[beatle]

Sorry in advance for the multi-part question...

I just got back from a trip and every time I get off of a plane, my nerves go crazy (I can't travel with CBD for legal reasons, a downside of CBD).

I am thinking about asking for some type of narcotic for these times. I live at a high altitude and I think that might have something to do with it. I have read that some people benefit from the Fentanyl patch, so maybe a low dose? Does anyone have experience with any of this?

These flair-ups can be categorized as unbearable.

[mrsD]

Fentanyl is not recommended for patients who are opiate naive.

A person who does not regularly take an opiate, and a high dose one at that, should not start fentanyl...as severe respiratory depression can (and does ) occur, even at the lowest dose.

[beatle]

I would be opiate naive since I have never taken one, so what would be a good one to start with? I think some would say none at all but unfortunately, I think it is necessary.

[Susanne C.]

Percocet (oxycodone with or without acetaminophen) is a basic starting point for pain medication on an as needed rather than 24/7 basis. Not all nerve pain responds to opiates, but for those of us who do get relief it is a blessing.

[beatle]

Thanks very much Susanne.

Are you able to function on it, drive, work, etc.?

[Susanne C.]

I am actually on 30 mg. time release morphine (MS Contin) three times a day with Percocet for breakthrough pain. My driving is not impaired by the medication, but increasingly by my weakness. I am a stay at home mom, but play strategy games, cook, and have taught high school English on the meds. It does take some adjustment and I worked up to this dosage over three years. A few Percocet to tide you over traveling should not impair you, but it is always wise to see how you react before operating a car.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by beatle

(I can't travel with CBD for legal reasons, a downside of CBD)

Is this the same CBD that's being marketed as "legal in all 50 states"?

Don't necessarily believe the marketing hype, folks—Caveat Emptor!

Beatle, IMO, you're doing the smart thing in not risking it. IANAL, but from what I've read/seen it's still a "gray area" legally, and not worth risking anyone's freedom for/over. I will be delighted/ecstatic if/when this is no longer true.

I would be opiate naive since I have never taken one, so what would be a good one to start with? I think some would say none at all but unfortunately, I think it is necessary.

I think that (kind of) decision is best left to your doctor, who is familiar with your medical history, symptoms, other medications (potential interactions); who will be monitoring you, refilling the prescription, etc.

Regardless, it's often a trial & error process to find out what—and at what dosage— works best for any particular individual.

Things like driving may always be an issue, especially if we're talking about occasional use. Chronic pain patients who require round the clock medication usually normalize somewhat over time (another gray legal area), but for occasional use patients, it's similar to other substances that impair judgment, reflexes, skill, etc.

Doc

[beatle]

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

Is this the same CBD that's being marketed as "legal in all 50 states"?

I should have clarified, I frequently travel internationally. I picture myself in a foreign country explaining "It's just a patch officer, so it's OK!" as I am being hauled away.

The CBD that I use is a transdermal patch and on bad days, I use CBD:THC patches.

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

I think that (kind of) decision is best left to your doctor, who is familiar with your medical history, symptoms, other medications (potential interactions); who will be monitoring you, refilling the prescription, etc.

I have and will continue to have conversations with my doctor but I am glad I brought it up here. My doctor has suggested the Fentanyl patch as a last resort but I am reluctant (he is too) so we have held back on that. Susanne mentioned Percocet and I know many others have it on hand as well but my doctor has not mentioned this. When I have asked him if there was anything that I could take occasionally for the roughest days when I am in absolute agony, he said there isn't anything other than Fentanyl (does anyone blame me for turning to CBD??)

I would much rather take occasional Percocet than to be on a 24-hour opiate that I don't need around the clock.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by beatle

I should have clarified, I frequently travel internationally. I picture myself in a foreign country explaining "It's just a patch officer, so it's OK!" as I am being hauled away.

Good point.

When I have asked him if there was anything that I could take occasionally for the roughest days when I am in absolute agony, he said there isn't anything other than Fentanyl

I can't imagine why he would say something like that unless... (thinking as I'm typing here...) he was under the impression that you wanted to limit administration to transdermal patches. I'm thinking there may have been a miscommunication. An e-mail/phone call should be able to clear that up.

Doc

[KnowNothingJon]

Beatle,

If you don't mind me asking what is the CBD to THC ratio you use?

I am in New York, so unfortunately it is not a legal option, but I am extremely interested in how the CBD works for people vs CBD/THC combinations that are measured. Is it just 'enhanced' with both or very different kind of relief?

I have had more rough stretches physically lately, though my mind set is as unencumbered as I think I can get. It gets tested and I am sure there is attrition taking place. I am taking 75 mg of Lyrica twice a day and tramadol as needed. Lately the need has been frequent. Long term I want something that can help on frequent discomfort that is less intrusive.

I hope you find a travel option that provides comfort.

Jon