those are very mild stage one w/ds I would try very hard to just tough it out....
That is awful, you know PA'a and NP's can only prescribe under an MD (lol all these letters) anyhow I'm suprised the Dr. dnt get mad that they prescribed you that patch for post-op pain. This is one reason that it's not meant for post-op- It takes FOREVER to taper. The patch is meant for long-term use. I'm really glad you have a Dr. that is working so carefully with you and that you didn't misread my post as many have.
PS you're welcome, I knew somebody working closely with a medical professional would eventually see my posts for what they mean.
xoxo- D.
I'm so glad you put that out there for people to see. I have been asked why I haven't gone off my fentanyl patches c/t. I should never have been put on it. It says right on the box "not for post op pain." My surgeon and family Dr. weren't happy when they found I had been put on it at inpatient rehab. A NP wrote the order. It's taking a very long time to taper from 100 mcg to 12mcg. My family Dr. has been good enough to work with me. She said no to the sub, too. When this last patch comes off she will give me something oral to take.
I have had a couple of bad years. 2005 is when I three of my surgeries, then one in 2006. My surgery was done at I U hospital in Indy. The large bone in my upper arm was removed due to a malignant tumor and titanium was put in to replace it. I can deal with having no use of my upper arm. The most horrible thing about any of this turned out to be the fentanyl patches.
Thanks for reading this. I respect you and you have helped so many people here on the forum.
I never advise my patients to go cold turkey, it can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system. Although you will do what you choose and I do have patients that go off of opiates cold turkey. On average the symptoms of w/d peak at about 72hrs. and begin to subside after 7-10 days. For many people, however, that 7 or 8th day feels better and then gets worse the next day, this is very common in w/d. You should always try to taper off if you can, as slowly as possible. Many people do it without methadone or suboxone and many people need to go that route to taper off. It just depends in each person. If you want to keep it as quiet as possible talk to your Dr., if anyone understands the "keeping it quiet" your Dr. should and give you a plan to taper off.
xoxo- D.