???anyone else using multi-high dose opiod therapy longterm??
 

Hello.
I'm new to this forum. I've had RSD, etc. for over 18yrs now. I've had to resort to multi high dose opiod therapy long term. I've been following this protocal for a couple of years now. I have cardiac-adrenal insuffiency syndrome and a shot endocrine system from the stress of years of intractable pain which was poorly managed---partly the fault of opiodphobic Docs, and partly because of my own reservations about journeying on this scary road. Finally I had no choice...this or die.
I want to hear from any others who are doing/using similar approach. Pls respond if you/ve done this or are currently using this approach to manage intractable pain.
I'm having a terrible time with my insurance company. The new health care act is threatening my life. If there are other options for me, I welcome stories from fellow RSDers! thanks! love and light to you all...:hug:

Hi Sunshine, I am taking Vicodin 4 per day-6-8 when in high pain or flare.
Lorazepam-anti-anxiety 4mg a day-used to take 8 mg. The calming affect lowers the pain level. Taking seroquel xr and sleeping 10 hours straight has helped my pain level and that is when I was able to lower Vicodin down to 4 a day except for flares. Also Cymbalta works on nerve pain-it is an anti-depressant 120 mg a day. Also has a sedative effect. I take two blood pressure meds. RSD is an autonomic condition so we don't have control over involuntary organs like heart, lungs, kidneys, bladder. The sympathetic nervous system raises blood pressure and the para sympathetic nervous system lowers it. if gets too low can pass out-happened once tome.
You can buy blood pressure kit for $30 at pharmacy.
Also RSD causes no control over body temperature, thus the burning hot spells, and the cold ice spells. Also our immune system is compromised.
I view opiods as a way to have some quality of life. If we have ever had an operation, the nurses tell us to take the meds as directed. Taking the meds correctly, relaxes the body and therefore it heals more efficiently. Skipping meds and getting high pain, tightens everything up and slows down the healing system.
It's because I have this educated Dr. with many degrees that I'm on the right meds and am better now with full body RSD than I was 10 years ago.
Take care, your friend, loretta with soft hugs:grouphug:

Hi Sunshine, If you are having trouble with insurance company. opiods like vicodin are not much money. If you can afford it, bypass the insurance company and pay in cash. I don't have insurance as of a year ago. your friend, loretta

Sun,
I'm going on 28 years with RSD/TOS, then another accident in 98 caused a TBI, and four discs, Sleep issues are terrible as well as headaches.
I've been on methadone about 20 years (It took 7 years for a dx). I started @ 60mg. went down to 10-15, second accident, up to 100, now about 60.
Cymbalta, diazepam, Zanaflex for sleep. And, Migraine meds.

Methadone is very inexpensive, and I wouldn't want to be without it.

You're right, the health legislation seems to have been permitted basically for big business, (which is whom our government works for) so our ins. Co's. could stick it to us a little more. I'm afraid.
Since our President has never held a job, or run a business in his life, I'm VERY afraid, but that's another subject. (Hitler gave great speeches too)...don't shoot me now! ;)

Loretta, thanks for the suggestion of the BP machine. I think I'm going to get one. Some days I have lots of energy, but they seem to be getting farther between the older I get.

Hope I've helped, what are you taking, Sun?

Pete

asb

Hi, I am also on opoids for treatment. 2years with now generalized CRPS. Using oxycontinseroquel. , vicodin if needed, elavil, and seroquel. Also using hot water therapy and relaxation techniques to help.

Sorry add on to above- lyrica, oxycontin, elavil, seroquel and vicodin as needed. Epsom salt baths.

