Not yet, Mrs D.
I've been saving the idea in 'my back pocket'
& haven't mentioned it to my docs yet.
My PCP is very anti-opiate oriented and was
quite upset when the pain clinic had me on MSContin.
It didn't work for me at all, but was severely constipating
for the 60 days I took it. No pain relief, whatsoever.
(BTW- Lyrica is just as bad that way too-
I have to take FiberSure or Metamucil, etc - daily- now)
She refused to give me a script for a refill after 30 days
and it made me go back to the pain clinic- behind her back.
She got really up-tight about it.

I wonder if the idea of 'the patch' would affect her adversely, too.

I know that many others have found the duragesic patch a life saver.
I was kinda leaving that option open for if (or when?), things got more severe.
I hadn't thought of it as a 'breakthru' application.
I wonder if my docs would consider it for that.

Lidoderms are non-narcotic.. they just numb and put the nerves to sleep.
Duragesic are fentanyl AND narcotic.

Well I'm glad you got through it Bob,and your . Dr.'s name for some
reason makes me laugh...I go into rehab Monday,and there doing that
wonderful test on my hands,arms neck,toe bone i don't know.
Then torture me and send me home,but they have a computer room.
I didn't do well with the patch,not Mrs, d's the other,WHY you ask
it made me sweat beach towel sweat..Don't know if it helped cause
I was to busy sweating,I was not But it did help Mel's Alan and others.
Mrs. d does give's a boost some relief..I at a 12 now so going to go
look out the window and watch Mo. float away,I put on a new roof,hmm
hope it didn'thmm it did start raining the next day.naaaaa Feel better
Bob and hugs to all Sue

I'm glad you straightened me out on that issue.
Whaddaya know? I larn sumpin new evverday!!
I'll speak to them about the lidoderm, next visit, thanks.

Okay... this a good time to explain patches, I guess!

There are several types.

1) Fentanyl (Duragesic) --this is a very potent narcotic and effective but has alot of warnings with it to NOT use in people who are not already using high doses of another narcotic.
(the term is opiate naive). There can be severe side effects and even death if it is improperly prescribed and monitored.
But for severe pain...it is effective.

2) Lidoderm patches -- these contain lidocaine which is a numbing agent. They were designed specifically for post herpetic neuralgia, but they have been shown to work very well for other chronic pain issues. I started these right when they came out.. and really like them. They help me tremendously.
(placement can be tricky, and failure with them may reflect where they are placed).

3) Salonpas-- These are over the counter pain patches with different formulas. I use the ones with methyl salicylate in them. They are more effective than BenGay or IcyHot patches which only have menthol in them.

4) Flector-- these are new in USA, and I am trying to get some. It looks like I will have to wait until September, since my doctor is leary of new things...
These have the NSAID diclofenac in them. I expect them to work like the Salonpas. However the Salonpas cost pennies each and Flector costs mega DOLLARS!
They have been in Europe for about 15 years, and have just been approved for "short term pain" here around January 08.

5) There is an antidepressant in patch form, called Emsam.
However, as of now, the company that makes it is not targeting it for pain. That might change in the future, as many drugs become commonly prescribed off label.

I personally like the patch idea. I use both Salonpas and Lidoderm with great success. (Lidoderms are expensive if your insurance does not cover them). Salonpas are extremely INexpensive.

MrsD, how bout adding this list of patches and info to the stickies? This is really good info on some different kinds of pain relief. I knew about only 2 of them, the first two.

Mrs D is right about the lidoderm patches...the only thing I find disconcerting about them is that NUMB can become even NUMBER?. Yes, it can cut the pain, but at the same time, if you stub your toe, you mite not be as aware of it. That is why I use them only judiciously and with caution. They DO work tho! Many thanks for those other options as well....They are going to be useful!

Bob? About nerve tests? IF IT HURTS? Please count you blessings! At least you CAN feel it! The last test I'd had I fell asleep as I was having a sleep-deprived test rite before it....Doc/Tech had to wake me up once it was over! I guess I was kind of aware that 'things' were being done to me, but other than that...nada. That was over 3 years ago, and I'd be sort of interested to know if there are any changes.... Often, what I feel I tend to think is some sort of 'nerve memory' and not the real thing...Sigh. It is still a bunch of complaining sensations tho. I'd LIKE to think that nerves ARE regrowing an reconnecting tho...it's a comfort and a source of hope in many ways.

Honestly? I would LOVE TO GO YEOW THAT HURTS!!!!!!!!! Some day, and some day soon! In the meantime, complain away! Those nerves on fire are bad, aggravating them doesn't make it any better. But to know that nerves are there, albiet working imperfectly is a good thing.

Still, make some ribs for your neighbor/tech and stay on good terms, you mite be better treated in the end if all know a- you are a good guy [which WE all know] and b- he's watching over things albeit benignly... Can't hurt? Only HE will benefit and ultimately know!

Hugs to all - j

See lidoderm patch made my pain higher but when I am in a flare up in my ankle and sock kills. I also wanted to try fetnyl but all the pain docs so far said no I need long term relief like an inplant. I would just use it for as needed though. I have had the same with many docs and meds. I am not a med person and rarely take but sometimes one needs a little assistance.Last year when this started I took more often but never got addicted and when I was told at the pain clinic no more vicodin I stopped. I think with all the bad publicity on people and addiction it makes docs scared.
On a side note there is a new show on Thurs at 10 called Hopkins and has real docs from there and patients. I think it is real.
Feel better and I send hugs too