Percocet for breakthrough

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Haven't posted for a couple weeks. . .been very busy.

I'll keep this short. I am seeing a new Internist who is wonderful and has a

specialty in GI and pancreatitis. He took me off of Hydrocodone finally (after

2 1/2 years) and put me on Percocet and OxyContin. He started me on 20 mg of

OxyContin twice a day, but has since bumped it to 40 mg twice a day. He wants

to try and get me off the Percocet and only take OxyContin. This wouldn't be a

problem except that (we all know) we get acute attacks and need something for

breakthrough. I am going on vacation Saturday with my husband (very excited),

but am scared about getting an acute attack.

I had one last night and if I hadn't had some Percocet left I would have been in

the hospital.

What I would like to know is how I can get him to give me some Percocet for

breakthrough without sounding like a " druggy. " We all know that it is needed,

but I don't want to seem like I can't live without it. Do you all know what I

mean?

Please advise me on this. I am at my wits end with going round and round with

doctors. Like I said, he is great, but I just can't be without something for

breakthrough.

Thanks.

T. (Ohio).

[Guest guest]

Hi T,

This is my first reply on this board so I hope that I am going

about this right. I am not sure if there is an introductory process

that I should be going through (?).

I am in the process of being diagnosed with possible chronic

pancreatitis brought on by a severe acute case in July 2000

during emergency abdominal surgery. I am having an ERCP

done in September with sphincterotomy, depending on what the

doctor finds. Unfortunately I have run into various unexpected

complications setting up this procedure which is a very long

story.

About your medicine question. I have been on darvocet for the

past three years and oxycodone - which is percocet without the

tylenol (5mg capsules). I have found that if I am honest about my

pains and be matter of fact about how I am going to use them

that the doctor is very understanding. It is not unusual to be

prescribed oxycontin and oxycodone as back-up for

break-through pain and in fact, is often suggested that the

doctors prescribing oxycontin consider this pairing as needed. I

have found that our anxiety, as patients, being labled " addict " is

much higher than the doctors.

If you believe that this request is reasonable, don't hesitate in

asking for the medication. Be matter of fact with the reasons why,

maybe ask for just a little 'script at first to prove that you are in

earnest about how you plan to use them.

Good luck and have a wonderful vacation!

Laurie