Forced Fentanyl Withdrawal...

[safara21]

Hi. I have a bit of a problem and I am seeking any and all advice I can get.  I have spina bifida and many other disabilities, and I am beyond scared right now because I have lost insurance and I am down to my last fentanyl patches.  While I was on medical leave from my job, they did not pay my premiums and I ended up losing my Kaiser insurance.  After my medical leave ended, I was laid off.  Because the premium was not paid, I cannot apply for COBRA or HIPP either.  Kaiser had me on their MFA plan, but it only lasts for a month.  I also tried to get an individual plan, and they denied me because I have a pre-existing condition.  So, I tried to get on California's emergency medi-cal today (because my disability is severe and I have chronic pain and just got out of the hospital) and they told me that I am not disabled until I am seen by the county doctor (which would take a YEAR to see him).  So, I am totally out of options and am being made to suffer until I can get some help from somewhere. I guess my question is how can I ease the withdrawals that I will face?  Is there any hope for me to get help?  Kaiser was trying to charge me 800 dollars for the 100mcg patches and 400 for the 50's.  Again please help me.  Thank you.

[jodijaye]

Ive been taking 25mgs of fentanyl a day for 2months and find im very addicted,I get ill in the morning if I dont take it right away.I refuse to be addicted and decided to taper of them little by little but I need a home remedy to help the physical withdrawls,sweats hot and cold shivers,vomiting...Is there anything I can do to feel better?Im thinking I can be clean in 3days?If anyone can tell me how to feel better please and thank you.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Safara,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your predicament.

Are you sure that you can get obtain COBRA? Your former company cannot stop paying your insurance without notifying you. And the insurance company cannot discontinue your coverage without a COBRA notification to you. It's the law. If they did not follow proper procedures there may be a remedy to your situation. Talk to the insurance commissioner's office in your state. If you received a notice and disregarded it than they do have the right to deny your coverage.

Make the appointment with the county doctor even if it is a year wait. They may allow you some special consideration. Don't close that door until you have pushed through it.

Are you  not eligible for SSDI? I know this can be a long process but begin the wheels now. Some ppl are approved in four or five months. Obviously that will not help you immediately but plan for the future.

Regarding withdrawal it will be difficult to say the least. Do NOT cut the patches in an attempt to prolong there use unless you are directed to do so by your physician. There are medications that will ease some of your symptoms. See your PCP and request something. Even going with a lesser narcotic will help not only with the pain but with the withdrawal symptoms. A benzo may also help but I am far from an expert in this area.

You may want to post on the Substance Abuse Forum to get their input. I am not suggesting that you have a SA issues by any stretch of the imagination.  It's just that they are much more informed in withdrawal issues and how to deal with them. They have been there and can support you though this time. Please also stay with us as we will try to support you with your search for pain management.

I have had the patches in the past, 25mg. They were far from 400 but I do not live in CA. If you have a prescription do some price shopping. Will your PMP help you with this the withdrawal you may be facing? Is he not willing to help you in some form? Don't give up. You may not be able to maintain the current medication regimen for right now but there are other options. Talk to your physician.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Hang in there.

Take Care,
Tuck