Oh yeah, me too!! It is all about trying to have a quality of life. I have been on high dose opiate therapy for over 8 years. I just look at it as necessary, much as insulin is necessary for diabetics. Lisa

Hey Pete, Good to hear from you. I remember the time of not sleeping at night. Would be awake all night till 5-6 am Was rough. Ambien CR quit working. My Dr. was doing a 200 person trial study of seroquel xr for fibromyalgia. I also have fibro. It was found to work great for sleep for a lot on the trial including me. The trial was 300 mg of seroquel and worked right away for sleeping 10 hrs. The amount was more than I needed, so Dr. reduced my script for 150 mg. Several months later still sleeping all night. Just thought you might want to ask your Doc. I don't have health insurance any longer, but they have a program of first month free and the following months are-not sure maybe $60.
We are still in triple digits here in the desert, but soon to be in the 90's Been a HOT summer. I'm making plans for getting out of dodge at least 4-6 weeks next summer.
Take care of yourself, sounded like a wonderful time you had having crab and seafood. with your friend. My girlfriend that was here with her husband in March for 12 days is coming back with her daughter for a few days. Our daughters grew up together grade 1-12 and our husbands were in business together for 10 years.
Hope you have a good week of lower pain. Your friend, loretta

Hello Loretta!
We spoke quite some time ago about the Seroquel, I'm really afraid of it. (I was given a sample of it, LONG ago). I went to stay with a couple (friends, of whom I met her in the hospital @ Schwartzman). She was on Seroquel to sleep and Provigal to wake up. (Anyone here ever take Provigal?) I hadto take that terrible stuff, after my TBI for a few years and it's the devil's own drug, IMHO. It really cranked up the rsd pain)
But, I simply couldn't stay awake! Now, I'm dx'd with TranSomnia. Can't sleep, can't wake up. Really weird. But it's the brain injury, not so much the rsd. (I have fribro also, but I really think it's just a 'type' of rsd.)
Long story short, this friend was waking around 3-4 every AM, and waking everyone in the house, insisting on doing what she wanted, which was usually dragging all sort of 'toys' out to do things. She had NO IDEA the next day! Every morning she'd wake up in a different part of the house, upstairs, downstairs, living room, occasionally in bed. The seroquel for me, knocked me out for two days, that was a half of a 25 mg.! (The Brain injury).
I'm very happy it's working for you, but for me, I'm just kind of afraid of it!

I'm glad you're having some good times in life, Loretta! You surely deserve to!
Be and Feel Well!
Your Pal, Pete.
:hug:

Long term usage has given me back life
 

After being on OxyContin for 11 years, plus OxyIR and now on my 2nd internal morphine pump, all I can say is that I'm thankful I have a great doctor who's willing to look at my damage and try and control the pain as best as possible. While I'm far from pain free, I am able to maintain a better quality of life thanks to these very expensive medications. When I had my first morphine pump battery fail, I really saw how big a difference this pain management protocol was making in my daily life.

Stop being scared of the hard hitting drugs. According to my Mayo's trained doctor only 1 to 3% of those taking these drugs ever become hooked. While there is a certain degree of body dependence, that's not the same. When I have watched those same TV shows you've watched about the horrors of taking these medications I've gone to my doctor asking if I was hurting my life more than helping it. His response, "Stop watching them!"

There are people who abuse the living heck out of medications for all the wrong reasons, but when there's the real physical damage that necessitates the need for these drugs, they save our lives and make it possible so we can still find new ways to live life though with perhaps a different set of limitations. Best of luck and don't let the bad press and overly judgmental people who have no idea about what life is like when you're living with the pain loads we consider normal scare you into making the wrong choice. Last of all, when you're with a doctor with a great reputation and who's well trained, there's nothing to be scared of. For all those in that one county in Florida who are nothing more than addicts taking what's referred to as the OxcyContin Express, I can only say I feel sorry for you. What I'd give to not have to take these drugs, so why in the world would anyone do it on purpose? Meanwhile, those of us who are very injured are blessed that they're out there. Bob.

There is a very very good reason why they are called "Pain Killers". Thank god for them and the relief I see in my wife, who has RSD, when she has them on hand opposed to not having them and watching the RSD take over completely. bobinjeffmo, has the pain pump made a real difference in your life and if so, how much of a relief has it given, if I may ask.

