Quote:
Originally Posted by Broken_Medic
Hey all,
I have been on the Fentanyl patch for about 2 years now. Started out at 75mcg./hr. and switched to 50 about a year ago. I have adjusted my life to this patch. Adjusted, meaning found a way to put up with it. My main problem with the patch is that you can't really "enjoy" a shower with it on. In fact any activity where you break a sweat or get an elevated body temp, the patch's med release is affected. Basically, I can't work out with the patch. I am about 50 lbs overweight and want to get rid of the fat. Exercise is warranted. However, the patch just won't work well with a "workout." Granted, with my back injuries my workout won't be anything like it used to be, but I need to start getting serious.
A historical note.....I was placed on the patch because our insurance changed and the new company did not supply my then drug, Oxycontin. So, the Fentanyl patch was my only suitable choice given to me. So.....my main purpose in this thread is to see if folks have gotten off the patch and found a replacement that isn't trans-dermal based. Ya know, I just had a thought. We have moved out to the east coast and again changed insurance company. I hate to say it....(mainly because of it's reputation) but is oxy do-able with a more active lifestyle? I also take Norco, Tramadol, and Flexeril. But have found I have needed a more "potent" main drug to take up the main pain, and the others to assist as needed. And as all of us...I would eventually like to drop some of these. But, for now....not so much. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Paul
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I have PN, as well as spine pain/fusion. My Pain Specialist has tried different meds, including the patch. The best relief (still have quite a bit pain) I get is from the Oxycontin and Oxycodone (percocet) for breakthru pain. I had gradually increased and for more than a year have remained on the Oxycontin 60MG's every 6 hours for 240 mgs daily and 7.5 mg./325 Oxycodone (percocet). The one thing that is so important is the fact that this does not affect my mind and thinking as some meds may do. You mentioned you change insurance companies; the new insurance may allow Oxycontin.
My doctor had to write the prescription in a way the insurance would accept. That is....they only allow the meds twice a day, every 12 hours. So my doctor prescribes qty of( 4) 60 mgs. of Oxycontin to be taken 120 mg's every 12 hours. Writing the scrip this way, the insurance accepted. He said it was up to me if I wanted to take one every 6 hrs. or 2 every 12 hours. I find every 6 hours work best for me.
I had to work with the insurance customer help in order to find out how the prescription needed to be written, the allowance of 2 x's a day, every 12 hours is what most insurance will pay. They will also allow up to 4 Oxycontin's and only 2 different doseages. i.e., can't be 30's, 40's, 20's. This make 3 different doseages. Finding the way the insurance would accept the prescription is most important; otherwise....denial. Just need to work with them in order to accomodate what they will accept. It all came out with doing it their way, plus I am being covered. I hope I am not complicating my response.
(Gerry)