hottrodd
01-13-2004, 08:53 PM
Hi Everyone :wave:
I know it's been some time since my last post, especially for those who remember me from the old boards. Very long story which I will not get into at this time.
Well to give a short update..
Thoracic problems front and back, stiffness, muscle spasms... ect.. (see signature)
I have been going to my PM doctor which I started in October 2003. Before that I was going to my PCP who prescribed
Hydrocodone 5/500 3/4 X Daily
Soma 350mg 3 X Daily
Naproxen 500mg 1/2 X Daily
Trazodone 50mg 2 X @ Bedtime
Since I went to my PM doc he switched the Hydrocodone to Oxy IR 5mg 5/6 X Daily (180 monthly), and kept everything else the same.
He then sent me to see a Rheumatologist because he wanted me checked for Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I also had an MRI which found (Disc Bulges T6-7 / 5 mm Disc Protrusion L5-S1 / Slight Cervical Narrowing/Straightening)
The Rheumatologist did a Fibro check and confirmed, also stating there might be a touch of arthritis in the rib cage area. He will further test but X-rays show nothing of the sort. He also sent lab work to be done to rule out Lupus. He says you don't have the tell tale signs of Lupus but to be on the safe side we will check anyway.
So back to my meds... The Oxy works well for me, only problem it doesn't last long.. I mentioned this at my PM appt. on Monday. I was thinking he is going to try a long acting med equal in strength, in conjunction with the Oxy IR.
We talked about pain levels and then he examines me, saying definately Fibromyalgia. He says I am going to RX the Duragesic Patches. I was like okay, tell me about them, so he explains..
He says he is changing the Oxy IR to 120 monthly from 180 and to use those for breakthrough pain.
I just want to be able to get out of bed and not be so stiff and in pain. Also it would be nice to go about my day without all the aching.
My question is how good are the patches? I have no experience with them or know anyone who has ever used them. I am nervous to start them, I hear they are very strong. He only started me on the 25's which I am assuming is the lowest dose available.
I guess it boils down to..
Should he have tried something else (long acting med) first?
If the patch doesn't work for me, or side effecyt happen, what next? Am I at the end of my rope after the patch?
What about withdraw on the patch, is it bad if I ever have to stop?
Is this normal for people suffering from Fibro, or my symptoms?
Sorry I have so many questions.. I am just nervous and so is my wife.. Am I just being silly to be acting this way? I know I would like my pain to stop, but is this the way?
If anyone can shed some light and give any info on the patch with your experience, what it is, how strong compared to other long acting meds ect..
it would be very appreciated.
Thanks..
Hottrodd :confused:
I know it's been some time since my last post, especially for those who remember me from the old boards. Very long story which I will not get into at this time.
Well to give a short update..
Thoracic problems front and back, stiffness, muscle spasms... ect.. (see signature)
I have been going to my PM doctor which I started in October 2003. Before that I was going to my PCP who prescribed
Hydrocodone 5/500 3/4 X Daily
Soma 350mg 3 X Daily
Naproxen 500mg 1/2 X Daily
Trazodone 50mg 2 X @ Bedtime
Since I went to my PM doc he switched the Hydrocodone to Oxy IR 5mg 5/6 X Daily (180 monthly), and kept everything else the same.
He then sent me to see a Rheumatologist because he wanted me checked for Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I also had an MRI which found (Disc Bulges T6-7 / 5 mm Disc Protrusion L5-S1 / Slight Cervical Narrowing/Straightening)
The Rheumatologist did a Fibro check and confirmed, also stating there might be a touch of arthritis in the rib cage area. He will further test but X-rays show nothing of the sort. He also sent lab work to be done to rule out Lupus. He says you don't have the tell tale signs of Lupus but to be on the safe side we will check anyway.
So back to my meds... The Oxy works well for me, only problem it doesn't last long.. I mentioned this at my PM appt. on Monday. I was thinking he is going to try a long acting med equal in strength, in conjunction with the Oxy IR.