GOM=God's Own Medicine. That's what the docs called morphine when it was first used, and I find it fits today for most all of the opiods. I look at the 'scare' potential of these meds as simpleminded. If the worst side effect I can expect to see is physical addiction, well, so what? I'll have this nightmare for life, so wehat's the big deal? Living life without the painkillers would result in a very short pain filled couple of months. I simply could not take the pain, period. Any doc I've been to that came out with the "I don't prescribe opiates because they are addictive" line showed their complete lack of compassion as well as a general lack of what I would consider qualifications to be a physician, ie prescribe the safest med first. Opiates are nearly all safer than neurontin, et al.

I forgot
 

MSContin 30mg/3 per day, 15mg oxycodone, 4/day, 3 350mg Soma/ day, taken 1/2 at a time (they make me sleepy if I take a whole one) Serax 15mg 3/day, initially for panic attacks, now they help me by calming my nerves which lessens the pain, and welbutrin 'cause for some reason I'm bummed out. I think if the opiates were slightly stronger I'd be better served, but my doc is balking, so I'm trying to make due.

Morphine pumps have saved me from hell on earth
 

I got my first morphine pump 7 1/2 years ago. It lasted 5 1/2 years before the battery finally knocked out. I then had to go a bit over three months without one because of more surgeries I had to take care of first so I was reminded what life was like without this fantastic little machine - and I'll tell you I was in pure hell. After we installed my second morphine pump 1 1/2 years ago, I once again was reminded just how unbelievable of device these things really are, but there are problems that go with them - so you've got to accept the bad with the good.

First the test is an overnight stay in the hospital where they'll inject morphine directly in your spinal fluid. The pain went away and I bawled in tears it felt so good. 4 hours later it burned off. You'll know on the spot of this will work. If the pain either considerably eases up or goes away, it should work. If the pain is still there, then it wont. The worse story I read on this very site was about a person who was complaining about their pump not working even though they'd lied to the doctor during the test about the pain going away even though it hadn't during the test. For this person, their lie is going to make a heap of future problems and I'm glad I'm not in their shoes. Meanwhile, I just can't fully describe how much of a difference it's made in my life.

After doing my morphine pump test we installed my 20 grand pump the following week that ran around $1,500 per refill every 8 to 9 weeks during the early years (I haven't kept up so I know it's more expensive now). When we installed my 2nd pump last year the cost was 30 grand so this is no cheap up front investment. In addition there was a huge lump on my spine where the catheter (a tube is placed from the pump that sits in a pocket in front of your tummy through the middle of your body) is sewn into place that took over 6 months before the swelling was small enough to not really bug the heck out of me all the time though it still does and can get very sore to this day. Then there's the hockey puck sized device you have to carry around inside your tummy that's another tad annoying byproduct. This thing isn't small no matter what Medtronics web site says, and so bending over is a much greater challenge not to mention the fact that my waist size went up over 4 inches thus all my clothes were either worthless or didn't fit right. There is no silver bullet. On a positive note, my second pump has a much larger reservoir so I don't have to go in near as often to get it refilled.

Morphine pumps can help but I'd say their main purpose it to moderate out pain throughout the day. This type of expensive technology is handed out to only the worse cases and all of the physical damage and documentation must be perfect or it will never get through the insurance companies or Medicare. Just warning you up front since I've see others who have had problems though mine was approved in less than a week.

It is an option worth exploring, but it comes with other prices. Would I live without one, heck no! Am I terrified with all the changes in insurance that I won't be able to get one next time my battery dies, you're darn right. Am I thankful each and every day for this annoying gadget that's constantly in my way but that gives pain relief like none other, more than you'll ever know.

Talk it over with your doctor and see if this is a test worth taking and then go from there. Always be honest at each step along the way good or bad. It's my opinion that more people suffer from bad relationships with their pain management doctors because of not always being 100% up front than for any other reason. Your strength of character and reputation will go a long ways toward earning the right to have this option given I assure you.

