Morphine Dosage?

[tracey911]

My 72 year old mother has finally been put on morphine patches after 30 years of unbearable pain due to arthritis osteoporosis of the spine and recently, 6 spinal fractures. She was started off on 5mg for two weeks, then 10mg and now 15mg. It's still not touching the pain. My question is, how high can you actually go? She's terrified it's not a safe drug to increase and be on long term so I'm just looking for advice.

[Madlegs1]

This is from the Irish equivalent of NHS.

acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aa...

Hope it helps somewhat.

It's always a challenge to balance a potentially addictive pain relief with age related situation.

Also be aware of the difference between addiction and dependency.

Good luck.

[kev60]

Hi, I suffer with multiple pain issues abdominal, chest and upper spine. I use to keep the GP updated by percentage but they cannot comprehend it and much prefer 0 to 10 so I keep a log so I can keep them informed ABC . Today Abdominal = 8/10, Back = 8.5/10 and Chest = 6.5/10. I suffer with FND, GORD, COPD(Emphysema) and OA of the spine and bone spurs growing in from my spine. I am on 8x500mg paracetamol, 30mcg Bunov patches and have Codeine for emergencies. I started patches a while ago as I have a problem with morphine . I to started on 5mcg then as that didn’t touch the sides we progressed up in fives actually went to 35mcg but that made me unwell so we dropped down to 30mcg which works for me and I have been on them for a couple of years now. I to worried about taking so much and ask for reviews about whether I need them and I do. I have memory problems and a couple of times I have missed my change over day and I suffer extreme pain as well as feeling unwell. You must remember to change over the same day each week. Hope your mum finds the dose right for her. Be aware it just takes the edge off the pain so it’s bearable day to day. Hope your mum feels better soon. Kevin

[Kersey48]

I have been on patches for over 5 years and been ssolely adjusted to 20mg I trry hard not to request an increase. Mine is because my sensitive stomach wont tolerate oral pain medication. I am 75 years. I only know what I have so cant tell you the top dosage best to consult the doctor treating her.

[MSTKing]

I take MST tablets - twice a day - at present -I’m on 150mg twice a day but have been in the past on a much higher dose. I find these long acting tablets much better than the patches. I hope she is more comfortable soon.

[Cappo]

hi Tracey I’ve been on them a few years now 20mg past couple I take pragabalin and a few more drugs they’ve been swapped and changed more times than I can remember but still in pain constantly wheat bags tens machine heated back brace gives relief of pain for a couple of hours hope this helps

[Manorlady]

Hello Tracy, l am in exactly the same position l am 72 as well . I have taken Morphine in Liquid and Tablet when l damaged my Spine but it made me very Nausic. I am taking Diclofenac it seems to calm it much better if you use it with Voltarol . Voltarol has same drug in it if it flares up l use the cream it helps so much .

[DollyDutchGirl_1946 in reply to Manorlady]

Volterol should only used for two weeks - as it can cause kidney damage. I speak from personal experience… 🤦‍♀️

[satellitedave]

I have been on Fentanyl for over 16 years 60mg which is quite a high dose,which only takes the edge away from my spinal issues.Have been on an even higher dose,years ago when i had to ask for a reduction to the current level due to being very drowsy all the time. I was on the early trials.This stuff is not used as much as it was in the past due to the overdose issues.

[Konagirl60 in reply to satellitedave]

I had a severely pinched nerve in my groin. It was an athletic injury.

I was not taken seriously by my GP or any of the specialists she sent me to.

I was misdiagnosed because I was gas lighted. The doctors were sure I had a mental health issue and all they’d do was medication management.

I was left poly drugged for years and none of the meds helped my severely injured nerve . I lost cognitive functioning due to lack of proper pain control and severe sleep deprivation.

At one point I was given 12.5 mcg fentanyl patches and they were effective but not enough. No doctor thought to increase the dose. I don’t know why?

I finally got the three surgeries I needed and I’ve weaned off of five meds. I was taking them three times a day but no more.

I am healing and I only use two meds at nighttime now.

I’m glad the fentanyl patches help you and you are able to get them.

[satellitedave in reply to Konagirl60]

Thank you for your reply.I guess in some ways i was lucky with being on the tail end of the trial.At times i am still very drowsy,and at others,i get very little pain relief.Guess im stuck with them.

Pleased to see that you are on the mend.Keep thinking positive,you will get there

[Konagirl60 in reply to satellitedave]

It’s unfortunate that fatigue is a VERY common side effect of taking pain meds.

Do you cover your patches with a waterproof bandage? It’s unfortunate that as the patch wears off the pain relief subsides.

Keep calm and carry on.😊