I am a prek teacher in a public school. With all of the meds I am exhausted. I don’t know what to do about work. I was out a lot this past week and only have 2 and a half days this week so I am going to tough it out but do the side effects of the medicines lessen? Currently I am on trileptal 150mgs twice a day, Tegretol 200mgs 2 times a day, Lyrica 100 mgs 3 times a day, cymbalta 60mgs 2 times a day. I stil have breakthrough pain and I have oxycodone 15 mgs 1-2 pills every four hours. I am like a zombie. Will the side effects lessen or will I always be like this? I can’t work like this. Thank you in advance for your answers.
Yes Patty I thought it was a lot of medicine all at once as well! I jam now being treated by a neurosurgeon who I plan on calling tomorrow about all of the medicine.
You are on a pretty heavy mix there. I'm thinkin it may stay like that if its been a couple of months...... I don't want to be a downer, but I don't want to sugar coat it either...Tegretol by itself can make you very sleepy, and Lyrica too.
It sure seems like a lot to me, too. Sometimes the timing can help with side effects. Have you filled out FMLA paperwork yet?
No Shadow2 I do pay into short term disability so I was thinking I would do that but even that is going to be hard on my family with the holidays coming up. I am the breadwinner in the family.
Hi Carrie, wow that sounds like a huge amount of meds, no wonder you exhausted, I take Tegretol 800ml a day, that works most of the time, but even with that I get “breakthrough’s” I’m glad your seeing a neurosurgeon, ask him about an MVD, maybe the way to go… Hang in there, thinking of you, Anne
Ditto on the suggestion that you explore the MVD. I finally had one when the side effects were as disabling as the pain. Wish I had done it sooner. Almost 6 weeks out and I am loving life again! I would also bite the bullet on short term disability while you explore your options. The best gift you can give your family is YOU!! Best of luck to you… Juliet
STD does only pay a percentage but you will owe no taxes on that money because you paid into the policy. Not much, but it helps a little. When you finally step away you will wonder how you kept going working. I know I did. My doctor suggested I go out due to pain, depression, stress and anxiety. Insurance will cover you. It will give you a chance to breathe and take care of yourself as well as think more clearly to a solution.
Carrie Ann Shafman Hyman said:
No Shadow2 I do pay into short term disability so I was thinking I would do that but even that is going to be .hard on my family with the holidays coming up. I am the breadwinner in the family.
i would also suggest getting slow release meds if possible.
They lowered the Tegretol to 100mgs twice a day then they are going to try to up it. Have to call Wed and then will talk about side effects and short term disability. Thx for all of the input!!
Ask for doctor to call you in lidocaine patches for your face!!!
I actually have them but unfortunately I used for another pain today for 12 hrs and can’t use it anymore. Thanks for the idea.