Best of luck and if I can be of any more help let me know, Bob.

You couldn't have said it better
 

100% in agreement and it's clear you understand this topic most personally. Now if only we could get the media to get off our backs about "anyone" who's taking the hard stuff is nothing more than a glorified drug user. I'd love them to switch places with us for just one day and I'll bet they'd look at medications such as morphine in a whole different light.

Meanwhile we have to be kinder to doctors. They really do have the Fed's breathing down their backs more and more and so unless they don't want to be a doctor anymore, they have to be more careful than ever about who they're writing out these scripts too. Sorry, but when there's the profitability in it that can amount to thousands of dollars a month, all doctors have the right to ask if they're caring for pain or if they're just helping the patient have a better standard of living. A lot of the reasons we're in this mess is because of drug abusers like it or not. Of course if it was me, I'd just legalize the stuff and let the stupid stay stupid. At least it would solve the black market problems and stop the pimps from selling their wares on street corners. I'll always believe we can't legalize morality, so why do we keep trying? Meanwhile the consequences are that a whole lot of people in severe pain do suffer because of doctors who are just to scared they'll loose everything by issuing out drugs to the wrong patient.

hi whisper
 

Hi, I am sorry you are in pain as so many are. I have been on Kadian, and ms contin for 6 years, The doctors never thought I would be able to get off this medication. I looked at it as a quality of life issue. There was no quality with the amount of pain I was in. Now after a successful fussion C3-7, I will be going down on my medication, as low as I can go. I am terrified as I already have met up with the other side of this addiction. I still would have done it just to be out of pain. I see my dr. the 18th to drop down. I wish for you the best. If your pain is terrible, for anyone, I don't think taking these meds is bad at all. Even with the flip side of it, it does give some life back. Ginnie:hug:

Thanks bobinjeffmo for the response. There is no doubt if these pain killers were not available many people would also die from agony and suicide, there is no doubt in my mind this is true.

I too have been on opoids for about 3 years now. I was initially dx with rsd in the early 90's but the pain was never really treated. Every doctor I saw was opiodphobic and behavior based (AKA all in my head). I struggled in pain trying different meds the few that were prescribed and most did nothing to help. Luckily it went into remission in 2000 what a relief, and I actually did fairly well until 2007 when it came out of remission. This time it is worse, more widespread and the back and hips are involved and both legs and feet, original rsd site right leg. I can't tolerate Neurontin and didn't even want to try Lyrica since I had such a horrible reaction to Neurontin, Pain doc was a total jerk and said "call me when you decide to try Lyrica" and dismissed me. Thankfully I have a wonderful PCP who isn't afraid to prescribe for me and tries to make me as comfortable as possible. I am currently on Norco 7.5 mg 4 times a day, Robaxin 4 times a day, Celebrex, Oxycodone for breakthrough and COumadin. I also have DVT and Chronic Veinous Inefficiency, DJD, Arthritis, Myofacial/Fibromyalgia.

Hi Ive had RSD DXed in 1968 only Opiates have helped biut my Doc retired,terror, FEAR
 

The best med I have taken is Avinza it is Morpphine made differently thann any other but is $16 a pill at least the rich can get out of pain ,I totally feel like scum ,I have taken large dorsed of MsContin ,MSIR,800mg Ibuprofen ,800 mg Neurontin ,/Clonazepam and doxepin because I'm crazy I really havent counted the years Ive had RSD all that matters is right now ,we RSDers are very equally suffering about the same right now ,I hope some of you can afford Aviinza or its on your insurance formulary ,never even once have I misused my meds ,it makes me just want to give up when the people who sell and abuse their meds ,you are killing those of us who follow our prescriptions,but people who fake their way or trade for other drugs ,all I can say is KARMA ,to everyone else who really suffer
Gentle Hug
rsdno

After being on OxyContin for 11 years, plus OxyIR and now on my 2nd internal morphine pump, all I can say is that I'm thankful I have a great doctor who's willing to look at my damage and try and control the pain as best as possible. While I'm far from pain free, I am able to maintain a better quality of life thanks to these very expensive medications. When I had my first morphine pump battery fail, I really saw how big a difference this pain management protocol was making in my daily life.

