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Is anyone here on extended release opiates but continue to have pain?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Staten Island, NY

If you do, have you been able to get prescribed short acting opiates to deal with the break through pain (in light of this whole opiates issue)?

March 28, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences managing chronic pain with extended-release opiates while still experiencing breakthrough pain, with many... Read more

Members shared their experiences managing chronic pain with extended-release opiates while still experiencing breakthrough pain, with many describing frustration that medications only turn down the volume rather than eliminate pain entirely. Several members confirmed that short-acting medications like Norco are commonly prescribed alongside extended-release options, though some described difficult experiences with doctors who were hesitant to prescribe additional pain relief due to the opioid crisis, leading to feelings of being treated like drug seekers despite legitimate need. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy and finding compassionate doctors who listen, with members encouraging each other to speak up about their pain management needs without guilt, especially after living with conditions like RA and degenerative disc disease for decades.

A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I am on er 60 mg morphine three times a day and 10/325 norco up to five a day and still have some pain but is much more tolerable. These are for back and knee inflamed OA and DDD. I have been on same regiment for about 8 yrs with no trouble. I have had knee replacement and back implant done so I think that most of my pain now is since testing positive for RA, and AUTOIMMUNE VASCULITIS for which I’m on biologics and still waiting to see if it works! Been in some kind of pain for at least 10 yrs🙃🙃ready do some normalcy if it will ever come

March 30, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Thanks @A myRAteam Member . I'm not sure if you received my other message as I'm still new to this and I see everyone addresses everyone in their replies. So I hope you get this now. Your reply was very encouraging. I'm going to request a short acting med from my pain management doctor at my appt this week. I really can't keep pushing thru the pain. I have no energy for anything else!

April 2, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Yes @A myRAteam Member Norcoc, lortab, Vicodin all the same thing and they are short acting for breakthrough pain. I hope that helps and your able to better manage your pain! Hard enough dealing with this disease w/o dealing with extra pain!!

March 30, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I understand those type of experiences, @A myRAteam Member,, I too, feel like I'm supposed to feel guilty about asking for them. But I'm not! I also have have had this since my 20s and life is too short to be in so much pain all the time. I've finally become my own best advocate. I now go to a rheumatologist and a pain management doctor who listen to me. You too need to not feel guilty about your need to relieve your pain. Find doctors who are better listeners. I also have degenerative disc disease and sciatic nerve compression. There are definitiely non-surgical options to try that may relieve your pain.

April 2, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Thanks MikeS. I'm going to pain management appt. this week. I'm going to advocate to add on something short acting for the break through pain. Wish me luck cause I really need it.

April 1, 2018

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