Pain meds w/o Tylenol? Also, going to ask PCP about disability

So... this morning I have mild lower back pain still and moderate belly pain. I am going to see if my PCP can get me in to 1) ask for a referral to a different urologist than I saw before to address the issue with the remaining kidney stones (I assume the lower back pain is from the UTI), 2) ask for some pain medication that does not have tylenol in it (because this past week I have been pushing the new maximum daily dose for tylenol while taking the vicodin and percocet), and 3) ask if he is willing to fill out the paperwork to put me on STD (effective Friday when I was in the ER passing the stone) so we can at least address the additional kidney stone issues and get me on some new or different meds to address the depression and anxiety.

I don't know much about pain meds except the ones I have taken. Can someone tell me what pain meds would be about the same strength as vicodin or percocet (or just a little stronger) but do not contain acetominophen?

I am praying that he will be willing to put me on STD at least long enough to get rid of the EXTRA pain from the UTI and/or stones and get me a bit calmed both with meds and with not having to worry about losing my job for at least THIS week...

Lora

Well, you can get the oxycodone component of the percocet without the tylenol. Some people will take an extra dose, typically 5mg of OxyIR, in conjunction with their percocet. This seems to be fairly effective in people who are having difficulty managing pain because it makes a sort of "extra strength" version but without extra tylenol. I'm really sorry you're having so much pain. I know it's exhausting physically & emotionally. It's really good that you'er addressing the depression/anxiety, too since that can increase your pain response. Keep us posted and I do hope you're feeling better soon!

Thanks.  I did not know the oxycodone was available without the  tylenol.  That might be the best solution (other than something without the tylenol at all) because the vicodin only lasts 3-4 hours (and my script is for every 6 hours becasue fo the tylenol concern), so maybe I could take a regular one and then the next 4 hours take one without the tylenol...?

Yes, it is exhausting... and then when you add in the job concerns and my PTSD therapist retiring in just a couple of weeks and worrying about the money to cover my half of having the house re-sided (because of hail damage) when my job is in jeopardy...  ugh.

Lora

I just saw your reply and thought one more thing: If your vicodin is lasting 3-4 hours you may want to try the extra strength vicodin to start with. I actually find that to be better than percocet. Have you tried that yet?

I saw him this afternoon and he gave me the 7/325s  (fro every 6 hours) that he had given me a small amount of a little while ago (when I had the last significant "attack").

Lora

Lora

So sorry you are going through this.  Hopefully you can get some resolution soon.  I have had great results with a few homeopathic remedies but I don't know enough about them to give you specifics. I know they are for specific issues and my issues weren't the same as yours.  A good health food store or homeopatic Dr may be of great help to you.

Geeze!  I don't even know what to say...it just must SUCK A LOT!  I hope the doc gives you some time off...I've had that approved in the past and it was just what I needed.  Keep us posted.

Hi Lora,
Hope you start feeling better soon.
I also take vicodin for back pain, I was taking 2 of the 5/500 at a time 3 times a day and my Dr. bumped me up to the 10/325, Im not sure if this will help as i dont know your dose but with the 10/325 mg you still get the 10 mg of vicodin with only 325 mg of tylenol.
get well soon and best wishes
Amanda

I will definitely ask about that.  He had given me a few of the 7/325s a few weeks ago, so he may be open to the 10/325s (didn't know those existed).

Lora

Sending prayers your way .....hope you are feeling better soon.