Compression fracture pain

[Brightman]

I have a compression fracture caused by radiation on a tumour on my T10 vertebrae. I am currently on 10mgs of morphine patches, but the pain is still severe. Any suggestions?

[Haz58]

Hi. I had a T9 compression fracture at the end of 2022 it was the worst pain I'd ever had so I totally sympathise with you. I was given the patch but I also had liquid morphine for breakout pain called oromorf. I found the patch didn't help much. So went on zomorph 2x20mg and the oromorf liquid for breakout pain. I found the oromorf a godsend but sadly nothing got rid of the pain totally. It did get easier with lots of rest and I mean being mostly in bed for 3 months. I got a wedge pillow so I slept on my back, I'm a side sleeper, and that helped me get a bit of sleep. When I could sit in a chair for a little while I also got a pressure cushion and a special back pillow.

It takes time, rest, being very careful and patience until it heals. No exercise, stretching ect I was told just rest until the pain started to subside. if you want links to the itemsvi bought let me know. I feel your pain. X

[Brightman in reply to Haz58]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes the pain is terrible. I have been like this for almost 12 months. The Morphine patch relieves slightly. I have been on alsorts of painkillers, even Fentanyl until recently. Our pharmacist daughter didn’t like me being on that! I use a number of the methods that you have suggested. I am seeing a spine specialist on March 12 th, so will see what he comes up with. Have you heard of a method where the inject cement into your veterbrae to built it up again? I will ask him about that.

[Haz58 in reply to Brightman]

12 months is horrendous! About 6 months for me, I still get pain but nowhere near what I had. I truly hope the specialist can help you and quickly. I forgot to say I also have a proper back brace that a hospital sold me in Menorca which holds your body steady when moving around. It's bulky looking but got me home. All the best. X

[EternallyPainDriven]

Ask for higher dose

[DENZ01]

Hello

I have had several fractures & breaks of my vertebrae.

I have also been prescribed the morphine patches which unfortunately I found absolutely useless 😕

You need to contact your doctor and ask them to prescribe something else.

I currently use 100mg slow release morphine capsules, morphine sulfate liquid and Tramadol (& various other meds).

I don't think that the patches in any strength will be much help.

One tablet that is a great help is Pregabalin (I take 300mg twice daily).

I see that you have mentioned the cement for the vertebrae. Please do your research. I have had so many spinal surgeries that have failed and I am in excruciating pain.

I'm really sorry that you're going through this 😔 & I also apologise if I sound like the voice of doom.

I hope that you find some pain relief soon (it never goes away completely, but just a few hours of relief isn't too much to ask for).

Please could you let us know what your doctor recommends for pain relief when you go see them again? I would be extremely grateful, I'm also very "run down" by constant pain.

Best wishes & good luck ✨️😊✨️😊

[Brightman in reply to DENZ01]

I saw a spinal surgeon today and he has suggested that I have a spinal fusion to connect the T8 to T9, T10, T11 with rods and screws to reduce my pain. He said it would not completely solve my pain issues and he explained the side effects well. But I am willing to try anything. He clearly explained the images on the MRI and I was able to see why I am in so much pain.

[DENZ01]

Hello Brightman

I have a total spinal & neck fusion.

It will not take away all your pain, but it could help you.

I have to admit that it's a bit difficult for me to give you a neutral opinion on this one.

Can you go for a second opinion?

But, if you're happy with what the surgeon has told you then my advice is to go with your instinct, but please try and get a second opinion.

Best wishes