Not really an addiction, but worried about dependence in my daughter

[Biteme]

My daughter has some serious medical issues (she has cerebral palsy) and has just had her 2nd major surgery this school year. She's 11 years old & is nonverbal although she  understands everything & will answer questions with her eyes (she has an eyegaze computer--like Stephen Hawking but doesn't want to be sitting up in her wheel chair to use it 7 even  then she's still learning). The last surgery was actually more invasive--it was spinal surgery and metal rods were inserted in her spine. This time they broke and reset both her ankles and she's in casts & she seems to be having a lot more pain than the last surgery. Last time around, though, they prescribed trams & when I complained that that was giving her nightmare switched her to co-dine tylenol--actually I used pure codine I had gotten here & gave her separate tylenol because the dose she was getting was really low by weight. Anyway she got off that fine. She's always hated taking pain meds in the past.

But this time they prescribed oxic()c()d()done & she really seems to look forward to her doses. She' been on over 3 weeks now, much longer than meds before & I & her docs were afraid she has some dependency issues. She has a lot of muscle spasms & already took bacl()fen, so they upped her dose of that and added gabapettin. But we noticed that really wiped her out & messed with mood. I looked online & it saw that combo is compared with Gee-aitch-Bee. I tried it myself (we had some gaba from when our dog was taking it) & I felt major league f-ed up. So we're only giving that to her before bed. I'm just wondering what to do to break the oxy habit. We're down to twice a day & decreased the dose some, but at some point we've just got to cut it. Do people think swiching to co dine phosphate might work better? Ot even the trams? part of the problem is she has a feeding tube so she is now used to getting her meds that way & I'd have to give her those through her mouth. Amy  suggestions?

 

[Dumbass#1]

My daughter has some serious medical issues (she has cerebral palsy) and has just had her 2nd major surgery this school year. She's 11 years old & is nonverbal although she  understands everything & will answer questions with her eyes (she has an eyegaze computer--like Stephen Hawking but doesn't want to be sitting up in her wheel chair to use it 7 even  then she's still learning). The last surgery was actually more invasive--it was spinal surgery and metal rods were inserted in her spine. This time they broke and reset both her ankles and she's in casts & she seems to be having a lot more pain than the last surgery. Last time around, though, they prescribed trams & when I complained that that was giving her nightmare switched her to co-dine tylenol--actually I used pure codine I had gotten here & gave her separate tylenol because the dose she was getting was really low by weight. Anyway she got off that fine. She's always hated taking pain meds in the past.

But this time they prescribed oxic()c()d()done & she really seems to look forward to her doses. She' been on over 3 weeks now, much longer than meds before & I & her docs were afraid she has some dependency issues. She has a lot of muscle spasms & already took bacl()fen, so they upped her dose of that and added gabapettin. But we noticed that really wiped her out & messed with mood. I looked online & it saw that combo is compared with Gee-aitch-Bee. I tried it myself (we had some gaba from when our dog was taking it) & I felt major league f-ed up. So we're only giving that to her before bed. I'm just wondering what to do to break the oxy habit. We're down to twice a day & decreased the dose some, but at some point we've just got to cut it. Do people think swiching to co dine phosphate might work better? Ot even the trams? part of the problem is she has a feeding tube so she is now used to getting her meds that way & I'd have to give her those through her mouth. Amy  suggestions?

@Biteme, so sorry to hear this. Have you consulted a PM doctor at all?  Luckily shes only been using for under a month so the weaning/discontinuation should be more manageable. I have pretty severe spinal problems. Have already had 2 neck surgeries- will probably need another in the next few years. Also have pretty bad scoliosis. After being on and off opiates for years - starting with Vikees then later having to switch to oxyc0d0n€| ocseec0ntin ...been in ocsee products for almost 3 years now. If she is taking an IR (immediate release) and lower dose you will probably just be able to wean her down slowly then cease. If she is taking and ER (extended)med - like oxyk0ntin - you may need to ask doc if something like a brief round of subs (then slowly wean from subs) might be suitable. It's very tricky because of her age. The one thing you have to your advantage though is she's only been on it a short time - and if it's at lower dose it might not be as difficult as you think. I'd definitely consult 2 or 3 doctors (including pmd and pediatrician). I can understand why she looked forward to the med. It does have a bad rap but is very effective pain reliever. That's a tough situation you're in because of course you don't want your child to have dependency problems - but you also want her to have as pain free a life as possible as I'm sure just quality of life is a strong consideration.  I wish you the best and I'll be thinking and praying about you and your family finding a workable solution.  

 

[Biteme]

She has a good medical team--no PM specialist but her's is a complicated case & we've got 3 docs, all of whom know her. She's getting a liquid formulationso it would have to be IR. Her neurologist felt we should focus 1st on extending the time between  doses & that seems to have worked so far. I think we'll just try to decrease the dose now. Part of the issue is just the psychological association that it makes her feel better. There is a of addiction & MH problems in my family & think my real worry is that she'll have to deal w that in addition to all she's already got to deal w. Her dose is certainly not big enough to require subs & I should be reassured by that. If I multipled by the weight difference it would be the equivalant of me taking 3 mg twice a day.

 

[Dumbass#1]

That's a good idea. I really think you can handle that - just going kind  of slowly then eventually ceasing. Extending the time between doses for starters is a great idea.  When I've ever had to take myself off I always have tapered but never played around with the actual times of my doses so thanks for the suggestion. I AM an addict. I've been off meds for a brief time but am having such terrible pain issues about to start again. And you're right dealing with it is a nightmare. I'm so glad she hasn't been on it for very long. You should be ok.  Take care. 

 

[Biteme]

Thanks. Things seem to be going pretty well. I suspect I was just a bit panicked.