Aa
the unknowns of fentanyl
That is an apt title. I have been thru HCV and successful treatment. I have CLL, but my oncologist practually swears
that my condition is unrelated to my ongoing fatigue. My gastroenterologist states the same. I do not have cirrhosis
and all blood tests come back as near normal. My problem is fatigue that is close to being incapacitating. This has
been hounding me for 12 to 14 yrs. I have been using the fenfanyl patch for for over 10 yrs., and as high as 50 units
a day. Having eliminated practically all other possible causes, I can only conclude that the fentanyl is the most likely
cause of my lethargy. I don't believe I need the pain mgt. and keep applying and/or chewing the patch to keep from
becoming ill. I want to stop using if only to find if it is the cause of my fatigue.My question is ,have others experienced
similar problems w/fentanyl. If this is the case, please respond. I know I have the ability to stop using the patch,but
could use responses to solidify my approach.Please, no suggestions about Dr's or religion.Thank you much.
that my condition is unrelated to my ongoing fatigue. My gastroenterologist states the same. I do not have cirrhosis
and all blood tests come back as near normal. My problem is fatigue that is close to being incapacitating. This has
been hounding me for 12 to 14 yrs. I have been using the fenfanyl patch for for over 10 yrs., and as high as 50 units
a day. Having eliminated practically all other possible causes, I can only conclude that the fentanyl is the most likely
cause of my lethargy. I don't believe I need the pain mgt. and keep applying and/or chewing the patch to keep from
becoming ill. I want to stop using if only to find if it is the cause of my fatigue.My question is ,have others experienced
similar problems w/fentanyl. If this is the case, please respond. I know I have the ability to stop using the patch,but
could use responses to solidify my approach.Please, no suggestions about Dr's or religion.Thank you much.
Do you know what blood tests you just had? I'm asking because I wonder if your Dr has ever checked your thyroid. If your thyroid is not functioning properly is can cause extreme fatigue.
Another thing that might be causing your fatigue is depression. Were you having pain 12 to 14 years ago, or is that when you were diagnosed? Pain can indeed cause depression and depression can cause fatigue.
I read through all the posts and you didn't say anything about having your thyroid checked or if any of your Drs have ever mentioned depression.
How are you feeling now that you've cut down to a 1/3 of your Fentanyl dose?
Another thing that might be causing your fatigue is depression. Were you having pain 12 to 14 years ago, or is that when you were diagnosed? Pain can indeed cause depression and depression can cause fatigue.
I read through all the posts and you didn't say anything about having your thyroid checked or if any of your Drs have ever mentioned depression.
How are you feeling now that you've cut down to a 1/3 of your Fentanyl dose?
HI there old friend! Good to hear from you again. We have been missed!
I encourage you to begin a new thread - but it's your call. This one is getting a bit long - but there is also a lot of good information here.
No change? Darn! I had hoped you would be feeling better and experiencing less fatigue. :0(
Sadly Phil is not longer active. He had other pots in the fire and moved on! We miss him too.
I'll look forward to your participation - and hearing more from you! Sing to us sweet friend!
Warm Regards,
~Tuck
I encourage you to begin a new thread - but it's your call. This one is getting a bit long - but there is also a lot of good information here.
No change? Darn! I had hoped you would be feeling better and experiencing less fatigue. :0(
Sadly Phil is not longer active. He had other pots in the fire and moved on! We miss him too.
I'll look forward to your participation - and hearing more from you! Sing to us sweet friend!
Warm Regards,
~Tuck
This is Randolpho. It's been quite awhile. Just wondering if anyone is still
following this question about fentanyl. Tuck, I really enjoyed our exchanges,
along w/Philnoir and others. Believe it or not, not much has changed. Still
extremely fatigued, and frustrated. If no one responds (to be expected), I'm
going to begin a new question and respond segment. Hopefully I'll hear from
some of you again. Would be great to connect again. Everyone was really
helpful, and friendly. Although no one is likely to read this, maybe a new thread
will help. Bye, and hope I hear from you again
following this question about fentanyl. Tuck, I really enjoyed our exchanges,
along w/Philnoir and others. Believe it or not, not much has changed. Still
extremely fatigued, and frustrated. If no one responds (to be expected), I'm
going to begin a new question and respond segment. Hopefully I'll hear from
some of you again. Would be great to connect again. Everyone was really
helpful, and friendly. Although no one is likely to read this, maybe a new thread
will help. Bye, and hope I hear from you again
sorry about the start and stop, but I have to admit that PC use is
not one of my strong suits. I thought I had lost everyone being how long this question has continued. To see my Dr. tomorrow.
