mamasbabygirl Posted October 24, 2005 Share Posted October 24, 2005 OK guys. Here's the situation-mom is not really doing so well. She has been using her cane to get around and has been walking with help and her cane. The physical therapist has been very encouraging and she was improving. Her radiosurgeon has been trying to reduce her steroids slowly. Last night, she was trying to go to the bathroom by herself and fell on the tile floor. She is in excruciating pain today. She would not go to the hospital last night. She now has weakness on her whole left side, for example can't use her arm to pull her pants down to go potty. Called radiosurgeon today and he upped the steroids again and said if it did not get better in 2 days to call back. Her current pain regimen is morpheine every 12 hours and oxycodone every 3-4 hours. What else can she take? Does a morpheine patch work better than the pill version? We were trying to put her back in bed after a potty venture and she yelled out of pain, several times. It is so scary and I am sick to my stomach to see her suffering so much. What else could possibly help? Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 24, 2005 Share Posted October 24, 2005 Are you sure she didn't break something when she fell? Maybe she needs an x-ray? Pain meds are different for everyone-- what works for one doesn't work for another...so I can't help you there. When I volunteered on a hospice board the nurses all had various opinions on the patch versus the drug...again some loved the patches...some didn't think they worked as well. You will most likely have to discover through trial and error what is going to help. Since she fell though, I think you should rule out an injury. Good luck. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darci Posted October 24, 2005 Share Posted October 24, 2005 I also immediately thought that perhaps she hurt herself with the fall. I would check that out too. Sorry I don't have any recommendations for the pain, but wanted to give you some support. It must be terribly hard to see your mom suffer so. Hopefully her doctors will find a way to relieve her pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted October 24, 2005 Author Share Posted October 24, 2005 She probably did further hurt her back, as she already has a fracture at around T-8. She said it hurt in that exact area. I don't even know how she would get to the Dr. Her bedroom is upstairs. I pray the radiosurgeon is right and that increasing the steroids again will give her some control. I am afraid we are going to further hurt her by lifting her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I agree that she may have broken or cracked something. She needs to have an xray to determinethe source of teh new and severe pain. Sometimes you have to make someone do what they do not want to do. The EMT's could get her on a stretcher and get her to a clinic or emergency room. When my husband gets low sugar with his diabetes he gets unreasonable and we have to make him eat or drink something. Sometimes we even have to put the cup or juice to his lips or spoons of honey in his mouth. You and your family may have to overrule your mom and take action. So very sorry for the difficulties. Know it is very stressful. praying for all of you. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 This is really nothing to let slide. Call the Paramedics to transport her to the hospital so that her condition can be accurately assessed and treated. I kid you not...Lung Cancer is the ONLY disease I know of where people take the position of waiting a few days to see how things go when any other condition under the same circumstances would be an immediate trip for PROPER MEDICAL TREATMENT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Lori, It sure sounds like she could very well have injured herself. I think I would want to find a way to get her xrayed. My best to you. Love and prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Some good advice given, prayers for your mom and you things will get resolved quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyanne Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I have to agree with everyone - get her checked out ASAP. If she didn't break something...I can give you an idea of what we have done for pain. My mom has mets in the neck, ribs, hip, and femurs -- she has had her neck/hip and back radiated. Ironically, the pain has been her only symptom of the lung cancer, and has been excruciating. I understand the sickness you feel when you see her suffer so. My mom is using Duragesic patches (fetanyl) - which have been pretty good as they are easy to regulate the dosage, and they last for about 72 hours at a time. We started at 100...and have levelled off at 200. She uses Actio Fentanyl suckers for breakthrough pain...which work in about 10 minutes for her. Additionally, we had decreased her steroids...which was a HUGE mistake. Now that she is back to 12mg a day, the pain seems to be a bit more under control...and she is "mom" about 85% of the time...not too drugged. Please let us know what the doctor says...and please feel to message me anytime as I unfortunately have learned alot about all the pain meds available. Good luck. I'll be thinking about you and your family. Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I know it's overwhelming, but I have to second what others have said - one way or another, it sounds like she should be examined. more information will likely make it easier to get the pain under control. hang in there hon. "you can dooooo it!" (I know this is serious, but that's my favorite ad, makes me laugh everytime and laughter is GOOD for stress relief...) xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Lori, I'll just throw in my two cents worth here and also advise to please have her checked out by her doctor or the ER. I'm sure they will be able to control her pain once they determine if she has any injuries from the fall. I'm sending hugs, prayers and good thoughts your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Geez, Lori, I hope that she is alright... Does she have a bedside commode? I found this to be a huge help on some days when there didn't seem to be much strength. Please check in and let us know how she is doing. Cindi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 My first thought is get her to the ER and have it checked out. This is so important as since she is in so much pain she could have a fracture which has to be treated. You can call the paramedics since you feel you cannot move her without pain. The are wonderful for people who have pain. They know how to transport a patient without hurting them. Also, I want to say that I feel so bad for this setback as she was doing so well. I am sending prayers out to her. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 Thanks guys, I know you are right. She needs to be seen! My stepdad asked if she wanted a bedside commode and it was a big no! Although, if there is another fracture or the existing one is worse, what could they possibly do? I think there is nothing that could be done. Amie, it is my favorite commercial too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Obtain a referral to an Orthopedic Surgeon who works on patients with spine injuries. Surgical cement can be used to stablize the fractures, which can mean a reduction in the pain. When it is a bone problem you see an Orthopedic. Hoping she is better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 All the steroids will do is reduce the inflammation, so that is only a temporary measure. More has to be done to see what is really causing all this pain. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Look into installing a pump. They are inserted in the spine and the dosage is preset by her docor. The advantage is the medicine is immediate, far less is used to obtain the same results and you do not have to worry about did the medication get taken. I'm not ready for this but I hve already looked into it and I think it's a really good option. Marym Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 Hmmm. I think a pump Mary is referring to sounds effective. Anyone else ever use this? I'll look online as well. Thanks all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyanne Posted October 26, 2005 Share Posted October 26, 2005 Hi - We looked into a pump as well...we were encouraged to try to the patches first...yet their are SO many pain options. The best advice I received for my mom is to make it very clear where you/she wants her pain level to be. There are trade-offs between pain relief and sleepiness/mental awareness, etc. We have a found a pretty good mix (after trying many things) which gives my mom relief but she stays awake a lot of the day and has little confusion. For us the mets in her bones have been the worst thing this disease has given us so far....seeing someone you love in pain is absolutley terrible. Hang in there...and talk with a pain specialist....I have found the steroids only help in conjunction with a strong narcotic...but for my mom, they really do help. Best, Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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