NeuroTalk Support Groups - View Single Post - No-one Can figure out My Peripheral Neuropathy

DanP · 10-31-2008, 01:59 PM

Macophile: if chronic pain is still an issue for you then I have a question. Have any of your doctors mentioned the Duragesic Patch? If the answer is no then you might wish to try it.

I've had PN for nearly 21 years and suffered horribly for 14 years. I saw lots of neuros and some 'pain specialists' and tried everything from Neurontin to Lyrical...all without success. One day my PCP (primary care physician) asked if I had ever used the Duragesic Patch. The answer was no so we tried it...started on the 50 strengh and progressed to the 100 strength over a period of several months. When we got to the 100 strength my 7 to 9+ levels of pain instantly went down to a 2 to 4 level. Today, some 6years later, I am still using the Duragesic Patch (well, the generic patch which is called the "Fentanyl Transdermal System" and a bit cheaper) and my pain levels are still at the 2 to 4 levels which to me is very low and I tolerate it very well. On 3-19-07 we went to 125 strengh patches and I change them every 48 hours. I take NO other meds for pain!

I am able to function normally and have full control of all my faculties and I drive my car without incident. After all this time my eyes are clear and hands are steady. The patch contains the narcotic Fentanyl which is a powerful pain reliever and should only be used when lessor pain relievers have failed. I am now 76½ years old and walk a mile+ every day and use only my cane. And, no, I am not addicted. One becomes dependent but there is a huge difference between addiction and dependency - you can research this. People who have true chronic moderate to severe pain rarely become addicted to prescription narcotics despite what many doctors believe. The average is about 1 percent though some argue it's as high as 3 percent. This will give you some insight:

http://www.letstalkpain.org/health_care/experts.html#

On the left side of the page you will see: 'Let's get real about treatment'. When you put your cursor on this you will see: 'The truth about Opioids'...click on it. The ONLY side effect I have experienced is constipation which I control with Fiber-sure available with-out prescription at your local pharmacy.

You will learn a lot from this site so check it out. The use of opioids in treating chronic pain is being recognized by more and more physicians as an excellent means of treatment. Physicians are slowly but surely learning that chronic pain is a legitimate medical condition worthy of the best the medical profession has to offer.

Good luck and never ever give up. I have PN but PN does not have me!