Should be rather informative. I had a little more testing done, so
there's that. I want to pressure him a bit to find what he really
believes is the definitive cause of my prob's. Still titrating but have
kind of leveled off at about 25% of my highest dose(of fent.) I'm
ready to go further, but wanted to get his opinion before getting
very serious about it. I even am taking pics of some responses to
him from this forum. Still feeling the same (fatigue), and just hop-
ing he has some helpful responses. Will check back in soon after,
and hope others in the forum will do the same. The help has been
well appreciated and very useful. Thanks and cheers, Dolph.
not one of my strong suits. I thought I had lost everyone being how long this question has continued. To see my Dr. tomorrow.
Should be rather informative. I had a little more testing done, so
there's that. I want to pressure him a bit to find what he really
believes is the definitive cause of my prob's. Still titrating but have
kind of leveled off at about 25% of my highest dose(of fent.) I'm
ready to go further, but wanted to get his opinion before getting
very serious about it. I even am taking pics of some responses to
him from this forum. Still feeling the same (fatigue), and just hop-
ing he has some helpful responses. Will check back in soon after,
and hope others in the forum will do the same. The help has been
well appreciated and very useful. Thanks and cheers, Dolph.
Hey Friend,
Good to hear from you again. How are you doing? Any new info to share with us? How's the fatigue?
You were missed and it's good to have you back. We were thinking:
Return to me
Oh my dear I'm so lonely
Hurry back, hurry back
Oh my love hurry back I'm yours :0)
~Tuck
Good to hear from you again. How are you doing? Any new info to share with us? How's the fatigue?
You were missed and it's good to have you back. We were thinking:
Return to me
Oh my dear I'm so lonely
Hurry back, hurry back
Oh my love hurry back I'm yours :0)
~Tuck
1 Comments
Tuck,you're all mine
Hi Randolpho. :)
How are you doing? Glad to hear from you again. :)
........ Sherry :)
How are you doing? Glad to hear from you again. :)
........ Sherry :)
Thanks for the reply. I have heard so much about the dangers of chewing
the patch. I'm not not proud of it, but have been doing it for quit awhile and
have never had problems. Now I'm at a point in titrating down, that I am
doing very little, and have no worries. I also like to have a drink or two, and
have discovered that the combination can cause problems. My primary
concern is this dreadful fatigue. If you have followed the above posts, that
is my main problem. Very long story. So my ambition now is to wean my
use of fent down to zero. I'm well on my way, and can only hope that ending
the use of fent will return me to normal health.I don't really need it, so best
to get away from it. I never had the same symptoms you had w/fent(i.e.
falling asleep standing up), just a total lack of energy. Jezzie, thanks for your
input, and I wish you the best , and hope that weaning goes as well for me
as apparently it did for you,cheers,Dolph
the patch. I'm not not proud of it, but have been doing it for quit awhile and
have never had problems. Now I'm at a point in titrating down, that I am
doing very little, and have no worries. I also like to have a drink or two, and
have discovered that the combination can cause problems. My primary
concern is this dreadful fatigue. If you have followed the above posts, that
is my main problem. Very long story. So my ambition now is to wean my
use of fent down to zero. I'm well on my way, and can only hope that ending
the use of fent will return me to normal health.I don't really need it, so best
to get away from it. I never had the same symptoms you had w/fent(i.e.
falling asleep standing up), just a total lack of energy. Jezzie, thanks for your
input, and I wish you the best , and hope that weaning goes as well for me
as apparently it did for you,cheers,Dolph
1 Comments
hello all. sorry to have gone missing
Most definitely does the fentanyl cause fatigue and lethargy. I did have fatigue issue prior to beginning the patch but not this severe until I began. I can now fall asleep standing up, sitting up on my bed and even driving. It became very scary so my dr started me on Nuvigil. It is considered a shift workers medication. It has been a lifesaver. I still at times feel very tired but nothing compared to before
It is very possible to ween off the patch. You dr can definitely prescribe another med that will ease the withdrawal effects and make the transition much easier. Being that you have been on the patch for so long, i think it would be in your best interest to do so under the care of your dr, not by yourself.
