Pain relief

[doggieday]

After years of chronic pain with no success taking the usual anti depressants, I have been prescribed Butrans patches 5 mg. They are certainly helping with nerve pain but not with joint pain. I have recently, finally had an MRI, the first scan ever, and I am waiting to see the rheumatologist about the results. I am worried that he will suggest increasing the strength. I am in my 80s and would appreciate any comments or advice from others who have tried the patches. TIA

[Madlegs1]

I'm 76, so my comments should not be construed as being ageist.

At our time of life, it's all about quality time and being pain free.

It's a question of balancing the pain relief of strong medications and any side effects.

Personally, I see the huge difference in my activity levels, and enjoyment, whenever I take an extra dose of pain medication.( In my case I take Vimovo 500 every second or third day)

If it shortens my life by a few years, I'm not going to worry about that.

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about living longer, maybe to 150. None of these prophets seem to consider the quality of that longevity!

Only yesterday, a study pointed out exactly what I am saying here. Duh!😏

So - I'm saying- go for it ,but slowly and carefully. Look at all the options, and whether split doses of multiple meds is a possible option.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

[doggieday in reply to Madlegs1]

Thankyou! I agree totally that its quality over quantity. Pain patches are my only option as I have a bowel condition that really objects to oral pain meds. I have had an MRI and have received the results by letter..... severe spinal stenosis with nerve impingement etc. It seems I have been referred to a spinal surgeon! Wow! I didn't see that coming, I expect a long wait and cant really see how surgical intervention will help. I just have to remind myself that I am allowed to choose treatment or not, and , if the rheumatologist had asked me about referral I would have refused. Thanks again for your support!

[Madlegs1 in reply to doggieday]

Thanks for the update.At least you are being taken seriously! And are on a conveyor belt of intervention.

As you say- you are in control all the way.

Great that others are chipping in with their experience - that's the success of this site.

All the best.

[Izabella12]

didn’t have butrans very long. No disrespect intended but at our age, I will use what ever it takes to be out of or have less pain. They have me on a different patch now, with pain pills for arthritis and break thru pain. I wouldn’t worry if they increase it a little

[doggieday in reply to Izabella12]

Thankyou! I am sticking with Butrans until I see the Rheumatologist again whenever that might be. At least I get relief from the nerve pain in my legs so it makes walking a little easier but I will ask about putting up the strength a bit now Ive got used to it!

[wizard43830]

Have been on a Morphine/Oxycodone for 7 + years. Recently changed to the 10mcg Butrans patch and then went to the 15mcg after a couple months. Best pain relief I have had in the past 8yrs. Give a boost a try. I am head I did.

[doggieday in reply to wizard43830]

Thankyou! I am hoping to get the patch increased to 10mg in the near future as I am already feeling the benefit of 5 mg in my legs.

[wizard43830 in reply to doggieday]

Good luck on getting relief with a bump in dosing. 15mcg was the perfect fit for me. But took a bit of time to adjust to. I was overly tired at 1st then discovered my duloxotine dosage needed to be lowered. Now I am more like my old self. Happy with controlled pain.