Morphine And Jerks

My husband is on morphine and the past 2 weeks he has been jerking really bad- comes up off of the bed and has trouble holding a cup without spilling the liquid- and talking every time he closes his eyes.  Our next Dr.appointment is next week but wondered if anyone has loved ones experiencing the same.  Thanks for any info.

Hi there, 

My mother has been diagnosed with lung cancer 18months ago, she has also been going through the same jerks.  She is now in hospice as she is very ill, but this has happened over time, her jerks have come and gone, and yes she the same is not responding with her eyes open, but is very alert and aware of what is going on in the surroundings, however she sometimes does not answer any questions at times but just listens.

She takes morphine and then feels really tired as she is first in pain then is given a high dosage drug which tires her.

You have to just deal with these jerks, as they may at times become worse than normal, but go away after some time, but then they do return. 

 Hope this helps.

Thanks for your reply.  He was diag.12 months ago and underwent 11 months of horrible chemo then 14 radiation treatments only to have the cancer spread even more- original was lung then mets to ribs and now t5,8&9th in the back.  He is still up and moving but every month is getting worse.  I am sorry about your mom and I hope she has not suffered as he has.  He has a hohn's catheter and is on continues morphine and still has pain.  Ca is a nightmare for everyone.  Best wishes for you and your family and let me know how it is going.  Take care.  Margaret

Is there a reason they can not go to fentanyl?

Cherie b

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On 6/17/2008 Baptist wrote:

My husband is on morphine and the past 2 weeks he has been jerking really bad- comes up off of the bed and has trouble holding a cup without spilling the liquid- and talking every time he closes his eyes.  Our next Dr.appointment is next week but wondered if anyone has loved ones experiencing the same.  Thanks for any info.

My mom was on morphine and she done the same thing. not realy much can be done about it.

My husband had lung cancer that spread to his abdominal area.  He passed away 12 weeks ago.  I strongly recommend Hospice.  They will manage the pain and help you to prepare.   I wish you all the best.

My heart goes out to you.

 

On 6/18/2008 Baptist wrote:

Thanks for your reply.  He was diag.12 months ago and underwent 11 months of horrible chemo then 14 radiation treatments only to have the cancer spread even more- original was lung then mets to ribs and now t5,8&9th in the back.  He is still up and moving but every month is getting worse.  I am sorry about your mom and I hope she has not suffered as he has.  He has a hohn's catheter and is on continues morphine and still has pain.  Ca is a nightmare for everyone.  Best wishes for you and your family and let me know how it is going.  Take care.  Margaret

Im so sorry about him that hes suffering so with this ca. i lsot my mom a yr ago with it, and im still so lost without her and im trying to help others as much as i can. im a cna and i love ppl and i wish i could do so much to help ppl but all i can offer is my prayers and love and support to all.

 

On 6/17/2008 Baptist wrote:

My husband is on morphine and the past 2 weeks he has been jerking really bad- comes up off of the bed and has trouble holding a cup without spilling the liquid- and talking every time he closes his eyes.  Our next Dr.appointment is next week but wondered if anyone has loved ones experiencing the same.  Thanks for any info.

I cannot take morphine because it causes me to jerk, jump and have grotesque hallucinations.  My doctor said that was considered an allergic reaction to morphine.  I wonder if your husband is allergic?  I'll pray for you both.  Tara

 

My husband just passed away three days ago.  He had a prostatic carcinosarcoma.  A few days back he developed the jerking and muscle twitches.  I took him to hospital to have pain medication changed to methadone and fentanyl. The reason for the twitches and jerks is the body builds a resistance to a certain drug and it had to be changed.  My husband was taking 102 mgs. of Dilaude or as called Hydro Morph Contin  (long acting) twice daily  plus short acting for break-through pain. Hope this helps.  

Carol

 

On 6/17/2008 Baptist wrote:

My husband is on morphine and the past 2 weeks he has been jerking really bad- comes up off of the bed and has trouble holding a cup without spilling the liquid- and talking every time he closes his eyes.  Our next Dr.appointment is next week but wondered if anyone has loved ones experiencing the same.  Thanks for any info.

My husband just passed away three days ago.  He had a prostatic
carcinosarcoma.  A few days back he developed the jerking and muscle
twitches.  I took him to hospital to have pain medication changed to
methadone and fentanyl. The reason for the twitches and jerks is the
body builds a resistance to a certain drug and it has to be changed. 
My husband was taking 102 mgs. of Dilaude or as called Hydro Morph
Contin  (long acting) twice daily  plus short acting for break-through
pain. He also had the same thing happen with Morphine and immediately the physician changed him to Dilaude.Hope this helps.  Today he will be attending his funeral.

Carol