One thing that I noticed the most in your post was the fact that your chewing your patch. Are you aware of the possible outcome of doing so? 3 weeks ago, one of my Drs patients actually died from chewing patch. If this is something you feel you must do, I would definitely reconsider. But if that is not an option, please be cautious of what the outcome could be. Take care
It is very possible to ween off the patch. You dr can definitely prescribe another med that will ease the withdrawal effects and make the transition much easier. Being that you have been on the patch for so long, i think it would be in your best interest to do so under the care of your dr, not by yourself.
One thing that I noticed the most in your post was the fact that your chewing your patch. Are you aware of the possible outcome of doing so? 3 weeks ago, one of my Drs patients actually died from chewing patch. If this is something you feel you must do, I would definitely reconsider. But if that is not an option, please be cautious of what the outcome could be. Take care
Dolph, hang in there and remember it doesn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion. I know you'll check out all the test results that remar suggested. She knows what she's talking about. :)
DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! U will find your answers. We'll be here for you.
............ Sherry :)
DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! U will find your answers. We'll be here for you.
............ Sherry :)
I use to love Absolute Vodka - second only to Jose Cuervo - who Was a Fiend of Mine!
~Tuck
~Tuck
as I said I plan on seeeing my Dr. soon. I will inquire about the type of testing being done. I nave read and continue to read about fentanyl. There ae many opinions, but one that stands out is consuming alcohol with fent. Many strong
opinions about this, none are positive as might be expected. Many people
have problems with fent alone. I am lowering my usage of it to the point that
I may be approaching a point that I may be able to stop using altogether.I do
enjoy vodka and will be backing off its use to some degree also. I'm in a bit
of a state of shock, thinking my thyroid was the cause of my fatigue. Have
some work in front of me, but will do anything to rid myself of this fatigue.
Thanks and will certainly keep you informed, Dolph
opinions about this, none are positive as might be expected. Many people
have problems with fent alone. I am lowering my usage of it to the point that
I may be approaching a point that I may be able to stop using altogether.I do
enjoy vodka and will be backing off its use to some degree also. I'm in a bit
of a state of shock, thinking my thyroid was the cause of my fatigue. Have
some work in front of me, but will do anything to rid myself of this fatigue.
Thanks and will certainly keep you informed, Dolph
My comment to you is WAY up there. Ha ha! I mean you have to go way up because you've gotten so many comments. Remember that I asked if you've had thyroid testing and you said, yes. I think your Dr did do more in depth testing and that's when he found the problem. I had told you that Most Drs will only check TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, and not FT3, FT4 or antibodies. It can depend on the lab too. Some will say if your level is below a 5 you're okay and others will say a level under 3 is okay.
Some of us can also be at a 2 and we're not alright and need to be treated.Can you ask your Dr what your test results were and post them for us to see?
I highly recommend you see a specialist to be tested again. They will do the tests I mentioned above and they may also want to do an ultrasound on your thyroid. I wouldn't rule it out just yet, not until you've seen a specialist.
We do have a thyroid forum here so you may want to ask some questions there also. The people on that forum are very knowledgeable about the thyroid.
Please keep updating us on how you're doing.
Some of us can also be at a 2 and we're not alright and need to be treated.Can you ask your Dr what your test results were and post them for us to see?
I highly recommend you see a specialist to be tested again. They will do the tests I mentioned above and they may also want to do an ultrasound on your thyroid. I wouldn't rule it out just yet, not until you've seen a specialist.
We do have a thyroid forum here so you may want to ask some questions there also. The people on that forum are very knowledgeable about the thyroid.
Please keep updating us on how you're doing.
