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.
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 :)
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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.