Pain Killers....

[iGary]

As many of you know, I have a couple of blown out discs in my back (fear not, I see the neuro surgeon on Tuesday next week), but the current pain killers I use (Vicodin 5/500) just send me into outer space.

Does anyone here deal with a chronic pain problem that can recommend a less "into the stratosphere" pain killer?

I don't use them that often (afraid of addiction), but if I have to, I'm basically out for a day. Can't work or anything.

Thanks!

[katie ta achoo]

Originally Posted by iGary

As many of you know, I have a couple of blown out discs in my back (fear not, I see the neuro surgeon on Tuesday next week), but the current pain killers I use (Vicodin 5/500) just send me into outer space.

Does anyone here deal with a chronic pain problem that can recommend a less "into the stratosphere" pain killer?

I don't use them that often (afraid of addiction), but if I have to, I'm basically out for a day. Can't work or anything.

Thanks!

When I was having crazy chest pain (still undiagnosed! boo!!) they put me on 9 pills of ibuprofen a day. (3 pills 3x a day) It worked.. but.. IT KILLS YOUR LIVER IF YOU DO IT FOR TOO LONG.

Have you thought of maybe taking half a vicodin? Maybe Tyenol 3 would be better.. It has codiene. I took it for my kidney stones, and let me tell ya...

I couldn't feel them over my drug induced haze.
Maybe you'd get some real trippy graphics done while you're on it.

Heal quickly!

[IJ Reilly]

I had to take Vicodin for a bit last year. Yikes, no thanks -- worked a little too well. I tried taking halves, which was just about as good for relieving pain as a whole pill (for me), but without the narcotic side-effects.

Big doses of ibuprofen really only work to kill inflammations. I don't think they're very good for chronic pain.

[iGary]

Originally Posted by IJ Reilly

I had to take Vicodin for a bit last year. Yikes, no thanks -- worked a little too well. I tried taking halves, which was just about as good for relieving pain as a whole pill (for me), but without the narcotic side-effects.

Big doses of ibuprofen really only work to kill inflammations. I don't think they're very good for chronic pain.

Yeah, I'm on Relafen (a major anti-inflammatory), which does no good at all anymore. I also take Skelaxin (a muscle relaxer) three times a day. Prednisone (a steroid) is the only thing that really helps without using narcotics, but they only put me on 12-day courses of that.

Hopefully this will be a non-issue after surgery, just wanted to see if anyone had any alternatives.

[iBlue]

oh yeah, all sorts of wonky stuff happens to me, I feel like a painkiller connoisseur, unfortunately.

boy I WISH 5/500 hydrocodone would help me, I guess at least consider yourself lucky it works, (not that I am trying to be a jackass about it, just looking at the bright side) because doctors have a fit when you want stronger meds. they do make a vareity of hydrocodone strengths (I take "Norco" 10/325 - the 10 is the opiate painkiller, the other/ is basically tylenol)

I would just try taking it with food if it makes you feel funny. pop a few ibuprofens and see if that helps too, depends on what kind of pain (you had back surgery right? don't know if you had it or not yet) I'm stunned at your pain tolerance all things considered actually.

I wish you good luck, this can't be easy for you

[Bibulous]

Call your Doctor, not MacRumors

[Lacero]

Originally Posted by Bibulous

Call your Doctor, not MacRumors

LOL.

[iGary]

Originally Posted by Bibulous

Call your Doctor, not MacRumors

My primary care doctor is a quack, you all are more informed than he is. I asked him the same question and he was like "yeah I'm not sure what pain killer is less sedating."

Genious decided it wasn't a priority last Friday to call in my refill for Vicodin, so I got to do a four-day business trip in agonizing pain. I had an MRI two weeks ago and he still hasn't forwarded me the radiologist's report. He walked out during the middle of my last physical to take a 15-minute cell phone call. When I called to tell him that my last period of bed rest and steroids did not work, he called back and actually said "what were we going to do next?"

I know, I need to switch, but anyone who has an HMO knows what a pain in the arse switching primary care doctors is. Once this back thing is sorted he's gone.

[GanChan]

I think Tramadol would be a less mind-bending choice. After my foot surgery I had both hydrocodone (which I think is approximately the same as Vicodin?) and Tramadol sitting around the house, but only used the Tramadol. The hydrocodone made me dizzy and nauseous, and gave me awful nightmares. The Tramadol just made me stop hurting.

Also, as a general rule it's a good idea to take the absolute smallest dose that seems to work, regardless of the prescription instructions. If you can get away with a half-dose, do so.

[Mechcozmo]

Originally Posted by katie ta achoo

When I was having crazy chest pain (still undiagnosed! boo!!) they put me on 9 pills of ibuprofen a day. (3 pills 3x a day) It worked.. but.. IT KILLS YOUR LIVER IF YOU DO IT FOR TOO LONG.

I'm not sure about ibuprofen, but acetaminophen (Tylenol) is dangerous at 3 grams a day, aka, 6 pills.

Originally Posted by iGary

I know, I need to switch, but anyone who has an HMO knows what a pain in the arse switching primary care doctors is. Once this back thing is sorted he's gone.

HMO... nice. My dad's hospital doesn't take those anymore. In case you're wondering why: They would go out of business if they continued. Each HMO patient, the hospital and the surgeon loose money.
Your doctor couldn't care what happens to you. Each second he spends on you, each time you go to see him, he looses money. Your doctor DOESN'T WANT TO SEE YOU because you're driving him out of business. I'm not accusing anyone here, just pointing this out.