Believe it or not, the last week and espcially the last few days have brought
stress and tension out of me that is relatively rare. I know patience is not one
of my strong suits, but this is srarting to get to me. Only to have it over with
in a positive way. This is definitely a life changer. You and everyone else have been really helpful. Please stay tuned.
How's this for timing? My Dr.called while I was writing the above. He said on
retesting,that he doesn't believe my thyroid is the cause. My shocked re-
sponse was then" what is it". I asked if it could be the fent. He said maybe,w/
out much conviction. We discussed how I was titrating and he didn't react
well as to my approach. Can't get into details right now. Getting off fent. has become a high priority as of now. I'm sorry, but I don't want to make a drama out of this, although I realize I'm somewhat doing so already. I'm
going to see him as soon possible. I am in a position to get off the fent.w/o
a huge production. That has to be the first of the process of elimination.
After that it's whatever seems prudent. As much as I like this Dr. I may have to seek out other opinions. Will keep you informed of developements.
thanks for all you support and welcome any suggestions, Dolph
stress and tension out of me that is relatively rare. I know patience is not one
of my strong suits, but this is srarting to get to me. Only to have it over with
in a positive way. This is definitely a life changer. You and everyone else have been really helpful. Please stay tuned.
How's this for timing? My Dr.called while I was writing the above. He said on
retesting,that he doesn't believe my thyroid is the cause. My shocked re-
sponse was then" what is it". I asked if it could be the fent. He said maybe,w/
out much conviction. We discussed how I was titrating and he didn't react
well as to my approach. Can't get into details right now. Getting off fent. has become a high priority as of now. I'm sorry, but I don't want to make a drama out of this, although I realize I'm somewhat doing so already. I'm
going to see him as soon possible. I am in a position to get off the fent.w/o
a huge production. That has to be the first of the process of elimination.
After that it's whatever seems prudent. As much as I like this Dr. I may have to seek out other opinions. Will keep you informed of developements.
thanks for all you support and welcome any suggestions, Dolph
Your spellings fine. I'm a pretty good speller also, but I have spell check on my phone and if it doesn't like something I've typed it changes it, sometimes without my knowledge and say something really ridiculous such as it did with the word "poem" instead of the word "problem". I used to get so frustrated with it that it drove me nuts so instead of going crazy I decided I was better to just laugh about it. Hopefully, that will save me a few grey hairs. LOL!
I hope I've got it nailed too! I learned years ago that a positive attitude got me a lot further in life than any other approach I've ever used. Just keep hanging in there, Dolph. It's almost over and then you can start living again!
Anxiously waiting for your update from your Doctor. Just wish we could take some of the anxiety away for you. Anytime you need to vent or just let out your anxiety, don't hesitate to let it out here. That's one of the things MH is great for. We're great listeners and we try.our best to help whoever needs it.
As you said, it's almost over. Hang in there just a little longer!!! ........... Sherry :)
I hope I've got it nailed too! I learned years ago that a positive attitude got me a lot further in life than any other approach I've ever used. Just keep hanging in there, Dolph. It's almost over and then you can start living again!
Anxiously waiting for your update from your Doctor. Just wish we could take some of the anxiety away for you. Anytime you need to vent or just let out your anxiety, don't hesitate to let it out here. That's one of the things MH is great for. We're great listeners and we try.our best to help whoever needs it.
As you said, it's almost over. Hang in there just a little longer!!! ........... Sherry :)
You kind of lost me talking about spell ck.Is my spelling that bad. I wish my
computer savy son would install it 4 me. Aiso, I have to ask, when you speak of "his poem". Did you mean his problem, as opposed to his poem. No crit-
icism for sure, just my confusion. Talked to my Dr's office today and he is
supposed to check results and call me. As the moment of truth approaches,
the anxiety is absolutely crushing me. So,"tonights the night", (couldn't help it,)
and just want to start popping pills that will make me right. Oh, if it was only
that easy. Thanks for all the positivity, and I just hope you've got it nailed,one
anxious Dolph, hopefully will talk to you soon.
computer savy son would install it 4 me. Aiso, I have to ask, when you speak of "his poem". Did you mean his problem, as opposed to his poem. No crit-
icism for sure, just my confusion. Talked to my Dr's office today and he is
supposed to check results and call me. As the moment of truth approaches,
the anxiety is absolutely crushing me. So,"tonights the night", (couldn't help it,)
and just want to start popping pills that will make me right. Oh, if it was only
that easy. Thanks for all the positivity, and I just hope you've got it nailed,one
anxious Dolph, hopefully will talk to you soon.
