Question
i got hepc from bodybuilding got growth hormone from china been lifting for 20 years am 49yrs old had 6 surgerys open heart rotor cuff 4 inch tear neck knee an ankle have seizure disorder that where i broke my neck twice my orthopedic surgen sha i have shoulder of a 80 year old heres my question my pcd put me on perocet 10 /325 40 mgs a day been on same dose for 4 years i dont even get hardly an releif is ok to ask to be put on something a little stonger or just take more otc like tyenoyl sorry for the long question

Answer
Alan,
Your question wasn't long at all. Its OK. If you have been on the same dose of Percocet for four years you may legitimately be ready to move up to something more effective. There are a lot of alternatives out there, even 12-hour medications and patches that can take a lot of the guesswork out of pain relief. I do hope that you are on a good anti-inflammatory medication such as Naproxen or ibuprofen, or maybe even a prescription strength like diclofenac, because when one has a soft tissue injury or joint injury along with past surgeries these can play an important role in pain relief. They act AGAINST the inflammation and swelling and will keep you from getting dependent on the narcotics as quickly. There is no shame is telling the physician that you just feel the Percocet at it's present dose is no longer as effective. Make sure you mention that you are taking more OTC Tylenol, because that is one thing the doctors do not want you to do is have more acetaminophen than you should; it can contribute to liver problems or toxicity. If you tell the physician that then he/she will be more likely to prescribe something a little more effective. No physician wants their pain patients to have an overload of Tylenol. There definitely is a place for stronger narcotics nowadays; some doctors require a signed contract that you will take the medications as prescribed, and not seek outside help (as in doctor shopping). This was not so 10-15 years ago. We have truly come a long way in the US with pain control. I hope I have helped you a little. Please feel free to write back in if you need further help.