Morphine & RH

[gussmithy]

Just a quck question. Does anyone know if a dose of oral morphine would help when pain is particular acute? Or anything else for QUICK relief. I can't afford a whole bottle of whisky evry time....

Best wiahes, Gus (newly diagnosed).

[medway-lady]

We can’t give medical advice but surely you’d need a prescription for Oramoph and so only a doctor can advise you. My best thought is it would be unwise to take any serious stuff like morphine without a doctors advice.

[gussmithy in reply to medway-lady]

You're right, Medway-Lady. But I have some morphine which was prescribed after I fell down stairs. Long story which I'll submit when more energy. Gus.

[helixhelix]

being newly diagnosed is one of the worst periods. What have you been given for the minute? As quite often tackling the inflammation that causes the pain is more effective than trying to mask it.

[gussmithy in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you, and all who replied to my query re Morphine. (I won't be taking it). Have chronic pain - complex history over recent months and may not be due to RA. When up to it, will explain further.

Best wishes to all.

[wilbertjellyfish]

I have oral morphine liquid from Christmas when I had a bit of a collapsed lung. I take the odd swig but couldn't honestly say it takes pain away that much. Haven't tried whiskey...but might start. Recently got a bottle of bush in exchange for some eggs.

[Scottishlad]

Morphine and other opiates must only be taken under medical supervision. They are addictive and can have serious side effects. The least of which is constipation, which I had when prescribed opiates after a bicycle accident last year. If you are prescribed opiates I would ask about laxitives.

[gussmithy in reply to Scottishlad]

Yes, Scottish lad, I have (prescribed) morphine plus laxative Napoxegol. Weanned off it a few weeks ago.

[ABwn]

Am not sure but when I had an op to put a plate in my wrist the pain killer they provided had morphine in it, liquid, and it stopped all pain including RA pain. Unfortunately, don't know the name of this magical liquid as was staying with my son in Switzerland. I live in England so not sure what they provide over here. Didn't provide a never ending supply!!

[Runrig01]

GPS follow an analgesic ladder when prescribing pain meds, and depending what you are currently on, may be unable to take a big jump to morphine. Morphine just masks the pain, and comes with many side effects, one of which is slowing your breathing down. So if you have any breathing issues then it may not be an option. You would be better looking at trying a different nsaid, or if they’re not an option, then a short course of steroids to get on top of the inflammation. If it’s one particular joint, a steroid injection may be the way to go. Medications like amitriptyline can help as they improve sleep, as well as pain, making it easier to cope through the day. Keeping the joints moving is also important as the stiffness will get worse, if we don’t move around, and break the inflammation up. So little and often re activity helps, otherwise inactivity makes the inflammation act like glue. Hope you find a solution soon.

[Haz58]

I was on morphine tablets plus oromorph liquid for 5 months for a fractured vertabrae. It helped with that pain but not RA pain. Only Prednisolone tablets helped with all my pains. It it was short lived once I stopped taking them. They can give you a steroid Injection which helps until the RA meds kick in.

[Fra22-57]

you could asked to be seen by your rheumatologist as urgent and then you could get a steroid injection which I have found very effective and lasts quite a bit

[AgedCrone]

Don’t even think about it!

[Garnacha]

All I can add is I was given oramorph after my shoulder op & it states on the box not to use after 3 months of opening

[auldreekie2]

morphine does take the edge of a bit, only thing is, it makes me sleepy, I don’t want to spend what ever time I have left to be sleeping, I’m nearly 59, so maybe steroids to give you a kick start better than morphine. X

[Ern007 in reply to auldreekie2]

Morphine can make you sleepy but that normally wears of after a while, I am 77 and I here you about steroids but steroids in the long runs are less safe than Morphine, as steroids can cause bleeds in the stomach - I asked GP for steroids when my pains started, she was quick to say no, although I can take them for Asthma flare ups.

[auldreekie2 in reply to Ern007]

my late husband had AS he was in pain all the time, he was on 3 different lots of morphine, for years and years, so that why I know about it. I was his carer. So if you want morphine go to your doctor and see what they say.x

[Ern007]

I take Oral morphine for a degenerated cervical spine and a worn shoulder. Dose is 5mg to 10mg (2.5ml to 5ml) every four to six hours as if needed. If used properly it won't be as damaging as whisky - Although I like a single malt ot two twice a week, but NEVER if I have had to take morphine.. Morphine works but has side effects like constipation, best only take it for severe pain.

[TaylorPlayer]

I tried 4mg of hydromorphone/dilaudid which is very strong. Did nothing for my pain. The only thing that worked was prednisone. But I am now tapering off it. Its a great/horrible drug. I am waiting to see if the hydroxy is working.

Good luck but whatever you do, do it with your doctor. 🌹