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Posted 8/10/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I saw my PM Dr. today.... he prescribed me some new meds..... I am very nervous to take them.... I did research them here but always like to hear directly from everyone if you don't mind...

The scripts won't be ready until tomorrow as the pharmacy had to order one of them so I haven't yet tried them...

I was prescribed:

Amrix.... a extended release muscle relaxer
Avinza... 30 mg extended release morphine sulfate

Gosh... morphine sounds so scary to me.....

Also my Dr upped my Oxycodone to 30mg 4X's per day.

My question is this.... can I socially have a drink or two once and a while.... I don't drink regularly at all but when out with friends?

Tomorrow I have my EMG scheduled in the AM... I am very nervous and a little frightened....

Can anyone offer me any advise or let me know your experiences on these types of medication.... thanks... I don't know where else to turn.....
Posted 8/10/2009 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa! I have never tried Amrix, but I have been prescribed morphine (not extended release though). Personally, I don't care for it. It really upset my stomach and gave me REAL bad constipation. But I also know that for some people it works great. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Posted 8/10/2009 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Between the Oxycodone and the Morphine I would avoid alcohol like the plague. I am a big guy (6 ft and 230 lb) and I had the equivalent of a beer once while I was on Morphine and it through me for a big loop, and that was after taking on average 45 mg per day for over a year and was well adjusted to the effects and side effects of the medication.
Posted 8/10/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, morphine is known big time from causing constipation. I found Colace or a swig or two of some milk of magnesia works well for getting things moving.
Posted 8/10/2009 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Lisa, First of all I want to wish you good luck on the EMG tomorrow. I personally haven't ever had one before. I am sure there are many here who have had it done and they may be around in a little while to offer what to expect from that.

And I can't help you either with the medications, sorry. Hopefully again others here may be on them or have heard something about them. Be sure and read the handout the pharmacist gives you too. And you can look them up on the computer too for more information also. I do hope they will work for you and you will see a pleasant and noticable difference in how you feel.

I will say I do not think you should drink while taking these medications. Alcohol may have a dangerous adverse reaction to your meds. I am not one who drinks. I will say that I have had an occasssional glass of wine. It is seldom that I will do this. And when I do drink wine, I do make certain it is only one glass. This is for several reasons. The main one is because I know that I have several members in my family who have huge addictions to alcohol. I will not allow that to happen to me. And ofcourse because I know that I shouldn't  mix my meds with alcohol. These are personal reasons for me. I do like to relax with a glass of wine on occassion, but this is not often. This has to be a personal decision for you to make. But I seriously would discourage this.

I hope I haven't offended you. If I did, I am sorry. It wasn't my intention at all. Let us know how the medication works for you.

Anice

 

Posted 8/10/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa,
I never even heard of Amrix but was prescribed Avinza #30 back in 2003. Everyone is surely different so please don't take what I say as gospel. I hated it! Only took it for one day and took the bottle back to my doc and told him about it. Horrable headacke, nausia, and the shakes of all things! I guess morphine and I don't get along! After my cervical fusion back in March, I was in agony when I woke and they gave me morphine> it didn't do a thing for the pain at all! They said it was because I have been taking methadone (weird drug) for so long. Demerol & ?dalodin?(not sure how to spell that one) didn't work either! I asked for oxicodone which is what I take for breakthrough pain w/ the methadone and it helped a little but it was the only thing that did. I was warned about this might happen when I first started taking methadone > that it cancells the efects of other narcotics but this was my first hands on experiance> 3 days of NO FUN in the hospital!!! about drinking w/ narcotics, I was a heavy drinker before narcotics, now I don't drink at all! Scarry stuff mixing them! I wouldn't do it especially w/ the amount you're taking! Ask your Doc, I'll bet he agrees w/ us!
Good luck w/ your EMG!!!
Your friend,
Pete
Posted 8/10/2009 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Having a drink once in a while is not going to bother you as long as your used to your pain medication and realize how it alone affects you. as somone said up top there were 6 ft and 230 well i'm 5'7 and 140 and it doesnt bother me and i'm taking 150mcg of fentynal and 6-30mg oxycodone...so obviously its how your body reacts not how someone else does or think you might.
Posted 8/10/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)

OH Lord, I wish I had a pain pill to take right now! My doc doesn't believe in them.

