Update

I appeared to be getting a little relief from the 10mg increase of Oxycontin. I only got 30 days which ran out recently. I realize that although I didn't really think the increase was helping, it really was. The pain I've had over the last few days is back to excruciating. I can't take this kind of pain on a regular basis. Unfortunately, I no longer have any dilaudid to take during increased periods of pain. I ran out of that really early in the month. It did last a very long time because I only took it when absolutely necessary.

Without the 10mg Oxycontin, and no dilaudid, I have been forced to do whatever it takes to bring the pain down. I have used the icepack, as always, and will use another one soon. I am using the TENS unit frequently, throughout the day and I had to take an additional 20mg's of Oxycontin since I don't have anymore 10's. Of course, I took it at the same time of the scheduled 10mg dose and I was thrilled to finally get some relief. I hate the feeling of being in so much pain that you don't know what to do with yourself. You hurt so bad that you don't know whether to sit, prop against pillows, or lay down.

The increase also causes a loss of sleep. I couldn't get to sleep until early in the morning and even then, I tossed and turned from the burning, stabbing pain in my hips and back. I usually try to go to bed as late as possible so I don't have to deal with the painful, spinal sensations that occur when I lay down. However, I only toss and turn during the worse periods of increased pain. Unfortunately, it always brings back the horrible hip pain.

A new symptom, (or maybe an increase in an existing symptom) I've been experiencing, and I'll speak to my doctor about it, is very painful muscle twitches in my legs. I felt it a little bit in my arms, but an overwhelming amount in my legs. It happens continuously throughout the day, over the last few weeks.

I'll see what my doctor has to say but I think it's just an increase in the spasticity symptom, only it feels more like a "charlie horse", if anyone has every experienced a charlie horse, you know what I'm talking about. However, a charlie horse happens every once in a while. The feeling I'm experiencing is happening throughout the day.

I hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful 3-day, holiday weekend!