Stop being scared of the hard hitting drugs. According to my Mayo's trained doctor only 1 to 3% of those taking these drugs ever become hooked. While there is a certain degree of body dependence, that's not the same. When I have watched those same TV shows you've watched about the horrors of taking these medications I've gone to my doctor asking if I was hurting my life more than helping it. His response, "Stop watching them!"

There are people who abuse the living heck out of medications for all the wrong reasons, but when there's the real physical damage that necessitates the need for these drugs, they save our lives and make it possible so we can still find new ways to live life though with perhaps a different set of limitations. Best of luck and don't let the bad press and overly judgmental people who have no idea about what life is like when you're living with the pain loads we consider normal scare you into making the wrong choice. Last of all, when you're with a doctor with a great reputation and who's well trained, there's nothing to be scared of. For all those in that one county in Florida who are nothing more than addicts taking what's referred to as the OxcyContin Express, I can only say I feel sorry for you. What I'd give to not have to take these drugs, so why in the world would anyone do it on purpose? Meanwhile, those of us who are very injured are blessed that they're out there. Bob.[/QUOTE]

re: therapy
 

I agree with what you said, people who abuse medications, give all the rest of the people who take these medications a bad name. Any one who has had terrible pain, knows how much of a benefit opiates really are. ginnie

been there too
 

I avoided opiods for three years because I'm a recovering alcoholic with 11 years sober. When I was finally diagnosed correctly with RSD and met a competent and compassionate pain mgt doctor he assured me the clinic would monitor me closely. I was at the end of my rope with the pain and it affected every part of my life for the worse. After seven years the RSD has not improved. Every couple years I have had to increase the opiods. At one point I was on a daily dose of 90 mg of Avinza (time released morphine) and four 5/325 norco. I wanted to try and reduce the Avinza in favor or more norco for break through pain. Two years ago I cut down to 60 mg. and increased the norco to five a day. Now the pain is worse with the cooler weather here in the midwest and I'm going to ask my doctor to consider putting me on 7.5/325 norco and stay with five a day. I know better than to tell my doctor this but I currently run out of the norco in about three weeks and get refills every four. I have to hold back a few days supply to take before my appointment because everyone at the clinic is urine tested for what they are supposed to be taking and not taking. I've been keeping a pain diary for the past two months which I find helpful in sharing with my doctor when trying to change my meds. I also recently posted asking for advice from anyone who has experience with Soma. We have to be our own best advocate and a forum like this is helpful. The difference between addiction and physical dependence in the relief of severe chronic pain is well understood by people in our postition. Keep up the good fight.

therapy
 

I was on ms contin for six years. It gave me quality of life. Had recent bit surgery correction in cervical spine, a gift of healing. I am currently being weened off and greatfully. This a causing me no trouble so far. When there cannot be a healing, these meds help you to have a good life and shouldn't be looked at as a negative. I was OK eithor way, and have no fear of getting off them. ginnie

Soma
 

Currently on Soma, 350mg three per day. I take them a half at a time because a) they make me sleepy and b) they work for me when used like that. Good luck. Oh, they can sometimes cause some stomach upset, so be aware. I can't take aspirin or NSAIDS because they hurt me too badly, so...I dunno what your experience might be.

Long Term Drug Therapy
 

Opiod Help Please!!!!
 

Hello, I am fairly new to Opiods. I have been prescribed to no avail Percocet, Opana, Exalgo, and MS Contin. I am currently using Fentynol Patch every three days.

My problem is this: I keep calling my doctor when these medications don't work and I feel he is getting angry with me. All of the drugs prior to the Fentynol did not work for me, I got minimal relief and maximum side effects. NOW, after being on the patch, it isn't working at all on the third day. It works very well for two full days and then STOPS...I told this to my doctor and he got very short with me and told me to come to the office in the AM tomorrow. Trouble is, I feel like a pain in the *** but MY PAIN wins every time.

