Fibromyalgia is basically a pain disorder. There are actually 3 types of pain with fibro., trigger point pain, tender point pain and the pain that feels like you have the flu, all over.
Treatment varies depending what type of pain you are referring too. There are injections that can help trigger and tender point pain when it flairs and also pain medication for the "all over" body aches.
Narcotics are contriversal when it comes to fibromyalgia. Some doctors don't believe that they work for fibromyalgia pain, while others swear by them. My doctor is one that uses narcotics for fibromyalgia pain.
Because of this, I have been on many different narcotic pain medications over the years, including Fentynal pain patch, Fentynal suckers, Vicodin regular and extra strength and the most dangerous one...Oxycontin. These are all very dangerous narcotic medications that should be administered carefully.
Although all of the narcotics I have taken have helped in their own way, the most effective narcotic that I now am on is Morphine Sulphate 90 Mg. Morphine Sulphate is a long lasting, about 10-12 hours, narcotic pain medication. I feel that M.S. (Morphine Sulphate) has been the most effective pain medication that I have ever taken.
M.S. doesn't seem to have the mental affects that the others had. It doesn't interfer with my concentration and doesn't make me sleepy or loopy. I don't have to take it as a PRN med which means it holds the pain down better than any of the PRN's. I only have to take it twice a day, 12 hours apart. M.S. can be increased when needed at small intervals. I started at 30 mg. and after 5 years on this med, I am up to 90 mg.
It is not unusual to see people on 200 mg. of Morphine without any problems. This means that when the dose I am taking doesn't help anymore, my doctor can keep increasing it without changing my medication. This is important if you have fibro because people with fibro can't tolerate changes in medications.
The only side effect I have with M.S. is constipation, which is a common side effect with all narcotics. I take Miralax ever morning with my coffee for constipation and it works wonders. I have normal bowel movements every day with no abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea. It's the best thing I have found for constipation and you can buy it over the counter.
The next time you are due for a med change because of uncontrolled pain, talk to your health care professional about Morphine Sulphate extended release tablets. It truly is the most effective pain medication I have taken and it has the fewest side effects. But, don't forget that if you have constipation because of narcotic pain meds, try Miralax...it is the best medication I have found for constipation and I have tried just about everything out there.
My pain meds are the only thing that does help and my doctor has now decided to take me off. It is the only quality of life that I have had. I now feel doomed and he made me feel like some kind of drug addict. I am at the end of my rope. If I tell my doctor what helps me the most, why can't I have what works? I need help!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a problem getting the medication that actually works for you. Are you on any other medications such as Cymbalta, Lyrica or Neurontin? Most doctors will not prescribe any narcotic pain medications until they have tried these three great fibromyalgia medications. I am on both Cymbalta and Neurontin, but had serious side effects from Lyrica and couldn't continue to take it. I am also on Morphine twice a day. My doctor would have never put me on any narcotic if I hadn't tried the others first.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, you may need to find a different doctor...some doctors feel differently than others about how to treat fibromyalgia. Some doctors still do not believe in fibromyalgia, which is sad.
One of the best kinds of doctors to go to when you have fibromyalgia is a doctor who specializes in arthritic conditions. They usually also know a lot about fibromyalgia and how to treat it.
If I were you, I would try to find a different doctor. One that knows a lot about fibromyalgia and chronic pain and how to treat it. Good luck...I know it is frustrating, especially if you know what works and you have to fight against the doctor all the time.
I totally agree!! Morphine IS the ultimate fibro pain killer, even nerve pain for me :p
ReplyDeleteAre headaches a side effect of the Morphine Sulphate? I had a morphine pump while was in the hospital when I had my hysterectormy and I had a horrible headache. I have migraines also so I need to stay away from any medication that triggers a headache. I am currently taking Lyrica and I dont think it is working as well as it did when I began taking it. I think my body has gotten used to it. I go to my rhumetologist tomorrow. I have the flu-like symptoms and its driving me crazy. I hate hurting all the time. I'm thinking about asking my dr. about coming off prozac and lyrica and start cymbalta. I don't know what else to do. Your blog is the first I've heard about the Morphine Sulphate. My dr. prescribes percocet for me but I always run out before my next appt.
ReplyDeleteAny opinion of yours would be appreciated.
TLC