Re: Questions about Kadian-a

[Guest guest]

Jen wrote: " I've never been on a set schedule with a pain med before, one that

I've taken every single day at the same time. With my Oxycontin, he

and I have always agreed on using it " as needed " rather than a set

schedule. I keep thinking about it, and the idea of what if I ever

need to detox off of it? "

### Jen,

Before my pain doc and I came to the realization that I needed a long-acting

pain med, I was just taking my Lorcet every four hours, with Actiq for

breakthough. It wasn't enough. First he tried me on Ultram ER, then on the

fentanyl patch (a nightmare!), and finally on the Kadian. I'm honestly not

worried about detoxing; my condition is chronic, incurable, just barely

treatable. So the way I see it is, I'll be on one opiate or another for the rest

of my life. And if a miracle cure comes about, I'll gladly go through withdrawal

to be rid of all this pain.

On the other hand, I'm in a situation where I don't have to work (actually,

can't, which is why I'm applying for disability), my husband sets his own hours

so he can drive me to doc appointments and help me with grocery shopping, etc.,

so if I'm out of it 24/7, that's no big deal, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I

learned the hard way that I'm out of it even if I don't take my meds, because

the pain is so overwhelming that I can't concentrate and sleep is the only

possible relief. I think we all have to make personal decisions as to how much

we're willing and able to give up in our lives for pain relief.

" The really big thing is....morphine scares me. I tried Fentanyl

patches, 25mcg, and they really screwed me up, and didn't work very

well for me. I just don't know if I'm going to fill this script or

not. I'm not really a drinker, but on the fact sheet, it says to

avoid alcohol completely while taking Kadian...period, because it

can cause toxicity. Stuff like that is scary. "

### All of these drugs scare me! I've never been much of a drinker, either--a

glass of wine with dinner once or twice a month was enough for me. Now, I just

avoid alcohol completely.

Look, if your current meds are holding you and life is tolerable, don't mess

around with a long-acting med, especially one as strong as morphine. Only you

can decide how much pain relief you need to get through the day. Me--I take my

Kadian and Lorcet upon awakening, my pain is that bad. And I still find myself

needing an Actiq two or three hours later on most days. I hate it, but I've come

to realize that I have no choice.

I'm sure that no matter what you decide, it will be the right decision for

you. You know your body and your tolerance better than anyone, so go with your

gut.

Hugs,

a