I have a bulging disk and have been prescribed oxycontin 20mg twice daily and percocet 5/325 3 times a day /as needed. I had been off work but upon returning I had more pain and started taking the percocet as directed. My problem is the nurse practicioner at the chronic pain clinic acted like my taking a total of 55mg of oxycodone daily as precribed (40 of the Oxycontin and 15 of the Percocet) was a big deal and told me that to increase the narcotics any further would be usleless. She suggested taking nortiptyline and wouldn't even listen to my suggesting a medication increase. Is this alot of oxy for a bulging disk? The pain has at one point left me unable to walk and is pinching a nerve that runs down my leg. It was getting better but upon returning to work it worsened. I have read some stories where people have taken loads upon loads prescibed and wonder why Kaiser is givening me a hard time. Are the stronger dossages reserved only for cancer patients? And will my tolernce level start to increase leaving me in more pain? Any suggestions about dealing with chronic pain clinics and the usual dossages? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
One of my connects takes 200 mgs a day because hes had 5 back surgeries within the last 10 years, so I don't think 55 mgs a day is an excessive amount if your in that much pain. Just be careful though because your tolerance will come around and eventually youll need 110 mgs a day.
The lady there also says it's because of my age 32 that she doesn't want me to go down this road. They don't really do shit though except teach pilates and offer epiderals. I don't know what to do at this point.
55 mg is not out of the question. I've had 11 spine surgeries, and was on 880 mg. of Oxycontin daily - 11 80's. I have since decreased it because, obviously, my tolerance was too high. I am currently taking 4 80's a day, and now that I'm getting used to the smaller doses they're actually working better. If you keep to your doses, it will take a while for your tolerance to really rise. It's when you're having a bad day and you take an extra and you find it works better...so you do that for the next couple of days...your pain decreases and you go back to taking what you were originally taking..that's what helps your tolerance to increase the most. Because, of course, the original amount just isn't working the same anymore. All it takes is a few days to get used to a bigger dose, so the smaller dose doesn't work as well. Anyhow, if I were you...get a new doctor. Try finding a pain doctor...they don't worry about the doses as much as your typical family doctor. Btw, I started taking Oxy when I was 15...I am now 19. I tried hard not to, but if there's something out there that can help you live somewhat of a decent life..go for it. Just be careful. You don't want your doses to get out of control the way mine did. Good luck
I am going to a pain clinic but the dr.'s put it in the hands of a nurse practicioner and they mostly do the operations. I tried to change but they tell me she is the only one I can have or I could drive to anouther kaiser abour 50 miles further away. it's all bullshit all the way around. She's just is dead set on trying to put me on something other than narcotics and won't listen to reason. One of those "I'm going to get my way" bitches. It really pisses me off. Thank you for the replies it gives me something to work with. Did you have to go through with the operations before they put you on higher doses I haven't even had an epideral maybe that's the reason she is so stingyu with my meds. I don't abuse them but sometimes it would help if I was able to take more but I don't because of fear this will make my regular doses not work as well
haha 55mgs a day that wouldnt even get u addicted...shit try like 120-200mgs a day and then see how u feel when u run out!! shit SUcKs....
"Did you have to go through with the operations before they put you on higher doses?" Let's just say that basically with every surgery the doses would rise. It's a little more complicated than that, though. Yeah, that's a Nurse Practitioner for you. I know how you feel though, once you move into the chronic stage and are no longer in the acute stage, it's really hard to find someone that is willing to help you...try a different clinic. Just keep searching for a new Doctor, this is bullshit and if there's something out there that can help you live somewhat of a decent life, then you should be taking it.
Oh, aren't you cool? And yes, you can get addicted on 55 mgs a day, it's just a matter of how long you've been on it. 120 - 200 mgs isn't much, either.
Denying someone in legitimate pain more then 55mgs a day is pretty unusual I'd start doctor shopping a little. Lots of people have rec habits way in excess of that... ahem
Unfortunately, at least where I live, it is usual. Before I found the doctor that I am currently seeing, I couldn't find a Doctor who was willing to give me the medicine that I need - even after 11 surgeries (16 if you count the minor ones). But, like "The Stig" and I both have said, do some shopping. It's a pain and can get discouraging, but when you find someone who is willing to work with you, it's worth it. GL.
The pain magament people can be reall assholes. I was prescribed this while off work and now have returned and also have been on this dossage for awhile. So not only is it not as effective because I have a tolerance but I am more active because of work which causes more pain. They can't understand and keep try top push that nortriptyline shit on me. Why would I want to take anything els other than what i know works and the point is it's not giving me any adverse side effects.