How do I explain to him that I can't help what I am feeling? I don't want to bother anyone with my troubles, I just want relief......

loretta; I love your "soft Hugs"!
 

That's all folks.

I love her "soft hugs"!

Thanks, loretta! Love you too!

Michael Mac,
I too am on the patch and had started it on a three day cycle and I noticed that the later part of the 2nd day that the adhesive part of the patch was cutting my skin. By the third day the patch either would fall off or I had to take it off because it would hurt my skin so much. Either way if the patch managed to stay on for three days I noticed a significant difference in my pain levels as it didn't provide as much relief. I noticed that the directions also call for the 3M Tegraderm patch cover. I had to purchase the Tegrederm cover from the pharmacy and they were slightly expensive but the difference was night and day with the pain relief. The 3M patch makes the patch stay adhere to your skin which made the patch work the full time. (30 covers lasted two to three months because one cover can cover 3-5 patches because they are so large.)
But even with the 3M cover I had to go to every 48hrs because the patch cut my skin. My Dr changed the script to every 48hrs and said that my skin appears to be allergic to the which is why it was cutting my skin and why it didnt work for me on the third day. Sorry for the length and hang in there.

Dear Michael,

I was on Fentanyl for about 9 months. At the end I was changing my patches every 2 days, per doctor's orders. Dr. Getson of Marlton, NJ changed some of my scripts, and the timing of the Fentanyl was one of the changes that he made. He said that it doesn't also work well for RSDers on a 3 day cycle, that most of us need to change them after 2 days.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you, sorry for your pain.

You might also want to consider Methadone instead of opiods if you continue to not get any relief. for some it has been a godsend. You can't take them together, though - it has to be either one OR the other.

Sandy

i have been wanting to start a thread asking about painkillers for a while, and whether i was going to end up addicted.

i am currently taking 600mg gabapentin (neurontin) 3x daily, and oxycod/apap 5-325 1-2 pills 4x daily. i have been afraid of getting hooked on the oxycodone and have only been able to get one doctor to prescribe it as it is. i have been on the oxy for about 2 months. i had this prescribed by my physical therapy doctor, and when i went to my PCP for a referral to the barrow MS Clinic, and also to refill my oxy prescription, she pulled out a list of how many times i had been prescribed painkillers and treated me like a junkie and said i wasn't getting any more. needless to say i will never see that dr or visit that clinic again.

i have been trying to take only the bare minimum as far as the oxy, but sometimes taking 1 pill does not do it for me, as i have a lot of pain in my right hand especially, and my right side in general, as well as back and neck pain, and now an extremely painful right hip...

i just recently started with a new PCP and she also did not want to prescribe any painkillers but at least she was nice about it and referred me back to my physical therapy doc (i needed the referral for the therapy anyway).

plus it seems like everyone in my personal life thinks i shouldn't take oxy or i'll definitely be hooked quickly...

Clarkstar,
It sounds like the PT Dr understood your condition unlike the other dr's that you have recently seen. Unfortunately there are so many Dr's that have never heard or treated a CRPS case. Have you mentioned your current circumstances to the PT Dr that was treating you? Put a message with that Dr and make him aware of the current circumstances and I would think either they could refill or refer you to a Pain Management Dr or someone that is used to treating a chronic pain condition. They are familiar with your case so I would think they would help you.
As far as the people in your life that thinks you shouldn’t take the medicine, I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure they have your best interest at heart but they don’t have to live with the pain. For me, I reached the decision to take pain killers when I knew I no-longer could handle the pain while performing day to day life. I wanted to live some of my life. As far as addiction, I think someone addressed this already but a study showed only 1-3% of pain patients become addicted. I really hate taking meds, but I really have no choice because I would have no life without taking them. With the meds I was able to finish my MBA in one year, hold a job in one of the top 100 public accounting firms for 2.5 years and basically have a life. Without my meds I would be stuck in bed or a wheel chair. Pain medicine is exists to give people their life back when all else fails or until something works for you. Hang in there and I hope your meds issue / treatment plan is resolved in the near future.
Sarah

thanks swatgen. i'm sorry i intruded on this thread because i have MS not SD or CRPS (as far as i know). i was just lookign for a thread that discussed the painkillers and did not notice it was in a different forum. anyway, your advice an dhelp is mucho appreciated!