My dad's theory is that eventually health care will split into two: HMOs and not. The doctors that take HMOs will be the worst doctors. They will be cheap. The other doctors won't be cheap, but will take actual care of you.

Take your pick.

[Sun Baked]

Originally Posted by Mechcozmo

I'm not sure about ibuprofen, but acetaminophen (Tylenol) is dangerous at 3 grams a day, aka, 6 pills.

Yes, I though the liver damage warning went out for acetaminophen ... especially because it is in everything these days without a strong warning, resulting in lots of death livers every year.

Especially if you end up on multiple medications...

[iBlue]

Tramadol (aka: Ultram) is probably a good idea actually, it's a synthetic opiate but not as additctive physically and doesn't tinker with your mental faculities as much. However, it's not meant for those with seizure risk, a note that should be mentioned. it raises the seuzure threshold... it's somewhat rare but it happens. seizures are strange, often once you get one it means you are more prone to having another. (to explain briefly)
that's my disclaimer

yes hydrocodone is also known as Vicodin, Lortab, Norco, etc the strengths in acetaminophen and the hydrocodone (opiate pain killer within) vary.
the opiate part, the part that works, comes in:
5mg
7.5mg
10mg

the acetaminophen comes in 325mg, 500mg, and 650mg - this varies on how it was prescribed.

THE LESS ACETAMINOPHEN THE BETTER - this drug got the unfortunately good name of being safe, it's in everything and it's actually really bad stuff.
the toxic dose is actually 4grams (4000mg) from my understanding, and one extra strength Tylenol is 500mg - so beware.

there is NO SUCH THING as 500mg of hydrocodone itself, that is death - the 500 you see is merely acetaminophen/tylenol. (sorry, it's something I hear a lot and it bugs me, I feel compelled to inform )

Aleve is not always so easy on the stomach but it's not a bad idea.

oh enough from me on this, hope it helps though

[iJon]

It can cost quite a bit but some marijuana can always do the trick

jon

[MacAztec]

Originally Posted by iJon

It can cost quite a bit but some marijuana can always do the trick

jon

haha, how much is it for a gram over there? its like $15-$18 here.

[devilot]

Originally Posted by iGary

As many of you know, I have a couple of blown out discs in my back (fear not, I see the neuro surgeon on Tuesday next week), but the current pain killers I use (Vicodin 5/500) just send me into outer space.

Does anyone here deal with a chronic pain problem that can recommend a less "into the stratosphere" pain killer?

I don't use them that often (afraid of addiction), but if I have to, I'm basically out for a day. Can't work or anything.

Thanks!

Smart man... Vicodin is extremely addictive. That being said, perhaps I should get rid of some of yours for you. Ok on a serious note, I really like Aleve. It's a tiny pill, it is not aspirin based and it's not ibuprofen its... um, na-, na- naproxene? Something like that. I have chronic knee and back pain and tylenol and advil don't do anything for me, but one aleve and my knee aches are history. Oooh, and Aleve comes in a really arthritis friendly pill case, easy for adults to open.

[Jay42]

yup, I've been on vicodin on more than one occasion. Most of the time though, I would rather have the side effects rather than whatever pain I needed them for.

From what you say about your doctor, sounds like borderline malpractice if he didn't give you the meds you needed!

[iGary]

Well he is a dork, that's for sure. I just had to call them and have them fax my last radiologist report from my MRI - he never called me.

Judging form the report, looks like surgery time.

I have a 24mm (1-inch) long disk fragment climbing up the posterior side of my L5 vertebrae with a smaller 12mm fully sequestered (separated) fragment.

I also have spinal stenosis, whatever the eff that is.

Never thought I'd be dealing with this crap at 35. The saddest partis I won't be able to run marathons anymore.

Thanks for all the advice, guys - even the ganja!

[eva01]

well i have had migranes for 10 months straight now (maybe 11 but whos counting) and they have had me on everything from just ibuprofen, to morphine, to percocets and everything else you can name. right now i am on hydromorphone, but nothing ends up working

i would recommend percocets for your cause

[Sun Baked]

Originally Posted by eva01

well i have had migranes for 10 months straight now (maybe 11 but whos counting) and they have had me on everything from just ibuprofen, to morphine, to percocets and everything else you can name. right now i am on hydromorphone, but nothing ends up working

i would recommend percocets for your cause

Ouch that's not good...

So are you on a anti-caffeine or a caffeine required diet by your doctor.

[eva01]

Originally Posted by Sun Baked

Ouch that's not good...

So are you on a anti-caffeine or a caffeine required diet by your doctor.

I have no specific diet that i am on, they just have me go up to the hospital in boston (B&W) and get a shot above my eye and in my temple, its not fun.

[Sun Baked]

Originally Posted by eva01

I have no specific diet that i am on, they just have me go up to the hospital in boston (B&W) and get a shot above my eye and in my temple, its not fun.

Strange that the doctor hasn't looked into a migraine and your diet...

You may want to look into it yourself, if you haven't.

Caffeine is generally one of the ingredients in food that could both trigger them, or moderate them depending on the person.

All depends on how much caffeine you are taking at the moment.

Of course it can also be something way off base like your teeth causing the problem, which is also a source.

Edit: I only harp on caffeine now, since the last 10 years has seen a bunch of people thinking nothing of high caffeine energy drinks and Starbucks. So there are a lot more people getting caffeine related symptoms.