root@ozdaltx.uucp (03/21/91)
David, Would you post this for me? Not sure why I responded this way, but got started and didn't feel like backing up and restarting again. >> scotty << > From: ST602662%BROWNVM.BITNET@mvs.oac.ucla.edu > Newsgroups: sci.med.aids > Subject: Painkillers & Methadone > Message-ID: <1991Feb9.135416.28350@cs.ucla.edu> > Date: 7 Feb 91 20:19:17 GMT > Archive-Number: 2999 > > I have a friend who is on methadone maintenance, and had a recent > visit to the hospital. He woke up one morning with severe back pain, > most likely unrelated to his HIV+ status. All sorts of aches and pains are being found related to HIV infection Back problems are especially bad if the patient already has a history of them. Joint inflamation can be especially rough for the patient. MAI can be the source of a lot of physical pain as it can lodge almost anywhere. > He claimed that the hospital had difficulty finding a pain-killer > which would operate in conjunction with the methadone, as this drug,,, > I believe they ended up simply increasing the methadone dosage. > In case there's a next time, or another friend down the road, does > anyone out there know of a painkiller which works independently of > methadone? Also, if I need correction on how methadone works... > > Bill Jesdale Having "been down that road", I thought I'd pass this along for what-ever it is worth. Back in October '90 I started having severe back problems - terrible multi-spasims, bad enough to actually tear muscles and legiments. I went through the usual battery of tests to try and find the cause, but nothing was ever defined. In the meanwhile I was in so much pain that My Doctor(s) started me on Flexoril (cyclobenzapr) in combination with Naproxen. Nerve blocks were also done. It finially started to help - I still have discomfort, but not to the degree as before. The cause is still undetermined, however the doctors feel that MAI has played a part in this. I was started on methadone about 6 weeks ago, take as needed. It helps, but not by itself. I'm also taking 175 mg. Naproxen and a 10 mg Flexoril 3 times a day. Flexoril is a nerve fooler - not a true muscle relaxer. (As per PDR, 90) and Naproxen is a non-steriodal pain/inflamination relever and fever reducer. Methadone is more commonly used as a medication to ween drug addics from their habit. It CAN be habit forming, as well. Hence the reason for taking it every couple of days or so. All the best.... Scotty ------- AIDS INFORMATION EXCHANGE BBS (214) 247-2367/247-5609 "Education is the best weapon" {mic,void,egsner}!ozdaltx!sysop || {uunet,smu,ames}!sulaco!ozdaltx!sysop -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona uucp: {gatech, ames, rutgers}!ncar!asuvax!stjhmc!ddodell Bitnet: ATW1H @ ASUACAD FidoNet=> 1:114/15 Internet: ddodell@stjhmc.fidonet.org FAX: +1 (602) 451-1165