Hello Yidori,
Always good to hear from you. I don't know which "old post" you are referring to but you can always search our archives. In the Welcome Message I listed a link to an Article on Addiction VS Dependency. I think it is one of the best I have read. I went to the Welcome Message and copied the link for you. Here it is:
Addiction VS Dependency:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/138942/Addiction-VS-Dependency?personal_page_id=14686
You will also find other informative links in the Welcome Message, such as a letter to People without Chronic Pain. One of the most difficult challenges we CP sufferers face is the unwarranted, uneducated, harsh judgement of our family and friends. Addicts indeed!!!
The suicide rate is high in CP patients, especially those that are frustrated and feel defeated because they are unable to live up to the expectations that their loved ones put upon them.... or they are forced to live with unmanaged, irretractable pain. How very sad and so very cruel. I am glad to hear that you are looking at his CP, with more insight.
There are "patches" that go over the Fentanyl Patch that keep in both dry and in place., You didn't mention the one that you used. The one that I have never heard of anyone having trouble with is a product made by 3M called Nexcare Tegaderm transparent dressing. His skin needs to be clean, free of the oil our body produces, hairless and dry. Never use alcohol or similar products to clean the skin. Don't be overly concerned with a placing the Patch on a "fatty part" of the body. It's more important is sticks!
I placed them on my very upper back, shoulder area... the area you can just reach over your shoulder and on your back.... and then had my husband place the Tegaderm over it. I even had trouble getting it off as it stuck so well. The "mid-section) tends to perspire more then other areas of the body plus generally secrets more oil. Unfortunately I am allergic to the adhesive in the Patch itself. I've been told they work best in the upper torso but not near the breast/cardiac area.
Talk to your pharmacist. There are other tapes that can be used... you just don't want something that will greatly heat the area. You can tape all around the patch on the adhesive area. Literature (and my physician) state that your body temp has to exceed at least 102 °F (38.9 °C) in order for there to be dangerous amounts of the drug released. You may shower or bathe with this product in place as long as it is not a prolonged hot bath and the it continues to adhere.
Some manufactures will even provide a Tegaderm like covering if you contact them. They want to keep your business.
There are also a number of medications including, ATBs, herbs and other supplements that should be avoided while you are on the Patch. But I am sure you are aware of that fact.
I am so glad to hear that you are supporting him and understanding his need for pain management. If his pain does not allow him to cut back on his meds, especially when he returns to work I am sure you'll understand that he is dealing with more stress and an increased level of activity thus causes in CP to increase. I don't know what I'd do without the support of my spouse. If my soul mate doesn't understand, how can I expect anyone else to "get it"?
I wish your husband well as he return to employment. Please let us know how he does.
My Best to You Both,
~Tuck