What if you can't tolerate narcotics?

cymom

My mom has been at stage IV for 6 years.  She has her good days and her bad days (I fear the bad days outnumber the good more and more…).   

She can't tolerate morphine or any of the pain meds they give her.  They make her sick to her stomach and she just ends up in pain and vomiting.  So, on days when her pain is really bad, she just suffers.

Anyone have any ideas?  I know this will get worse before it gets better.  I am assuming that she will be okay if she is ultimately in hospice and they put her on a morphine drip, but I want a way for her to be able to manage her pain for as long as possible at home.

bak94

I noticed you haven't received any answers, and I am afraid I can't help. Does she have a pain management team that can help? Maybe the hospital has some resources. I have been frustrated with my pain. My docs do not want to prescribe anything, and I just don't understand. I am not stage 4 but have ongoing problems from all the treatment I had. My heart goes out to you mom and I hope she finds relief. 

ruthbru

Maybe if you reposted this on the Stage IV, you could get some answers. I don't have any answers either, but keep bugging her medical team until they come up with a plan that works.....she shouldn't have to wait until Hospice before she gets some pain relief!!!!!

Solen

Please do not get mad at me for suggesting this,  but.........smoke a dobie???  Really, medical marijuana is tolerated by people who cannot tolerate narcotics.  Do not know what state you live in, and I know it may be out there for you or your mom......but when push comes to shove, if it can give her comfort...  then it may be worth a try.  I am like her and cannot tolerate narcotics, so I feel for her.  I have not been confronted by intolerable pain, but I certainly would consider it if I was.  I wish you and her the best.  I lost my mom to breast cancer, and her biggest fear was not dying, it was pain.  Luckily, she had very little of it, but if she had, you bet I would have given pot a try.

cymom

Thank you all.  She has not seen a pain specialist because she's convinced they can't do anything.  She has a medical background and she's convinced there is no alternative before IV meds.  I am trying to push her to at least meet with them.  

Solen, I have to say, the thought of my mom smoking a joint doubles me over in laughter.    I never thought I would live to see THAT!  But if it works, I'm all for it.  Anything to see her get some relief when it's bad.  I believe her state is getting close to approving it.  

Thanks for the tips!

Solen

Well, I am glad I could bring some laughter your way!

I hope you can reach some resolution in terms of pain, that cannot be fun to deal with.

GrammyR

Back94- so sorry the pain, is not well controlled by now. Either some anti-nausea pill  along with the Morphine pills or liquid.There is . also a 72 hour long acting patch Fentanyl. A hospice Dr or pain specialist should be able to come up with a better combination of meds. She sbould NOT be suffering.

  

planetbananas

I cannot tolerate morphine or vicodin, but dilaudid and oxycodone are ok. A good pain management Dr would be able to help, there are a wide variety of things to try. Best wishes. 

RosesToeses

If she won't see a pain specialist, has she tries a lower dose?  I have trouble with narcotics, too, but my nurse practitioner suggested cutting the pills in half and taking half a dose, which that did the trick for me.   Hope she finds something that works.