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Medication Tolerance
planetyeck posted:
Looks like I'm 2 years too late for the original discussion but wanted to post anyway in case there's somebody out there who can offer some advice.
I've been dealing with chronic headaches due to Osteoarthritis in my back which affects my c1-c7. I'm a big guy; 6'4" 320lbs and in no way a wimp but these headaches have made me want to step in front of a train. Anywho, I've been taking Norco for 10 years. When I first started taking it I was taking two hydrocodone 7.5mg tabs a day, no big deal. After about 3 years I was up to 3 Norco a day a few less years and I was up to 4 a day, even fewer years and I was up to 5. Anyway I'm now up to 6 Norco a day plus I take 2 hyrdomorphone tabs as well. please note that all of these increases were doctor prescribed for my tolerance. It's been a few years and now the 6 Norco and 2 hydromorphone don't seem to be working anymore. before I would have breakthrough pain but an aleve or something would make that manageable. Now my head is beyond that and it's just all out hell. I need to talk to my pain management doctor but I know she's going to reccomend injections and I've had every injection in the book. The only resolve is surgery and my neurologist said that the risk outweigh the benefits but now I'm starting to wonder if it might be worth the risk. I hate feeling like a drug addict and hate being treated like a second class citizen because I have to deal with something I didn't ask for (some drunk drive weaved into me and pushed me in front of a dump truck) This has screwed my life up and God forbid I run out of medication because I'm taking more than I should trying to make the pain go away because then the withdrawls on top of the pain make life not worth living. if it wasn't for my two children I would have already said "screw it". Anyway I apologize for rambling I just don't have anyone that understands what kind of hell being in chronic pain and dependent on medication is like. Does anyone have any suggestions for any other type of medication that might be effective? My sister broke her neck and back and she is on a morphine patch and it seems to help her. I'm just lost.
Again I apologize for the rambling and any of the probably 5 billion typos.
I've been dealing with chronic headaches due to Osteoarthritis in my back which affects my c1-c7. I'm a big guy; 6'4" 320lbs and in no way a wimp but these headaches have made me want to step in front of a train. Anywho, I've been taking Norco for 10 years. When I first started taking it I was taking two hydrocodone 7.5mg tabs a day, no big deal. After about 3 years I was up to 3 Norco a day a few less years and I was up to 4 a day, even fewer years and I was up to 5. Anyway I'm now up to 6 Norco a day plus I take 2 hyrdomorphone tabs as well. please note that all of these increases were doctor prescribed for my tolerance. It's been a few years and now the 6 Norco and 2 hydromorphone don't seem to be working anymore. before I would have breakthrough pain but an aleve or something would make that manageable. Now my head is beyond that and it's just all out hell. I need to talk to my pain management doctor but I know she's going to reccomend injections and I've had every injection in the book. The only resolve is surgery and my neurologist said that the risk outweigh the benefits but now I'm starting to wonder if it might be worth the risk. I hate feeling like a drug addict and hate being treated like a second class citizen because I have to deal with something I didn't ask for (some drunk drive weaved into me and pushed me in front of a dump truck) This has screwed my life up and God forbid I run out of medication because I'm taking more than I should trying to make the pain go away because then the withdrawls on top of the pain make life not worth living. if it wasn't for my two children I would have already said "screw it". Anyway I apologize for rambling I just don't have anyone that understands what kind of hell being in chronic pain and dependent on medication is like. Does anyone have any suggestions for any other type of medication that might be effective? My sister broke her neck and back and she is on a morphine patch and it seems to help her. I'm just lost.
Again I apologize for the rambling and any of the probably 5 billion typos.
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceLooks like I'm 2 years too late for the original discussion but wanted to post anyway in case there's somebody out there who can offer some advice.<br /> <br />I've been dealing with chronic headaches due to Osteoarthritis in my back which affects my c1-c7. I'm a big guy; 6'4" 320lbs and in no way a wimp but these headaches have made me want to step in front of a train. Anywho, I've been taking Norco for 10 years. When I first started taking it I was taking two hydrocodone 7.5mg tabs a day, no big deal. After about 3 years I was up to 3 Norco a day a few less years and I was up to 4 a day, even fewer years and I was up to 5. Anyway I'm now up to 6 Norco a day plus I take 2 hyrdomorphone tabs as well. please note that all of these increases were doctor prescribed for my tolerance. It's been a few years and now the 6 Norco and 2 hydromorphone don't seem to be working anymore. before I would have breakthrough pain but an aleve or something would make that manageable. Now my head is beyond that and it's just all out hell. I need to talk to my pain management doctor but I know she's going to reccomend injections and I've had every injection in the book. The only resolve is surgery and my neurologist said that the risk outweigh the benefits but now I'm starting to wonder if it might be worth the risk. I hate feeling like a drug addict and hate being treated like a second class citizen because I have to deal with something I didn't ask for (some drunk drive weaved into me and pushed me in front of a dump truck) This has screwed my life up and God forbid I run out of medication because I'm taking more than I should trying to make the pain go away because then the withdrawls on top of the pain make life not worth living. if it wasn't for my two children I would have already said "screw it". Anyway I apologize for rambling I just don't have anyone that understands what kind of hell being in chronic pain and dependent on medication is like. Does anyone have any suggestions for any other type of medication that might be effective? My sister broke her neck and back and she is on a morphine patch and it seems to help her. I'm just lost.<br /> <br />Again I apologize for the rambling and any of the probably 5 billion typos.
