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I need help with tapering off fentanyl
At what intervals do you go before stepping down? Ie, I'm on a 100 mcg every 48 hrs I can easily go 72 hrs do I do this for a week or two before I jump down to 75 mcg go 72 hrs for a week or two? That's my main question I read many people say they've tapered down but what is the time frame for each dose 1 week, 1.5-2weeks no one seems to mention that. I've asked doctors to help me cut down they say no you don't need to but every month it's refill time and now they want to put me in an inpatient rehab with reviews you wouldn't wish on hitler. Texas is insane, doctors no longer care about first do no harm or just being human they've become lackluster, they've become too detached and want a specialist to do everything. Get a refund for the MD cause you do not want to be in a help people field.
SICKENING! I have a torn labrum medius and minimus rt hip +3 yrs, I need full replacement of left hip +13 yrs, had l5/s1 partial discectomy/laminectomy in 2005 failed recent discography shows same level bone to bone nucleus ruptured from front to rear + epidural leak, had c5/6 fusion autography in 2001 now I have problems with instability at c/1 c/2 plus ?? C2 down ruptured discs posterior and anterior down to c7/c8?- t1, stenosis spinal canal narrowed to 7 mm a year ago, typical or more pronounced lordotic curve plus more. I'm in a great deal of pain and bed ridden & regardless what I do or don't take. But I can't take the way most especially Texas or military texas doctors are every month I call in for refills every month this huge battle, I'm always telling any decent dr I want off the meds they say no they TDY now these jockeys want me to go for inpatient rehab! I don't want the meds if the saw the stock pile I have for not taking them they'd know. I have to come off this wak stuff
SICKENING! I have a torn labrum medius and minimus rt hip +3 yrs, I need full replacement of left hip +13 yrs, had l5/s1 partial discectomy/laminectomy in 2005 failed recent discography shows same level bone to bone nucleus ruptured from front to rear + epidural leak, had c5/6 fusion autography in 2001 now I have problems with instability at c/1 c/2 plus ?? C2 down ruptured discs posterior and anterior down to c7/c8?- t1, stenosis spinal canal narrowed to 7 mm a year ago, typical or more pronounced lordotic curve plus more. I'm in a great deal of pain and bed ridden & regardless what I do or don't take. But I can't take the way most especially Texas or military texas doctors are every month I call in for refills every month this huge battle, I'm always telling any decent dr I want off the meds they say no they TDY now these jockeys want me to go for inpatient rehab! I don't want the meds if the saw the stock pile I have for not taking them they'd know. I have to come off this wak stuff
My best guess is you can't sue. Working in the court system for years makes me think they always have stipulations where you can't sue the government. But there's probably always exceptions. You could start by googling it. But even if that's possible, you need to deal with your health issues now. It's terrible you're in this situation.
I'd like to find out if I can sue or something so yes I'm looking into avenues.
What you've heard about jobs in marines I can't say definitively but I can say that sounds like every branch of the service! One thing we can do is stand together and let our government that it is not acceptable for our airmen/coreman and women to be eligible for welfare have children literally starving to death and to be neglected medically. Unfortunately, most men and women in our country believe what they hear on TV which is in truth political propaganda. They think we've become spoiled not that we live below poverty level. We can try to make a noise so loud that everyone hears it and we get the United States back to the people and pride in our military again.
What you've heard about jobs in marines I can't say definitively but I can say that sounds like every branch of the service! One thing we can do is stand together and let our government that it is not acceptable for our airmen/coreman and women to be eligible for welfare have children literally starving to death and to be neglected medically. Unfortunately, most men and women in our country believe what they hear on TV which is in truth political propaganda. They think we've become spoiled not that we live below poverty level. We can try to make a noise so loud that everyone hears it and we get the United States back to the people and pride in our military again.
my doctor wants to raise my dose of the patch, but i do not want to go any higher. i am on percocet 10 mg every 6 hrs for break through pain, but it is just not working. i take so much naproxen and motrin and aspirin when i drink my first cup of coffee in the morning it feels like glass.
after 2 months on this patch i lost ALL energy and i did not have a lot to spare. when i have to be up doing stuff, i am rolling on the floor in so much pain. i have a high pain tolerance so it is BAD to make me cry and roll around. i go in on wed and may ask her to switch me to another long acting med because i do not want to have to take an anti depressant and provigil to counteract the effects of this patch.
the patch gave good pain relief in the beginning, but after 5 or 6 months it is not working much at all.
