Pain meds and weather?

[ammowoman]

For anyone who has read my post, my husbands pain meds have been my biggest frustration. I have to say that it is obvious that the meds are no longer controling the pain. I dont know if it is the weather change to cold and damp or just the fact he has been on the same ones for year. He said they arent working but also doesn't want to call and ask for stronger ones and look like a "druggie".

I told him to make a appt with the pain mgmt dr and I would go to the appt with him to see about getting his meds changed. Its not just the meds either. I am frustrated that they havent attempted more for him. Maybe the aqua therapy that Bronco said is good or shots for the shoulder that they have done nothing for. Once at MMI and rehab ended in April its just been pain meds. Not only that, but no blood testing the whole time to check kidneys or anything else to see if damage is being done.

He has to go to a Dr appt 3 hrs away in a month. I took the day off to drive him, as I dont allow him to drive as much as possible. Were driving one day and back the next day to spread out the time in the car. Right now hes on the hydrocodone. Is less of a stronger med better than more of a weaker one?

[LeglEgl]

I'm not a physician, nor an expert in pharmacology, but a good friend of mine is, and his approach is generally a milder medication taken more frequently, rather than a larger strength of the milder medication. Rather than twice a day, for example, every 4 hours.

Just a suggestion. I know cold damp weather takes its toll.

[bodybuilder1958]

His pain medications need to be on a rotation basis. Easier on the system, less side effects, better pain control, less chance of a tolerance being developed. Not always easy to find a pain control specialist willing to do that. My oldest son's family physician understands this, we rotate his asthma drugs every 8 months or so. I keep a chart, doctors office knows when to switch. Ask Bronco's doctors about rotating his meds, it does make a difference.

Winter weather doesn't help that's for sure.

Hugs and prayers.
Bodybuilder1958

[Bad Knees 7676]

Hello, I'm so sorry for the pain that you and your husband have gone through. I, myself have been in pain management for eight years now, I believe that it is your best bet to get him with to a pain management group. They will rotate the medicine.

[Bad Knees 7676]

Hello, I'm so sorry for the pain that you and your husband have gone through. I, myself have been in pain management for eight years now, I believe that it is your best bet to get him with to a pain management group. They will rotate the medicine.

[Cervical_Fusion]

His problem could be the weather also. Wife and I are in Myrtle Beach sitting on the beach this week. I had talked to my pain dr about changing meds last week as they are not working either. I told the dr i was heading to Myrtle Beach for the week, he said he did not want to change my meds with me levaving town, well I am here to tell you that my pain is better this week, i can now move my shoulder, my muscle pain is gone i am only haveing joint painand the pain in my cervical has let up some and so has my lumbar pain. I am takeing less pain meds this week and boy do i feel much better, I hate to return home to the cold Ohio weather next week, and the pain get worse and have to change my meds. Wish I could stay here in this 70's weather during the day, and able to wear shorts. and only in the 50's during the night here. Heres to wishing we could all have warm weather so our pains and arthritis would improve.

[ammowoman]

Thanks everyone. The rotating meds makes sense. I let him know to suggest it. I think a lot of the proplem is the fact his dr is not a pain management dr. When he reached MMI and the surgeon referred him to dr for chronic pain, WC made appt with dr whos specialty is physical medicine and rehabilitation. He doesn't go to a pain mgmt place. He saw this dr and he said he didn't need to see him again for a yr! How's that pain mgmt or even rehabilitation? I asked him to make a appt with him and I would go with him since he won't speak for himself. He thinks he has to go thru his attorney even tho its the WC's dr. Can he just make the appt himself? His accident was a yr ago, so this is his first actual change of weather he's going thru since put at MMI in April.

[bronco54501]

ammowoman,

I was also like your husband, at first I didnt like to ask the dr for different meds for the same reason.. He is only a year out, the cold and damp weather can and will be an issue. But for me it only gets worse as the years go by, AQua therapy is less strain on the body and without any type of excersizes things will get worse.. I dont see pain managment drs and at times wish I did. I have been through a handfull of different pain meds and the change of meds is needed. I have been on percocets now for about 8 months and still works good but its almost time because they are not working as good which will make me want to take more of them. I hope you's get this worked out.......

[sonny1]

Some pain management doctor's (like mine) will not prescribe narcotic medication (which is ok for me, because I do not like to take them as I am afraid of the spacey feelings I get while on them). I do have periodic nerve blocks (which may not apply to a lot of you on here) I do take anti-epilepsy medication for my nerve damage and use a tens unit for pain and lidoderm patches. Of course NOTHING ever takes the pain completely away, but somedays makes it a bit more managable, or maybe it just makes my mood more managable. (I also take antidepressants/anxiety meds.) Living in upstate NY with rain, snow or just constant humidity....who stands a chance with chronic pain? sometimes just soaking in a warm bath with epsom salt can take the immediate "sting" away, but I have also found on the damp, cold days...wrapping in a heating blanket on low can keep me at bay from the bone aches and muscle aches that this weather loves to attack!

Good luck...hope hubby finds something that will help soothe his pain, it is no fun to struggle 24/7.

[sonny1]

Some pain management doctor's (like mine) will not prescribe narcotic medication (which is ok for me, because I do not like to take them as I am afraid of the spacey feelings I get while on them). I do have periodic nerve blocks (which may not apply to a lot of you on here) I do take anti-epilepsy medication for my nerve damage and use a tens unit for pain and lidoderm patches. Of course NOTHING ever takes the pain completely away, but somedays makes it a bit more managable, or maybe it just makes my mood more managable. (I also take antidepressants/anxiety meds.) Living in upstate NY with rain, snow or just constant humidity....who stands a chance with chronic pain? sometimes just soaking in a warm bath with epsom salt can take the immediate "sting" away, but I have also found on the damp, cold days...wrapping in a heating blanket on low can keep me at bay from the bone aches and muscle aches that this weather loves to attack!

Good luck...hope hubby finds something that will help soothe his pain, it is no fun to struggle 24/7.