My doctor's Appointment - ChronicPainSite Forums

Monie,

I know the meds are working for you, I just wanted to warn you of a possible interaction. Since you take them at different times of the day, that might not be a problem! But do bring it up with your doctor and/or pharmacist. I'm so glad you're getting some rest!

Hopefully you'll be at the next chat.

Hugs,

Lissa

Pseudotumor cerebri and chronic daily migraines, causing moderate to severe pain constantly for more than 9 years now. OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks which started in adolescence (except the PTSD) and are generally controlled by medication, but when under stress show up and cause more severe pain.

I pray for complete healing for each of you!

Monie,

Sounds like a really good appointment, and I am glad that you and she discussed any possible drug interactions.

As far as Percocet goes, that is 5mg of Oxycodone with 325 mg of tylenol. I take plain Oxycodone for pain now (only as needed), since tramadol doesn't work unless I take it often throughout the day and it drops my BP. I used to get nauseated from it, but I don't any longer, and I don't feel as woozy or light-headed as I did in the past.

Ambien does put me to sleep, but it doesn't keep me asleep. I think that I am in the minority around here though on that one. Even the ER Ambien doesn't keep me asleep all night.

As far as visual problems go? Lyrica may be the culprit. Even though I only take the 50mg each afternoon for nerve pain, when I first started it, I was seeing double at times while looking at TV. That has since passed, but it is something to have checked out.

OK honey---glad that she is going to get you into PT after next visit. It is so important, as you well know, and I am looking forward to those pics of the cane Big smile

Hugs, Stevie

Spinal Fusions L5-S1 and L4-L5. Cervical DDD, stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and facet arthropathy throughout cervical spine from C3-C7. Tiny cervical syrinx. Thoracic Spine: dextroconvex curvature of the thoracic spine, centered at approximately T8.(Scoliosis with 20 degree curve). At T7-8, a disc bulge. Hemangiomatas from T7-T10. Degenerative disc disease T7-T9. Disc dessication from T3-T11.

NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINE 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.crisisclinic.org/
IN THE UK 0845790 90 90
http://www.samaritans.org/

For help for many things...
Canada: http://www.211Canada.ca/
U.S.: http://www.211.org/

Thank you both!

Well the Ambien helped me a lot lastnight! It didnt take me long to fall asleep, and I slept deep. I still woke up a few times, but only for less than a minute and I was right back to sleep. I was able to wake up earlier than usual today, which is great! I was able to cut the tiny pill in half, and that was all I needed. So tonight I will definitely be taking it again!

I took the stimulant this morning, and it hasn't helped me as much as I had hoped. However I am feeling a little less fatigued. I only took one, and I can take 2, so tomorrow I most likely will take 2 in the morning. I take another dose in the afternoon, so I am hoping that helps a bit more.

I havent tried the Percocet yet- I have still taken the Vicodin. Once I have a bad enough flare of pain, and the Vicodin doesnt work, I will take a Percocet. Stevie- thanks for the info on what the Perocet is, I already knew though

Lissa- Thank you. I was in physical therapy for a while this year, and it definitely helped. However I kind of got to a point where it wasn't going to do me much good until I got a better control of my pain. So thats why we are waiting a while.

I will try to post pics of the cane today (if I remember) :)

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Thanks Stevie :)

I am very glad I was able to get better sleep with just half a pill of Ambien. I need better sleep!

I can tell that the stimulant is doing something- I have had just a little more alertness today. I am thinking that the Ambien could be carrying over to today and causing the stimulant not to work as well. Hopefully in the next few days, things will balance out some.

Once I get used to these, I am going to increase my afternoon dose of Lyrica by another 50mg capsule. So then I will be taking 50mg in the morning and 100mg both in the afternoon and at night. After a few weeks I will then increase my morning dose so that I am taking 300mg altogether.

Thanks for posting the info about the Percocet anyway Stevie- it helps people who might be reading this thread who are unfamiliar with it

I am having some more pain in my hips and legs today than usual, but I still havent taken a Percocet. The pain is much less when I am sitting, so I am taking it easy today and that is helping. Like I told the doctor, I only have the Percocet for when it is absolutely necessary, and if I can get by without it, I just won't take it.

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Thank you Roni.

I didn't sleep well lastnight, and by the time I realized I could take another half of an Ambien, it was too late. So I was up until 4am and woke up a little before 9. I'm hurting a lot too so I just took a Percocet right away this morning. Tonight I am going to take a full Ambien, so I am hoping that it helps me sleep.

Lastnight I was a little on edge and irritable. I am not sure if it was just me, or the stimulant. Either way I am going to keep an eye on it.

We enjoy talking to you too!

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Hi Monie,

I'm sorry that you didn't get as good a night last night

I'm hoping that the full tablet will help you tonight and that you don't have any further issues. It's always a pain while we get used to medication changes, but already this looks promising so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Sweet dreams, Spicey

37 yrs old, chronic pain since 1993
Decompression/stabilisation with Dynesys Apr'04, revision with PLIF Oct'08, several ESI's.
Still suffering with bilateral nerve pains in legs, plus in neck, arms & hands since Jul'09. SCS installed Apr'10. No significant improvement yet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Forever is just one long trail of nows. All you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINES:
UK: 08457 909090 or http://www.samaritans.org
US: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or http://www.crisisclinic.org
Canada: http://www.211canada.ca/what.php
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stevie- I did not take the stimulant that first day at all. I started with the Ambien that night, then took the stimulant yesterday. I looked up the half-life and it varies greatly. The average is 10 hours though. Since I have already taken this afternoon's dose, I will take a full Ambien tonight and see if that works. If not, I will talk to the doctor about only taking 1 in the morning.

