Update on my sister Stacey, and questions about pain medication

[Guest guest]

Just to let you all know, my sister still suffers from pancreatitis,

but has been able to return to work part time. She has a blood

clotting disorder...and even the Mayo Clinic blew her off and was not

able to do much to figure out what was going on. However, her new

primary care doctor believes that my sister has an autoimmune

disorder that is causing her pancreatitis. I will keep you updated on

anything new.

Also, I figured I could post here and ask your advice because I am in

a bit of an odd situation. I moved to stay with a friend of mine who

has serious health problems in Co. She is on 200 MCG of Fentanyl

Duragesic Patches and takes actiq as well for breakthrough pain. She

is in the care of her mother who is verbally abusive to her, and it

has been pretty rough cuz she depends on her for insurance coverage

and payment. My friend is also on several other medications which

have a drowsiness side effect. She pushes and pushes and sometimes

will not go to sleep. Some of this is because her mother expects too

much of her, and my friend is very sensitive if someone blames this

on her pain medication. However, my friend falls asleep cooking,

sitting down in the bathroom, smoking, etc. I really am uncomfortable

with this, and I have tried talking to her about it. My friend blames

this mostly on a lack of sleep and her phenergan for nausea. But, do

any of you have the problem of falling asleep standing up from pain

meds no matter what. I am pro-pain therapy so please do not think I

am being judgemental. I too suffer from chronic pain and am in the

process of trying to get help. But, I am at such a loss here. I think

my friend is afraid of telling her dr about this because they will

take her pain meds away.

Thanks all...

God bless and Happy New Year