i am really afraid of withdrawal from this patch and am about ready to just get off all the meds because either way, i am in bed
after 2 months on this patch i lost ALL energy and i did not have a lot to spare. when i have to be up doing stuff, i am rolling on the floor in so much pain. i have a high pain tolerance so it is BAD to make me cry and roll around. i go in on wed and may ask her to switch me to another long acting med because i do not want to have to take an anti depressant and provigil to counteract the effects of this patch.
the patch gave good pain relief in the beginning, but after 5 or 6 months it is not working much at all.
i am really afraid of withdrawal from this patch and am about ready to just get off all the meds because either way, i am in bed
My son is hoping for electrician. Though oter Marine moms have told me nothin is written in stone and the Marines make decisions and can change leave or cancel it at the drop of a hat with no reason. I am concerned because of all the news about how our veterans and men and women in the service are not getting the health care they deserve.
With your health issues, you really can't comeoff this alone. I have no idea where you can turn since I havee no idea how things work in the military, other than the fact that they make their own rules. The only thing I can think of is maybe bringing it to the attention of a local senator or congressman.
You'll get great support and suggestions here as to things that will help with any with any withdrawal symptoms. I will be praying for you to get through this as easily as possible and that you get the health care you're entitled to.
With your health issues, you really can't comeoff this alone. I have no idea where you can turn since I havee no idea how things work in the military, other than the fact that they make their own rules. The only thing I can think of is maybe bringing it to the attention of a local senator or congressman.
You'll get great support and suggestions here as to things that will help with any with any withdrawal symptoms. I will be praying for you to get through this as easily as possible and that you get the health care you're entitled to.
I was on the fentanyl transdermal patches for about 15 years. The dose was 100 mcg/hr patch every 72 hrs. I've reduced it by 12 mcg/hr for the last two months & had good results, given all the horror stories you hear that have you scared-to-death! Yes some discomfort especially uncontrolled diareaha but manageable. I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) with accompanying neuropathic pain. The neurontin I take works wonders on this painful disorder. I don't know how I ever got put on opiates both fentanyl & vicoden. I've had angry outburst that I blamed on the RSDS pain but now think it was the opiates side-effects. I was placed on risperidone to address these angry outbursts but there's the side-effect of Parkinson's Syndrome from taking this medication. That's my next priority to get off of the risperidone! Hang in there, you can do it!
Thank you, your family and your son for your service to this country, it's an eye opening experience! Thank you we have 15 years in and they are taking any benefits we had away day by day. We'll be in our late 40's-50 when we finally get to buy a home. Don't know where either. You are all a tribute to this country and what it once stood for and we pray it will again one day. We will pray for your son. Do you know what his job is yet?
The patches that don't have gel are Milan brand those are what I'm on. Also, I have to put them on my thigh another reason the dose is to some high because I don't get the full amount. I'm a bit concerned about what the withdrawal affects could be I've been seriously ill for 14 -15 mos over my gallbladder and maybe liver. I have non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Got that news just before ER removal of the GB. I'm just 3/4 was out my potassium is very low, my electrolytes are way off my heart is working too hard over it plus I had severe white coat syndrome now I never want to see a dr hospital or have surgery ever again! Such a horrible experience.
Thank you so very much! I had all but given up hope on the world. My world consists of either military doctors or the ones that take the lowest worst insurance. You guys and your support it's beautiful I hope everyone reads or sees this. Unfortunately they absolutely won't even see me that's how crazy it is or even refill other meds like thyroid. With all the budget cuts and downsizing most bases only have clinics now (they close down hospitals) which is equal to a license to kill.
My husband is in the medical group but he doesn't even know what command to follow to complain they become very untouchable. Even patient case managers work for the doctors not the patients same with the patient advocates. It's really crazy because the military spends tons of money either paying for soldiers to go to med school or their bills after and they serve a certain # of years yet they want to pay off base providers ridiculous amounts of money (over time for hundreds of thousands of patients) to be seen off base, then they hire civilians and pay them literally 5-6 times what a person in a uniform makes. Just to give you all an idea how crazy things are in the military. They won't see me, I've been asking to get off. The one real dr their is my dr and she is gone on a temporary duty assignment if it were her she'd say what she's been saying lets see about the surgeries to fix you then try but not until then. I have 10 volumes of medical records in 2009 the mil was ordered to put records on computer ( packs system) but they only go back to 2006 which means 5 volumes of my records are either collecting dust on a shelf or shredded. If it weren't for you guys I don't know what I would do.
