Oramorph

Hello JDTb698a5,

Sorry that you’ve been left with quite vague guidance on pain management. If you have the Oromorph the dosage instructions should be clearly labelled on the bottle and it should come with a little syringe for measuring. 

It’s usually only used when the standard painkillers like regular paracetamol aren’t controlling the pain. It can be quite constipating so often has to be balanced with laxido or some kind of stool softener. 

Although I was prescribed it early, I only took it towards the end of treatment as like you I was nervous, but it helped a lot.  

I hope your consultant can give you clear guidance and very best of luck with your appointment.  The period between getting the diagnosis and before starting treatment is a really tough one. xx

Thanks. Think I will wait until tomorrow see what the consultant says, and hold off on the oramorph for now. Yes the wait is awful even though it's been pretty quick really, but feels like time is going slowly. I am both looking forward to and dreading tomorrow's appointment all at the same time!! Terrified he's going to give me even more bad news, I am normally a positive person, & I know once I get the full treatment plan tomorrow I will feel better & just give myself a kick. Thanks for the reply.

Hello JDTb698a5

I am rather shocked by the casual handing over of morphine without any guidance and I think you are wise waiting to chat to the consultant tomorrow.  But at least tomorrow you are getting a plan, all these early appointments before treatment starts are so stressful, and you really will feel more in control when treatment starts.

Best of luck tomorrow, please let us know how you get on.

Irene xx

I know even the dispensing pharmacist didn't offer any advice, I was still in a bit of shock from the diagnosis so didn't think to ask either which I probably should have.  Will speak to Consultant tomorrow and update with my treatment plan. Thanks.

Hi,

It's pretty terrible you've not been given any instructions on how to take your meds. There should be a patient information leaflet in the box, if you want to look over that, but speaking to your consultant is probably best.

I was on quite a high doses of morphine, plus taking paracetamol inbetween. It's something that needs to be gradually increased until the right amount of pain relief is achieved for you. I was prescribed a slow release form of morphine to take morning and night, plus the oramorph to take as needed and at one point that was every 2 hours! It is fairly standard to have both, so perhaps you can discuss that if your pain isn't being managed well enough.

Just to add, after only a couple weeks of treatment, my pain basically disappeared! And I barely needed the meds at all for a while until the side effects kicked in. Now just over a month post treatment and I'm medication free. 

Best of luck to you x don't suffer this pain unnecessarily. 

Jenna xx

Gosh I’m also surprised you’ve been handed a controlled drug with little to no guidance JDTb698a5 , I was prescribed oramorph following my surgery but my colorectal surgeon & the nursing staff on discharge gave me exact instructions on dosage etc. Hopefully you gained some guidance at your oncology appointment today. 

Nicola 

Spoke to consultant today who gave me some clear advice on taking it, but am hoping to avoid if I can.

Won't be starting radiotherapy for a few weeks, probably chemo first, but problem I have is my bone marrow is a bit compromised from Leukaemia so he's not sure I can have the chemo!! Waiting for advice from my Haematology to make sure chemo will be ok.

So waiting until another appointment next Wednesday now. More waiting, and excuse my language but due to Liver Mets as well a pretty S!!t prognosis, still picking my Husband up off the floor

Hi again JDTb698a5 , I’m so sorry that you’ve so much going on, it must be difficult getting your head around it all! The waiting for appointments is torture isn’t it? when all you want to do is get on with some form of treatment. I’m pleased you’ve now got some clear guidance for if you need to use the oramorph though, just be mindful that if you do need to use it any opiate based meds slow everything down including your bowel so maybe have some stool softeners on hand to use if needed. I hope the news from haematology is good regarding your bloods & you can get started on some treatment soon. Just know we’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola 

Hello JDTb698a5,

Just want to say that I’m so sorry that you have so much to deal with. That sounds horribly stressful and I really feel for you. 
I really hope that you get your treatment plan soon and that your bloods will allow for the chemo. 

The waiting for a treatment plan can feel interminable even without the additional medical complications that you are having to cope with. I can only imagine that you’re picking yourself off the floor as well as your husband. 

Im glad you finally got some guidance on the oromorph and hope that you have a good support team in place. 
Sending hugs xx

Thanks, yes hoping next Wednesday will be a bit more positive news. At least once I start on some treatment I will have something to focus on. X