OT November Chit Chat

[agate]

I'm sure that's the one Sally was interested in seeing. Who wouldn't be?

[Howie]

You mean this little ol' picture?

[agate]

Yes, that one showing the dainty ballet slippers.

[Howie]

I just wish I could have gotten them in pink!

Okay, let me be serious for a minute. Does anyone have any experience with Oxycontin? I'm going to ask about it when I see my doctor Dec. 13. I've read all about it, and really don't care that it's addictive. If it works, I'll take it the rest of my life anyway.

It is one pill twice a day. I am so tired of hurting!!! If I started taking that, I could drop 3 meds I take now that don't stop pain completely, just partly and the recommended dose is finished.

Any advice?

[Frog42]

I've never taken it but I just read about it. If I'm understanding it right you may have to give up alcohol altogether. I don't remember whether you drink at all or not.

[Howie]

Thanks Vicky. Yeah, I drink beer, but if I have to quit, that's no big deal. I hurt so bad sometimes, I'll drink a beer, and it actually does help. I'm just so tired of hurting I will do anything to make it stop.

[Virginia]

Howie, so sorry you are in pain. I had a sister-in-law who was on it for awhile after being in a horrible auto accident. My brother said he could tell she was on it. She came off several times and went back on it. He said he could tell every time.

So, if you do have to go on OxyContin please let us know!!!! You might be mean to us and we wouldn't know why.

I never know who I am going to see as Howie - his looks change so much every time I come on now. It would be a shame to have his SWEET personality change too.

[Virginia]

Sally, so sorry you are still so sick. Are you being fed any chicken soup and hot tea and as Suze-Q said hot chocolate? I do hope you are feeling better soon.

I went an got my dose of hair color today and also a cut. While out I stopped and bought a box of Christmas cards and then went to the pharmacy and got prescription. Another one will be ready to be picked up tomorrow, but I probably will not make it back before Friday. I've got to do all the house work this week since my every other week, two hour maid does not come this week. Makes me tired thinking about it.

[Howie]

What are you blabbing about now!

See, that's not me no matter what I take. If my doctor has something better that WORKS, then that's what I'll take. I've been hurting for awhile now.

I was taking a dozen ibuprofen a day at one time which is why he started me on Tramadol. That worked well for awhile, then the pain started to return, especially at the end of the day.

So then he gave me acetaminophen codeine to take before bed, and that did work pretty well so I could at least go to sleep.

I'll just see what he says, but the tramadol is at the maximum dose now, so that HAS to change to something better. He can't increase the dose. You know, this getting old is great!

[SuzE-Q]

Hopefully your doctor can help advise you. The only concern I'd have is, as you build a tolerance, or if you forget and take an extra one now and then and run out before your next script is to be filled, that you'll suffer terrible withdrawals until you can refill it.

That's what causes people to beg, borrow or steal to get relief from the discomfort. They don't let you refill a new script early, that's for sure, and you'll have to continue to increase your dose as your tolerance grows. Doctors are scrutinized too, so they tend to shy away from patients who require regular oxy scripts.

I've tried it, but had even worse rebound pain as it wore off, so it wasn't worth the temporary pain relief for me.

It's so tightly regulated now that you need to think carefully about whether you want to box yourself into an addictive cycle like that.

Hopefully your doc may have other options to try first.

[Howie]

Thanks Suze. I will let him recommend another med. I just don't want to add another med to what I take now. Replace one. I think it should be the Tramadol because it's topped out now.

I hate taking meds, but I take a bunch now. One more added will make it seem even worse. I'll need a shovel to scoop them all in my mouth!

[SuzE-Q]

Well if the Tramadol isn't working, I agree, you need something different. A substitution, NOT another one added on top. You need a new pain management strategy.

They have pain clinics now that only deal with pain management, maybe he'll think they can address your specific pain needs better because they specialize in just that.

There are many other options out there, don't give up!

[SalpalSally]

You mean this little ol' picture?

that may be the one!

[Howie]

Sally, I'm going through them so fast, you may not have seen it. It's the tutu picture you like, isn't it? I aim to please. I'm at your service.

[stillstANNding]

Maybe the best idea is to find out what is causing the pain and fix or treat that!

ANN