Weaning off Hydrocodone

Posted by clemsonbabe @clemsonbabe, Oct 24, 2023

I have been on Hydrocodone for over a year after back surgery. My Gastroenterologist believes it is causing my nausea and lack of appetite and recommends I get off of it. I still have lots of pain. Any suggestions on ways to wean off and other options for pain management. I also see a Pain Management doctor who is advising me. Trust your feedback on this. Thank you!

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clemsonbabe | @clemsonbabe | Nov 16, 2023

In reply to @jenatsky "Is this doc a pain specialists? If not find one." + (show)

Yes, he is a pain mgt specialist. He felt like the patches would not be best since my entire back hurts. My scoliosis fusion was from T4-ilium. Is your pain more localized to one area? Thanks for your advice!

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Nov 16, 2023

I’ve got spinal osteoarthritis, spinal column narrowing, and peripheral neuropathy. I change my patch every 7 days and couldn’t be happier with my regime. I started at 15mcg and after 2 weeks increased to 20mcg for over 2 years. I used to need 6 oxycodone a day for breakthrough pain but since incorporating cannabis into my regime I only need 1-2 a week. The big plus for me was adding in exercising and walking. Walking is my go to for low back pain relief.

joybo99 | @joybo99 | Nov 17, 2023

In reply to @jenatsky "You might consider looking into buprenorphine for your chronic pain. I too was on Percocet for..." + (show)

I can vouch for the Ease and efficacy of the (film) stuff.
I tried the patch but was dissatisfied that it left no options for dosage timing. Patch was either off or on.
Film however is starting to be effective for me. Rx'd by pain management For chronic pain control. So yes.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Nov 17, 2023

Glad you found relief and in a formulation that met your dosing needs. I need 24/7 relief so patch is perfect.

jhilbish | @jhilbish | Nov 24, 2023

In reply to @clemsonbabe "Thanks for the advice and the prayers! I have asked about going back on Tramadol but..." + (show)

Have you tired the Oxy without the tylenol? All those fillers just destroy my stomach. The Dr.s put me on when. in a clinical trial for Cancer. The Immuno drugs went right after my stomach.....my Gall Bladder died during trial, very painful!! And they make them in small mgs. I started on 5 mgs. when I would have pain. Obviously it's hard to tell sometimes where the pain is coming from, but I also had alot of my system messed up! I think if they will give you those, it will be easier to get down on them? It's so hard, you never know what do.......If you take them, it's bad....if you don't it hurts???? I know walking and hot detox tubs help?

drterri4specialkids | @drterri4specialkids | Oct 13 3:50am

In reply to @clemsonbabe "Thank you for caring and sharing! A neurosurgeon did my scoliosis surgery a little over a..." + (show)

Hi, I'm hoping and praying that your recovery is going well and your pain is lessened. My doctor has prescribed a compounded pain cream with ketamine, lidocaine, ibuprofen, and other agents. Works extremely well at reducing back pain, muscle pain, and even arthritis pain. You might want to ask your pain doctor for a prescription to try it. Best wishes and blessings to you!