The doctor put my mom on morphine when she was in the hospital about five months ago. They are still perscribing liquid and tablets. She is diabetic and has severe pain in her legs. My question is she seems like she has really gone down hill since they put her on it. When I talk to her she can't look me in the eyes, its like they are crossed. She can't remember things, or do just about anything. I know she is in a lot of pain and can't walk anymore, but should we have them wean her, or are they doing this for comfort because they know there is nothing else that can be done for her at this point? Thanks for any help!
2007-05-03 17:18:27 · 11 answers · asked by LULU 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
I would talk to the doctor today. Morphine is probably destroying her. There are so many other pain meds on the market for her leg pain, unless she is dying I don't see why she has been on morphine for this long. In the hospital they will give it to you but usually perscribe something else when patients go home. Please talk to him today and see if you can help your Mom. There are plenty of people in pain in wheel chairs that don't live on morphine, its too strong and its making her a zombie. Do it today!
2007-05-04 02:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by SusiQ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear about your family struggles. Health problems affect the whole family. It does sound to me like the morphine is putting her in sort of a catatonic state. I think if it were me, I would speak to her Dr. about it. If he is unwilling to change things, and try another route to manage her pain, I think I would make some phone calls and seek a second or even third opinion. Its hard to say to much, because I don't know the extent of the problem, but I would definately speak to her Dr. - make sure he knows exactly what dosage she is receiving of the morphine and any other drugs she is taking. There is a possibility that she has to much of the morphine. I have had several patients on morphine patches and such, and anyone of them that is on it for extended periods of time, are still alert and able to communicate in a normal manner. Please, be sure that if she has to come down off of it, that it is done as a weaning process, under Dr.s care. I hope this was helpful, and I wish you and your family the best.
2007-05-03 17:24:55 · answer #2 · answered by MommaSchmitt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Medicine is often complex. There are several other relevant facts about your mother we do not know that could be important, but based on the information your provided - here it goes.
Yes, morphine can cause mental status changes. If a doctor prescribes it for a patient, that patient needs a powerful pain killer. Then it becomes a choice between the side effects or the pain.
It may be "that nothing else can be done for her at this point", but no one would argue tapering pain meds to find the best dose. If she is still in alot of pain with the current dose, than you can expect her pain to increase if you lower the dose. Also, you should discuss this situation with your doctor, he/she knows your mother best.
2007-05-03 17:48:33 · answer #3 · answered by the-nurse 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It very well could be the morphine doing it. I would make a call to the doctor and see what he/she says. The doctor may recommend that a lower dose be used or she may need a dose that high. The doctor may even recommend another medicine all together. The doctor is not able to see how she is responding to the morphine, only family can relay that kind of information to the doctor.
2007-05-03 17:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately you cannot ask the Md behind Mom's back any personal questions about her care and get a answer - HIPPA code
you CAN.. the next time Mom visits the MD ask Mom if you can go in the room with her
while Mom is talking to the Md, you can ask your questions right in front of her
if Mom doesnt object hte Md should be able to address your concerns
Good Luck, yes it sounds like Morphine addiction
2007-05-03 17:28:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I take up to 45mg a day. She maybe taking to much. I got very confused until they got the dosage right, also have her eat when she takes it otherwise it can upset her stomach. If I take it on an empty stomach it also seems to be stronger.
I could not tell my doctor what was wrong, just sat there looking stupid, as I could not keep my train of thought, go with her to the doctor.
2007-05-03 19:59:17 · answer #6 · answered by monstermax1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she being treated for Peripheral Neuropathy if so there are plenty of non opiod drugs out there.I for 1 cannot take Morphine too many side effects for me,they also treat PN.with anti-epileptic drugs=Lyrica or Neurontin...Liz.
2007-05-03 17:30:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are things you need to talk to her doc about. Only the doc can tell you why she is still on the meds and if he thinks the meds are doing it or if she has some condition that is causing her problems. Call the doc and talk to him about all of this.
2007-05-03 17:22:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the Dr. Morphine is addictive and destroys the body. Usually it is only prescribed to a person who is dying. It will hasten their death.
2007-05-03 17:20:52 · answer #9 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
some of them, for the others u shud consult an specialist. best answer?
2007-05-03 17:31:22 · answer #10 · answered by dr s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