We talked about pain levels and then he examines me, saying definately Fibromyalgia. He says I am going to RX the Duragesic Patches. I was like okay, tell me about them, so he explains..
He says he is changing the Oxy IR to 120 monthly from 180 and to use those for breakthrough pain.
I just want to be able to get out of bed and not be so stiff and in pain. Also it would be nice to go about my day without all the aching.
My question is how good are the patches? I have no experience with them or know anyone who has ever used them. I am nervous to start them, I hear they are very strong. He only started me on the 25's which I am assuming is the lowest dose available.
I guess it boils down to..
Should he have tried something else (long acting med) first?
If the patch doesn't work for me, or side effecyt happen, what next? Am I at the end of my rope after the patch?
What about withdraw on the patch, is it bad if I ever have to stop?
Is this normal for people suffering from Fibro, or my symptoms?
Sorry I have so many questions.. I am just nervous and so is my wife.. Am I just being silly to be acting this way? I know I would like my pain to stop, but is this the way?
If anyone can shed some light and give any info on the patch with your experience, what it is, how strong compared to other long acting meds ect..
it would be very appreciated.
Thanks..
Hottrodd :confused:
Sponsor
vitonxl
01-14-2004, 03:44 AM
I took them for two months and they don't last to long. They say three days. They lasted one day then they started to not last at all the more I took them. I just ended up with 20 mg's of oxicontin and 4 x 5mg percoset. Oxicontin saved my life. I had back surgery 2 yrs. ago and I got nerve damage from it. I'm 25 and constantly fight to stay on it. I have do deal with this pain every day and all they care is about addiction. I don't get "high" off it or don't abuse it. I appreciate it.
hottrodd
01-14-2004, 05:43 AM
Hi vitonxl,
Thanks for your reply.. I was thinking my PM doc would have RX'd me Oxycontin since I am already on Oxy IR and it works. Especially since we were discussing how the medication works well for me just doesn't last long. I can't confirm because I have never asked him but I am now wondering what his thoughts are on Oxycontin. Wondering if he has a personal or office policy rule against it. I personally think that would be weird since he obviously prescribes Oxy IR, same med just immediate and at different mg's. (I Think)
I also left wondering if a Duragesic rep was in there that week or day.. you never know..
I guess I would be worried about starting Oxycontin as well as the Duragesic patch. I'm just so new to trying these medications. Then again I would not like to be in pain. I just read from Duragesic that you should not start unless all other options have been tried and failed. Which in my case I have never been on any long acting med before.
Hottrodd
Thanks for your reply.. I was thinking my PM doc would have RX'd me Oxycontin since I am already on Oxy IR and it works. Especially since we were discussing how the medication works well for me just doesn't last long. I can't confirm because I have never asked him but I am now wondering what his thoughts are on Oxycontin. Wondering if he has a personal or office policy rule against it. I personally think that would be weird since he obviously prescribes Oxy IR, same med just immediate and at different mg's. (I Think)
I also left wondering if a Duragesic rep was in there that week or day.. you never know..
I guess I would be worried about starting Oxycontin as well as the Duragesic patch. I'm just so new to trying these medications. Then again I would not like to be in pain. I just read from Duragesic that you should not start unless all other options have been tried and failed. Which in my case I have never been on any long acting med before.
Hottrodd
Kayley
01-14-2004, 12:47 PM
Hi Hottrodd
You are the first person I have ever heard of that has a problem that is similar to mine. I also have upper back and chest wall pain. Have you had an mri or myleogram? I have a herniation at t6 and t7, according to my tests. I was on the Duragesic patch for about 6 months, and it didn't help much. But everyone is different, and I know it helps some people. I now take Methadone and Dilaudid, which works a little better, but not much. Like Shore says, nerve pain is very hard to treat, if that is what you are dealing with. I know it's hard not to have a diagnosis, I went through that for a year, I can't imagine going as long as you have without knowing what is wrong. I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes.