HARA

Posted 8/10/2009 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Wow... I am so happy to have everyone here to help me along the way.....

Splashdancer, Jim1969, Anice, Pete and CrohnsPatient..... thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am grateful for all the advice and personal experiences you all have to offer.... BTW Anice... not offended at all.
Hara.... sorry you are in pain..... maybe try to find another Dr?

I am such a bad patient when it comes to taking meds..... I only take them as needed....

As far as the drinking.... all of the meds say... no... especially with the Avinza.... it just stinks because I'll have to give up drinking some Martinis when we do girls night.... like I said I am NOT a drinker at all.....

The constipation is catching up with me.... I have added lots of fresh fruit and veggies to my diet.... I am eating an apple a day... and taking Benefiber tables at night...

Pete... I don't know if you saw my thread about me possibly having ACDF surgery..... it's on the second page.... mind taking a look at it since you have experienced this type of surgery yourself???

Thanks again so much everyone.... I'm glad I came back... if anyone questions me again.... just ask me...
Posted 8/11/2009 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Lisa,
I would agree with the majority of the advice you've been given, especially about avoiding alcohol. A lot of people are doing it now more and more just for health reasons (avoiding it ). Many bars have "virgin" versions of drinks that contain no alcohol.

These meds. we're all on are nothing to play around with. That's how accidental overdoses happen. Plus if you're out with friends having a good time, the first drink is going to affect your judgment about future ones. Just offer to be the designated driver!

I think I described the EMG in another recent thread but I can't remember which one. To me it's no big deal. Yes, where the nerves were entrapped it was painful, but it doesn't last. It's like a strong electric shock feeling. But when it was done to me in areas that weren't problematic, I didn't feel much more than a pinch.

Sorry I can't help you with the meds as I've never taken either, but do remember everyone responds differently to medications.

You'll be fine with the EMG! We have pain every day - we forget how strong we are!

PaLady
Posted 8/11/2009 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa,

I was on Avinza for a LONG time (2+ years). Am I reading it right that you are also on oxycodone? That was the combo that I was on way back when.... I've got other medical issues; and finally had to get off of all the "oxy" meds because it caused me to sweat like there was no tomorrow (such an attractive side effect....not).

Anyway, I've been on every pain med there is: fentanyl, dilaudid, oxy, etc. In terms of ORAL meds...the morphine sulfate works best for me in terms of weighing pain control over side effects. The fentanyl worked better w/ pain but worse for side effects. (But, in terms of IV pain control - Fentanyl and Dilaudid work best; morphine doesn't work at all...go figure).

I can't remember what dose I was started on w/ the Avinza. It is "supposed" to be a 24 hour morphine.... Opposed to Kadian (which I think works about 12 hours) and MS Contin (which can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours). The nice thing about Avinza is that it's 1x a day to think about pain meds (other than breakthrough). I'd still be on it but my insurance balked at paying it w/ the dose of morphine that I'm on now... I'm on 480mg/day.....but I've been "ramped up" over six years. I also take instant-release morphine for breakthrough. Obviously, my dose shows the level of tolerance I have built up. It's scary.

Re: alcohol - I can't drink anyway w/ all the meds plus medical conditions.....

Re: the EMG, don't be scared. You'll do just fine.... Let us know how it goes.

Tina
Posted 8/11/2009 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Draka

I am glad you came back too! I am really sorry about what happened, but I think we really do have a super great bunch of people here, that really do care! As far as your meds go, I take the muscle relaxer Baclofen 25m every 8 hours 24/7 it has been a real Godsend for me most of the time, I am not familiar with Amrix but I do hope that you post about your experience with it, as I would be interested in knowing how well it works for you! I wish you well on the EMG tomorrow!

