Back Pain Support Group

I just saw my doctor yesterday and she suggested that I try to get through a few "pain pill free" days a month. I'm still trying to figure out how I'll do that...maybe have some lazy weekend days when I don't do anything to provoke the pain. I don't want to go to stronger drugs, because they really mess with my thinking and - unfortunately - I have to work and the job I have requires clear thinking and remembering things. If you doc doesn't have any other suggestions, it never hurts to get a second opinion and insurance almost always pays for that.

I was on morphine (both fast-acting and short-acting) for a number of years. They didn't get rid of my pains; they just made them a little bit more tolerable. I stopped taking them earlier this year coz some doctor said opioids cause pains. That doctor was so wrong. Now I take oxycontin XR and cyclobenzaprine in addition to gabapentin and topiramate for back and neck pains.

Perhaps the Fentanyl patch isn't strong enough. I've gone from 25 to 200 mcg's over about a 6 month period. What is your current strength. Obviously your Dr should be working with you to get to the proper strength for you. I also take 800 mg of Neurontin. Hang in there and good luck. I agree with Cap1948, it never hurts to get a 2nd opinion.

I remember getting over medicated and so I did a cleansing for 2 weeks. OMG what a headache for 2 days straight, I would never suggest cold turkey to anyone... talk to your dr about slowly stopping for the cleansing. Either way - it was sooooo worth it - my head was clear and I started back on a low dose of just one anti inflamatory.

You must be very careful if you even think about stopping abruptly. Some people end up with seizures while withdrawing from meds. I would only taper off if you want a "drug vacation'. Never go cold turkey.

I had tried to get off these medications i got off the fentynal for 3 days only taking tramadol and ended up in the hospital with seizures and SEVERE dehydration. I want to get off the fent and go back to an ER Oxycontin or an ER Morphine but he keeps telling me thats a bad option and isnt willing to do this. He wont even change my lortabs to something else even though if i take just one a day i cant use the bathroom for 3-4 days. I have been on 50-100mcg/h fent and it just does not work like it used to I am very level headed even with these strong meds. I think that happens when youre on strong meds over such a long period of time. My tolerance in THROUGH THE ROOF which is why i tried to get off fent, but I do need something to take away the pain and secondly keep me from getting deathly ill at this point.