Kayley
You are the first person I have ever heard of that has a problem that is similar to mine. I also have upper back and chest wall pain. Have you had an mri or myleogram? I have a herniation at t6 and t7, according to my tests. I was on the Duragesic patch for about 6 months, and it didn't help much. But everyone is different, and I know it helps some people. I now take Methadone and Dilaudid, which works a little better, but not much. Like Shore says, nerve pain is very hard to treat, if that is what you are dealing with. I know it's hard not to have a diagnosis, I went through that for a year, I can't imagine going as long as you have without knowing what is wrong. I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes.
Kayley
hottrodd
01-14-2004, 06:38 PM
Hi Kayley,
Did your doctor say that your herniated discs were the cause of your pain? I did have an MRI and it showed slight bulges at T6-T7 and a couple other things I metioned in my first post. My PM doc and my Rheumatologist seem to think I have Fibromyalgia as well as Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. And plus I also have those slight bulges and a small disc protrusion at L5-S1. I have lot's of trigger points and tender spots.
My main problem is my rib cage area front and back, and a little around the sides. Underneath the shoulder blades is also a major problem for me.
When they tested me, I also have tender spots on my collarbone, down my chest, back of neck, knees, ankles, elbows and pelvis area. These spots are tender and cause pain when there is applied pressure. I noticed my knees aching really bad for the first time when I went outside and it was very cold. I could barely stand.
The problem I have most though is my upper/mid back and lower chest area across front ribs. I am really stiff in the mornings and have pain and stiffness throughout the day.
When I go to the chiropractor and get a trigger point massage it hurts and is very sore the day after, but working those knots does help after the soreness goes away. The problem is they come back..
I am just nervous about the patches because I hear/read it's very strong and I haven't tried any other long acting med before. I read on Duragesic's website that this drug is a last option once all others have been used and failed. Well I haven't tried anything long acting. I thought for sure since I am on Oxy IR and it works, just not a long time, and no side effects, my PM would have put me on Oxycontin. Not sure why he chose the patch.
Pharmacy had to order them, then got the wrong strength in so had to re-order with a 3 day wait. I pick them up on Thursday. Geez! I hope if I DO start them the stupid pharmacy doesn't have to order them when my script is due after 30 days and make me go through withdraw.
Anyway's sorry for the long wind everyone.. Any help or info on Duragesic or advice, would be great. I was thinking about talking to my PM about trying something else (long acting) first in conjuction with my Oxy IR for breakthrough.
I am open to comments and suggestions..
Really nervous..
Hottrodd :eek:
Did your doctor say that your herniated discs were the cause of your pain? I did have an MRI and it showed slight bulges at T6-T7 and a couple other things I metioned in my first post. My PM doc and my Rheumatologist seem to think I have Fibromyalgia as well as Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. And plus I also have those slight bulges and a small disc protrusion at L5-S1. I have lot's of trigger points and tender spots.
My main problem is my rib cage area front and back, and a little around the sides. Underneath the shoulder blades is also a major problem for me.
When they tested me, I also have tender spots on my collarbone, down my chest, back of neck, knees, ankles, elbows and pelvis area. These spots are tender and cause pain when there is applied pressure. I noticed my knees aching really bad for the first time when I went outside and it was very cold. I could barely stand.
The problem I have most though is my upper/mid back and lower chest area across front ribs. I am really stiff in the mornings and have pain and stiffness throughout the day.
When I go to the chiropractor and get a trigger point massage it hurts and is very sore the day after, but working those knots does help after the soreness goes away. The problem is they come back..
I am just nervous about the patches because I hear/read it's very strong and I haven't tried any other long acting med before. I read on Duragesic's website that this drug is a last option once all others have been used and failed. Well I haven't tried anything long acting. I thought for sure since I am on Oxy IR and it works, just not a long time, and no side effects, my PM would have put me on Oxycontin. Not sure why he chose the patch.