77grace responded:
Hi there,
Well first of all I want you to know that I can definatly identify with your pain,Headaches and Back,right???
Thankfully my headaches aren't as bad as they were 30 yrs ago but I still get them!!
As far as going up in dose's on your meds.,I've learned the hard way to stop beating yourself up!!Its not your fault ,it s just the way our bodies work!!!!WE take something for awhile and tolerence builds and it no longer works!!I really do understand ,!I have to take very strong dose's of pain meds and I'm only '5'1""110lbs.I hear you say You hate feeling like an Addict???Is that because you think you are or just because of others opinions???Also I hear you say your treated like a csecond class citizen???Are you really .or is it just your feelings about yourself?????I would understand that too!
But enough of thaat part!I hope I can bring you some hope and happiness in your liufe because we all need it,right???
One thhing that really helps me to feel better mentally is to help others and try to do things to get out of yourself!I'm not judgeing,just relating!!! As far as other medication you should probaly be open with your DR..10 years is a long time and you need stronger meds!<
I better go for now or this won't go through.
Let me know how youur doing! 77grace
Well first of all I want you to know that I can definatly identify with your pain,Headaches and Back,right???
Thankfully my headaches aren't as bad as they were 30 yrs ago but I still get them!!
As far as going up in dose's on your meds.,I've learned the hard way to stop beating yourself up!!Its not your fault ,it s just the way our bodies work!!!!WE take something for awhile and tolerence builds and it no longer works!!I really do understand ,!I have to take very strong dose's of pain meds and I'm only '5'1""110lbs.I hear you say You hate feeling like an Addict???Is that because you think you are or just because of others opinions???Also I hear you say your treated like a csecond class citizen???Are you really .or is it just your feelings about yourself?????I would understand that too!
But enough of thaat part!I hope I can bring you some hope and happiness in your liufe because we all need it,right???
One thhing that really helps me to feel better mentally is to help others and try to do things to get out of yourself!I'm not judgeing,just relating!!! As far as other medication you should probaly be open with your DR..10 years is a long time and you need stronger meds!<
I better go for now or this won't go through.
Let me know how youur doing! 77grace
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceHi there,<br />Well first of all I want you to know that I can definatly identify with your pain,Headaches and Back,right???<br />Thankfully my headaches aren't as bad as they were 30 yrs ago but I still get them!!<br />As far as going up in dose's on your meds.,I've learned the hard way to stop beating yourself up!!Its not your fault ,it s just the way our bodies work!!!!WE take something for awhile and tolerence builds and it no longer works!!I really do understand ,!I have to take very strong dose's of pain meds and I'm only '5'1""110lbs.I hear you say You hate feeling like an Addict???Is that because you think you are or just because of others opinions???Also I hear you say your treated like a csecond class citizen???Are you really .or is it just your feelings about yourself?????I would understand that too!<br />But enough of thaat part!I hope I can bring you some hope and happiness in your liufe because we all need it,right???<br />One thhing that really helps me to feel better mentally is to help others and try to do things to get out of yourself!I'm not judgeing,just relating!!! As far as other medication you should probaly be open with your DR..10 years is a long time and you need stronger meds!<<br />I better go for now or this won't go through.<br />Let me know how youur doing! 77grace
planetyeck replied to 77grace's response:
Hi 77grace and thank you for your reply. I don't feel I'm an addict though my body is definitely dependent on the medication. there have been times I have felt like a second class citizen during the long period of time that I was out of work and had no insurance. My pain would get so bad my only option was the local emergency room. You go in and tell them what's wrong and they give you that condescending look that says "Yeah right". I just hate that people who use these medications for recreational purposes cause people who really need them to suffer, go without or through a on of red tape. I'm anxious every time my meds get low. I'm honestly terrified to talk to my doctor about changing my meds because I'm afraid she'll put me on something that doesn't work or she'll do what other doctors have done in the past and play guinea pig with me and want me to try all these medications I've tried in the past that haven't worked. I've tried pretty much every medication out there and my current meds are what have worked for the past ten years so I'm sure you can see why I might be extremely nervous right now. I hate that I have to depend on a pill just to feel normal. I hate that I have to take this stuff for the rest of my life and live in the fear that one day I won't be able to obtain it for one reason or another; federal guidelines, doctor retires etc. I'm probably just overreacting I'm just really stressed.
