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prescription of codeine, safe use?

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winner71
winner71

I have a severe chronic pain condition (glomus tumours) and prescription of Gabapentin caused me serious side effects. I have had a prescription of codeine for pain for 2 years now. I've also had surgery which didn't resolve the pain.

A background in nursing, many years ago, means I am very aware of the risks of dependency so I have been careful to take it responsibly. However, my use has increased and I am concerned about dependency.

This year I pressed charges against someone re historic sexual abuse and it is someone within my family. I have ptsd from this immense trauma, and am awaiting a CPS decision. I will admit I am struggling to cope with dealing with this. I suffer terrible insomnia and emotional pain.

My codeine use has increased and a main reason has been my need to sleep. I also take the codeine when I get updates from the police, or after 'fall-out' moments from my loved ones. They are in terrible pain from the charges.

So my use of codeine has gone up to about 400mg a week. I top up my prescription with solpadiene max (safely re the paracetamol) and now codeine linctus which I can buy on-line.

I sometimes have 3 days without to make sure I am not getting dependent, but for the last few weeks have been suffering extreme joint pain. This pain started when I had influenza (proper one, not a bad cold: fever, bedridden, pain) 3 weeks ago. I thought the pain was post-viral arthritis and my pain fits the symptoms. I have swollen joints in my hands and my hips, arms and legs hurt very badly.

I've grown concerned though that these pains might be withdrawal symptoms on the days I stop taking the codeine, though there isn't a strict pattern.

I don't want to talk to my GP about this, because I do need the codeine for my severe pain. I do my best to avoid taking the codeine, but when it gets to 4am and I still just can't sleep, I give in and have 100mg of the codeine, and I sleep, as well as be pain free.

What do you think? Could this be the codeine? I don't think I take huge amounts.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • kearn
    kearn

    Posted

    Strong opioid drugs, mainly morphine, fentanyl, methadone, etc., many formulations of these drugs available, and no "ceiling effect." As long as the correct choice, time of administration, dosage appropriate and rational use of complementary medicines, prevention and treatment of adverse reactions, 90% of moderate to severe pain in patients with cancer pain can be eliminated.
  • winner71
    winner71

    Posted

    Its ok, my glomus tumours are not cancer. They are a benign genetic condition but extremely painful. They are basically tiny nerve tumours filled with the pain receptor acetyl-choline. I wouldn't wish them on anyone. I endure high levels of pain. I managed without codeine last night and will attempt a 3 day break and see what happens. This weird new joint pain is back and my glomus tumour feels like nettles in a bone
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