10th October 2007
Dear Whosit,
I have Systemic Lupus and the Lupus Anticoagulant--so I know what it's like having pain throughout my body.
Furthermore, I have used the Duragesic patch (the Sandoz generic, not--by any means--the Mylan generic) for over 10 years. I've been on the same dosage (75 mcg) since 1998 (or so). I also use Actiq 800 mcg, which contains the same active ingredient (fentanyl) as Duragesic. This is a "lozenge" (translated as "lollipop") used for breakthrough pain. Both of these medications have treated me very well. I should warn you, however. These meds can be very expensive. Both the Duragesic and Actiq are available generically! Fentanyl is the most potent opiate available, from what I understand. So, be careful concerning its usage--that lockbox sounds like a good idea!
I change my patch every 48 hours (2 days) and receive excellent relief. Don't get me wrong...I will always be aware of the pain I have, but this combination seems to do the trick for me. There are other meds I use for different pain-related problems--like Dilaudid and Fioricet. By the way, I use Tegretol 200 mg 3 times a day and Elavil 50 mg at bed time. These medications help the whole pain syndrome significantly, and perhaps you should discuss this with your physician. Also, be completely candid about your past history of "abuse". Being honest with a doctor is the BEST way to go!!!
I would be glad to discuss anything else concerning this difficulty you are forced to endure!
BY THE WAY...THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS in this post!! Linda71, Wren9, and Brianpain33 have all offered excellent/superior ideas and suggestions.
Take care,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. Many of you may remember me because I used to post a great deal on this board. However, on June 1, 2007 I fell and cracked my skull. I was in the hospital for 13 days. This is the first post I have been able to complete since that accident. BLUNTLY...I'M OUTRIGHT AFRAID TO CHECK THE ACCUMULATION OF MY E-MAIL!! For some reason, I have retained my pickiness concerning writing/grammar!! Since I just said that, I assume that this post will be filled with errors. Please know that I'm kidding. I AM THRILLED TO BE BACK, AND I HOPE THAT HELPING ON THIS PAIN BOARD WILL BE PART OF MY HEALING PROCESS!!!!! Again, I'm glad to be back, my friends!
I have Systemic Lupus and the Lupus Anticoagulant--so I know what it's like having pain throughout my body.
Furthermore, I have used the Duragesic patch (the Sandoz generic, not--by any means--the Mylan generic) for over 10 years. I've been on the same dosage (75 mcg) since 1998 (or so). I also use Actiq 800 mcg, which contains the same active ingredient (fentanyl) as Duragesic. This is a "lozenge" (translated as "lollipop") used for breakthrough pain. Both of these medications have treated me very well. I should warn you, however. These meds can be very expensive. Both the Duragesic and Actiq are available generically! Fentanyl is the most potent opiate available, from what I understand. So, be careful concerning its usage--that lockbox sounds like a good idea!
I change my patch every 48 hours (2 days) and receive excellent relief. Don't get me wrong...I will always be aware of the pain I have, but this combination seems to do the trick for me. There are other meds I use for different pain-related problems--like Dilaudid and Fioricet. By the way, I use Tegretol 200 mg 3 times a day and Elavil 50 mg at bed time. These medications help the whole pain syndrome significantly, and perhaps you should discuss this with your physician. Also, be completely candid about your past history of "abuse". Being honest with a doctor is the BEST way to go!!!
I would be glad to discuss anything else concerning this difficulty you are forced to endure!
BY THE WAY...THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS in this post!! Linda71, Wren9, and Brianpain33 have all offered excellent/superior ideas and suggestions.
Take care,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. Many of you may remember me because I used to post a great deal on this board. However, on June 1, 2007 I fell and cracked my skull. I was in the hospital for 13 days. This is the first post I have been able to complete since that accident. BLUNTLY...I'M OUTRIGHT AFRAID TO CHECK THE ACCUMULATION OF MY E-MAIL!! For some reason, I have retained my pickiness concerning writing/grammar!! Since I just said that, I assume that this post will be filled with errors. Please know that I'm kidding. I AM THRILLED TO BE BACK, AND I HOPE THAT HELPING ON THIS PAIN BOARD WILL BE PART OF MY HEALING PROCESS!!!!! Again, I'm glad to be back, my friends!