My back surgeon says that my back is healing better than he expected but he is concerned a little bit that I am still having pain; pain that jumps around as to the level: 1.5 today, 3.0 tomorrow, 4.0 when I first wake up down to 1.5 as the day goes on. (random; not the same every day) In other words, the pain isn’t at all consistent. He gave me a prescription for Lyrica 50mg; 1 in the AM and 1 at bedtime. At the same time he told me to continue taking Hydrocodone/APAP/7.5/500mg. In fact, he told me I could take both pills at the same time with no ill effects. At the end of the first week, the pain has diminished and seems to have stabilized at about what I would call a 1.0 level. I can and will live happily with that; if I get involved in something, I don’t even notice it.
But—my typing and spelling skills seem to have basically deserted me; I’ve been touch typing for years and now I have to watch my finger placement. Spelling the most simple of words now eludes me; I transpose letters and leave letters out. In addition, I’ve become very irritable and I find myself taking offense where none is intended.
My doctor is out of town for a seminar and his backup guy just says to wait until my doctor gets back.
In the meantime, has anyone experienced similar results for either/or or a combo of the two meds I’ve mentioned? I’m not looking for medical advice but I would appreciate any anecdotal input that comes along.
This might be one of those good times to call or go in to see your pharmacist. My pharmacist is generally willing and able to give info on drug interactions that’s at least as good as what I get from a doctor.
Aye, call your pharmacist. They should be able to give you better info than a doctor, since that is their special area of training. Then be sure to follow up with your doctor once he is back in town.
Based on my anecdotal observations, and what I have read here and there, the initial disorientation caused by opioid painkillers is usually only temporary.
Well, as a migraine sufferer, I’ve taken opioid painkillers before. I’ve blamed what disorientation I’ve felt on the migraine and not on the medication. Maybe I’ve blamed the wrong thing all these years. Thanks for the input.
Well, I take six a day of the hydrocodone, and usually am only more irritable if it’s not controlling the pain. I don’t seem to have side effects, but I have been taking that much for at least six years.