Hope things are improving for you Brian...I really do!

As I've posted before, I think one of your main problems is the Lortab. It's baby aspirin compared to the patch....Way too weak. You don't take something "weaker" for BT pain. Think about it this way....The patch, or fentanyl, establishes your baseline....A much weaker drug isn't going to deaden the break through pain that the patch doesn't filter out....You need either MORE fentanyl for BT, or a equally strong med, like Oxycodone. I have a close friend who is on the patch and uses Actiq for BT #1 and Oxyfast for BT#2. BT# 1 is the 1st attempt at dulling the pain....If it doesn't work, then she uses #2 which ALWAYS works. The problem is that it effectively ends her day...i.e has to lay down, sleep or whatever due to it's strength.

Hope all works out for you.

Ex

[QUOTE=Executor;3482364] I have a close friend who is on the patch and uses Actiq for BT #1 and Oxyfast for BT#2. BT# 1 is the 1st attempt at dulling the pain....If it doesn't work, then she uses #2 which ALWAYS works.


:eek::yawn::dizzy: I would be out too, dang that is the old K.O punch right there

Brian

Dear Brian,

I wear a 75 mcg Sandoz fentanyl patch and use the 800 mcg generic Actiq for BT. Also, I am Rx'd 8 mg Dilaudid (generic) tablets for BT, as well. Sometimes, the Actiq works. However, the Dilaudid works better at other times. As Executor stated, I cannot imagine using a much weaker medication to help my BT pain.

For instance, the Actiq lifts the fentanyl level--I understand that one. Plus, the Dilaudid hits other portions of the pain receptors. That's why I use it when my pain is intense in my back. For whatever reason, the Dilaudid delivers better relief there. When the pain is particularly intense in my hips and knees, the Actiq works better.

Certainly, this is just my experience. Perhaps your physician could help you with a "stronger" Rx or something. Maybe it's worth looking into as a possibility. Please keep us updated!

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)