Hey all,

I'm a new guy here. I have many questions and topics to ask and raise in the future. My first question is regarding the fentanyl patch. I have been using the Fentanyl patch for a bit over a year now. I am also on Norco (7.5mg.-4/day), Tramadol (50mg.-4/day), and Flexeril (10mg.-4/day). I applied for disablilty on my own and received it the first time.

My biggest problem with the patch is moisture caught between the patch and my skin. I have found the patch to be a great pain stopper. And since on the patch, I have felt a lot better. Only probem with that is, the better I feel, the more I want to do. I am disabled and do not work. But when I feel better I want to do more exercise, and just plain be more mobile.
So, then my skin gets warmed up to a sweat and moisture is trapped under the patch. And, after wearing about 140 of these patches, it decreases the effectiveness of the medicine.

Obviously, the act of showering with these patches is an act of futility.
Anybody have any secrets in keeping the patch dry in the shower?

I have been disabled for 4.5 years now with Lumbar problems, and neck problems. I have been to 3 different pain docs, my family practioner, a neuro surgeon, and a Osteo surgeon. I have had many injections, and tests, including a discogram, a pain pump, and a nerve stimulator. The fentanyl patch has done the best at easing the symptoms along with my other mentioned meds.

I know this is a long one, but I hope a few of you get to the end and have some experience with the patch. Oh, and I should mention that I have been prescribed two different patches over the past year. One is a standard looking "sticker" type patch. The other is also a stick-em type patch., but has a jelly goo that you put right onto your arm. Much worse for stickability (word?), and gets "crispy" after a day on your skin. Help??!!

Paul