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Stopping the Oxycontin

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Posted 7/21/2012 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Many of you know of the struggles I went through leading up to the switch to Oxycontin. But I've decided to stop it.

Over the past month, I've been mentally slow and couldn't finish a writing project that was due today. I spent most days, as usual, at my desk, and wrote, but what came out was crap.

Although it has helped immensely with the pain, I've not been able to think at the same level as has been typical for me.

It didn't make me groggy, as my trial with morphine did, but with so much in my system on a daily basis, it seems the likely cause of my recent cognitive impairment.

So, I am transitioning back to Ultram and will see how I do. I haven't decided whether to contact my PM right away or give myself a few weeks on the Ultram to see if my cognitive powers are fully restored.
Posted 7/21/2012 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear it didn't work out. I am in the process of going from fentanyl patches to oxycontin. Funnily enough I am feeling as though I am emerging from a fog. I still forget words but I am certainly better than I was. Just goes to show how individual we all are. Do you think if you gave it a bit longer you cognitive powers might improv, as your body gets used to the new drug. It seems like a constant battle to find something that works without making us feel awful.

Good luck with your transition. Would your PM not be a bit angry if you didn't inform him of what you are doing. I know you (I am assuming you are in the US)are subjected to strict rules and would doing this transition by yourself not be in breach of your contract. Also might there be a problem when the time comes to request your next prescription?

I am not from the US so I might be talking rubbish, I am just aware of some of the horror stories I have read and I would hate you to have problems with your PM.

Hope it all works out for you.

Jane
Posted 7/21/2012 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
The Oxycontin is definitley much stronger than Ultram...so I can see where it's not allowing you to think as clearly.

I would not do anything without contacting your Dr. first. I can't see any reason to not do this and if you don't, it may upset/anger him and cause un-needed friction which could in turn ruin your relationship with him.

Just like with any type of medical care or medicine...we shouldn't do anything like this without seeking their opinion first.

I would think he understands what you do for a living and explaining your reasoning to switch back should be no problem.

That's just my thoughts....

Keep us posted.
Posted 7/21/2012 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the comments.

I do plan on contacting him on Monday to let him know. I realize he might be frustrated that this didn't work out. But I am now quite behind with work and just can't continue with these cognitive issues.

I've also considered giving the Ultram a week or two and seeing how well my writing goes. If I'm back to my usual level, then either it was the oxycontin -- or perhaps the mere absence of the Ultram. After being on it for so many years, perhaps my body came to need it for proper serotonin levels.

Pain levels are definitely moving back up, but withdrawal from the oxycontin hasn't been bothersome so far. I also feel much more mentally clear already -- not quite 100%, but perhaps with one more day, I expect I'll be able to work again.
Posted 7/22/2012 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I completely understand where you are coming from on this one. I refuse to take meds that make me feel stupid and slow.

You should definitely keep your PM informed. Too bad if he's frustrated. Better him frustrated then you getting a random test and not having the drug in your system.
Posted 7/22/2012 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Cogito,

You've been quiet on here and I was wondering how you've been doing.

I get exactly what you are saying - I had just had my oxy increased and had to lower it back down for the exact same reason. I usually don't have these type of effects from meds anymore.

Anyway, really sorry this didn't work for you... but I understand the importance of your mind being clear. Hang in there and let us know what the doc says and how you are doing...

Take care... --Tina
Posted 7/22/2012 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks,

I wish I had the time to explore meds freely, but I have too many deadlines creeping up -- particularly my book. The deadline is still 5 months away, and I only have the conclusion left to write, but there's still a lot of tedious editing, footnoting, etc..

I felt well enough yesterday to get one small task completed (reviewing a manuscript for a publisher). We'll see what today brings... and I'll think more about what to say to my PM on Monday (or delay the call for a few days to see how well I can work again on the Ultram with a minimum of oxycodone for BT).
Posted 7/24/2012 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
To my great relief, my PM had no problem letting me try a combo of Ultram ER and Oxycontin. He also had no issue with my trying to adjust my meds last week, to see how I would fare before asking for a specific change.

I let him know that while on 40mg of Oxycontin, though the pain relief was great, I wasn't able to think clearly, retain information, write clearly, etc..

So, for now, I'll be on 200mg of Ultram ER plus 10mg x2 of Oxycontin. We'll see over the next month how well that combo works.
Posted 7/24/2012 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

I sure understand the mental effects these pain relievers have.  I forget everything, repeat myself, have trouble concentrating and lose words when I am talking or writing.  I try to keep things simple.

I even keep my pain meds, (oxycodone 15 mgs) with my husband who sits next to me, so I don't take double doses of my medicine.  It's like an extra pair of eyes and an extra memory working with me.  He tells me if I try to take a pill (ask him for it) and I have already just taken it.    It was happening to me and not just once, so I asked him to participate in this way with my medication.  So far, it is a good plan.

I cannot take the extended release pain meds, have tried almost all of them, except the newer ones and have discussed this extensively with my Pain doctor.  I get terrible headaches with the ER forms of the meds and they don't cover me for the 8 or 12 hours and I am taking the break through meds at about four hours,  so whats the point?

I'm glad you can transition back to the Ultram, cognito, but ultram isn't strong enough for me anymore, so I stay with the oxycontin, which works  most of the time.  I also take Lyrica 200 mg  twice a day too.

I pray that you get your mental faculties back and can return to your job.  God be with you and bless you.

Lindaloo

Posted 7/24/2012 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Linda,

I've been doing better for the past few days and over the weekend was able to get out of the way one small project. Last night, I also finally started writing the conclusion for my book, something that wanted to start weeks ago.

I was surprised by the cognitive effects of the oxycontin. I didn't feel drugged, groggy, etc.. In fact, it seemed to even give me a bit of a boost. But eventually I came to realize that I couldn't keep track of even one idea never mind the dozen or so that I typically juggle while writing.

Regarding keeping track of pills, there are a lot of aids out there. One site that has a lot of different options is:
www.forgettingthepill.com/

Personally, I use
www.amazon.com/Jobar-International-Daily-Organizer-JB5936/dp/B004EKGUCE/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1343162200&sr=8-14&keywords=pill+organizer

The reviews for the above aren't too good, but I actually think it is great. The size and vertical structure are perfect for my nightstand. I did, though, glue a base onto it, which extends underneath my alarm clock. That way, it stays in place and doesn't fall over.

Each day has 4 compartments. You could, assuming all your pills fit, have your morning, afternoon, dinner and bedtime meds all in their respective places.
Posted 7/25/2012 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you soooooooooooo much.  I really like the pill timer one.  That would be perfect for me.  I didn't know that was out there.  I will buy one as soon as I get paid.

I like the pill dispenser both my husband and I have.  They have pill divisions for four times a day and seven days a week.

Thank you so much for those reference sites.  I appreciate it so very much.

God bless.

Lindaloo

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