Before i was diagnosed with RSD which was 4 months ago...I was taking 120mgrs of Oxycontin a day and 60mgrs of percocett. I still had the burning pain and it really didnt work well. Then i changed doctors and am on he Fentanyl patch and Methadone. Now i dont have the burning feeling and am not in pain when sitting still, but when i go to move then i feel different pains.
Im just happy to be out of pain sitting still which is something i never had with the opiates for the 5 years that i took them.
Lori

Medtronics best pumps?
 

Hi - I am trying to assist my father in the process of being set up with a pain pump. What is the best one to get. He mentioned the medtronic 40. Also, they are going to start him off with dilaudid and lidocaine. He said that the trial gave him some relief, but not complete. Should he ask to try different medications before just using what they have tested. And, I think they just did some injections for the test. Do you think they might be more accurate in determining the dosage if they do a continuous test with higher and higher dose until he is not in pain?

The extra testing is not needed at this stage
 

Once the doctor decides to put in the pump that's your first hurdle and a major implant plus healing experience. There's nothing easy about getting one of these things or getting use to it.

After the pump is installed, let the doctor start down his conservative list of whatever he decides to use as far as dosage and pain medication. You don't start out at the top end, but instead work your way up till you find the safe and correct dosage. Because we're talking about some pretty heavy duty drugs, there must be extreme caution used when the doctor is ramping up the dosage and when choosing which pain medication he'll respond too best. This could and will take months, but I assure you that no matter where the doctor starts at, your dad will be in better shape than he is now as long as the test proved that this would work for him.

The worse case I ever read was about a person who was unhappy with their pump after it was installed since it wasn't helping with the pain. The reason was because the patient had lied to the doctor during the test and had told him that it had worked when it really hadn't one bit. When it comes to pain management, it's just as much about our relationship and trust with the doctor that matters here as the actual medication(s) we eventually use. Also make sure your dad understands that just because you have a pump does not mean he'll instantly be pain free. I'm still taking two kinds of oral narcotics in addition to the pump so when we're talking about this level of pain, there are times when all of us climb the walls even with the huge load of medications we're on. All my best for you and your dad.

Yeap
 

Methadone & Percocet 4 me! Walk around drunk but better than sleeping all day w/ oxycontin 20mg x 3. :confused:

Lori, isn't Fentanyl an opiate?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/fentanyl.html

Koala, my wife has RSD. In the past she has worn patches of some kind (not Fentanyl) and that the patch itself hurt her and caused her skin to break out. Does Fentanyl come in another form?

Thanks
jim

Fentanyl comes in injection form, as a skin patch, an effervescent tab (like the Actiq lollipop), and a mouth spray with other delivery methods currently in development. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fentanyl

The Fentanyl patch is also known as: Actiq, Durogesic, Duragesic, Fentora, Onsolis, Instanyl, and Abstral.

If those names are not familiar, maybe the patch you used was Norspan (buprenorphine)? Norspan is not the same as Fentanyl, but often used as a first choice pain reliver because it doesn't fall under the category of opiates.

There may be other brands of skin patch that I'm unaware of. Also, I'm in Australia not America, and our medications often differ from your's, but should you post a question in the Medication Forum, I'm sure mrsD would be happy to answer it for you.

Thanks for the info Koala. I have family in Sydney. I've never met them but spoken to them many times over the years. They are the children of my grandfather's older sister. Australia is a country I've been wanting to visit for decades. My wife is not able to travel those distances so its a little hard to plan for it. Thanks again