
Should Opioid Percocet Be Taken For The Rest Of One's Life?

My ;ain management specialist has prescribed the low dose, 5mg, three times a day.
I must do or take something.
I have tried chiropractic, tens unit, massage, acupucture and epidural shots to avoid pain medicine. They all help tempotarily-short time; but I have so many problems they are ineffective.
I have avoided opoids for fear of addiction but have deciced I must take anyway; but now I discover that lomg time use desensitizes me to pain and I just get worse.
Should I take anyway?
I'm a kidney transplant, age 72, with CAD, left ventricle diastolic disfunction (stage 2), myoclonus, arthritis, degenerative Joint disease (upper and lower spine with nerve pain in right arm and leg), I have been taking 10MG Prednizone for six years which, I suspect) is a major problem. I have Osteoperosos and have had 8 surgeries on joints and I have DVT after doubling dose of Eliquis.
Should I take Opiods or will it increase my problems. I'm DNR and DNT (do not touch).
I only want to relieve pain until the end-the sooner the better. I'm afraidI must take pain reliever anyway. Should I? Thanks
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern and dilema.
You have been put an opioid because the usual non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines are contraindicated because of the heart and kidney issues.
You develop tolerance to opioids which necessitates its increase in dosage.
There is another approach that would be worth considering and I have used in my patients with severe pain with good results. The medication is Neurontin ( Gabapentin). It decreases the transmission of the painful stimuli through the nerves and decreases the pain sensation. It is widely used in conditions like disc prolapse or painful neuropathy like diabetic neuropathy.
You can start with a dose of 300mg at bed time and that is sufficient in most of my patients. It also gives a pain free good sleep. There is hardly any side effect at this dose. If there is need the dose can be gradually increased.
Do get back to me if you have any further query.


I'm so glad for this option. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
I am glad that you have made the right decision.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Wish you a great day.

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