When They Want To Change Your Pain Medication ...

At my last Oncologist appointment, my doctor discussed going on a study with marijuana extract.  I am all for a natural pain medication and will be thrilled when Florida becomes the next state to accept medical marijuana.  As a young person and adult I did use marijuana recreationally so being familiar with the side effects is a non compete. 

For the past year, I have been on a IR (immediate release) Morphine pill for pain.  I didn't have all of the side effects, but constipation is constant.  In order to be on the study, my doctor changed my Morphine IR to an Morphine ER (extended release) pill.  My prescriptions came in the mail on Friday and I had my first ER pill that night.  I remember feeling better with very little pain breaking through.  It was a good feeling.

On my morning rise Saturday, I took my Tamoxifen then added the ER pill.  It was on an empty stomach.  Within hours I was experiencing nausea and dizziness.  Yes, I was experiencing a lot of symptoms.  The prescription document also recommended taking the pills with food.  When my first pill was consumed I didn't experience any side effects.  Now I realize the ice cream I had eaten before taking my night time medication helped.

Not a breakfast person, I generally have something after a few hours of waking.  I made lunch and it didn't make me feel any better.  Then drinking some water and within 20 minutes I began to feel like vomiting.  Oh my goodness ... this is not where I wanted to be.  When I got up to go to the bathroom the sensation started to subside. 

I needed to relax.  I hadn't slept well the night before either.  After taking a 2 hour nap I was feeling better but could still feel the sensations of the morning dose.  Giving this a chance because I did feel a difference in pain levels.  It was an improvement.  I am required to manage the pain level before being placed on a marijuana extract regime.  Again, looking forward to when Florida makes marijuana legal. 

Since the Morphine ER requires 1 pill every 12 hours, by Sunday morning I was still feeling the uncomfortable side effects.  So I wanted to see how long the sensations would last.  By about 4pm on Sunday, the sensations or side effects lessened to a tolerable level.  Sunday night I had dinner and took the Morphine ER for the night.  I didn't have the experience felt on Saturday and today can still feel the medication, but at an tolerable level.

My Oncologist visit is next week for my monthly Zometa and Falsodex treatment.  I don't know if I can handle the Morphine ER on a long term basis.  Is it worth it to be on Morphine ER to be involved in the study?  The next week will be an adjustment period.  Say a prayer for me ...

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional.