Fentanyl patch

[Guest guest]

Someone asked a question about Fentanyl for pain awhile ago -- and I meant to

respond. So better late than never!

I was on Vicodin for a long time -- and during the past year or so went through

a major flare after surgery that took my pain to new heights. My CRP rate was

over 60 (high is 10) and I was retaining water like crazy from the horrible

inflammation. I even had to be hospitalized and put on morphine for a short

time.

It was at that time that my doctors conferred and decided to put me on a

Fentanyl patch. Here's why.

As my doctor said, when someone is on Vicodin for a long time, they become

accustomed to the dosage -- and then they start self-medicating by adding more

pills when they hurt more. Not that I was doing that. But they did worry that

my pain spikes due to the flare might lead to that. Since I was on morphine in

the hospital, they decided to switch me to a Fentanyl patch at that time to see

if they could manage my pain better.

The Fentanyl patch provides a steady dosage of pain medication for three days --

then you change the patch. As a result, the doctors were able to stabilize my

pain meds. They started with the lowest dose and adjusted up one level over the

next six months.

I've been on one consistent dose for more than a year -- and it's been amazing.

I can function even when I'm in severe pain -- and I don't have to worry about

becoming a crazy drug addict continually asking my doctor for more Vicodin

because the pain meds steadily manage my pain (although I can start to feel it

wearing off on that third day if I'm late changing the patch).

By the way, I did have some stomach issues (ulcers, etc.) from long-term

naproxen and then Vicodin use. Since the patch absorbs into my system, that's

made a difference for me as well.

That said -- they don't give Fentanyl to just anyone. You have to be in serious

pain and have been on morphine for a short period or on a high narcotic dose

(i.e. taking quite a bit of Vicodin per day).

But I have to say that I've had fewer side effects and better overall pain

management with the patches than with the Vicodin.

Another thing to consider -- I can't just stop the patches. I would have to

wean off them over a couple of months. When my flare finally eases a bit (I'm

finally back on Humira/MTX/folic acid - and taking Lasik/Potassium for water

retention from inflammation), we'll eventually cut down my dosage and then ease

back to assess the pain level.

It's not a solution for everyone. But if you're in severe PA pain and high

doses of Vicodin or another narcotic aren't doing it for you, you might want to

check with your doctor or pain management specialist. I had five doctors

consulting on this one -- and by thinking out of the box on my PA issues, they

have made some significant differences.

At least I can function again! Yea!

" " <patroche@...>