LOL! Oh my goodness, Dolph, you have to LOVE that Spell Check, otherwise you'll go crazy! LOL!
Not supposed to be "and his poem was his Thyroid" but SHOULD be "and his PROBLEM was his Thyroid". Spell Check is always good for a laugh at least once a day. LOL!
Not supposed to be "and his poem was his Thyroid" but SHOULD be "and his PROBLEM was his Thyroid". Spell Check is always good for a laugh at least once a day. LOL!
With all that you've been thru, I can't help but believe that you will have the same results!
ABSOLUTELY, keep those finger crossed. When I was a little kid (seems like a million years ago now, LOL!) that was what we did whenever we needed "good luck". Hence, the term "keep your (or mine, whichever applies) fingers crossed". Just a little EXTRA insurance that you'll get the results you've been hoping for, for such a long time!
I don't know why I hadn't thot of this before, but years ago (a out 30 yrs ago) my late husband and I had a dear friend that had always been active. He started slowing down drastically and was too tired to do anything anymore and his wife took him to the Dr and.his poem was his thyroid. Long story short, it was the ans we to all of his problems. Once he had his meds that he needed he was back to his old self and is STILL going strong at the age of 78!! :) He has the energy of a man 20 yrs his junior. I'm just so excited for you, that you will get your life back and get to share more of your bucket list with us. :)
Again, BEST OF LUCK & my fingers are crossed right along with yours!!!.... Nam :)
ABSOLUTELY, keep those finger crossed. When I was a little kid (seems like a million years ago now, LOL!) that was what we did whenever we needed "good luck". Hence, the term "keep your (or mine, whichever applies) fingers crossed". Just a little EXTRA insurance that you'll get the results you've been hoping for, for such a long time!
I don't know why I hadn't thot of this before, but years ago (a out 30 yrs ago) my late husband and I had a dear friend that had always been active. He started slowing down drastically and was too tired to do anything anymore and his wife took him to the Dr and.his poem was his thyroid. Long story short, it was the ans we to all of his problems. Once he had his meds that he needed he was back to his old self and is STILL going strong at the age of 78!! :) He has the energy of a man 20 yrs his junior. I'm just so excited for you, that you will get your life back and get to share more of your bucket list with us. :)
Again, BEST OF LUCK & my fingers are crossed right along with yours!!!.... Nam :)
I had entered a question under post fentanyl w/d problems and mentioned
the possibility of thyroid being an issue. There was a response from someone who had problems related to their thyroid. They indicated that the
thyroid treat'mt did wonders for them. Not too many details, but it was very
encouraging. If only I have the same response. Now I'm getting even more
excited. Trying to remain somewhat cool about it, but that is about all there
is on my mind. This has to be the week. It's about all I can handle. Until then
fingers crossed( don't really know what that means), but I think I'll try it,Dolph
the possibility of thyroid being an issue. There was a response from someone who had problems related to their thyroid. They indicated that the
thyroid treat'mt did wonders for them. Not too many details, but it was very
encouraging. If only I have the same response. Now I'm getting even more
excited. Trying to remain somewhat cool about it, but that is about all there
is on my mind. This has to be the week. It's about all I can handle. Until then
fingers crossed( don't really know what that means), but I think I'll try it,Dolph
I'm hoping that for once in your life it will be just that easy for you. After all you've been enduring you certainly deserve this break for once! :)
Can't wait to see the developments that will be coming your way.
Waiting with "great" anticipation! ...... Sherry :)
Can't wait to see the developments that will be coming your way.
