To use oramorph to help with flu symptoms

[flusuffererhelp]

I've got some oramorph (liquid morphine) left over from when I had surgery a few months ago. I am on day 6 of the worse flu of my life, hellish aches and pains all over my body, can to swallow water without agony in my throat, sweating / shivering, splitting headache, fatigue, you name it. I've never ever felt so bad. DH came home from work to me crying in a heap saying I can't cope anymore, the pain is so bad I'm barely able to sip water. He suggested the oramorph on top of the paracetamol and ibuprofen (as the latter is not touching the surface at all). Anyway i reluctantly agreed to take the oramorph and my GOD the improvement!! I've gone from kill me now this pain is unbearable to I can sit up in bed and sip water without sheer agony in my throat and body. The violent coughing which was causing me to wretch and cry from pain in my chest and throat has also stopped since I took the oramorph.

I know this can't be a long term solution but is it ok to use this medication for now if it helps??

Should add I took 5ml

Just don’t get addicted

Have you seen a doctor. To feel like this on day 6 is quite bad. Sorry OP

Just wondering if there are any doctors who can tell me if this is ok to use short term to get me through this awful illness!

Why don't you call 111?

You’re not going to get addicted if you are using short term!

I haven't seen a doctor, I had an appointment but felt too unwell to even get myself rhere. I know day 6 I should be turning a corner but honestly I am not, at all! I feel like my body is just shutting down and each day seems worse somehow

Already done. They were no help really

I’d have done the same to be honest.

Just do not ask the doctor for any more of it.

It’s fine to take short term , some people take it daily to help with breathing problems. I assume as you were prescribed it you don’t have any issues with it reacting to other medications

@CoastalCalm
No I don't take any other medications for it to react with, and yes I was prescribed it following my surgery

Have you spoken to a medical professional regarding your symptoms? Flu is horrible but Oramorph seems a bit like overkill. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, along with hydration and rest, is the normal advice.

Enjoy your sleep👍

Not a doctor, but I would. If it's what's going round at the moment, I've just had it. If I'd had oramorph lying around, I'd have had a little dose and a nap.

I've been prescribed it before a few times for severe pain. I've never become addicted after taking a short course. I doubt there's enough in the bottle to get you hooked and it's not like you can get more anyway.

Morphine is an antitussive, so it suppresses coughs which is why your cough has improved.

I do think you should speak to a doctor though if it goes on like this. Have you done an online assessment for 111 so it will tell you how quickly you need to be seen? That might be an idea.

@ueberlin2030 I rang the GP a few days back, they made me an appointment but I had to cancel it as I could not have got myself there feeling as bad as I did. I rang 111 today, the woman was really unhelpful tbh and said a nurse would call me back, that was hours ago, they never did.

Drink lots of fluids - if you haven’t been eating or drinking use rehydration sachets - and get some sleep now your cough is suppressed by the drugs. Those two things will make a big difference.

I’m not a dr but I just wanted to say I have used oramorph on occasion for similar flu like symptoms as I have severe ME and in a flare up, it can present in a similar way to flu. Like yourself, I’ve only taken it when the pain has had me in tears and the usual pain killers don’t touch it. This is with the knowledge of my GP as long as it’s used sparingly and only on occasion. I’ve only used it for a couple of days at a time until the flare eases so I’d say you’ll be okay to use it in the very short term. However, I would try 111 or your GP if symptoms are severe enough to need it and talk it through with them. Hoping you start to feel better very soon as it sounds rotten for you.

It’s fine :-)

I’ve never had oramorph but I’ve been known to break out the codeine when I’ve had a really bad cough, just to get some unbroken sleep.

When I thought I had a nasty dose of flu and didn't bother going to the Dr because too ill, it turned out I had a chest infection. Took the GP all of about 10 seconds to diagnose. I needed to be on antibiotics. Please drag yourself to the Dr or at least try an e-consult.

Chase 111, you need medical attention.

You can call again.

Be careful taking it if you have a headache as it can increase the intensity of the headache to migraine level. Cannot remember the physiology of that but its a mistake I will never make again.

I did, they never called me back.

I'm going to try and get some sleep I think and keep everything crossed that I'm back to some form of normal tomorrow 😩

Thanks all for the advice

Flu should be starting getting better after 3 days ish. It's a short lived illness. What do you think 111 can do if you won't get to the GP. They won't send an ambulance for something like this so you will have to go somewhere if you want medical attention. Why couldn't your husband take you to the GP?