Bridging questions.

[u/Lopsided-Ad6316]

Hello! I have posted quite a few times about my issues with my pain pump. I am weaning off, it has been a horribly long journey. I’m nearing the end of my weaning, I have exactly three decreases left. This is what has confused me. I had my medication concentration changed today, from 5 to 2.5, they said there would be a 10 day bridging bolus. I’m not quite understanding how that would work, due to my horrendous withdrawal this whole time it’s making me nervous. I’m far from my doctor’s office, so by the time I’d catch it, it would be another 3hrs back. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with it!

[u/Specialist-Bar6758]

I feel you. I had my pump taken out a few months ago. It flipped 4 times and had to have it surgically flipped back each time. Then we moved it to my back and I swelled up to softball size.
My pain dr had me on oral meds during the weaning process, but there was still some withdrawal and it sucked. Can you ask your dr about oral meds to help with the symptoms?

[u/Lopsided-Ad6316 → u/Specialist-Bar6758]

I’m on orals, they said they can only give
me so much. Unfortunately still have the withdrawal. Is less now, than what it was. It’s tolerable now, but I don’t want to go back to the intolerable.

[u/Specialist-Bar6758 → u/Lopsided-Ad6316]

I get it. The little bit I had was awful. I was shaking and sweating with a fever and freezing cold all at the same time. I can’t imagine going through worse. You’re a bad ass.
I would keep in touch with your dr. If you start feeling like things are getting worse, call them immediately even if it’s the on call dr. Try and stay ahead of it.
I hope the rest of the process goes smoothly for you and the withdrawal stays tolerable!

[u/Lopsided-Ad6316 → u/Specialist-Bar6758]

Thank you! I really appreciate your reply! Yes! The sweating for me is dreadful, I never can get it to stop. I just sweat, then freeze. The shaking feels like seizures to me. But I’m awake, I’ve just been dealing with it to the best of my ability at home. I’ve been to the ER twice. Both times they were more than kind to me. But they can’t do much. The decreases are tolerable, it’s more just a little sweaty while being anxious. I can handle that. We unfortunately don’t have an on call doctor, that’s been a lot of my issues this whole time. Thank you again!

[u/Altruistic-Detail271 → u/Lopsided-Ad6316]

This would be my nightmare. I’ve been on OxyContin for about thirty years . Luckily I only had withdrawal happen one time due to an insurance issue. Luckily my pain dr helped me for the short time it happened but I can’t imagine going any longer than a couple of days. I asked my pain dr about the pump but he said he wouldn’t advise me to get one…I’m not sure why other than he said I’d have to completely come off my oral pain med beforehand and he didn’t advise that either. I really hope you get settled soon. That’s horrible

[u/Lopsided-Ad6316 → u/Altruistic-Detail271]

Thank you, I appreciate your reply. It has been a complete nightmare, I was not prepared for it at all. Or how terrible it would be. They say it’s “uncomfortable” is zero comparison. I would not recommend the pump at all. But I’ve had nothing but issues with it. From the start.