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...
Hi everyone:
So a quick introduction: I have stage IV (severe) endometriosis. During my period and ovulation I am in constant, terrible pain (usually around an 8/10 on the pain scale). The rest of the month I usually vacillate between a 3 and a 6, depending on the day. I also have pretty frequent ovarian cyst ruptures, and those are easily 10/10.
I used to take a combination of 600mg Motrin and 10mg Vicodin when the pain was really bad, but it started to not be as effective for me, so my doctor recently switched me to Percocet. I either take 1 or 2 5mg tablets depending on how bad the pain is.
Here's my situation: if I take either narcotic when I feel the pain building, before it gets too bad, I find that it's not as effective at pain relief but it doesn't really affect my head at all...I'm clear headed and generally feel okay. BUT if I wait to take it until I'm in a ton of pain, it works pretty well at relieving my pain but it makes me feel like I chugged a liter of vodka. I get dizzy and sleepy and confused...noises are too loud, colors are too bright, and I get terribly nauseous. I also get awful insomnia even though it makes me drowsy; I can rarely sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. But like I said, I only get these side effects when I am in a lot of pain when I take it.
Is this totally weird or has anyone experienced something similar? I tried posting about this on the endometriosis board but I didn't really get a response. Thanks!
So a quick introduction: I have stage IV (severe) endometriosis. During my period and ovulation I am in constant, terrible pain (usually around an 8/10 on the pain scale). The rest of the month I usually vacillate between a 3 and a 6, depending on the day. I also have pretty frequent ovarian cyst ruptures, and those are easily 10/10.
I used to take a combination of 600mg Motrin and 10mg Vicodin when the pain was really bad, but it started to not be as effective for me, so my doctor recently switched me to Percocet. I either take 1 or 2 5mg tablets depending on how bad the pain is.
Here's my situation: if I take either narcotic when I feel the pain building, before it gets too bad, I find that it's not as effective at pain relief but it doesn't really affect my head at all...I'm clear headed and generally feel okay. BUT if I wait to take it until I'm in a ton of pain, it works pretty well at relieving my pain but it makes me feel like I chugged a liter of vodka. I get dizzy and sleepy and confused...noises are too loud, colors are too bright, and I get terribly nauseous. I also get awful insomnia even though it makes me drowsy; I can rarely sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. But like I said, I only get these side effects when I am in a lot of pain when I take it.
Is this totally weird or has anyone experienced something similar? I tried posting about this on the endometriosis board but I didn't really get a response. Thanks!
You may have an issue with the way your body accepts the pain medication. It may not be going through the right path. I would speak to your regular md ,who ever gave you this drug . Tell him what side effects you are getting and ask for something else. It does not sound like your getting the full capacity of the drug. What else have you tried besides this. My sis inlaw has had this very badly and this past fall had a hysterectomy. But that does not always work either, so be careful. I think I have a letter about the med's she was taking , if you write me privately I will get the info for you Isabee
I wanted to welcome you to our group and say that there are some of the most compassionate sweetest people on the face of this earth!! Having said that; I am sorry you are having so many problems with pain and endometriosis. I would encourage you to try to stay hydrated bc when I take my pain medication and I am dehydrated it can make me feel more dizzy, nauseous, and just downright wonky. This is a wonderful place and it is my family. Many more; I am sure will have more ideas. HUGS to you!
Anyway, I do notice that I get very dehydrated when I take narcotics but I never thought that could be linked to my side effects. I will definitely try to boost my water intake and see if that helps. I tried Ultram a few months ago and unfortunately it did absolutely NOTHING for me. I was pretty disappointed but after talking to a lot of people with endometriosis, I found that there is pretty much no grey area for Ultram and endo pain relief...it either works great or not at all. Is that true with other pain conditions as well, or is this just the way Ultram works?
It's always better to take your pain meds when the pain is less if at all possible. I'd definitely take the motrin/ibuprofen round the clock the week of your period when the pain is the worst, it can definitely help with the inflammation, etc. You might talk to your OB/GYN about hormones, they can help lessen the symptoms of the Endo.
Take care,
Kat