Fentanyl. Yes or No?

[tulsa1966]

Is Fentanyl an opiate. My pain and swelling is so bad today, the doctor wants me on this patch.

[tulsa1966]

I had to go back and take 2 pills per day after my huge meltdown last week. I couldn't take the torture of constant pain. My left hip is where i getting the shot. That will at least allow me to walk. I just hope it works. I can take the rest of the joint pain i have a lot of walking at work and I was going crazy with having to move, I know there is no excuse for taking them but there is a reason i was put on them in the first place. My hip is almost bone on bone. I tried so hard to go without. It just didn't work out. So with the shot I should be able to start over. And I am no longer abusing vicodin. I went from 30 per day down to two.

[Addicted2long]

Tulsa, are you getting baxk on the pain meds after all that work and suffering getting off them? I would agree stay away from the patches of death those are not fun to come.off of I've done it a few times. Very intense physical wd. Good idea to get the cord shot I get them in my ankle every year yes the needle is huge but it helps a ton.  Hope it works for u try many other things before u get back on opaitea.

[dominosarah]

You made a good decision~~

[tulsa1966]

Believe me, I know this crap is scary. I am not some dainty little female 5 feet tall 99 pounds. I am a big girl, 5'10" 196 pounds and this stuff dropped me once before. Then I didn't have this forum or really even knew what and why. Now that i came here and figured out to research the stuff i take, I feel like i can make an informed decision. I had a lot of help here. The stuff the docs don't and won't tell ya. So, yep i am very proud of me and all of you.

[lulu747]

Tulsa..
A very wise decision indeed.  I was on fentanyl patches at high doses post surgery in 2010...It was awful coming down off of it and it made me weepy and nauseated the whole time.  It took me 8 months to taper and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

It is always smart to try the non-narcotic options first...Addict or not.  It sometimes takes a lot of work to find the pain management plan that will work for you and enable the best quality of life...But you've been down the opiate road and know it is NO quality of life for you.

I'm proud of you.  Be proud of yourself.  Sending lots of support and best wishes for some relief....

Lu

[bmdad]

I think you made a wise decision. From what I've heard Fentanyl is very addictive and the withdrawals are brutal. There will be times when an addict is going to needs pain medications and sometimes strong pain medications such as Fentanyl but we really have to try and seek alternative means to control our pain first. There are many different things to try. The medical field is constantly looking for non narcotic ways. Hopefully you'll be able to find something that works. Have you tried any prescription strength non narcotic pain medications? There are quite a few out there.

I'm not really sure where you are getting your cortisone shot (maybe the knee?) but I have had them in my lower spine. Believe it or not, it's not that bad. They use a very small need first and numb as the go in. The worst part is the first poke but it's no different than getting any other shot such as a flu shot. Once it's numb all you feel is pressure and not pain. The long needle that they use for the procedure is long but it is super skinny. It's so skinny it flops around.

I've had them quite a few times. I admit, the first time I was a bit nervous, but after that I wasn't nervous and it doesn't bother me at all to go. I'm sure it will be the same for you.

If the first one doesn't work don't get discouraged and give up on them. Sometimes the first procedure won't seem to help but the second one will. Most of the time the first one will do the trick though.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.

Best of luck to you.




Brian

[tulsa1966]

Yea, I read so much bad crap and had a bad incident with it last October after about the first six hours of wearing it. My doc told me that i didn't give it enough time to work right. I told him i thought he was trying to kill me. I still can't believe i passed out. I didn't research the first time. Now i have this forum and the knowledge to do the research and know the patch is not for me. I threw them out after my last post. They came five in a box and i had three boxes. Cut them up and flushed them. I have to wait a few days for the shot but at least I will stay awake. Thanks for the well wishes.  

[almostfree]

my girlfriend is on the patch and she changes every 3 days by the 3rd day she is having withdraws , chills, tired, etc ..i would'nt touch that thing ! go for the shot , good luck to you !

[tulsa1966]

Okay folks, did my research and have decided not to use the fen patch. Instead will opt for a cortesone shot. Not really looking forward to such a long needle plunging deep into my flesh but the end will justify the means. I figure it i can take a needle in the eye, i can take one in the bursa. Next week, if any of you hear a gutteral scream and not know where it came from, it was me. Thank you all for steering me in the right direction.

[dominosarah]

I would talk with your doctor and tell him your concerns about being put on this narcotic.  It is very strong and very addictive.

[Stacy_Lynn]

If ur an addict then please don't do it!!!! look for other options or a new doctor!

[tulsa1966]

the dose is 12.5mcg/hr patch and he tried to put me back on morphine. Not havin it. The first time on the patch I passed out at a Journey concert. Swore I would never do it again. But I don't know what else to do.

[bama88]

Yes its a strong synthetic opaite  What milligrams.do.they want.to try and why? Read up about it...post a question on rhetorically pain management  forum...they've got alot of.info over there...its hard to withdrawl. But if your pain is causing you the negative thoughts of.what you've been going thru..get your pain undercontrol if needed medically...and seek rhetorically help.of a psychologist...or therapist...work.closely with your medical team..glad your asking questions.

Did your doctor present any other medicine options?