Im coming off those damn fentanyl patches

[capricorn0029]

Hello-Ive been reading everyones stories,I feel for you cop722 if your still here-Basically 10 or so years ago I developed what everyone knows now as fibromyalgia-I started to take regular 5mg percs from Dr. that was ok for years, then I had a car accident four years ago messing up the L-5 and 4. I could barely walk for 3 months out of nowhere like 2 years later,it was like walking on tacs but you never had the relief of taking the tac out-Well,loooong story short now In on the fentanyl patches,I was wearing two 100's and it barely touched the pain. I never really liked the high feeling and once in a while if I felt it Id even get all nervous and be afraid of O D -ing. So after like a year of wearing them. I started to suck a little gel out when I needed it. Well up goes the tolerence. The last few days i have been taking methadone like 40 mg then like 30mg I wanted to lower my whatever before I went into like a 5 day methadone taper place, I had a much lower tolerence then and Im afraid it will be worse this time because Im on alot stronger meds?? Thats my question if any one knows?thankyou takecare and good luck!!!

[pollis68]

Stay strong mentally and focus that will help the pain, although i am no one to talk, just recently was put on 20mg/day of Methadone for the last 30days then came here n got a reality check even tho I told the Dr I didnt want this medicine knowing its so Grand n I was right. Gosh I have RA/Fibromyalgia as well n thats why I took it looking for TEMP relief but now want off asap n have to tell him next Fri knowing there's gonna fight- I'm hoping I will be okay and so will you. There are other options for your Fibromyalgia n thats where you need to focus on with a Rheumatologist not those scary meds you're on now. I need to do the same. Slow is the only way or answer when it comes to getting off this stuff. Everyone is here for you. Huggs! By the way JayBay I could use some advice :) you seem like a smart cookie!

[mellie4]

I'm a little confused too, but my heart breaks for you.  It is such a slippery slope when you're dealing with such strong drugs and you have a pain condition.  I have fibromyalgia as well as a long list of other things.  I'm on the Fentanyl patch along with other meds.  I'm supposed to change the patch every 2 days but I change it every 3 because I'm afraid of it.  

I'm wondering if you're on the methadone and the Fentanyl together and are you stopping both?  I agree you need a doctor's supervision for this AND some kind of plan to deal with your pain.

I've heard of people ingesting the Fentanyl orally but I really imagine it ... too frightened by it.    Thank God you didn't OD on it; it happens a lot.

I think Jaybay is giving you really great advice.  I've read a lot of her posts over the last months and she's extremely knowledgeable.  I hope you follow her advice.  Best of luck with coming off and with your pain issues.

[Jaybay]

You really need to taper under your doctor's supervision.  From what you write, I can't tell exactly what you're taking right now or how you're taking it.  Are you getting the methodone from a doctor or illegally?  40 mg is a pretty stout dose, so yes, your withdrawal symptoms will be pretty intense.

How do you plan to deal with your pain after detox?  Fair warning: your pain levels will increase drastically as you detox.  It WILL retreat with time, but there is no way to determine if it will be a couple weeks or a few months.

You also need to get a psychological recovery plan in place or your risk of relapse will be almost certain.  It doesn't matter if you go to NA or AA or to a private counselor.  Without learning new coping skills to deal with pain and cravings, your sobriety will be in jeopardy.  Do it right the first time and save yourself the agony of repeated detox and relapse.

[NearlyInsane]

Are you still on fentanyl patches AND taking methadone?