Lupus Support Group

Hi everyone. I was searching the web and came across this site. I have a cousin who I just got out of the hospital yesterday. After hearing the scripts he was given I am now concerned about the pain meds he has been given and need some thoughts from anyone out there to see if this is normal or not. He was provided 3 major pain medications, methadone, morphine & dilaudid plus xanax & the standard (if there is such a thing) of lupus meds. Thanks

Hi and welcome to this fantastic support site....what a wonderful cousin to be so concerned. Why was he in the hospital...you said he has Lupus but is it from the Lungs, Kidneys....please explain a little more. Is he seeing a Rheumatologist?? They are the ones that really specialize in treating Lupus. I was given Dilauded at one time but that was because I had two brain hemorrhages....I know quite a few members here take some form of pain medication. I do have percocet on hand just in case I need it....I try not to use it but on a rare occasion I do. Is your cousin on any type of immunosuppresant to suppress the immune system?? Sorry for all of these questions just trying to get a grasp of what he is dealing with. I will keep your cousin in my prayers.

Eva

Not sure of all the details. Going a road trip tomorrow to see him again. Will ask more questions as far as the type of lupus. I do know he has had a stroke, heart attack & said his bones are brittle & he just turned 50 in july. He is really swollen from the roids & has extremly dry skin. will keep you posted & ask more questions.

You really want him to be careful of the methadone. My pain management doc had me on this and I kept asking her to take me off but she wouldn't and so I tried to stop it myself. I went through withdrawl symptoms and I had to go back on it. I was hospitalized to detox from the methdone. That is the drug they give you when they wean you off herion. I do not understnd why they gave him morphine and dilauded as they are the same thing. Dilaudid is a snythethic morphine and both drugs are addictive. Please discuss with his docs how he is to take the meds and how often. He doesn't need to become addicted to drugs that are very hard to get off of.

Take care.