Just checking in again

Hello, I have posted here in the past with my pain issues-I have many issues but the most pain is in my low back and hips into my legs (sciatica) I have "failed back syndrome" and had one surgery, a fusion, laminectomy with screws etc.

I've been posting in prostate cancer because I have a Gleason score 6 cancer I'm dealing with.

Just would like to add a couple of things-The pandemic has caused me to see the doctor via a phone app which worked okay since all he is doing now is writing for my pain med's which is buprenorphine 8mg four times a day. I know it is a very high dose but I tolerate it well. Only side effect is constipation and that is under control with a stool softener and senna,

I still get decent pain relief but nights have become very bad because there is only one position I can lay in without pain.Problem is once asleep I rollover and awake screaming in pain. I've been trying to avoid taking a pill at 2 or 3 or 4am so I'll have enough for the rest of the day but have started to take one to get back to sleep. Therefore I've been short the last couple of months. Buprenorphine has a very long half life so I have no worries about withdrawal symptoms but toward the last week before a refill, i'm forced to take 3 a day or even 2 1/2 a day because I ran short.
Funny because in the past I usually had a few extra left over (well not funny more ironic)

So not really complaining just wish the DEA and the powers that be have limited me to pretty much the max on buprenorphine (most use a lot less and 32mg while prescribed, is rare) I thought of maybe asking for hydromorphone as a "breakthrough" because post hip surgery the hospital did not provide buprenorphine but gave me the dilaudid (hydromorphone) and it worked even though my pain doctor said it may not because my receptors were "covered" for days with the bupe.

Anyway, crazy here in NYC pray this pandemic is over soon

Glen

Thank you HT.
funny you mention recliner. The thought of bringing one into the bedroom crossed my mind.
I'll hold off on that possibility for now because my wife would not like it at all and a happy wife...
I'm sure she would be okay with it actually but we do not spend a lot of time together during the day as she is chronically busy so that is quality time we both cherish (bedtime)

Glen

I should at least try and sleep in a recliner to see if I'm able.

I have sleep apnea which makes it even worse if I roll over on to my back. My wife wakes me up sometimes if the pain does not because of the loud snoring. Yep, sleeping has become an adventure! One saving Grace is I fall asleep very quickly-it's the constant getting up from pain or not breathing that destroys the rest.
Have a CPAP machine but my claustrophobia prevents me from using it. I've tried countless times to wear it but I always freak out aand think I cannot breathe

But all in all I remain hopeful and pretty good natured

Glen

Hello again
I have been trying to get used to my CPAP and have fallen asleep briefly with it on. Problems with drooling and feeling like I'm not getting enough air. Maybe time to see sleep doctor again to reset machine.
I need an MRI for my prostate cancer but need heavy sedation due to pain and claustrophobia. Problem is I stop breathing and they wake me up.
May need CPAP in machine if possible maybe a long,long air tube.

Glen

Thanks but I fall asleep easily. Sleep apnea awakens me then back to sleep over and over again. Sleep apnea awakens me but I'm not aware. Pain however has me very aware and awake

Glen

Thanks

Sounds good. I'll try to remember and use a recliner soon

Glen

Thanks I will make an appointment with the sleep doctor. She will increase the prescription but then I need to deal with insurance and the CPAP provider. That has been a nightmare especially because I have a history of non compliance.
I am taking buprenorphine for pain that and a bad history with being dependant on Ambien and Xanax tell me to avoid anxiety medications. The only time I take them is when I had a CT Scan. I Have to be unconscious for MRI. I tried with just lorazepam but I was still way too scared

Glen

My doctor is okay with one or two lorazepam for a procedure .I just would not take it on a regular basis.
Not to split hairs but here goes, I was dependent on anxiety meds. Addiction is a close cousin but has a distinct difference.
I have 33 years of sobriety and worked in the recovery field. Not really important but a difference.
In a nutshell anyone on opioid or opiate medications for a few months will be dependent but not all addicted as an example


Glen

Yes exactly well put.

My wife for example gets 60 percocet tablets a month for two pills a day. She has "Sacral fractures" that can be quite painful at times. She usually takes only one a day but has found that if she skips more then a day that she will feel a withdrawal. So yes she has a mild dependency but nothing like what I'd suffer if I skipped a day or two.

I use subutex or buprenorphine which is commonly used to either wean people off of opiates or maintain them on the buprenorphine for however long. In 2008 I entered a clinical trial that used it for pain patients. It is of course a pain medication but never caught on until now. Doctors are seeing it is a good alternative for chronic pain patients because it does not have near as much tolerance as regular what is called "pure Mu" agonist opioid or opiate medications.

It works well for me and I never feel drugged out like in the past when I used morphine, percocet or any number of regular pain medications. They even have a patch now.

Anyway, wish life would get back to normal soon I live in Manhattan and it's just odd with masks on and such

Glen