So long MS Contin, it was great in that it took the pain away....

[Gimpy]

So long MS Contin, it was great in that it took the pain away, but I could not urinate to save my life. They said it "numbs" the bladder? And I learned that prior to a surgery is not a good time to change meds. At first I went back because of the inability to urinate. Then we agreed to take it only 2 x a day with a break in between so my bladder would have a chance to empty. Then the surgery and all the additional fluid. It was like my bladder and kidneys couldn't keep up. My legs/feet were severely swollen and I knew I had some liquid that needed emptying but no matter what I just couldn't release it. So, of course this was over a weekend, I had to do without pain meds only 3 days post op, so that I could urinate again.

Called the pain dr. this a.m. and they got me right in. I'm back on the percodan 10 mg every 8 hrs or as needed. It helps lower the pain but it doesn't get rid of it like the morphine need. I still have the morphine quick release stuff for when I'm in a pinch. But since it's not regular it shouldn't effect my bladder like the extended release did. It was a long weekend for sure.

Hopefully, I'm back on the mend and will be able to get rid of that rapid 10 lbs that came on immediately after the surgery. I have horrible fluid retention and don't need any help for the meds.

Gimpy

[Mark N]

Gimpy, sorry you couldn't continue to take it since it worked so well on your pain. You just can't ignore not urinating though. I hope the new med does the job with your pain and your recovery continues to go well.

[BrokenBladder]

Gimpy I'm so sorry that the medicine didn't work for you. I pesonally don't take it, but I've heard of many that had good pain relief with it.

It's amazing how these medications have different s/e of each of us. I hope things get back to normal for you quickly.

Take Care,

[suede]

Gimpy,

I'm sorry that you are unable to tolerate it, it seems to be that way often for me also the meds that help my pain the best I have unbearable side effects to.

Linda

[lobelsteve]

Your doc could have tried Urecholine, Flomax, or similar drugs that help counter the urinary retention effects of morphine.

[Wren]

Gimpy, I had the exact same experience.

I was on Kadian (extended-release morphine). I liked it, but the side effects were too great. I had constipation and loss of menstruation, but the worst side effect was the urinary hesitancy. I felt like I had to go ALL THE TIME, yet when I would try, only a few drops came out. I had to really push and strain and it gave me bad headaches.

I was switched to Oxycontin, which has fewer physical side effects -- constipation not as bad, my periods returned, and almost no urinary hesitancy. Sex drive somewhat better. BUT, the OC affects my moods.

My doctor started me on Cymbalta for the mood problem...and that gave me urinary hesitancy again!

I need to try something else. I am hoping to try either the patch (Duragesic) or methadone.

Good luck Gimpy. I hope you find what works for you. I know how awful the urinary hesitancy is.

Steve, I did not realize there were meds for this. I have studied this issue and I thought there was no hope. Thank you so much for the suggestion.

Also, Steve, what do you know about Cymbalta and urinary hesitancy? I know many of Cymbalta's side effects go away with time, but I read on one website that urinary hesitancy is one that does NOT go away. Also, Cymbalta is used in some countries for incontinence.

I just read that Flomax is for enlarged prostate. Does that mean it's only for men? What about urecholine?

-Wren

[Gimpy]

I don't believe in taking another pill to try and offset the side effects of another. And that just gets to expensive to do. Even if he would have offered me something to offset the urinary retention I would have refused it.

I'm back on the 10 mg. oxycodone. I can tell it doesn't work as good because my arm is killing me. But, I also need to just stop doing the things that hurt me instead of just trying to mask the pain so I can keep on abusing my body.

I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason.

And thanks for all the replys, I would try and answer them individually but typing is a bit hard for me at this point.

Gimpy

[Bobbi]

Gimpy, I wanted to reply earlier, only I just don't know enough about medications to be able to offer info. that would be any use.

I am sorry that you've been in pain. I do know that. And, if taking it easier for a while might help ease some of your pain, I'm all for that idea!

((( Gentle hugs to ya! )))

[airedog]

Did extended release Dilaudid (Hydromorph Contin) ever come out in the States?
I've been on it for a few years and it does not seem to affect urination, headaches faded within the first 10 days or so and it affects my moods less than most other meds.

Airedog

[Pharmacist.steve]

Did extended release Dilaudid (Hydromorph Contin) ever come out in the States?
I've been on it for a few years and it does not seem to affect urination, headaches faded within the first 10 days or so and it affects my moods less than most other meds.

Airedog

I had not heard of it ... so I checked the available drugs (US) in my PDA and there is no listing...

[Gimpy]

Did extended release Dilaudid (Hydromorph Contin) ever come out in the States?
I've been on it for a few years and it does not seem to affect urination, headaches faded within the first 10 days or so and it affects my moods less than most other meds.

Airedog


Dilaudid works great too!

[Tbackpain1]

Did extended release Dilaudid (Hydromorph Contin) ever come out in the States?
I've been on it for a few years and it does not seem to affect urination, headaches faded within the first 10 days or so and it affects my moods less than most other meds.

Airedog


Palladone (hydromorphone hydrochloride extended release capsules) was suspended from the U.S. market in July 2005 by the manufacturer. Serious side effects were reported when Palladone was taken with alcohol.

I know of a few CP patients who were on this med and had to switch to others after it was withdrawn from the market. I dunno if I agree with the med being withdrawn, since it was because of use with alcohol, and we all know that alcohol + pain meds = LOTS of problems. Hopefully some new and improved formulation will be released so there is another option in the arsenal of long acting pain meds.

Gimpy, I'm sorry you're experiencing these problems with the morphine. I had some hesitancy/retention when I first started the Duragesic, but it abated as I adjusted to the dose (it was a slightly higher dose of analgesic than I was on previously). I did have a terrible time with morphine SEs, so I feel for you. Take care of yourself girl! Go easy on yourself and give your shoulder some time to heal.

Theresa