Sorry for rambling! I deeply appreciate all the help, advise, support and humanity. You are right I know it can be deadly to do but do I die trying or die cause they won't help?
My husband is in the medical group but he doesn't even know what command to follow to complain they become very untouchable. Even patient case managers work for the doctors not the patients same with the patient advocates. It's really crazy because the military spends tons of money either paying for soldiers to go to med school or their bills after and they serve a certain # of years yet they want to pay off base providers ridiculous amounts of money (over time for hundreds of thousands of patients) to be seen off base, then they hire civilians and pay them literally 5-6 times what a person in a uniform makes. Just to give you all an idea how crazy things are in the military. They won't see me, I've been asking to get off. The one real dr their is my dr and she is gone on a temporary duty assignment if it were her she'd say what she's been saying lets see about the surgeries to fix you then try but not until then. I have 10 volumes of medical records in 2009 the mil was ordered to put records on computer ( packs system) but they only go back to 2006 which means 5 volumes of my records are either collecting dust on a shelf or shredded. If it weren't for you guys I don't know what I would do.
Sorry for rambling! I deeply appreciate all the help, advise, support and humanity. You are right I know it can be deadly to do but do I die trying or die cause they won't help?
Oh sorry me again if they won't raise your dose maybe they can give you something for break thru pain. Have you tried many other meds?
Thanks btw for the advice I'm just a spouse of active duty so I really don't count. But it's food for thought. We are actually looking for a retired military but working lawyer because it is illegal and breaks the oath of first do no harm. I think on this and other issues we have a good malpractice, negligence suit. If nothing else my hubby wants their medical licenses.
Thanks btw for the advice I'm just a spouse of active duty so I really don't count. But it's food for thought. We are actually looking for a retired military but working lawyer because it is illegal and breaks the oath of first do no harm. I think on this and other issues we have a good malpractice, negligence suit. If nothing else my hubby wants their medical licenses.
I'm sorry to hear your in that state. From some forums it seems as though many people can get anything anytime, I don't know what that's about. I can't say I've lost interest or functional drive because the fentanyl but I have over the pain it's paralyzing on top of not being able to function while awake I'm unable to sleep can't lay on my back or either side not my stomach because my past surgery keeps me from full rage of motion. Ugh! If you or anyone has advice on a legitimate not hype bed please let me know.
Thank you so much, I am praying too. I'm actually terrified that I'll find it help the pain more that I realize but as I mention the military doctors here in Texas very literally do not care if patients live or die just so long as they don't have to read your records or do any actual work. I'm happy there are still good people in the world like you who care about the suffering of others, too bad you don't have MD behind your name. God bless if that's PC.
I vame off Fentanyl by tapering and it wasn't easy. I tapered too fast. I was at 75 mcg every 48 hours plus 45-60mg oxycodone every 4 hours. I never took as much as prescribed. My pain cliic at the time did not want me to come off anything. I tapered too fast and it was miserable. The patches should not be cut as you risk overdose. This applies to the gel-filled patches. I can't remember the brand but there is one that is not gel filled and lays flat, like a nicotine patch. I had that one and I cut it off sliber by sliver every few weeks until I was down to nothing. Then I tapered very slowly with the oxycodone. I'm sorry you have to go through this. And thank you for your service. My son is leaving for Marine boot camp in September.
Heck you've had a journey hey? We can't give taper advice but I can share my personal story and hope that helps. I was on 75 mcg of fentanyl every 48 hrs plus hydromorphone every 4-6 hours for breakthrough pain. After my last surgery I tapered by going to 75mcg every 72 hours. I slowly went down to 50 mcg (I think over a 3 month period) and then I switched to an oral opiate to taper until I just couldn't take it anymore and went c/t when I got to 100 mg of oxy a day, plus about 30 mg of hydro.
I felt way better when I got off the fentanyl, it made me weepy, nauseous, depressed and hopeless. The tapering off the oral was hard because I was anxious to be free which is why I finally jumped. Go back to your doctor again and tell them the fentanyl is making you feel awful and depressed. Even if this isn't the truth (it worked for me they wanted to keep me on it) Say you want to switch to oral and get off.
Whatever you do, do not attempt this alone. Fentanyl is a VERY dangerous drug to discontinue or drop abruptly.
If you have other questions feel free to pm me.
Sending support...
Lu
I felt way better when I got off the fentanyl, it made me weepy, nauseous, depressed and hopeless. The tapering off the oral was hard because I was anxious to be free which is why I finally jumped. Go back to your doctor again and tell them the fentanyl is making you feel awful and depressed. Even if this isn't the truth (it worked for me they wanted to keep me on it) Say you want to switch to oral and get off.