Pharmacy had to order them, then got the wrong strength in so had to re-order with a 3 day wait. I pick them up on Thursday. Geez! I hope if I DO start them the stupid pharmacy doesn't have to order them when my script is due after 30 days and make me go through withdraw.
Anyway's sorry for the long wind everyone.. Any help or info on Duragesic or advice, would be great. I was thinking about talking to my PM about trying something else (long acting) first in conjuction with my Oxy IR for breakthrough.
I am open to comments and suggestions..
Really nervous..
Hottrodd :eek:
Kayley
01-15-2004, 12:05 AM
Hey Hottrodd,
The first three neurosurgeons did not think the herniations were the cause of my pain, but I have since gone to a new neurosurgeon. I had to fight to see him because he was outside of my insurance network. He does think the herniations are the cause of my pain. He said just because they don't line up doesn't mean that they aren't causing the pain, as the other doctors thought. This pain I'm talking about is the wrap around pain like what you are experiencing. The pain in my back could be another story, possibly from all the cutting from surgery. I hope you get your meds straightened out. Let us know what happens. Good luck!
Kayley
The first three neurosurgeons did not think the herniations were the cause of my pain, but I have since gone to a new neurosurgeon. I had to fight to see him because he was outside of my insurance network. He does think the herniations are the cause of my pain. He said just because they don't line up doesn't mean that they aren't causing the pain, as the other doctors thought. This pain I'm talking about is the wrap around pain like what you are experiencing. The pain in my back could be another story, possibly from all the cutting from surgery. I hope you get your meds straightened out. Let us know what happens. Good luck!
Kayley
QOD
01-16-2004, 02:15 PM
Hi...
I wear the duragesic patches, 2 every 3 days. I don't find they do much for pain, a lot of mine which is still due to be properly diagnosed... I have fibro, diastematomyelia, arachnoiditis, arthritis, DDD, and other spinal issues...
I had to stop using the patches.... holidays hit, and my GP won't prescribe them to me bc I'm young (29). This is despite the fact that both my neurologist/PM specialist and the ER dr told me to see her to follow up on the script. PM/neuro. also tol dme to have her refer me to a rheumatologist... she won't do that either. As for withdrawal.... I get headaches as is, so it wasn't a shock that I got them. I think it's the pain I try to handle that is the worst, I can't think really of any obvious withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck with these... I found they had no side effects though, if that is of any use to you.
Hang in there... may you find relief from your pain soon.
I wear the duragesic patches, 2 every 3 days. I don't find they do much for pain, a lot of mine which is still due to be properly diagnosed... I have fibro, diastematomyelia, arachnoiditis, arthritis, DDD, and other spinal issues...
I had to stop using the patches.... holidays hit, and my GP won't prescribe them to me bc I'm young (29). This is despite the fact that both my neurologist/PM specialist and the ER dr told me to see her to follow up on the script. PM/neuro. also tol dme to have her refer me to a rheumatologist... she won't do that either. As for withdrawal.... I get headaches as is, so it wasn't a shock that I got them. I think it's the pain I try to handle that is the worst, I can't think really of any obvious withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck with these... I found they had no side effects though, if that is of any use to you.
Hang in there... may you find relief from your pain soon.
hottrodd
01-16-2004, 08:44 PM
I am going to be starting the patches this weekend. I have been using my Oxy IR which is for breakthrough to get me through the day. He gives me 120 monthly down from 180 when that was my only pain med. Pharmacy made a mistake on ordering the Duragesic and had to wait for a re-order. I sure hope that doesn't happen once I am on them to throw me into a withdraw.
I am still nervous about starting them, and wondering if I can ever try another med like Oxycontin or MS Contin if these do not work.
I am still baffled he didn't RX Oxycontin since I am already on the IR Oxy and it works fine just not long enough.
Keeping my fingers crossed for pain relief. The last two days have been bad because I got a cold or something and we all know how that makes you ache even more. Muscle spasms and tightness are terrible.
