & You said too Jane.
Please forgive if I can't get on in next few dsys or so, I will update you as soon as possible.

Oh Jane, I nearly forgot to say, I live in Northwest of England.

Much Love to you both
claire x
Posted 7/9/2012 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Claire,

No worries about your post! The only reason that we occasionally break up long posts is that many of us have tracking problems (me included!).... so breaking it up just makes it easier to read. If you forget, though - it's ok, lol!

I'm glad you have a good relationship w/ your GP.... and if you can't find a solution to being able to take your oramorph in the morning - maybe you can talk to him about getting instant release morphine in a pill.

Take good care... and I hope these new meds help you w/ your pain ♥ ♥ ♥

--Tina
Posted 7/10/2012 6:58 PM (GMT 0)

Just popped on to update you how I’m getting on. The new meds are making me really tired & I feel sick all time, I’m hoping that will pass soon.....Other then them side effects, its not doing much for pain relief, I’m finding that I’m taking BT med (Oramorph) every 4hrs, to try help with pain but that’s helping much either.

I’m not sure what to do, whether to call my Dr to tell him or wait until next Tuesday when I see him, maybe it takes awhile to get in my system, I’ve never done a switch before so I’m not sure how it works.....My Dr is on hand if I need him, but I don’t want to contact unless I’m absolutely necessary.

In the mornings Mum is bringing Oramorph for now, I have however have small child lock medicine bottle on order, it holds 30ml, I’ll measure 10ml out I need at night & transfer to little bottle, for the morning so at least I can get out of bed without relaying on mum.

I’ve also notice too, that I’m very feeling low, more anxiety, more tearful then before I started new meds, not sure if the new meds are effecting me or the drop in mg of Citalopram, can’t make mind up which one doing it or abit of both.

Thankyou so much for being here for me Tina & you too Jane, you both been so kind.

Take care both of you

Much Love & Blessings to you both

Claire x

Posted 7/10/2012 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
That sounds really rough Claire. I don't have experience at all this, but in my opinion it doesn't hurt to call the doctor and let him know how it's going (not very effective.) Let him tell you if it will take time or what.

Good luck and I hope you find some relief soon.

Randy
Posted 7/10/2012 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Claire

First of all it is early days re the medication change. It can take time to adjust to it. That said, with you feeling like you do, I would not wait too long to contact your GP. Some side effects you can put up with but sometimes it is just more than your body can cope with. Did he reduce your citalopram too? My GP would never do that as he reckons if you have a problem, and more than one thing has been changed at a time, then it is hard to know what is causing the problem. I think that makes good sense. Also is it good to be messing with your anti depressants when your mood is up and down. That's not to say I don't think you seem to be making progress. I really think you are.

Anyway back to the point, could you maybe phone the receptionist and ask if your GP could call you. Sounds to me that he would rather you do that than suffer needlessly. He may ask you to try for a bit longer, but if you know the side effects are normal, I am sure you would cope better. Only you know just how much you can take, but I would only wait another day or two, definitely see him or speak to him before the weekend. Remember many people have problems with changes so don't get upset about it. I know that morphine makes me nauseous also, I usually have to take an anti sickness medicine when I am prescribed morhine, but as I said before that has only ever been post op.

I will keep checking in so I will be around if you want to talk, keep in touch Claire. I am always keen to know how you are.

Love and best wishes

Jane x
Posted 7/11/2012 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thinking of you tonight Claire. As Jane said.... sometimes it takes a bit to see w/ med changes.

I would love to write more - but I'm hitting the delirium mode at this point, lol. I need some sleep.... but wanted to check in and say hello.

:) More tomorrow! --Tina
Posted 7/11/2012 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Claire

Have been thinking of you and just wondered how you are feeling today. Don't suffer in silence. Remember to contact your doctor if it all gets too much. And we are here so keep in touch if you can.

Your friend

Jane x
Posted 7/11/2012 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Jane, Tina & Randy........Your thoughts & support mean so much to me, thankyou all from Bottom of my heart.

Sorry, I haven’t been on I’ve had a horrible day, I ended up ringing my Dr like you all suggested......I couldn’t cope with feeling the way I did especially with feeling extremely nauseas. Anyhow He said the side effects will ease as my body to adjust to new meds, its normal feeling for first few days or so.......he has given me anti-sickness tablets to help cope with it. The other side effects I can cope with, it was extreme sickness feeling I couldn’t cope with.
He wants me to stick with the New meds for the time being until I see him next week, then we’ll discuss how I am feeling, side effects & effectiveness of the meds then.

As for Anti-depressions meds, I didn't asked him about that, 'I thought i'll wait until next week when I see him, maybe just having few down days with side effects of new meds, if i still feel the same way next week, i'll will defo tell him.

Thank again everyone for all your thoughts & support I really appreciate, I don’t know how I would cope if it wasn’t for both Jane & Tina, Thankyou both bottom of my heart means alot, knowing you are here for me, when you both are suffering so much yourselves. Bless you both.

Much Love
Claire x
Posted 7/12/2012 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Claire

Good to hear from you. I kinof thought you were having a bit of a bad day but so pleased you let us know how you were feeling. I am glad you got the anti sicks pills, my experience with them is that they don't take the nausea away completely but take the edge of it. Dry toast or biscuits help too. I agree with your GP that it is a good idea to give the morphine a go, the side effects usually calm down after a little while. At least you know that your doctor is understanding and will consider other options if this plan doesn't work out. I am so glad you phoned rather than just suffer by yourself.