Whatever you do, do not attempt this alone. Fentanyl is a VERY dangerous drug to discontinue or drop abruptly.
If you have other questions feel free to pm me.
Sending support...
Lu
I guess it is a no no to give advice on how to taper. I think that leaves you between a rock and a hard place if your Dr refuses to help you. sad.
If you are military try contacting your senator and maybe they will be of some assistance with all the media about how the VA treats our vets.
I am also on the fentanyl patch, but refuse to go above 50 mcg. every time I ask my dr to change it she ignores me and just writes the script out as usual.
My energy and ability to function is GONE. That just came on after about a month or 2 of taking the patch.
If you are military try contacting your senator and maybe they will be of some assistance with all the media about how the VA treats our vets.
I am also on the fentanyl patch, but refuse to go above 50 mcg. every time I ask my dr to change it she ignores me and just writes the script out as usual.
My energy and ability to function is GONE. That just came on after about a month or 2 of taking the patch.
Sadly they can and they are willing to have me do just that! Military doctors most of them just DO NOT CARE AT ALL, they can't be sued so they do what they want.
I can't tell you how much I sincerely appreciate your help and any ones help on this. We are in Texas military so the doctors absolutely will not prescribe anything! Fortunately I have through I guess changes in duration and doses etc have definitely enough 100s to get down did you mean step down 2 wks or a month for each level? I guess I'm slow because I wasn't sure if you meant do 100 for a month or or 2 wks then go down to 75. I am sorry I really need absolute clarity. I have no idea about suboxone is but I don't want one for the other. :-) I'm sorry about the hubby and hope he is through it. The rehab that the military covers has the scariest reviews I've ever read and I honestly would not wish a place like that on anyone -rape, no meds at all, 6x6 room with bucket and mat, nurses who tell you if you make a mess vomiting or whatever else comes out you clean it up, black eyes messed up hands elbow knees, bruising throughout the entire body from beatings, theft. Over 100 reviews all the same. Also, it's a psych etc facility an all in one unit.
I just had 2 back to back surgeries one to remove my gallbladder another the following day to find missing gallstones and cut them out.
I just have never wanted any of these meds and when you literally can't walk and the say oh let's try this and you've given up hope of being fixed you'll do almost anything. I feel like a drug addict but I've talked to therapists etc they all say I'm not addict I don't know what constitutes addiction but another reason I have enough med to do this is cause I forget to change a lot that's how I knew I could change duration and they did bump me up about a few months ago to 125 mcg but I did not take it until in hospital they made sure I was taking it so I knew I could immediately jump down.o
I can't tell you how much I sincerely appreciate your help and any ones help on this. We are in Texas military so the doctors absolutely will not prescribe anything! Fortunately I have through I guess changes in duration and doses etc have definitely enough 100s to get down did you mean step down 2 wks or a month for each level? I guess I'm slow because I wasn't sure if you meant do 100 for a month or or 2 wks then go down to 75. I am sorry I really need absolute clarity. I have no idea about suboxone is but I don't want one for the other. :-) I'm sorry about the hubby and hope he is through it. The rehab that the military covers has the scariest reviews I've ever read and I honestly would not wish a place like that on anyone -rape, no meds at all, 6x6 room with bucket and mat, nurses who tell you if you make a mess vomiting or whatever else comes out you clean it up, black eyes messed up hands elbow knees, bruising throughout the entire body from beatings, theft. Over 100 reviews all the same. Also, it's a psych etc facility an all in one unit.
I just had 2 back to back surgeries one to remove my gallbladder another the following day to find missing gallstones and cut them out.
I just have never wanted any of these meds and when you literally can't walk and the say oh let's try this and you've given up hope of being fixed you'll do almost anything. I feel like a drug addict but I've talked to therapists etc they all say I'm not addict I don't know what constitutes addiction but another reason I have enough med to do this is cause I forget to change a lot that's how I knew I could change duration and they did bump me up about a few months ago to 125 mcg but I did not take it until in hospital they made sure I was taking it so I knew I could immediately jump down.o
I dont have alot of info on Fentanyl i do know its one of the strongest opiates out there. I just wanted to comend you for wanting to get off the "wak" stuff as you put it!!! I can say you have a road ahead of you.. alot of tough choices because with injuries like you have its possible u may need something for pain .. I just pray you are able to get through this as comfortably as possible. you can do it! much love
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