Hottrodd :yawn:
I am still nervous about starting them, and wondering if I can ever try another med like Oxycontin or MS Contin if these do not work.
I am still baffled he didn't RX Oxycontin since I am already on the IR Oxy and it works fine just not long enough.
Keeping my fingers crossed for pain relief. The last two days have been bad because I got a cold or something and we all know how that makes you ache even more. Muscle spasms and tightness are terrible.
Hottrodd :yawn:
susieq03
01-17-2004, 01:11 PM
Hi Everyone :wave:
I know it's been some time since my last post, especially for those who remember me from the old boards. Very long story which I will not get into at this time.
Well to give a short update..
Thoracic problems front and back, stiffness, muscle spasms... ect.. (see signature)
I have been going to my PM doctor which I started in October 2003. Before that I was going to my PCP who prescribed
Hydrocodone 5/500 3/4 X Daily
Soma 350mg 3 X Daily
Naproxen 500mg 1/2 X Daily
Trazodone 50mg 2 X @ Bedtime
Since I went to my PM doc he switched the Hydrocodone to Oxy IR 5mg 5/6 X Daily (180 monthly), and kept everything else the same.
He then sent me to see a Rheumatologist because he wanted me checked for Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I also had an MRI which found (Disc Bulges T6-7 / 5 mm Disc Protrusion L5-S1 / Slight Cervical Narrowing/Straightening)
The Rheumatologist did a Fibro check and confirmed, also stating there might be a touch of arthritis in the rib cage area. He will further test but X-rays show nothing of the sort. He also sent lab work to be done to rule out Lupus. He says you don't have the tell tale signs of Lupus but to be on the safe side we will check anyway.
So back to my meds... The Oxy works well for me, only problem it doesn't last long.. I mentioned this at my PM appt. on Monday. I was thinking he is going to try a long acting med equal in strength, in conjunction with the Oxy IR.
We talked about pain levels and then he examines me, saying definately Fibromyalgia. He says I am going to RX the Duragesic Patches. I was like okay, tell me about them, so he explains..
He says he is changing the Oxy IR to 120 monthly from 180 and to use those for breakthrough pain.
I just want to be able to get out of bed and not be so stiff and in pain. Also it would be nice to go about my day without all the aching.
My question is how good are the patches? I have no experience with them or know anyone who has ever used them. I am nervous to start them, I hear they are very strong. He only started me on the 25's which I am assuming is the lowest dose available.
I guess it boils down to..
Should he have tried something else (long acting med) first?
If the patch doesn't work for me, or side effecyt happen, what next? Am I at the end of my rope after the patch?
What about withdraw on the patch, is it bad if I ever have to stop?
Is this normal for people suffering from Fibro, or my symptoms?
Sorry I have so many questions.. I am just nervous and so is my wife.. Am I just being silly to be acting this way? I know I would like my pain to stop, but is this the way?
If anyone can shed some light and give any info on the patch with your experience, what it is, how strong compared to other long acting meds ect..
it would be very appreciated.
Thanks..
Hottrodd :confused:
Dear Hottrodd,About 5 years ago I was on the patch, started out low and eventually was on 75 mg. which took away my pain, but also made me very tired, so instead of asking a dr about going off the patch, went totally off of them(not liking the tiredness) and within a day, had horrible withdrawls. At first, thought I had the worst flu of my life, but ended up putting a patch on, and the "flu" went away. It upset me so much, cause thought I must be an addict, decieded to go into a rehab, hospital, where I was slowly weaned off the patch. By the end of my 10 day stay, they had me convinced I was an addict and could never take opiates again. Well, I am taking oxycontin and it has been a lifesaver, because I have intracranial hypertension, with a lumbar shunt, which cause vision problems, even blindness and severe headaches ans shoulder and back pain. As I look back, I realize I am not an addict, just want to be out of pain, and never take meds to get high, never did. In fact,the patch was basically the first opiate I had ever been on for any lengh of time. In my opinion, they are a good pain med, but don't think they last the 3 days, only 2. Just be carefull, if you do get them, and want to get off of them, to taper slowly. Good luck and God Bless,Susan
I know it's been some time since my last post, especially for those who remember me from the old boards. Very long story which I will not get into at this time.
