fentanyl patch

[capthowie]

I need to find some new people who are trying to get off this patch!  I need new info if there is any.  Is sundowner still out there and are you off them?  I am going through hell and wonder how long this will have to go on.  Down to the 25 now.

[Jacqui805]

I'm not on anything but Ibuprofen, so, if I ever happen to find some extra cash for the pilot's license, I'm golden.  Didn't mean to freak you out with the journal, but I did want you to know what to expect, AND that you will live through it.  I AM still here, and it's a great testament to love, support, and inner strength.  We are all apparently way stronger than we think we are, and that inner self seems to push us on ahead when the rest of us envisions darker things.  You can do this.  If I did, anyone can.  I'm working on the medical issues, and coming here for that much needed support and commaraderie (sp?).  Be careful with the Valium, should you go for it that way.  It can help, and be just fine, but it can also be addictive and cause dependency.  Just use it when you absolutely must, like when distraction is not an option.  

[capthowie]

By the way....flyin a plane is great.  you'll love it.  Although if you are on any meds they won't pass you for a medical to get a license, but you don't need that to just TRY!

[capthowie]

PM you?  New here, also what is s/s?

OK now I'm freakin out after reading your journal!  I can't believe you are still here.  I guess we are all stronger than we think, or at least I hope I am.

I'm sorry you have other problems and hopefully you will get them all cured soon enough.  I think I will try going off the 25 soon.  My doctor will prescribe anything so will try to get some valium.  I am feeling better now as a friend is stopping by.  I think keeping the mind occupied is a huge thing.  Thanks for your help.

[Jacqui805]

I hear you and feel your pain man.  Anytime you wanna talk, PM me anytime!

[capthowie]

OH and the depression and anxiety knowing this is coming every night!  

The only thing I can say to anyone is that they do research before allowing their Dr.s to put them on any kind of addictive drug.

I'm so glad I found this site.

Thank you to everyone.

[Jacqui805]

Well, you're definitely in w/d now.  I would just stop the 25's if I were you, because if you don't, and either stay on 'em, or go onto the 12's, you're still gonna be in w/d, and it'll come to a head after you stop them anyway...so why prolong it at that point.  Start day number one tomorrow.  Time is the best healer in this case, and there's no reason to put it off when you're in w/d already.  If you had said you were not in w/d, I might suggest going down to the 12's, but they won't do a thing for you now, and will not reduce w/d in anyway.  W/D gets worse before it gets better, and if you'd like to know more about what I went through, you can read my journals...Go back to the beginning, I think I started journaling around day 9 or so, so you can see what I went through and know you're not alone.  Nights and a.m. are definitely worse, with nights being the worst of the two.  I was on Ambien CR, and Xanax as well, but had stopped them in December, so I think part of it could have been rebound effects from stopping them as well. I just take Ibuprofen now, other than the Xanax I took last night for an MRI.  One time deal.

[capthowie]

Yes I think I am in WD now.  My symtoms are sleeplessness, abdominal cramps, leg cramps, jerkiness or twitching of legs mostly but sometimes the whole body, diarea, weight loss, lack of appetite, respiratory problems with breathing sometimes, and most of this is at night in the middle of sleep and into the morning.  Mid day I start to feel better.  
This is really a help to me know so many have been there.  Did you have other drugs you were on as well?  IE: oxycodone is the other one I have been on, but it is the APAP and I only take as needed.
Did you try the thomas recipe?