White Beard
Posted 8/11/2009 3:44 AM (GMT 0)

Lisa,

I had an EMG a couple of months ago and it was easy as pie...they said that the muscles in my back were "firing" all the time...never at rest.  It also showed permanent nerve damage on the left side... I take the Oxycodone 30 mg. as well as Methadone 120 mg. a day... I tried to change to the Morphine but had to go back to the Methadone after only one week...the Oxycodone 30 mg. is wonderful, I like it because it has no Tylenol and doesn't upset my stomach.  But I wouldn't drink alcohol with these meds, they are pretty strong.  Maybe one drink would be ok...  and I would def. take a stool softener daily to keep the constipation away...

Good Luck to ya....

Me. tongue

Posted 8/11/2009 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Draka, there's an entertaining little synopsis of Amrix in a discussion from about a month ago. Here's a link to that thread:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=16&m=1526706
Posted 8/11/2009 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, gosh, Lisa, I forgot about what happened until White Beard's post reminded me.

I'm so glad you came back, too! The moderators resolved that other situation.

So, welcome back!

PaLady
Posted 8/11/2009 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am trying to find another DR. that will take me with all my health issues and my insurance.

HARA

Posted 8/11/2009 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Avinza 30mg daily with oxycodone 5mg for break through for about 3 months and have had no bad reactions to either. I do like the Avinza cause I don't get the druggy feeling while using it. It hasn't taken the pain completely away but does make it more bearable. It has caused chronic constipation and after trying several things I have found that Miralax helps the most. I had to work with the dosage though and have found that taking one half capful every other day works for me. It does cause some gas but not stinky so I can deal with it. I tried having a beer one time but only got half of it down and realized I'd had enough and that was the end of drinking while on narcotic meds. Now I'm the designated driver which is fine with me. I'm also curious for more information about the EMG.
Posted 8/11/2009 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone!

I am overwhelmed at the responses I received about my new medication.... thank you, thank you all so much!

Today I picked up my Oxycodone and Avinza from the pharmacy..... I expected the Avinza to be really expensive... but it was only $53.66 for a 30 day supply.... I used a rebate card given to me by my PM Dr... I believe it knocks $50 off the price each month.... awesome!

I asked for samples of the Amrix since I had a hard time with Flexeril before... I turned me into a living Zombie the next day..... I felt hung over..... my PM Dr did give me samples for a week.....

So far I haven't yet tried the Avinza or Amrix..... why.... not sure....

I am instructed to take both of these at night before bed... (but not at the same time at first) I am worried to take them and then go to sleep.... those of you who took/take Avinza.... when did you take your dose.... morning or night?

Today I showed up for my 9:30 appointment at my PM office for my EMG test... it turns out they make a scheduling mistake... the woman who preforms the tests only comes in every other Tuesday.... so they could only do one part of the test today.... (I wasn't aware the test was two parts) I chose to do the test.... both parts all at once.... so the office is going to call me with a new date for the tests.

I was relieved.... phew.... I kinda ran out of the office!

I will let everyone know when I do have the test as the office has not called me back yet........

Thanks for all the advise on working out the constipation too...... I am going to try the Miralax.

Again.... all of your help means the world to me...... wishing you all less pain today.
Posted 8/11/2009 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Lisa,
A few random thoughts.

First, check the website for the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers your medications. You may be able to get a coupon or a discount card from them. You can also check www.pparx.org which is the outfit Montel Williams does commercials about. I am doing this now because I don't have any insurance, and although the site is sort of judge a bridge to a lot of other sites, you still might find something that can help reduce your costs. Your doctor got that coupon from a pharmaceutical rep., so I bet there are more if you hunt for them!

I can't add anything about the meds other than I would really recommend you try to take them the way your doctor ordered them first, and if you have some side effects call your doctor and ask what to do. If you start managing your own dosing schedule that's not only dangerous, but could get you into trouble down the line with your PM for not following instructions.

Constipation. Oh, my, I think most of us struggle with that! Don't forget a few prunes can help! (but don't do what I did what night and munch on half a container - oh, did they work, and work and work and work - all night long! LOL).