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceHi 77grace and thank you for your reply. I don't feel I'm an addict though my body is definitely dependent on the medication. there have been times I have felt like a second class citizen during the long period of time that I was out of work and had no insurance. My pain would get so bad my only option was the local emergency room. You go in and tell them what's wrong and they give you that condescending look that says "Yeah right". I just hate that people who use these medications for recreational purposes cause people who really need them to suffer, go without or through a on of red tape. I'm anxious every time my meds get low. I'm honestly terrified to talk to my doctor about changing my meds because I'm afraid she'll put me on something that doesn't work or she'll do what other doctors have done in the past and play guinea pig with me and want me to try all these medications I've tried in the past that haven't worked. I've tried pretty much every medication out there and my current meds are what have worked for the past ten years so I'm sure you can see why I might be extremely nervous right now. I hate that I have to depend on a pill just to feel normal. I hate that I have to take this stuff for the rest of my life and live in the fear that one day I won't be able to obtain it for one reason or another; federal guidelines, doctor retires etc. I'm probably just overreacting I'm just really stressed.
smann68 responded:
Hi. I know exactly how you feel. It's a horrible feeling to be afraid that someday they may take away the only thing that helps your pain. I'm with you on that. I too have worse than migraine headaches. I'm sure you've tried this, but I take avinza everyday and morphine for break through pain. I also know someone that has the patch and it worked well for her too, it just made her "out of her head". I hope the best for you! Keep us informed about how you're doing and what your dr. puts you on.
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceHi. I know exactly how you feel. It's a horrible feeling to be afraid that someday they may take away the only thing that helps your pain. I'm with you on that. I too have worse than migraine headaches. I'm sure you've tried this, but I take avinza everyday and morphine for break through pain. I also know someone that has the patch and it worked well for her too, it just made her "out of her head". I hope the best for you! Keep us informed about how you're doing and what your dr. puts you on.
Hi smann68,
I get really bad heasaches too and so far imitrex is the only thing that helps,but since I have so many headaches I can take too much imitex and either 2 things can happen.I run out early ,,rebound headacehs ,oh and its not good for me!!!What is Avinza??
I hope you feel better too! 77grace
I get really bad heasaches too and so far imitrex is the only thing that helps,but since I have so many headaches I can take too much imitex and either 2 things can happen.I run out early ,,rebound headacehs ,oh and its not good for me!!!What is Avinza??
I hope you feel better too! 77grace
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceHi smann68,<br />I get really bad heasaches too and so far imitrex is the only thing that helps,but since I have so many headaches I can take too much imitex and either 2 things can happen.I run out early ,,rebound headacehs ,oh and its not good for me!!!What is Avinza??<br />I hope you feel better too! 77grace
David Maine, MD responded:
Thank you for your post and my apologies for the late reply. I am sorry to hear about your struggles. Tolerance is indeed a normal process and sometime a complete rotation to alternative drug is warranted. I would discuss this with your doctor. In regards to surgery - I am not sure what was discussed or what is even indicated. I would suggest you seek multiple opinions prior to making any definitive decision (one way or another) in that respect. I hope that helps. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceThank you for your post and my apologies for the late reply. I am sorry to hear about your struggles. Tolerance is indeed a normal process and sometime a complete rotation to alternative drug is warranted. I would discuss this with your doctor. In regards to surgery - I am not sure what was discussed or what is even indicated. I would suggest you seek multiple opinions prior to making any definitive decision (one way or another) in that respect. I hope that helps. Good luck.
annette030 responded:
Taking opiates for chronic headaches is usually a really bad idea. Have you heard of rebound headaches?
How did the doctor decide that your spinal problems were causing your headaches? I had both, and had surgery for the cervical spine problems, it did nothing for my headaches, I still get them. Thank goodness my surgeon never told me that surgery would cure my headaches too. I would be very angry with him.
Morphine does not come in any kind of patch. I suspect your sister might be on fentanyl patches.
Unless you are dealing with some other kind of pain besides headaches, I would discuss with your doctor the possibility of getting off the opiates and then I would suggest you see a headache specialist.
Take care, Annette
How did the doctor decide that your spinal problems were causing your headaches? I had both, and had surgery for the cervical spine problems, it did nothing for my headaches, I still get them. Thank goodness my surgeon never told me that surgery would cure my headaches too. I would be very angry with him.
Morphine does not come in any kind of patch. I suspect your sister might be on fentanyl patches.
Unless you are dealing with some other kind of pain besides headaches, I would discuss with your doctor the possibility of getting off the opiates and then I would suggest you see a headache specialist.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Medication ToleranceTaking opiates for chronic headaches is usually a really bad idea. Have you heard of rebound headaches?<br /><br />How did the doctor decide that your spinal problems were causing your headaches? I had both, and had surgery for the cervical spine problems, it did nothing for my headaches, I still get them. Thank goodness my surgeon never told me that surgery would cure my headaches too. I would be very angry with him.<br /><br />Morphine does not come in any kind of patch. I suspect your sister might be on fentanyl patches.<br /><br />Unless you are dealing with some other kind of pain besides headaches, I would discuss with your doctor the possibility of getting off the opiates and then I would suggest you see a headache specialist.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
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