Ive been on and off pain meds for 2 years and do not have any dependancy issues. They have no euphoric effect on me from oxycontin to Percocets. They do however help with the pain I still have. Last week my ENT changed me over to Ibuprofin and they are not working at all. I cant sleep at night and I'm miserable. My question is should I insist on being back on the prescription pain killers or should I just adjust?

Thats a tough question. I hate taking meds but I do. Over the counter meds are just not strong enough for me. I understand your doctors concerns about giving you the strong stuff but he needs to understand that oral cancer has so many after effects that many patients need to have some prescription meds to manage the bad days. If I were you, I would give it a try for say 2 or 3 weeks, but if you find you are taking larger quantities than what is recommended then tell the doc. Some patients go to pain management clinics to help them learn to deal with lingering pain. Dont make yourself suffer when you dont have to. Nobody should be in pain, its not helpful at all.

Thanks Christine. I guess I should give it a little more time. I'm just sick of being in pain. We OC patients just have way too much pain.

There are a whole host of non-narcotic NSAIDs (ibuprophen is just one) that may work better for you. I am on Lodine for my RA and it is a godsend. You might ask your doctor about switching NSAIDs if you aren't getting some relief by this coming Monday. According to my neurologist friend, and my rheumologist, it is pretty much a crapshoot as to which will work best for a particular individual. For example, Meloxicam didn't help my pain and made my insomnia worse!

ENT's are not pain management specialists. Christine's suggestion of a pain clinic is a good one - you could also get a referral to a neurologist - they are the experts.

Sleeping is an issue in itself. You're probably limiting your caffiene intake to the morning hours - I only ask because I wasn't bright enough to do so myself.

Going to try to see Pain mgt team tomorrow. Pain is just getting to frustrating for me to handle. I haven't slept in 2 days even with Ambiem. Seems to be especially bad at night.

I always hurt worse at night too. Seems like my kids would always get the sickest in the evenings too. Not sleeping is something many of us have in common. I havent been able to sleep all night for years. Good luck tomorrow!

Tell the Dr you are not getting relief from the Ibuprophin and need some thing that works. I been on percocet and methodone for a few years now and like you, I'm not hooked but they help a little. The Drs are getting me a new pain management team o that maybe something will work. I have pain 24-7 and understand your problem. My tongue remains are my big problem. Nothing stops that crazy pain.

Will be meeting with pain mgt later this week.Wish it was sooner..kept me awake again last night.

Best of luck, PG. I know whereof you speak, and if the pain is constant it's impossible to ignore it, let alone sleep! Let us know what you find out. I hope you get some relief soon.