My husband seen the surgeon approximately three and half weeks ago and he prscribed him percocet 10mg. The pills helped a little and for a short period of time. He only gave him 60 and we tried to limit him to two a day because we figured the doctor wouldn't give anything else for pain. Well we where right about that. Just frustrated now i dont think anyone should suffer, but we cant make the doctors understand that he is still hurting. Do we need to see another doctor about pain management.

You betcha! Pain is the enemy of healing, it puts the body in distress and slows the healing process so if your husband is experiencing a pain level of 4 or above he needs it to be managed effectively.

He should be on a time release medication with breakthrough pain meds that are rapid release (like the percocet which is just Oxycodone and Tylenol) so ask for Oxycodone HCI. Normally the Medical Oncologist is the one to manage the drug use, you'll want a Dr that is familiar with the pain associated with treatment.

Be the squeaky wheel.

Eric

Thanks Eric everyone on this site has been a blessing to us!

And be aware that severe constipation can result in pain meds use. Be proactive - it's the last thing hubby needs, and is hugely distressing, but avoidable. Best of luck.

Pain management is VERY important for all the reasons listed above. Is there one persone on his care team, Medical Onco, Radiation Onco or surgeon, who might be better understanding his needs? I found that my General Practitioner was also a good person to go speak to about pain management when there were issues similar to yours. Sometimes just going to see your family doc, who you probably have a better relationship withi anyways, and then explain the situation to them. Also discuss the end of his need for them as well to make sure that he doesn't have to face withdrawal issues like so many of us have. If they are a part of the plan and know there is also an exit strategy, they are much more helpful.

Hope that helps,
Erik B

Hi taafgood, sorry your husband has to suffer needlessly. I have had a roller coaster of pain, and my doc's (oncologist, surgical radiologist, ENT all gave me pain med's but not in a coordinated manner. Finally went in towards the end of my treatments (last chemo was 3 July, last Rad was 10 Jul) and said I need something for pain. I can take some tablets so I was on oxycodone for overall pain management. I was taking 1 x 10 mg twice a day. Also, I was to take liquid (same dosage) as a break through pain medicine. It worked for a little while, but pain increased so they doubled dosage because I had to take so much Break Through pain medicine. Had I not told them I was taking break through 6 times a day they though the long acting was good enough. Also, my doc�s were not shy about prescribing pain medicine. Did I get a sense your doc is conservative in this view? My doc�s warned me a great deal that yes I would become addicted to the Oxy, but they will help me wean me off. Yes I will get constipated. In the beginning, I decided not to take because I was so plugged up. I accepted this as pain was so severe. I recommend Philips Milk of Magnesium for constipation.
I now take 60 mg of long acting Oxy tablets three times a day. I do not take break though liquid. Other than if I try to eat, I have a pain no higher than a 3 on 1-10 scale. I am in recovery now and need no pain to interfere with recovery.
I encourage you to ask doc to increase dosage so you have no pain.
Good luck!

Ken