My wife is a 79 year old white female with congenital back problems and multiple problems with her shoulders, legs, knees, hands all associated with arthritis. She has had several surgeries over the years, shoulder replacement, knee surgery,and back surgery. She is presently being prescribed Hydrocodone APAP-10/500 for pain. She has been on this dosage for about 2 years. It was marginally effective when she began taking the medicine and now is ineffective. Her doctor has been very reluctant to consider an increase in her medication. Should I consider making a change in doctors?
No need to change the doctor. Physiotherapy would be the right choice, if her general condition is good, she can take alternate hot and cold water bath below the shower once in the morning and once in the evening. Walking for 10 minutes once in the morning and once in the evening. Simple breathing exercises like Panama 3 time daily will improve blood circulation and lung capacity so that the nerves will get proper blood supply. Let her give a try for one week.