onyxgates
05-07-2009, 03:12 PM
My Pain Mgmt Doctor has been a bit of a jerk this entire process. I think you all would agree. It's funny how since I have come off of the Fentanyl faster than he was expecting (I am down to 25 and should be down to 0 by next month). He has changed his tune. All of a sudden I am his dream patient. He is so friendly and nice. More than happy to help me out and is so glad that "our" plan has worked. I wanted to scream at him and say where was this congenial service two months ago? Oh well I just can't wait until I am off of the drugs all together. The good news is that my pain level isn't increasing as I am coming down. I am also not experiencing constant pain. How wonderful is that. I was actually able to stand and talk to a neighbor this past weekend for over an hour. I haven't been able to do that in years. AMAZING!!!! My fusion is a success!!!
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slipperyslope
05-07-2009, 07:34 PM
That is so wonderful to hear. Just be careful and don't over do things so that it flares up again. Did you have a cervical fusion or a lumbar fusion. So once your off the patch are you going to stop all narcotics all together? Does your PM Dr want you off everthing? If so what if you need an occasional narcotic for occasional flare ups, will he help you or can you see a GP Dr for that? I am just wondering what your long term goal is in regards to pain managment. I know you have been around for a long time, I remember you from way back in the day. I hope things continue to get better for you. I know it has not been easy to come off such large doses of fentanyl but you have done an excellent job sticking to your taper and I am proud of you. I just hope your pain does not come back. keep us posted.
SS:wave:
SS:wave:
Executor
05-07-2009, 10:55 PM
It's funny how since I have come off of the Fentanyl faster than he was expecting (I am down to 25 and should be down to 0 by next month). He has changed his tune.
This is great news. Congrats on doing so well. If you don't mind me asking, which stage or decrease in patch was the toughest....From what level to what level?
Keep up the positive thoughts. When you're all done with this, I'd think serious of saying something to your Doc in a professional way...Something along the lines of how insensitive he was to the med plan and that he should be more careful with the next patient in this situation. Because with all due respect, unless someone has actually been on these meds and experienced the effects, one really doesn't 100% understand them, and he could cause great harm to someone with that cavalier attitude he had about the step down process. You may be able to save poor person in the future from a really bad experience.
Take care,
Ex
This is great news. Congrats on doing so well. If you don't mind me asking, which stage or decrease in patch was the toughest....From what level to what level?
Keep up the positive thoughts. When you're all done with this, I'd think serious of saying something to your Doc in a professional way...Something along the lines of how insensitive he was to the med plan and that he should be more careful with the next patient in this situation. Because with all due respect, unless someone has actually been on these meds and experienced the effects, one really doesn't 100% understand them, and he could cause great harm to someone with that cavalier attitude he had about the step down process. You may be able to save poor person in the future from a really bad experience.
Take care,
Ex
brianpain33
05-08-2009, 05:25 PM
I have a question for you as well. Do you think that you could have been suffering from opiod hyperalgesia (meaning increased pain from opiod/opiates)? Has you pain gone down while decreasing the patch? I was just curious because there are very few people that this happens to and I would like to know if you are one of those people?
You give me hope in case my pain is ever treated successfully that I can come off the patches. I know that it is not easy and you do go through mild withdrawal even cutting it by 12mcg at a time but that is very good that you have been able to do it. Sometimes the hardest part is that last little bit going from 12mcg to nothing. Hopefully it will be alright for you.
brian
You give me hope in case my pain is ever treated successfully that I can come off the patches. I know that it is not easy and you do go through mild withdrawal even cutting it by 12mcg at a time but that is very good that you have been able to do it. Sometimes the hardest part is that last little bit going from 12mcg to nothing. Hopefully it will be alright for you.
brian
kim46
05-09-2009, 11:30 PM
I'm glad that your fusion worked - it is great to read success stories :)
Good luck to you.
Tara
Good luck to you.
Tara
onyxgates
05-11-2009, 04:47 PM
So far no step down has been any worse than the next. They all result in about four days of complete crap and then a couple of days of blah feeling. Then I am fine. Within a week I am good to go which makes me feel so happy. As for the pain, I do get ocassional bad days which results in me having to lie o a heating pad. All in all, I am doing great and the lumbar fusion has been the answer to my prayers. Thanks to you all for your kind thoughts and congrats. You have all been deer friends during the past four years. Thanks!!!
I'll continue to post as I lower down and will let you know if I run into any hiccups.
I'll continue to post as I lower down and will let you know if I run into any hiccups.
Executor
05-12-2009, 01:26 AM
I'll continue to post as I lower down and will let you know if I run into any hiccups.
Yes, please do....I hope you continue to do well.
Another quick question for you....With each step down, is there an adjustment period with your sleep cycle?
Take care,
Ex
Yes, please do....I hope you continue to do well.
Another quick question for you....With each step down, is there an adjustment period with your sleep cycle?
Take care,
Ex