pain question

luvseals

Ladies, I have a question about pain. Pain and Nausea are what sent me to the dr.in the first place and after I was daignosed with vag. wall cancer, the pain medicine the dr. gave me hydrocodone-apap 10-325 2 every 4 hours as needed worked for the most part. However, since I started radiation 2 days ago it really isn't working that well. Last night I had a horrible episode of pain that I had a tough time getting under control. I am again tonight having quite a bit of pain. The pain now seems to be there at all times and just a lot worse at night. I should have asked the nurses today about it but I just kept thinking oh I should not complain and just see if it keeps happening. I wondered if any of you veterans out there might have any suggestions for me. My sister in law who used to work with cancer patients for years in the lab said that the doctors she worked with worked very hard at keeping their patients as pain free as possible. I really think I need to ask my dr. for something stronger or different. Thanks in advance for any and all replys as this is all new to me. Michele

kayandok

pain
Hi Michele, sorry to hear you are in pain. I agree with your sister, that you need to be pain free as much as possible. You have enough other stuff to deal with.

For my first line chemo, I did need some pain meds a few days after chemo and used a prescription of a Japanese med (I think it is a prescription ibiprofin type) I don't have the Englsih for. For the milder pain, I used aleve. I also found my brown rice bag (the kind you heat in the microwave) helpful. I think the hydrocodone is vicodan, which seems to be a common one given for post-surgery and such. I got that post-surgery, while in the US and it didn't work for me either. Percoset or percodan did, however. That is a narcotic and I found out that in CA they don't like to give it out, because it is too hard to keep in the pharmacy stock (people try to steel it). I am a big believer in getting the correct pain reliever/drug that works for you and your body. Sometimes, though it can be a bit tricky to get there. Meanwhile, what is in your cupboard is probably not strong enough, right? Until you can get the right drug, doing whatever you can to calm yourself (warm bath, deep breathing, prayer and meditation etc) will help. I hope you find the right meds and get some relief soon.
Hugs,
kathleen

BonnieR

Call your Medical Team
Hi Michele, I would definitely call your doc ~ what works for one doesnt' work for another and you need to let them know. This is tuff enough without pain. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

saundra

Bonnie is right
You have to keep on your doctor. Call today. Some pain killers do not work on some people or are prescribed in too weak of a dose. Saundra

luvseals

saundra said:

Bonnie is right
You have to keep on your doctor. Call today. Some pain killers do not work on some people or are prescribed in too weak of a dose. Saundra

Pain Medicine
Kathleen, Bonnie & Saundra:
Thank you so much for your advice. I just didn't want to seem unreasonable asking for something stronger this soon after treatment began, but I mean the pain was really terrible and I had a tough time getting it to stop (monday night) and I had quite a bit of pain last night too. I did go ahead and call my oncologist this morning and explained the situation and asked for something else for pain. The dr. I called said he would prescribe something stronger that I would have to pick up the script at his office so his nurse suggested I just request it after I had my radiation treatment today. So, that is what I did, but good grief the nurse had me explain the pain over and over again almost like she didn't believe me or something. Here is what seems strange to me, they seemed annoyed at the radiation center that my oncologist nurses had me ask them for the prescription rather than my oncologist. To me asking after my radiation treatment made a lot more sense too, as then I didn't have to make another trip to the oncologists office. After quizing me for a time, she left the room and didn't come back for around 40 minutes. She then returned with the Rx in hand and told me now follow the prescription specifically because it is a very strong medicine. I just wasn't real pleased with that nurse. I have had a lot of pain and don't think I am being unreasonable, but at times it makes me wonder? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your valuable knowledge, you are all some amazing women and I am ever so greatful to be gaining from all of your experiences. Thanks again, Love & Hugs, Michele