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Slipped Discs, Hernia, Hemangioma,serious Stenosis, Chronic Pain. Prescribed Percocet And Switched To Tramadol. Affects Heart?
Hi, I'm a woman in my mid sixties, I had a serious car accident five years ago and have undergone, operations on my shoulders, knees, and now I'm awaiting a low back operation for a decompression/fusion, I have slipped discs, hernia, bulging discs, hemangioma, SERIOUS STENOSIS, ANTIRELOSTESIS, ETC. My physician prescribed Percocet FIVE YEARS AGO for the chronic pain I have to live with every day. Recently, he decided not to renew my Percocet prescription and switch me to Tramadol. I could not take Tramadol as I vomited and felt nautious all the time. So he put me back on Percocet. My question is: How long can one take Percocet and is it dangerous for my heart or other organs? I have taken regular blood tests, etc, and I don't have any liver issues. I have constant chronic pain in both my shoulders, both my knees have severe tears still to be operated, and my back is constantly in pain. My doctor told me today, that he wants to WEAN ME FROM PERCOCET, as if that will solve my pain problem? I am petrified of not being able to survive the constant pain if he takes me off this pain killer. What alternative is there to managing chronic Pain? Please send me an answer at: YYYY@YYYY - if it possible to send me an anwer without my having to pay and I can not afford the fees you charge. If you don't want to help me, it's ok. I'll understand. Thank you and God Bless you.
Tue, 24 Sep 2013
Actually there are better medications available for chronic pain relief than percocet. Percocet contains acetaminophen and oxycodone. There is no serious problem with taking acetaminophen in small divided doses but oxycodone is an opioid analgesic. It is synthetic and newer which means less adverse effects but remember opioids should be avaoided in chronic illnesses. It has the property like all opioids of dependence. I think that is the reason your doctor wants to taper it off.
Ask for an NSAID which you can take for long term and also consider CAM alternative medicine techniques which are safer and more beneficial in long term plus do consult a physiotherapist for some exercises.
If there is a problem in your discs. E.g a PIVD i.e prolapsed intervertebral disc, I am sure a laminectomy is preffered as it gives permanent relief.
I hope it was helpful
regards,
Dr Ammar
Ask for an NSAID which you can take for long term and also consider CAM alternative medicine techniques which are safer and more beneficial in long term plus do consult a physiotherapist for some exercises.
If there is a problem in your discs. E.g a PIVD i.e prolapsed intervertebral disc, I am sure a laminectomy is preffered as it gives permanent relief.
I hope it was helpful
regards,
Dr Ammar
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