[Jacqui805]

You really must wean off, so I'm definitely not saying that's a bad thing at all.  I just got down to the point where I was safe physically to stop, and already in full-blown w/d, so it was kinda silly for me to continue taking it then.  I was put on it for right upper quadrant pain and flank pain with some medical issues that were undiagnosed.  I knew what I was getting into, but it was the only alternative at the time, as I had tried EVERYTHING else first.  That pain I took it for, is almost gone, it is entirely livable now.  NOW though, I have a pain that I'm wondering about...whether or not the patch masked it, caused it, or if it's just new..  Are you in any w/d now?  That makes a diff in what I'd tell you to do.  As far as PAWS is concerned, it's been a he!! of a struggle.  It can take 6 mos. to a year generally before you're ok from that standpoint.  I am mostly good, like I can cope mostly.  BUT it's always there, and the ups and downs of the thing, with both physical s/s and mental ones can be taxing at best.  The worst for me has been anxiety, sleeplessness, and some bouts of the major blues.  I've been coming here for support, listening to music, and going for drives to help.  I get out regardless of how I'm feeling, as once I'm wherever I'm going, it usually helps and I'm glad I did.  Keeping my mind occupied is also another big one for me.

[capthowie]

What were you on it for?  Mine is back pain but I think I can find better ways to manage that.  
Are you saying weaning is not the right way?  I read the pamplets that come with the dam patch and it said NEVER go CT.
Maybe I should just quit now as I am in withdrawl rather than drag it out??
What have you done to help with the WD and Paws.  I am trying to plan now and ahead.  Your help is much appreciated

[Jacqui805]

Well, first off, it was HARD....I swore I was gonna die, or at least sometimes wished I would.  Without the support I got here, I don't know where I'd be.  I was on the 200mcg for four years...starting weaning by doing the wrong thing, and cutting the patch(not the gel kind) and got down to about 100 mcg.  Was on that for one month, then 75 mcg for the next month, 50 mcg for the following month, and 25 mcg in January.  I experienced w/d mildly during the time I was on the patch, and weaning both.  In January, on the 25's, I went into full-blown w/d and stopped using them after two weeks (I had originally intended on going to the 12's after that in February).  I figured, I'm already in w/d, why make it worse and prolong it by staying on the 25's.  It was hellacious for sure, and I'm still going through PAWS and have pain, but I gotta say here, that I am by FAR WAY BETTER OFF without the stuff.  I have come back to being me, and it's a good thing.  I had no idea what had been dimmed while I was on the medication, and I wouldn't go back for all the money in the world.  It can be done, and I will help you in any way that I can.

[worried878]

Cool...i am glad jacquii was on...good to see ya posting girl!

[capthowie]

Thanks for replying.  I have been tapering off.  I have been on the patch for about 4 or more years.  I was up to the 75 level.  I have now tapered off to the 25 and am really experiencing wd.  going to the 50's didn't seem to be a problem but this one is awful.  I checked out the Thomas recipe but the hot soaks might be a problem as I'm still wearing a patch.  YOU had a longer way to go.  How did you do it?

[capthowie]

Thanks for replying.  I have been tapering off.  I have been on the patch for about 4 or more years.  I was up to the 75 level.  I have now tapered off to the 25 and am really experiencing wd.  going to the 50's didn't seem to be a problem but this one is awful.  I checked out the Thomas recipe but the hot soaks might be a problem as I'm still wearing a patch.  YOU had a longer way to go.  How did you do it?

[Jacqui805]

You came to the right place....I was on 200 mcg of fentanyl for four years.  What can I help you with?

[LIZZIE LOU]

there was another member who came off the patch about the same time as connie.  his name was manonfire.  he posted not too long ago.  i will try to send him a pm and hope that he will soon see it.

[cathy5841]

check out the thomas recipe in the healthpages.  it has all kinds of vitamins and aminos to take for detox.  good luck
cathy

[capthowie]

thank you so far....after the patches then I have to work on the oxycodone etc.  one thing at a time.  My doctor is of no help just says to keep reducing...hope someone knows if there are any lower doses than the 25.  AND if anyone knows of any natural things to take to help my body through this.

[kim715]

I don't know about the fentanyl,but I know I've seen people post recently about it,maybe their just not on right now.Hang in there.

[LIZZIE LOU]

connie moved and hasnt been on the forum for a LOOOOOOOOOONG time.  she did finally get off of them...but i do remember she really suffered alot.  each time there was a drop...she went into w/d's all over again.  

hopefully someone will be able to help you...