Need Pain Support

My father was newly diagnosed with MM in March of 2007.  He most likey has had the cancer for some time.  He has had a tumor radiated on his ribs and now is seeing double vision and requiring more radiation to a tumor in his skull.  He is always having extreme pain in his hips and joints.  He currently is taking Tylenol and has a low dose narcotic patch but the pain in still very bad. Does anyone else have any suggestions on how to manage the pain? When he takes Tylenol with codiene, it makes him sick and lightheaded and weak.

Hi - Sorry you and your dad are going through this. I don't claim to be an expert, but in this day and age, he should not have to be in excrutiating pain. Talk to his Dr, there are SO many pain meds out there that there should be something that will work. My dad was diagnosed in early April with early stage II MM and died the end of May. I don't want to scare you but really the lack of quality of life and very poor decisions by his DR are what caused him to give up. Best, Mergie

Hi Ninny --

 

There is no need for your dad to be in pain as there are heaps of things that he can be taking.  You say he has a 'narcotic patch'.  These patches come in many strengths and often you have to try several over a period of weeks before you get the right dosage.  I'm up to 250mg over 48hours which sounds like a lot, but all it does is take away the majority of the pain.  I don't have any other side effects.  There is also 'break through' medication which can be taken when you know that you are going to be putting yourself into a situation where the pain will increase -- and you take the medication before you start, thereby reducing the pain you feel.  Please have your dad talk honestly to his doctor and to the pallative care nurses -- they can all help!  Good luck,  Cath