MS Contin/Patch and Pill Question for Users

[Poppinsme]

My background. I'm a Respiratory Therapist, so am very familiar with health care. In 2000 I was in a car crash(was hit) and my right knee was smashed. Have had surgery, Synvist, etc. The pain now is getting worse and worse because I have to work and am on my feet for 12-16 hrs. a shift.
And I also realize that it is time to consider a TKR when i have enough sick leave saved up, maybe in 2 years.
Went to my Dr. today for renewal of drug scripts. For my knee I take Vicodin, Tramadol, Motrin high doses. Those of us on pain meds know that with out these we couldn't work or function and we are not abusers, its for real. Anyway my Doc now thinks its time to move up a step to MS Contin.
He knows its getting worse and I cant quit working.
So to those on this how is it?
Are you clear headed because of the pain relief?
How is it on your GI tract?
Do you forget things or is your mind sharp?
Please I just want to hear your experiences.
And please to those that are pain free I don't need a lecture on drug use.
Thanks.

 

[dclfun]

I use a Fentanyl patch which is a different medication than MSContin but also causes much less drowsiness. I've used it for two years now and at first it did give me side effects of being a bit nauseous and drowsy...but once you're acclimated, you really can't tell any difference other than you have pain relief. It does cause constipation like all the opioids which can be a challenge. With either medication you'll probably need to take some time off work until you are acclimated to the effects and you shouldn't drive until then either. Good luck and I hope you find the relief you're seeking. I have to work too but even if I weren't, I could not sit up at all without this medication and would thus be confined to bed- not a "life" at all.---Kathy

 

[Poppinsme]

Thank you dclfun for the information and kind words.
I will discuss the Fent patch with my Dr. as I know about this but never really thought about it. Good idea.
Thanks again.

 

[arminnie]

And please to those that are pain free I don't need a lecture on drug use.

Fortunately I am pain free at this time, but I thought I would answer anyway.

I have two friends with fibromyalgia that take oxycontin. I do not know of any GI problems that they have - and they would probably tell me if they did. They take a certain amount on a regular basis plus have a smaller dose for "breakthru" pain.

I know from personal experience with pain that pain meds never made me feel "high" unless my pain had abated. That was the signal for me that I can switch to something like ibuprofen - which of course would not be your case as yours is not improving unfortunately. My pain was post-surgical so did diminish.