This is an answer to the anticipated question I was going to ask in this forum. However, Sheila, having read my mind and/or status line, answered via e-mail. I am adding her intelligent and much appreciated answer. Thanks, Sheila.
I would also be interested in hearing any other thoughts on the subject.
See Sheila's response below:
Stef,
Don't give up on the morphine yet. I promise you that when your body adjusts, the nausea will go away and your pain will be controlled with a clearer head than anti-seizure meds can offer.
I just learned something that I wish I could have told you about last week.
I have another friend in intractable pain down her whole spine. She started on MS contin, and it gave her nausea as well. Then she was put in the hospital, and the MS Contin from the hospital didn't make her nauseated. She asked her doc about it, and he said that an ingredient that causes nausea is put into MS contin tablets, and any morphine tablets, because abusers try to crush and snort them, and that ingredient will make them so ill that they will be deterred from doing that again. But the hospital pharmacy carries the pill that doesn't have that nauseant added. She then got her Dr. to prescribe a brand that comes in capsules. Mine is capsule. Check to see if M-Eslon is also in the USA. If not, I'm sure there are other brands. Also, the short acting pills are harder on your stomach. M-Eslon and other capsules last for 12 hours, then most are also given an immediate release pill of only 10 mg. for breakthrough pain.
How is this controlling your pain? Mine didn't digest when I was on tablets, so I took them with hot water or tea, etc. to help dissolve them.
I hope you can talk to your doc about there being a nauseant in the pill to discourage abuse, and ask if he will switch you over to capsules.
Gentle hugs and wishes/prayers that your life will soon be bearable and more normal.
Sheila