PMR Pain Managemt

[Jlowell]

Any experience or conflict using hydrocodone to manage PMR pain

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is extremely unusual for any pain-relief medications to make any difference in PMR. It is an inflammatory disorder, NSAIDs MAY help a bit but they never helped me! Pred acts as the pain medication by controlling the inflammation. There are several people on the forums who have been on opiod medication for other pain who found it did nothing for the PMR.

And frankly - since PMR can last for 6 years or even longer (for 50% of patients 4 to 6 years) - do you REALLY want to be on oxycodone for that long particularly in view of the massive potential for an addiction developing?

[1Purplecrow]

Hi jlowell, short answer, yes. I have used hydrocodone periodically for Non-pmr pain, eg. Osteoarthritis in knee, severe arthritis in spine. I use it juduciously, knowing full well the addiction risks of long term opiate use.

My g.p. Works with me, and is quite supportive of my pain management protocol. I use or have used, a variety of treatments, including acupuncture, chiropractic, Bowen therapy, massage, analgesic rubs and sprays, narcotics, nerve stimulators, cortisone injections, ice, heat, etc., etc., etc. she has prescribed gabapenton, muscle relaxers, and other medications being touted as the latest and greatest.

Long story ending🤪, I have discovered that a well-timed pain tablet can give me enormous relief, and allow me to enjoy the pleasures of life. I can comfortably sit through a theater program, attend a day long conference, go to a party and dance a bit, ....the list is long. By now, I am certainly dependant on the substance, but have not turned into a slobbering, raving, drug addict. Quitting the narcotic requires planning, and expectation of a week of feeling a bit droopy, but nothing more.

The amount I use is small, and I strictly self limit use of the drug. If I need more than a minimal dose, its time to lie down for a break.

My doc is the one who recognized my symptoms as PMR, she works with me, and I am forever grateful for the fact that she listens to me, and helps me sculpt an individual-pain management protocol.

PMR diagnosed in october 2013, currently on 2 mg pred, and heading to 1.5 mg next week.

Kind regards, Jerri

[daworm in reply to 1Purplecrow]

very good!! Exactly how I feel about it..

[piglette]

i am afraid the hydrocodone does not manage PMR pain.

[Ronswife]

I was given it before diagnosis and it didn't work.

[30048]

I have also used it successfully. I had spinal fusion surgery and a lamenectomy and was put on it after that. I weaned myself down to a 5 mg dose when needed over the course of six months. I then only took it when I had to do something important. I did find that it affected my mental status . Whether it helped my PMR ....I honestly do not know....it certainly helped the stenosis pain. I realize that there is a huge addiction problem but think if it is used with care that can be avoided.

[daworm]

well I use it...I used it before the PMR came on though, for old age aches and pains as in OA in the back and joints...I don't abuse, I use..im not addicted, I'm reliant...it works for me, especially on bad days, my script says three a day as needed, never took three..one does the trick most days...some days its not even needed...if your terrified of opiates then its not for you, its not an NSAID so it won't harm your stomach if used along with prednisone...who in their old age only has PMR aches and pains anyway...

[1Purplecrow]

Hi, just to clarify my earlier response, ..as others have said, opiates are not useful for PMR pain. I treat PMR with prednisone.

My experience shows me that Pain associated with spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis and osteoarthritis does respond to opiate treatment.

Having had migraines for most of my life, I found opiates did nothing for that type of pain either..

so, just to be clear, prednisone is the only drug I have found useful for PMR. Occasionally, Co-morbid issues justify both pred and opiates, for more than one issue.

Sorry if I confused anyone. Could it be pred head?🤪

Kind Regards, Jerri