Well to give a short update..
Thoracic problems front and back, stiffness, muscle spasms... ect.. (see signature)
I have been going to my PM doctor which I started in October 2003. Before that I was going to my PCP who prescribed
Hydrocodone 5/500 3/4 X Daily
Soma 350mg 3 X Daily
Naproxen 500mg 1/2 X Daily
Trazodone 50mg 2 X @ Bedtime
Since I went to my PM doc he switched the Hydrocodone to Oxy IR 5mg 5/6 X Daily (180 monthly), and kept everything else the same.
He then sent me to see a Rheumatologist because he wanted me checked for Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I also had an MRI which found (Disc Bulges T6-7 / 5 mm Disc Protrusion L5-S1 / Slight Cervical Narrowing/Straightening)
The Rheumatologist did a Fibro check and confirmed, also stating there might be a touch of arthritis in the rib cage area. He will further test but X-rays show nothing of the sort. He also sent lab work to be done to rule out Lupus. He says you don't have the tell tale signs of Lupus but to be on the safe side we will check anyway.
So back to my meds... The Oxy works well for me, only problem it doesn't last long.. I mentioned this at my PM appt. on Monday. I was thinking he is going to try a long acting med equal in strength, in conjunction with the Oxy IR.
We talked about pain levels and then he examines me, saying definately Fibromyalgia. He says I am going to RX the Duragesic Patches. I was like okay, tell me about them, so he explains..
He says he is changing the Oxy IR to 120 monthly from 180 and to use those for breakthrough pain.
I just want to be able to get out of bed and not be so stiff and in pain. Also it would be nice to go about my day without all the aching.
My question is how good are the patches? I have no experience with them or know anyone who has ever used them. I am nervous to start them, I hear they are very strong. He only started me on the 25's which I am assuming is the lowest dose available.
I guess it boils down to..
Should he have tried something else (long acting med) first?
If the patch doesn't work for me, or side effecyt happen, what next? Am I at the end of my rope after the patch?
What about withdraw on the patch, is it bad if I ever have to stop?
Is this normal for people suffering from Fibro, or my symptoms?
Sorry I have so many questions.. I am just nervous and so is my wife.. Am I just being silly to be acting this way? I know I would like my pain to stop, but is this the way?
If anyone can shed some light and give any info on the patch with your experience, what it is, how strong compared to other long acting meds ect..
it would be very appreciated.
Thanks..
Hottrodd :confused:
Dear Hottrodd,About 5 years ago I was on the patch, started out low and eventually was on 75 mg. which took away my pain, but also made me very tired, so instead of asking a dr about going off the patch, went totally off of them(not liking the tiredness) and within a day, had horrible withdrawls. At first, thought I had the worst flu of my life, but ended up putting a patch on, and the "flu" went away. It upset me so much, cause thought I must be an addict, decieded to go into a rehab, hospital, where I was slowly weaned off the patch. By the end of my 10 day stay, they had me convinced I was an addict and could never take opiates again. Well, I am taking oxycontin and it has been a lifesaver, because I have intracranial hypertension, with a lumbar shunt, which cause vision problems, even blindness and severe headaches ans shoulder and back pain. As I look back, I realize I am not an addict, just want to be out of pain, and never take meds to get high, never did. In fact,the patch was basically the first opiate I had ever been on for any lengh of time. In my opinion, they are a good pain med, but don't think they last the 3 days, only 2. Just be carefull, if you do get them, and want to get off of them, to taper slowly. Good luck and God Bless,Susan
Carol888
01-30-2004, 01:08 AM
I used the patches for a month for an array of medical and chronic pain issues. They were supposed to last 3 days. 1st day-no relief, 2nd day-mild relief, 3rd day-no relief. So I stopped using them since they were not effective and went through 3 days of hellish withdrawl. I had been on daily narcotics for 12 years before this without ever having this problem. It scared me to death. I am now on oxycontin 40mg 2x a day and percocet, usually about 4 a day, for breakthrough pain. It works 100% better for me and if I run out I only go through mild discomfort.
