Methadone: Methadone Facts

Question: Help! i am on methadone 30 mg a day and norco 10/325, 8 a day. scary, but i am still in severe pain. anyone?

(Posted by: Desparate for answers! on 2009-12-27 23:41:26)

My HMO is writing me off after years of ignoring a severely degenerating condition in my C spine. I am now a single mom with a 2 year old and am unable to work due to severe pain and progressive loss of use in my right arm. I am terrified but determined to do whatever I can to get better. These medications seem like an insane combo and amount to me. I have never taken any narcotics until the last year. They say surgery is not an option. Anyone out there have similar experience or ideas?

Posted by: Ellen on 2009-12-28, 05:17:03

Oh boy, do I feel your pain. I just went through back surgery and am now having complications. Norco, although addictive with the right personality is fairly benign. It is a very mild pain killer. Now, the Methadone is pretty heavy duty medication. That having been said, I personally know 4 people who take methadone daily for many different types of back issues that are unable to be corrected. It is very effective.. There are some that I know that still have some degree of pain, but the difference without medication far out ways taking it. You need to ask yourself if this medication is keeping you from quality time with your child or if it is actually allowing you to live a semi-normal life. I think that I am heading down this road myself and am scared ans the Norco does not work and I am still in pain. Have you considered acupuncture? It has been helpful for me on certain occasions. It does not take all of the pain away, but it does give me some relief for about 2-3 days. I have a little piece of advice for you if you want to remember it. The way that I have been coming to terms with this is, we all have certain things in life that we have to deal with. We have been dealt this hand of cards, We have two choices. Either give up, or fight like hell to enjoy life. I'm going to fight like hell. I hope that somewhere in what I have written you have found some solace. Just know that you are not alone and you will be ok. I sincerely hope that you find a way to feel better. My heart goes out to you.

Posted by: Just Me on 2009-12-28, 19:11:53

Wish I knew your answer, but can relate to the pain. I suffer severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, it attacks my joints and muscles. One joint sets it affects on my is my spine. The pain is insane, I am 24 and on daily amounts of Morphine 60mg, Tylenol 3 with Codeine 30/ 500 8 times daily, and im still in pain, now my pain manager has placed me on Medical Cannabis alongside the Narcotics I use. I still feel pain but the cannabis 4-8 cigarettes a day is better for my pain and swelling than the Morphine, Codeine and Steroids combined and im on 30mg Steroids a day too. I take 27pills per day and my Arthritis is not managed yet the Rheumatologist wants to see how the Cannabis goes first so she giving me time with that. But hey to me whatever, helps me I dont care any more providing the drug or herb or alternative has some proven uses and is relatively safe in the right setting im ok with using any treatment.

Posted by: justinfranksnj on 2009-12-28, 20:54:35

That is a pretty typical dosage for someone who has taken opioids for a year or so. You build up a tolerance and a physical dependence, and periodic dosage increases are expected. Please understand that physical dependence and tolerance do not equal addiction. Addiction is a psychological disorder. Tolerance and dependence are simply physical reaction to taking opioids regularly. I would speak to your doctor and let him know that your pain is not being properly managed. Are you seeing a pain management specialist? I would advise doing so. I would also advise being insistent on obtaining relief from your pain. Pain can be successfully controlled -- if your doctor is unwilling to properly treat it, seek a different doctor. It will take time to find the right medications in the right dosages for your specific condition and pain. A good pain management doctor will be willing to try different medications and/ or dosages if your pain is not being controlled. From your current prescription, it seems that your doctor understands pain management -- methadone is a long-acting painkiller for baseline pain control, and Norco is a short-acting medication for breakthrough pain. I would simply be honest and tell him that you are still experiencing severe pain, and ask him if there are any different medications that you could try. I have severe lower back and leg pain, and it took about 2 years to find what worked well to control my pain with minimal side effects. Be patient and hang in there....relief is possible.

Posted by: rtinsley30 on 2009-12-28, 23:40:33

I as well feel for you, and know I know all too well that there is nothing worse than being in pain everday. Sometimes I get really depressed, and I tell myself that when you wake up in pain and go to bed in pain , why the hell would I be perky?? As far as the pain meds, it sounds normal to me honestly. You are being given something for long term pain, and breakthough pain. I was on Norcos for a while and they didnt help me at all. The best thing you could do for yourself is confide in your Dr, and if you have a good one they will sympathize with you, and not want you to hurt. There is a BIG difference in people abusing pills for recreation and people who need them to function and live. When you hurt and take medicine there is no euphoric high, atleast not for me, it just helps me live, and get out of bed,and function. As pitiful as it sounds I take a ton of meds for rheumatoid arthritis and I swear I still hurt, sometimes to the point that all I can do is cry. And it is exhausting to feel like that everyday, I know I am dependent on my meds, and I relate knowing that yes I may have chosen addiction but i chocse it over MISERY. Best of Luck to you