Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
I was reading another thread and this question came to mind. Please, I mean to offend no one and hope it doesn't.
Do you see breakthrough meds as something to take regularly on a schedule every day or just occasionally when your regular meds don't quite do the trick? What does your doctor say?
I'll explain why I'm asking this. My pm doc has me on a bt med I'm prescribed 1/2 a pill every 4 hours 'as needed'. He doesn't want me depending on them and says I should only take them when I need them. For me that is all the time right now. The last time I got to this point of needing to take my full dosage every day he increased my ER med as he said I shouldn't be taking the BT all the time, it is meant for occasional breakthrough - if I overdo it, or I have to do something that has caused me more pain than usual.
I guess my question is aimed more at 'what is your doctor's opinion on bt meds'. I know that as cp'ers we should take what we need when we need it if it is prescribed - who doesn't want pain relief. I think some doctors look at these bt meds differently. Just looking for opinions on this.
Hugs everyone, hope your day is as good as possible.
ssLisa
Do you see breakthrough meds as something to take regularly on a schedule every day or just occasionally when your regular meds don't quite do the trick? What does your doctor say?
I'll explain why I'm asking this. My pm doc has me on a bt med I'm prescribed 1/2 a pill every 4 hours 'as needed'. He doesn't want me depending on them and says I should only take them when I need them. For me that is all the time right now. The last time I got to this point of needing to take my full dosage every day he increased my ER med as he said I shouldn't be taking the BT all the time, it is meant for occasional breakthrough - if I overdo it, or I have to do something that has caused me more pain than usual.
I guess my question is aimed more at 'what is your doctor's opinion on bt meds'. I know that as cp'ers we should take what we need when we need it if it is prescribed - who doesn't want pain relief. I think some doctors look at these bt meds differently. Just looking for opinions on this.
Hugs everyone, hope your day is as good as possible.
ssLisa
My doc has never expressed how she wanted me to take these, but has prescribed enough for me to take it every day...so I do and I'm still in pain.
I guess my response isn't what you were looking for, but that's how it works for me.
I hope you get some relief...pain sucks!
Hugs...
He was upset that I had increased my dosage, but I told him I did not exceed the average of 2 per day and that seemed to calm him. I do not take the chart to him anymore but I still keep it for me.
They do not stop the pain for me either and sometimes it is only 1 hour between because the pain is still increasing. These little pills are a whole lot cheaper than a visit to the ER.
I have the Butrans patch, which is not as strong, but it has helped. Still there are day, almost all of them, where more is needed.
So take them when you need them and if you run out, the one use excuse of they fell in the toilet can get you some more. If you do though, they will always be suspicious!
Clancy
HOWEVER, as a patient, I take my b/t meds regularly, as an adjunct to my ER meds. If I don't, then the pain gets out of control and I need more b/t meds to get it back to a normal "4".
I'm hoping my pm doc will increase my ER meds enough so I won't have to take b/t meds all the time. But that will take time and patience. I think my pm doc understands this, but I do have a problem asking him to increase the strength of my b/t meds. I understand that the goal is to find the right dose of ER meds, so that you don't need your b/t meds often, but the process is long and I don't want to be in as much pain now.
Does this make any sense?
Sandy
Ummmm, I just take my BT, as necessary.... "prn", I get 20 to last each month.... Usually try and save them for getting out into the real world, so I can function properly. (well sort of)....
So basically use them when the ER aren't quite up to the challenge...
My Doc's opinion is they are for break through pain only...
Huge Hugs... n Sparkles x
He has me on a low ER med and I have other BT meds to be taken just when I need extra relief. I can take it 3 times a day and usually thats how much I take a day to keep the pain level lower.
Tramadol is like saline solution to me. Ask him about a Butrans patch. They come in 5,10,20 micrograms. I was doubtful abot them before I started because the does was micrograms, but they work really well. I did some research and the medicine is 20-40 times stronger than morphine.
Clancy