Thank you Spicey :)

Stacey- Thanks for the info, if I cant get the Ambien to work right then I will ask about that :)

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Thanks Spicey :)

Well, lastnight I stayed up very late, by my own choice. I know I shouldnt have, but I was enjoying my drawing and coloring!

But then I took just a half an Ambien and I slept GREAT!

The stimulant is starting to balance out, and I am able to take it and still sleep that night! It is also helping a lot with my fog and concentration problems, as well as the fatigue. I still have problems with those things, but they are definitely decreased in comparison to before.

So I think I will stay on both the Ambien and the stimulant. What I like about the Ambien is that I dont necessarily have to take the same dose every night. That way it feels like I actually have control over at least one of my medications.

The Percocet really isn't helping me much. I have taken it a few times when my pain caused by my non- Fibro issues gets severe, and it really doesnt do much. The Vicodin seems to work better! So I dont think I will be taking the Oxycodone medications. So I will just continue to take 2 Vicodin at the times when that pain is worse, and hope for the best.

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Monie I am so pleased to hear that things are settling down

And you're allowed a late night now and again, especially if it involves painting

Hope you have a good day and that things continue to get better for you.

Hugs, Spicey

37 yrs old, chronic pain since 1993
Decompression/stabilisation with Dynesys Apr'04, revision with PLIF Oct'08, several ESI's.
Still suffering with bilateral nerve pains in legs, plus in neck, arms & hands since Jul'09. SCS installed Apr'10. No significant improvement yet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Forever is just one long trail of nows. All you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINES:
UK: 08457 909090 or http://www.samaritans.org
US: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or http://www.crisisclinic.org
Canada: http://www.211canada.ca/what.php
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you all so much :)

I slept well lastnight too. Took a full Ambien though because I was getting restless. I did go to sleep a few hours earlier this time, even though I was still coloring! I'm getting calluses from coloring/drawing so much

I have been having high blood pressure these past few weeks. I dont think its the new meds though because it started before my appointment. I have to read through the info for all of my meds and see which ones can cause it, because I am pretty sure at least one of them is the culprit here. I have never before had high blood pressure.

Stevie- I am surprised that the Percocet doesnt work for me! However I am sort of relieved, I'd rather not start taking a stronger narcotic if I don't need to.

Spicey- I've actually been drawing and coloring with colored pencils. I havent done this in AGES and I am shocked at my work- its better than I thought I could do! So I am very happy I randomly decided to pick up colored pencils and a sketch book :D

Roni- It makes a huge difference when we sleep well! I am so glad :)

Thank you all again. Will keep you updated.

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week

Monie,

It's great to hear how well you are adjusting to your new medications. I am so glad it's balancing out for you! Sorry I haven't responded before now, but I've been "grounded" from the computer! Read my thread if you want an explaination!

Hugs,

Lissa

Pseudotumor cerebri and chronic daily migraines, causing moderate to severe pain constantly for more than 9 years now. OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks which started in adolescence (except the PTSD) and are generally controlled by medication, but when under stress show up and cause more severe pain.

I pray for complete healing for each of you!

Thank you all again :)

I am still sleeping GREAT and I love it!!!

My blood pressure is still higher than normal, but less than earlier this week.

The stimulant definitely helps with alertness and focus, which is great. It doesnt do much for the actual fatigue in the afternoons anymore, but oh well.

I will post some of my stuff in that thread Stevie, sooner or later lol :)

Thoracic spine:
1.)Dextroconvex curvature of thoracic spine (Scoliosis), Degree unknown
2.) 4 Schmorl’s nodes:
      -T9-T10
      -T10-T11
      -T11-T12
      -T12-L1
3.) 2 possible interosseous hemangiomas:
     T7 vertebral body and T2 vertebral body
4.) Aberrant right subclavian artery
Cause unknown, possibly from birth
...
Lumbar Spine:
1.) Left paracentral disc extrusion. T11-T12. Indents left ventral aspect of the thecal sac
2.) Multilevel disc bulges:
     L3-L4, indents thecal sac
     L4-L5, indents thecal sac
     L5-S1, touching L5 nerve root causing bilateral sciatica
3.) Disc dessication at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1.
4) Arthiritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine
...
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions:
1.) General Hypermobility Syndrome
2.) Left shoulder instability with possible bursitis
3.) Slight nerve damage in left elbow
4.) Distorted ribcage
5.) Carpal Tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in right wrist
...

Other:
Fibromyalgia

Treatments (non-medicinal):

Pool therapy as often as possible

Medications:
Amitriptyline- 150mg/night
Ibuprofen- 2400-3200mg/day
Methocarbamol- 1500mg 3x/day
Tramadol- 100mg 3x/day
Vicodin- 7.5mg/750mg 1 or 2 pills 3x/day if needed
Lyrica- 50mg 3x/day
Cymbalta- 30mg 1x/day
Vitamin D- 50MIU 2x/week


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