Patches

[fpainestam]

Hi again, everybody.  Many thanks for your thoughts, especially about the patches, which might solve one of my problems with the existing regimen--that they don't seem to last for the the full 12 hours between doses.  I will definitely bring that up with my PM Dr. when I see him next week.  Are there some patches that are more effective than others?

I am also interested in the results of the nerve ablation (sp?), and wish you the best...fpainestam

[sandee1818]

Glad to have you back with us:)

[fpainestam]

You haven`t heard from me because I was traveling on business.  Back now, and appreciate all the advice and insight.

How did the nerve ablation (sp?) go?  fpainestam

[sandee1818]

Molyrae, Thanks for the update. I must have missed that in preious post.
As you know everyone reacts to different medications in different ways. What works for me may or may not work for someone else.
I take a long acting medication with a medication also for break thru pain. This pretty much the standerd combination in pain management today. Most doctors will not prescibe hydrocodone for chronic pain because it is tough on your liver.
I think what ever works for each individual isa kind of treasure hunt for the right drug and dosage.
There are many other options that go along with the medications and they are essential for getting the maxium pain management.
Medication is only one small step in managing pain and one has to check out all the options to find what works for them. The one thing besides medication that I believe is important in managing pain is seeing a pain phycoligist. They help you and your loved ones in many ways and it is important to understand that pain effects us mentally as well as physically.

(Excuse any mistakes)

[Mollyrae]

Sandee:  fpainestam has not yet tried the patches. I was giving fpainestam advise on the patch for an alternative to what the current regiment is. You might tell them about your regiment and how it works for you. It sounds like a long acting med might work better than the current one.
Thank's, Molly

[sandee1818]

If your having alot of problems with managing your pain with the patches you may want to talk to your doctor about other options that are available to you. Have you tried the long acting or extended release medications by pill form?
We all have different reactions to medications and I hate to think your in pain because your not getting the proper medication to control it. You can ask your doctor if you can try a different medication, he/she may be willing to give you a sample of some other medications to see if they work better for you.
Good luck and let us know how your doing:)

( please disreguard any spelling mistakes, working from my mobile phone)

[Mollyrae]

Hello fpainestam:

I am wondering how you are doing? It has been a coulpe of days since you have posted. Let us know how you are.
Thank's,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hello Again,

It is great to have so many members with good information on the patch. I am glad they were able to help you. There are several manufacturer of the Fentanyl Transdermal Pain Patch. They are made a bit different from one manufacturer to another.

Do your research and find the one that you  will be the most comfortable taking. There have been some recalls and concerns with some of them.. There have been issues with leaked causing overdoses and some have been fatal. I would discuss this with my physician and/or pharmacist to determine which one will be right for you. Sun exposure, perspiring, or very warm temperatures should be avoided. Heating pads to the ares that the patch is placed on also presents a danger that to much of the medication will be released at one time. You should also be cautious with hot showers or baths to avoid the warmth of the water touching the patched area.

Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. And as always, take care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hi fpainestam,
I'm so glad that we could shed some insight on the patch. I have been on the patch now for about 9mo. and have used a couple different brands. The best I have found yet is the Gel patch. It contains gel in the resevoir (sp) instead if the gel-less patch. I say this because it seems that the medicine gets into the skin better and last longer than the ones without the gel. Everyone is different but I have heard others feel the same way.
You must be very careful with the Gel patches so that you don't have a hole in the patch.People have been known to overdose or die if the medicine gets into the body too fast. Some of the brand names with the gel include: Duragesic & Sandoz.
Your Doctor will calculate your dose by what your currently taking. It might take a few days to get the dose right as the sides can be too much for you. Some of the sides will include: Drowsiness, nausea & dizzyness, these will go away within a month or so. It takes time for your body to adjust so don't give up right away. That is about all I have for you at the moment. I hope I was helpful. Take care and good luck,
Mollyrae