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.
Good luck to you Ran, these medication are a wonderful therapy for many of us here. And I hope you can balance the expectations with the pontificated sicknesses that is in vogue these days.
And I don't mean this in a bad way. But the public pressure is pointing us all into questioning what all know to be effective. Finding the proper balance is a crazy struggle we all endure for sure.
I know what you mean -- we're looking at the efficacy of oxycodone, which has been a stalwart tool for fighting pain for over 50 years.
It's absolutely nuts. Instead of seeking new ways to help people in pain, manage the side effects of medication, etc., they're constantly looking for more ways to avoid "diversion."
We called this Prohibition in the 1930s -- it didn't work then, and it doesn't work now.
It's absolutely nuts. Instead of seeking new ways to help people in pain, manage the side effects of medication, etc., they're constantly looking for more ways to avoid "diversion."
We called this Prohibition in the 1930s -- it didn't work then, and it doesn't work now.
it seems like the gov. is running the dispensing business the pharmacies
are getting more rigid all the time, not very flexible my quest to find if the
fent. patch is causing my long term fatique isn't generating much response,
but both of you have been helpful I intend to stick w/titrating on my own
and to eventually regain good health won't be a happy guy if it turns out the
fent. is not the cause of my fatique time will tell will keep you informed
are getting more rigid all the time, not very flexible my quest to find if the
fent. patch is causing my long term fatique isn't generating much response,
but both of you have been helpful I intend to stick w/titrating on my own
and to eventually regain good health won't be a happy guy if it turns out the
fent. is not the cause of my fatique time will tell will keep you informed
Excuse my tardy input. I've had some recent extreme pain issues and have not been very active on MedHelp.
If my memory serves me HCV stands for Hepatitis C Virus and CLL means Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
As I read your post you state the fatigue has been "hounding" you "for 12 to 14 yrs" and you didn't begin Fentanyl Therapy until 10 years ago. This would lead me to believe that the Fentanyl is not related to the extreme fatigue you are experiencing.
Indeed Fentanyl or any opiate can cause a degree of fatigue but to put you in bed most of the time I just don't see at your current dose. You state, "I have to this point weaned myself down considerably. I believe at least 50% or more." If your estimates are correct that's less than 25 ug of Fentanyl. That dose should not cause so much fatigue that you are close to bed ridden. I encourage you to look for other causes of your fatigue.
This is a condition called CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). CFS causes you to feel so tired that you can’t complete normal, daily activities. While chronic fatigue syndrome has no known cause and is difficult to diagnose the symptoms can be treated.
I am not a physician - and I am not suggesting that you have CFS - I'm just pointing out that there can be conditions that cause the kind of fatigue you are experiencing. Maybe a 2nd - or even 3rd opinion with a new set of eyes can offer you better or more suggestions to your condition.
Another concern I have for you is your statement that you are "chewing the patch." My goodness do you know how dangerous that can be? Please don't - never chew the patch. You cannot be certain of the amount of Fentanyl you are ingesting. I am concerned for your well being.
I wish you well and hope you are successful in finding the cause of your extreme fatigue. I sincerely don't think it is the Fentanyl Patch. However as Phil said - if you are not in need of pain management you should not continue on it. Consult your physician.
Best of Luck,
~Tuck
If my memory serves me HCV stands for Hepatitis C Virus and CLL means Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
As I read your post you state the fatigue has been "hounding" you "for 12 to 14 yrs" and you didn't begin Fentanyl Therapy until 10 years ago. This would lead me to believe that the Fentanyl is not related to the extreme fatigue you are experiencing.
Indeed Fentanyl or any opiate can cause a degree of fatigue but to put you in bed most of the time I just don't see at your current dose. You state, "I have to this point weaned myself down considerably. I believe at least 50% or more." If your estimates are correct that's less than 25 ug of Fentanyl. That dose should not cause so much fatigue that you are close to bed ridden. I encourage you to look for other causes of your fatigue.
This is a condition called CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). CFS causes you to feel so tired that you can’t complete normal, daily activities. While chronic fatigue syndrome has no known cause and is difficult to diagnose the symptoms can be treated.
I am not a physician - and I am not suggesting that you have CFS - I'm just pointing out that there can be conditions that cause the kind of fatigue you are experiencing. Maybe a 2nd - or even 3rd opinion with a new set of eyes can offer you better or more suggestions to your condition.
Another concern I have for you is your statement that you are "chewing the patch." My goodness do you know how dangerous that can be? Please don't - never chew the patch. You cannot be certain of the amount of Fentanyl you are ingesting. I am concerned for your well being.
I wish you well and hope you are successful in finding the cause of your extreme fatigue. I sincerely don't think it is the Fentanyl Patch. However as Phil said - if you are not in need of pain management you should not continue on it. Consult your physician.
Best of Luck,
~Tuck
Tuck, I'm affraid that you are correct on many offerings. One of the problems
is that the fent. does relieve some of the symptoms. I also have a few drinks
a day, just to feel slightly better. I wish there were a magic pill (not speed)
that could help me out. After 14 or 15 yrs. of this, with my hopes dashed
several times, I'm at a dead end. I know that many of you are in serious pain
and being tired may sound like a minor ailment. All I can say is this to me is
almost like being in pain. Of course it is not, but it is painful in it's own way.
So I guess I'm looking for various ways to get to the bottom of this. I think
seeking other opinions, is the best way to go. But where, and what type of
Dr's should I be looking for. That's about all I have to offer at this time. Any
suggestions would be extremely welcome. Thank you, and looking forward
to any helpful advice, Dolph
is that the fent. does relieve some of the symptoms. I also have a few drinks
a day, just to feel slightly better. I wish there were a magic pill (not speed)
that could help me out. After 14 or 15 yrs. of this, with my hopes dashed
several times, I'm at a dead end. I know that many of you are in serious pain
and being tired may sound like a minor ailment. All I can say is this to me is
almost like being in pain. Of course it is not, but it is painful in it's own way.
So I guess I'm looking for various ways to get to the bottom of this. I think
seeking other opinions, is the best way to go. But where, and what type of
Dr's should I be looking for. That's about all I have to offer at this time. Any
suggestions would be extremely welcome. Thank you, and looking forward
to any helpful advice, Dolph
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
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.