I am pretty fed up. I am spending most of my time on the bed. The problem is that my sitting is limited. Also my mobility is poor. My knees are bad, I have two partial knee replacements and now have arthritis which is causing problems. I am not allowed to weight bear on the side of my op, and the problem is my knee won't take my weight, it just gives out. So until I go back to see my consultant on 21st August, this is life. I use a wheelchair but hate it. On the plus side, I am healing well and doing much better than when I had the last op five months ago.

Together we will make it Claire, stay positive. Thinking of you

Jane x
Posted 7/12/2012 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Claire...

I'm glad you contacted the Dr. and they gave you something for the nausea. Yes, I can handle a lot of things but being nauseaus is one I hate the most!

A few years ago I switched from Oxycontin to MSContin due to loss of insurance. In the US...the patent ran out on the generic form of Oxycontin so there was no way in the world I could afford it.

I, too, had issues the first month of switching over it took a bit of tweaking things here and there to get to the correct dosage. I ended up actually taking less MSContin milligram for milligram than the Oxy even thought Oxy is actually stronger. But because it was a different medication, it just worked out that I needed less.

So when we started out, the dosage was too high and that was more of the cause of my nausea. I also had more fatigue but that also went away with time. My Dr. always suggests that I give a new medication a month (barring any type of emergent side effect of course).

So, I went from 120mg a day of Oxycontin to 90mg a day of the MSContin...I've been on the generic MS for a few years now and find it's very effective and smooth as far as delivery. As well as after that month, I didn't have any more side effects.

I take OxyIR for my breakthrough medication and this seems to work very well having two different types of medicine instead of just adding more of the same.

I'm glad you are finding a way to keep the medicine you need in the morning right near you since it doesn't need refrigeration. I keep my medicine in my bedside table drawer in a 4 times a day, 7 day a week dispenser. I also make sure I get up and take the medicine in the bathroom at 5 am with the door shut so I don't accidentally drop it around my dog. He is way too quick with something like that!...And then curl up back in bed, read through the news on my phone and then listen to a book for a bit before getting up.

It sounds like you have a good Dr. who is working with you so just take things one day at a time and keep communication open with them.

I truly hope this provides you with better pain relief so you can get out there and try to enjoy your life!!

Hugs..(( ))
Posted 7/13/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jane & Snowbunny

First of all THANKYOU so much for your support & wishes, they really help me, knowing I’m not alone, don’t think I could cope without you all.

First of all, Jane I’m so very sorry you are so fed-up, I do understand how you are feeling, you & I are very similar in many ways. I wish I could cheer you up, but please know I’m thinking about you my friend & hope each day you get alittle stronger.

Snowbunny, Thankyou so much for input & experience on switch from Oxy to MSContin that has really helped. I know what you mean finding the correct dosage & combination which works for you. Thankyou again for sharing your experience, I understand alot more.

I want to apologise for not updating you all before now, I’ve really having a horrible time MST Continus is not touching my pain, I’m taking Oramorph BT every 4hrs it’s still not taking the edge of the pain. This is what happened in hospital last year Morphine never touch me. My Dr does know this, he said they more then likely didn’t give me the correct dosage to what I was taking to OxyContin & Oxynorm (BT). TBH I’m not sure now, I just think its morphine full stop what doesn’t work for me, unless I'm on the correct dosage yet.

On a plus side tho, the anti-sickness meds have helped so much I don’t feel nausea now.........I feeling so low at the moment, I’m crying alot. TBH I can’t take much more of the pain & feeling the way I do. When I see my Dr on Tuesday I hope he can do something because I really take much more.

I’m sorry everyone for moaning, I wanted to talk to someone who understands.

Thanks again everyone for all you support & help, I really am grateful

Much love & many blessings to you all

Claire

Posted 7/13/2012 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Claire

Never apologize for moaning. That's what we/me are here for you, to listen and hopefully help you feel a tiny bit better. Part of me wishes you had seen the doctor before the weekend. I hate to think of you struggling until Tuesday the way you are just now. Of course you could phone NHS 24 if you feel you can't cope. Make sure you do......promise me!!!! Part of me thinks that maybe you just need the morphine increased but I have to say that maybe morphine just doesn't agree with you. I wonder about that too with me. I had morphine in my PCA post op and I really struggled with it. I could push the button every five mins but it wasn't enough. However...keep an open mind. It's early days honey and you know you can go back to your old medication if you have to. It's a shame about the fentanyl, I have had great results with it, but then again I think I have got used to it. That's why I am trying to move on to oxycontin.

As for me, well I had a bad night last night, just couldn't get comfortable. By 7am I had had about two hours sleep so I had to lie in. I slept for about four hours and felt better for it and am feeling better now. I have started some cross stitch, just to give me something to do, and focus on. I am enjoying it and I think that is why I am feeling better.

This was always going to be hard, changing meds is never easy. So please don't be hard on yourself. Try to relax as much as you can and phone NHS 24 if you are not coping. That is what they are there for. I will be thinking of you. If you feel up to it let me know how you are doing.

Your friend

Jane
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