need info on morphine patches!

[dmg]

A physiastrist I saw today recommended a morphine patch (fentanyl) today to try to alleviate pain in my lower back/groin/leg. I'm scared to death! I had to sign my life away to get the darn things and I'm really afraid to even try them. I have had a myleogram/CT that showed no herniations/stenosis yet I have those kind of symptoms (I had fusion surgery almost 3 years ago and know what it feels like) His diagnosis : "complicated chronic back pain syndrom" due to the disc disease at the levels they fused and also facet joint degenerative changes. He is suggesting facet joint injections to help that situation. It has been 9 months of this crap!

any suggestion?

[slobidon]

Be careful what you get yourself into. I was on the 50mcg for 3 weeks. That is a lot of medicine and getting away from it is a good 3days. A hard three days at that. Best of luck to you.

Mark.

[joha]

Hi Diane:

Sorry you still don't have definitive answers. I know how frustrating it can be, I haven't gotten any yet either. I don't know anything about the facet injections, but I can tell you about the Duragesic Patch (fentanyl).

This medication is an opioid analgesic (narcotic pain-reliever) in an extended-release patch that is applied to the skin. The medication enters your system through the skin, released slowly and regularly over a period of three days. It is specifically designed for use in management of chronic pain, providing a more constant blood level of the active ingredient than immediate-release formulations.

I got that off a website. I am currently on the 50mcg every three days. The patch effects people differently. I have had a lot of success with it relieving the pain (most) and no side effects. I take MSIR (morphine sulfate for breakthrough pain if needed), but am thrilled with the patch. Before taking it I was in bed 75% of the day and in agonizing pain waiting for the clock to tell me I could take another pill. The patch keeps things at an even level. It is a narcotic and one has to be weaned off when ceasing the med. Some get rashes or skin irritations from wearing them. I put them on my chest. Sometimes you may need tape if the are getting wet a lot, but I've heard you can call the manufacturer and they will send some. I cannot drive while using them. They make me somewhat unfocused and I had to sign a contract with the pain dr stating I understood that I could be cited for a DUI if pulled over. There may be others that have more info for you. Hope you find relief...Jo H.

[dmg]

Joha,

thanks for the info........I'm stills scared to try the patch! The RX is for 25mcg. I have to work so I have to drive. The dr. knows I work too........that concerns me and I have to drive 20 miles each way.

I think I will try the injections first.....Also, WHEN, if ever, can you stop using them? It the idea to settle things down? My doc feels I have multiple problems, mechanical and nerve related plus the disc disease/facet joint disease. How hard to get off this stuff and WHEN do you get off it? I could handle temp. but, I don't know about long term.

thanks, anymore thoughts? I feel encouraged from your success but I have not been bedridden, only in daily pain which seems to be getting worse.. Anyone ever tell you that stress might be some of the cause? I'm going through a divorce right now but have felt pretty okay about it and it is amicable.......

diane

[joha]

Oh Diane:

I am so sorry about your divorce. I have been through it myself and it can be extremely stressful, which can bring on more pain. Whenever I get stressed out about something I get spasms in my back besides the normal everyday pain. I am currently on an anti depressant and although it is not for everyone I find it very helpful in keeping my emotions evenly balanced. Pain and stress can be depressing to say the least.

I have not had to deal with the weaning off of the patch, although I'm sure one day I will. I have heard that it takes some time (days), but that a dr can prescribe another med to help ease any withdrawal symptoms. It is probably not best for someone looking for something temporary. I have read about others who do drive while on it, so I cannot give an opinion on if it is safe or not. What do you take now for pain, I believe you said Ultram and/or Neurontin? Some people take oxycontin, but I don't know a whole lot about that drug. There may be some other med that might be better for temp pain? Don't you have an appt soon with the surgeon? Let me know how you're doing...I have yet to find out results of my mylegram. I will be starting aqua therapy soon....Jo H.