And about the EMG - I truly think we forget how much pain we manage all the time, and that a little acute pain ain't nothing in comparison. The EMG test will go quickly. Yes, there may be some painful shocks, but it's over with in a few minutes. Start thinking of it as a "piece of cake" and that may help with your anxiety.

Good luck!

PaLady
Posted 8/12/2009 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure about the cost when you have insurance, but I'd brace yourself for the Amrix if you end up with a prescription.

Without insurance, it's just under $8 per pill smhair
Posted 8/12/2009 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my goodness.... what a shame/scam our health insurance is!

Again thank you again for all the help/advice


I just got back from having my EMG test done..... what can I say... it sucked.... I wanted to run out of that office and never come back....

The test was done in two parts... first the part where they shock you over and over again with an electric current.... it was tough seeing that cattle looking prong coming at you over and over again... my body went into a cold sweat and I started shaking all over... it really was very uncomfortable to say the least..... it didn't help that the woman giving me the test kept saying.... "now that wasn't so bad" again and again... I wanted to knock her out.... sorry... but NOT what I wanted to hear.... just wanted her to stop talking and making small talk.


I then had a break for 40 minutes..... I wanted to go home and not finish..... the second part was the needles being placed in the muscles.... they poke in the needle and ask you to flex the muscle and then relax.... it wasn't too too bad but one part in forearm almost sent me through the roof.... my arm is still hurting.... numb feeling.....


Never want to experience that test again......

I felt bad for my poor husband he said it was horrible watching me go through that.... my husband is wonderful and has been my rock.... I love that man and am thankful everyday.....
Posted 8/12/2009 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Lisa,
Well, the best I can say is it's over and you survived. You know, I didn't want to tell you that the first time I had one for carpel tunnel they had to pull me off the ceiling once or twice! I figured it would't do any good. But then the rest wasn't too bad. Needless to say, I learned I had severe carpel tunnel problems in one hand and moderate in the other. Have since had successful surgery and that's all behind me. If only other parts of my body healed like my hands did!

I'm surprised you had the 40 minute break, though. For me, one part of the test followed the other. My neurologist himself did the test. And although I'm not totally thrilled with him, he was apologetic for having to hurt me. Wouldn't you have liked to have told your technologist if it's not so bad, how about we switch places and I do it on you??? It obviously tells me she's never had the test.

But I'm glad you're home. I suspect the part that was very painful is where they're going to find some nerve issues. At least that's how it worked with me.

Hope you can relax a bit this afternoon!

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 8/12/2009 8:09 PM (GMT 0)

Draka said...
Oh my goodness.... what a shame/scam our health insurance is!

Again thank you again for all the help/advice


I just got back from having my EMG test done..... what can I say... it sucked.... I wanted to run out of that office and never come back....

The test was done in two parts... first the part where they shock you over and over again with an electric current.... it was tough seeing that cattle looking prong coming at you over and over again... my body went into a cold sweat and I started shaking all over... it really was very uncomfortable to say the least..... it didn't help that the woman giving me the test kept saying.... "now that wasn't so bad" again and again... I wanted to knock her out.... sorry... but NOT what I wanted to hear.... just wanted her to stop talking and making small talk.


I then had a break for 40 minutes..... I wanted to go home and not finish..... the second part was the needles being placed in the muscles.... they poke in the needle and ask you to flex the muscle and then relax.... it wasn't too too bad but one part in forearm almost sent me through the roof.... my arm is still hurting.... numb feeling.....


Never want to experience that test again......

I felt bad for my poor husband he said it was horrible watching me go through that.... my husband is wonderful and has been my rock.... I love that man and am thankful everyday.....

OMG! I am never doinging that I don't care how much the DR wants me to. I had something similar done to my right hand and I nearly came up off the table. I feel for you I really do.

 

HARA

Posted 8/12/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I think I will stick to my Burdock Root for my gas and constipation.

I love it.

 

HARA

Posted 8/13/2009 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa,

I'm glad that you made it through the test alright. It sounds like it was not a fun experience, but it is all behind you now. Hopefully it will give your doctors the information that they are looking for & will allow them to better treat your pain.

hugs,
Skeye
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