Waiting with "great" anticipation! ...... Sherry :)
Thank you Dusty. As promising as my situation seems, I just can't accept
that it will be as easy as it seems.I .guess it stems from previous disappoint-
ments. I'll just have to wait and see what developes next week. There are no
words to describe how great I would feel if this has a positive outcome. I know all of you have been through probably much worse. I wish you all well
and want to thank you for the help and support you have offered. It has made a difference, and made this period much more bearable.So again,thanks,and
it's time to wait and see again. Be well, and I'll keep you informed of any
news, good or disappointing, Dolph
that it will be as easy as it seems.I .guess it stems from previous disappoint-
ments. I'll just have to wait and see what developes next week. There are no
words to describe how great I would feel if this has a positive outcome. I know all of you have been through probably much worse. I wish you all well
and want to thank you for the help and support you have offered. It has made a difference, and made this period much more bearable.So again,thanks,and
it's time to wait and see again. Be well, and I'll keep you informed of any
news, good or disappointing, Dolph
... and thinking and praying!
Hope you obtain the right meds to control your thyroid issues - and that your extreme fatigue will be a thing of the past.
Take Care My Friend,
~Tuck
Hope you obtain the right meds to control your thyroid issues - and that your extreme fatigue will be a thing of the past.
Take Care My Friend,
~Tuck
Hey, I'll be your press secretary. These geeks running now shouldn't even
show their pics, much less try and speak. Can you believe these robots
actually run the country. Where's MGovern now. Or McCarthy. I like Bernie,
and I'm not Jewish. Poot guy doesn't stand a chance. Yes, those were the
good old days. Can't help but digress. Hopefully some thyroid pills, and all
will be right in the world. Right? At least in mine. Happiness to all! You all
seem so nice. Wish everyone only the best. Dolph, wishing and hoping.
show their pics, much less try and speak. Can you believe these robots
actually run the country. Where's MGovern now. Or McCarthy. I like Bernie,
and I'm not Jewish. Poot guy doesn't stand a chance. Yes, those were the
good old days. Can't help but digress. Hopefully some thyroid pills, and all
will be right in the world. Right? At least in mine. Happiness to all! You all
seem so nice. Wish everyone only the best. Dolph, wishing and hoping.
Dolf, no letter yet? Please Mr. Postman!! You need to sing harder - I'm singing for you too.
Phil - Ohhh but I do remember "Til There Was You." I never liked "A Taste of Honey." I recall those sixties - some of the best years of my life! You're right Phil - the world seemed young, full of hope and promise. Now I realize it was us - that was young!
I was going to be the "First Woman in Space." I placed first in some Statewide science test - and was in our State Paper with my dream in headlines! Hah! I now hate to fly and am scared to death to get 10 feet of the ground!
President Phil! Yes! I think you should run also. An honest Sheep Doctor will do better than anyone currently running. You have my vote. If I can still count - that's two! Hail the Chief! We'll manage your campaign.
Phil - Ohhh but I do remember "Til There Was You." I never liked "A Taste of Honey." I recall those sixties - some of the best years of my life! You're right Phil - the world seemed young, full of hope and promise. Now I realize it was us - that was young!
I was going to be the "First Woman in Space." I placed first in some Statewide science test - and was in our State Paper with my dream in headlines! Hah! I now hate to fly and am scared to death to get 10 feet of the ground!
President Phil! Yes! I think you should run also. An honest Sheep Doctor will do better than anyone currently running. You have my vote. If I can still count - that's two! Hail the Chief! We'll manage your campaign.
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Just wanted to let you know that I share your problem in dealing with combined pain and deep fatigue. I have decompensated ESLD, due to a chronic liver disease, as well as other systemic diseases. Everyday is like having a bad flu that doesn't go away, it's there 24/7. When I collapse in bed, it is literally that, the fatigue is truly amazing, and I used to be a very active, competitive athlete - not anymore.
I've tried just about everything but I finally had to accept my body's new limitations. So I make sure I get plenty of rest (naps are a requirement) and limit myself to only one or two tasks a day.
We're all different of course, so I hope you're able to work something out. I've found that my pain, if left unchecked, will make my fatigue far worse. So I have a PM routine, with the help of my doctor, that reduces the pain in half and this seems like a manageable solution.
Good luck and hope things come together for you soon.