suzi47cmt
01-30-2004, 01:22 AM
WOW Hotrodd, LOTS of advice!! So, here is MINE. I too was on the Duragesic patches, I found that they DID last me the 3 days, or close to it. However, you MAY find that 25 mg is not enough. I was eventually on 75, and that covered the pain. Like someone else said on here, just be careful if and when stopping the patches, TAPER, TAPER, TAPER.........that is the ONLY caution I would give you. I also eventually was on Dilaudid, which I found to be VERY effective. I had to be on liquid dilaudid, though, due to a malabsorption problem I have, due to my Crohns disease. I found that the liquid works MUCH more effectively than the pills, and begins to work faster as well. HOWEVER, this too is very potent, and you MUST TAPER off it, if and when you do go off it. BAD withdrawal, similar to the Duragesic.
Good luck to you. Hopefully you have your patches by now, and are getting some relief. By the way, i also took the OXY with the Duragesic for breakthrough, but barely found it necessary.
God bless.
Suzi :)
Good luck to you. Hopefully you have your patches by now, and are getting some relief. By the way, i also took the OXY with the Duragesic for breakthrough, but barely found it necessary.
God bless.
Suzi :)
rsavelli
01-30-2004, 02:53 AM
Has anyone stopped the patches after long term use? I have been on them for about 7 or 8 years now. I am up to 3 of the 100 unit patches every 48 hours. I use Lorcet for B/T when needed. I've been at this dose for about 6 years. About 18 months ago I asked the P/S doc about getting off or cutting back, with the idea of getting some of my life back. I'd be willing to try and put up with more pain, and use more of the B/T meds.His response was that if I could get my body "in the shape of an Olympic athelete" than maybe I could try to taper off. Of course if I could do that, then I wouldn't be taking these meds in the first place. If I'm late with applyling my next patches I start to get "sick." Chills, sweats, shaking, halucinating ect. This has made my life a very unpredictable affair. Sleep has been a hit or miss thing. Mostly miss. The day I put on patches I don't sleep at all that night. The rest of the time I sleep in 15 to 30 minute segments at a time, and I have to take it when I can get it. This means that from day to day, I don't know if I'm going to be able to function or not. Because of the pain involved, I haven't slept in a bed in the past 11 years. Great for a married life, but that doesn't really matter, because, thanks to the meds, sex doesn't mean much anymore. This from a guy that thought that twice a day was not enough. So I hope that any of you that have a choice, make sure you really know what your getting into before you start something like this. When I started, I had been through all the same meds you guys have been talking about, and was told that this was my only option, other than a hospital bed and an IV. It never occured to me about getting off. I've contacted a couple of other doctors about this, and their response was that they never have had to take someone off, because they've only used this stuff for end stage patients. None of this goes into the problems you have getting your insurance or state health dept. to pay the $1750 plus a month that my pharmacy bills for this stuff. Is it worth it?
suzi47cmt
01-31-2004, 04:31 AM
WOW Rsavelli!! :bouncing: What a nightmare for you!!! I WILL say that you are right, I have never been on the Duragesic patches for REALLY long periods of time, and when I DID go off them, it was by a tapering process only. Matter of fact, I had to check in at the ER every 24 hours to make sure things were going okay with the tapers. They gave me anxiolytics and things like antidepressants, etc... I also had to be given sleeping pills. I still only sleep in spurts, on different meds, but I wonder if this sleep disturbance didnt all start back then. The pain meds I am on now, are relatively "light duty" compared to the Dilaudid and Duragesic (this IS Fentanyl, right). I was also told the "end stage" thing too. My doctor did not want to put me on the patches, but since the insurance company made me leave the hospital before he felt I was ready, and he didnt want me to go home and go through withdrawals, he kept me on the patches. :eek:
I wish I could offer you some help. Since you seem to still suffer from chronic pain, I dont see how I can offer the obvious, which is to go into an inpatient rehab and get off the stuff. You CANT go through that, cause you still REQUIRE strong pain meds. :confused: I have heard it takes quite awhile to build a tolerance up on those patches, but you just cannot catagorize everyone in one group. We are all different, and have different levels of tolerance and pain.
