LymeNet Flash: Help please on pain med rx?

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Posted by tothepoorhouse (Member # 8595) on :

For the the last week I've been experiencing severe back and leg pain. So bad that I can't walk or sleep without screaming every time I move. Feels like nerve pain and I'm sure you know what I mean, even if the doc doesn't.

My doc rx'd hydroco/apap first. Not only did I get a sick stomach, but had horrible nightmares, anger and consistent pain after just 2 pills.

Called my doc after tossing the rx, and they left a message saying they called the pharmacy to order tylenol with codeine for me.

Aren't they the same thing? When I called the pharmacist to ask, I was having brain fog but he said something like, no...they are different. Hydroco is a synthetic and tylenol/codeine is not. You just have to remember to eat something with the new rx.

[confused]

Didn't quite answer my question so I fear picking it up until I know. Is this new rx stronger or weaker than the previous? The price is lower, that I know.

Who better than to ask my friends here before doing so?

Thanks

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

In my experience, it's weaker but that's not to say it won't help some. Codeine generally makes me feel warm and cozy, like sitting in front of a fire.

Try taking a half to make sure it doesn't nauseate you first.

As far as Vicodin goes it doesn't make me nauseous but I can only take a half because it makes me hyper. Like want to vacuum the world hyper. [Roll Eyes]

I hope it helps. If not perhaps something like Ultram, it doesn't work for me but others get good results from it and I believe it's non-narcotic.

Good luck, I hope something helps, soon, I know that pain and it's awful. Just recently I was like that and had to fly. Ack, couldn't sit. I took an Advil, half a valium and a Darvon(plain) that were in my purse during the flight and they only dulled it slightly.

Posted by tothepoorhouse (Member # 8595) on :

Bumping for add'l responses.

I don't want to pick up this rx tomorrow if it won't help. I have limited insurance right now as I lost my job 3 weeks ago and have limited funds for wasteful rx's. (Just flushed $60 down the drain yesterday).

I guess my biggest concern is ANYTHING with Tylenol...and codeine upsets my stomach.

[ 30. March 2007, 09:04 AM: Message edited by: tothepoorhouse ]

Posted by k-lyme (Member # 5574) on :

No, Hydrocodone and Tylenol w/Codeine No. 3 aren't the same thing. Hydrocodone is Vicodin and Tylenol w/ Codeine No. 3 is just that. Pain med wise, I don't know what to tell you. I went through literal hell for about 9 months before I found the right pain medicine. I have a big time absorption problem and really can't absorb anything oral. Just keep trying everything until you work through the entire arsenal available.
Do you have a pain management physician? Not neccessarily one that is affiliated with one of those programs, but someone who actually has at least half an idea as to which class of drugs to go to which would be right for you. If the doctor that prescribed the Vicodin isn't familar with pain management, you're wasting your time and you are suffering unneccessarily.

Keep trying, and don't take no for an answer. Remember, its YOU that is suffering at the end of the day, not the doctor, so make him work for his fee!

Take Care [Smile]

K-lyme

Posted by tothepoorhouse (Member # 8595) on :

Question?

Was one of the drugs I took before vicodin? They use so many generic names at the pharmacy, I can't keep track...........I know the last one was Percoden. I only lasted a day and a 1/2 on this one.

Wish someone would come on and say what works the best~ I'd ask my doc for this in a heartbeat.

Thanks~

Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :

We're all different in how we respond to pain med. I think working with your pain med doc to find something that will help you is the best way to go.

In terms of cost, what about just paying for a couple pills of the Rx to see how you do before paying for the entire Rx amount? Will save you money if the med doesn't agree with you.

You say severe back and leg pain. Is there any possibility you could be helped by a good chiropractor? Frankly, chiropractors are able to rescue me from extreme pain on a very frequent basis. It is temporary relief, 'cause we're lymies, but still, any relief is better than none.

Besides seeing chiropractors regularly for my back and leg pain, I also ice, use heat, stretch, use an Equalizer massager, use a red light machine, elevate my legs -- in other words, try everything you can to get the pain down.