meds question

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. I have chronic sciatica due to an old back injury that has led to

permanent nerve damage and scar tissue around the nerve roots at L4-5 (a

souvenier from surgery!).

I took Mobic until a couple of months ago when it decided to attack my stomach

and sent me in for upper and lower GI scopes. I also take Tripleptal (same

class as Neurontin) and that works well for me.

Every night and periodically during the day I take hydrocodone for breakthrough

pain and to help me sleep. In the past I've taken Elavil, Ultram and Tylenol-3

and have had to switch for various reasons.

Now I'm having trouble with the hydrocodone waking me up at night with my skin

itching. If I only take one at a time, I'm generally ok. However, if I take 2

I'm up for hours scratching, which totally defeats the purpose of taking it for

sleep!

I've needed the relief of 2 pills lately, but can't stand the itching. I know,

talk to my Dr., and I will, but I was wondering what else is out there for me.

I'm afraid of oxycontin because of the addiction issues, though I've never

become addicted to any of my other meds.

Thanks!

-theresa

ps I start the process of getting a spinal cord stimulator this fall. Wish me

luck!