God bless you. Take care. :angel:
Suzi :)
I wish I could offer you some help. Since you seem to still suffer from chronic pain, I dont see how I can offer the obvious, which is to go into an inpatient rehab and get off the stuff. You CANT go through that, cause you still REQUIRE strong pain meds. :confused: I have heard it takes quite awhile to build a tolerance up on those patches, but you just cannot catagorize everyone in one group. We are all different, and have different levels of tolerance and pain.
God bless you. Take care. :angel:
Suzi :)
rsavelli
01-31-2004, 05:49 AM
Suzi,
Thanks for the note. To the best of my recollection I started the patches at a dosage of 1-25 unit per 72 hours, but that didn't last long. I think that it was within a year that I was up to 3-100's per 48 hours. :dizzy: I also take antidepressants, but sleep meds have never been any help. Sometimes I can't control my sleep, and have even nodded off in the supermarket. Scary!
I would like to try and cut back some, but can't get my doctor to help. I have an appt. with another doc next week to try again. I get my patches in 100 unit dose, so trying to taper off is not possible. I wanted him to substitute some of the 100's with 25's and 50's, so I could adjust the dosage. It made sense to me. This was the "pain specialist" at Kaiser. It's hard to believe that his main function is listed in the directory as a "Substance Abuse Specialist." My new GP seems to be more knowledgeable than my previous one about these meds, so I'm hoping he'll help me at least try.
Yes,they are Fentanyl.
Rich
Thanks for the note. To the best of my recollection I started the patches at a dosage of 1-25 unit per 72 hours, but that didn't last long. I think that it was within a year that I was up to 3-100's per 48 hours. :dizzy: I also take antidepressants, but sleep meds have never been any help. Sometimes I can't control my sleep, and have even nodded off in the supermarket. Scary!
I would like to try and cut back some, but can't get my doctor to help. I have an appt. with another doc next week to try again. I get my patches in 100 unit dose, so trying to taper off is not possible. I wanted him to substitute some of the 100's with 25's and 50's, so I could adjust the dosage. It made sense to me. This was the "pain specialist" at Kaiser. It's hard to believe that his main function is listed in the directory as a "Substance Abuse Specialist." My new GP seems to be more knowledgeable than my previous one about these meds, so I'm hoping he'll help me at least try.
Yes,they are Fentanyl.
Rich
Cloie
02-03-2004, 02:25 PM
Can anyone tell me difference between oxycodone and oxycontin? I take Aleve and oxycodone 5/325 1/2 to 3/4 a tab (strong enough) once or twice a day for a myriad of moderate to severe pains: severe tendonitis, cervical dislocations, carpal tunnel, FM and arthritis. However, I am concerned about all that tylenol (in the oxycodones) on my liver. Is Oxycontin more addictive? Longer acting? Stronger? Is Roxycodone same as oxycodone but without the tylenol? I'm afraid to ask my doc all these questions for fear he'll think I am just drug-seeking. thanks, Cloie
QOD
02-03-2004, 04:18 PM
Cloie - I don't have the answers to what you ask, but your pharmacist may... and you won't even have to tell them your name. Give them a call, and good luck. :)
Karla
02-03-2004, 05:12 PM
I love the patch. It has given me my life back. I take 50mcg. The 25 didn't do anything for me but the 50 completly solved all my problems. They say the patch is good only for 3 days but I change it every 4 days on occassion when I forget and have no problems with breakthrough pain. I think you will like it.