posted 10 November 2004 16:30               

i had to get off them.i was concerned..anyway,is there anything i should know about this pain medication? oxycontin ,is in the patch.lasts for 3 day's...put one on(patch),about 3 hour's ago....so far,so good..,,gary

posted 10 November 2004 18:34            

I was on the patches for 2 years or so and had severe withdrawal (ended up in hospital for it). The patch is supposed to last 3 days but it only seems to last for 2 plus takes about 12 hours or so to kick in - I have met others who have had the same problem though once the meds kick in it works great.

It is also constipating.

And another problem is keeping the patch on for the 3 days - the manufacturer does make something that you can get to go over it and keep it on (its been a while since i was on it so I don't remember exactly).

posted 11 November 2004 01:32               

Be very careful with placement - not under the bra straps, spots where you sweat more. With larger doses that can be a problem - I'm skinny and don't have any flat surface left.

I found a great way to cut downon the dose and do the withdrawl by myself at home.Let me know if you like to know how.

Enjoy them when they work. Ask for script for 48 hour changes and buy a large cover (the same size like PICC line cover from 3M, $10 for 4) or tape paper tape around the edges. That way they stay for even a week or till you see, that there is filling left - they put much more than for 3 days in.

Don't take the firs one off till the next one is in place for at least a half day.

Alternate the spots, or they start to itch. If a new patch itches, dab anti-itch cream around the paper tape. It work within 1/2 hour.

Before puting anew patch on think about the weather and activities for the next 3 days. You can hide the patch even under bikinies,inside the bra, etc. For winter activities I recommend upperarms, where is quite same temperature all the time.

For skiing put it on the neck and unzip the turtleneck, whenewer you can handle the cold. I have a special zipped part on my ski jacket to went it frequently.

As far as the Actiq, you get the whole video tape for it's use, locked funny pack and safety lock for your medicine cabinet. It's quite dangerous, I'm addicted to it since nothing else works for me.to get of the patch was pretty easy in comparison to these lolipops (trasmuscosal system - official name).

posted 11 November 2004 01:47               

It gives you a boost during the day,so you shouldn'tfeel tired. Just stay in bed all night leke you would normaly - don't change the routine. The 3rd day you can sleep more that the first two.

I have never had constipation, as on the patch I was more active. Mg citrate and Vit. C helps too.

O, use the date stickers, as it gets confusing.

The strenth is 25, 50, 75 and 100mcg/hour, with max 200mcg/hour without insurance approval - they are expensive, but well worth it when they work.

The problem with Actiq is 2 tsp of sugar in each lolipop,the worst for candida with nausieting "blueberry flavor". But they work fast and well - I use cca 4-6 of 600-800mcg daily. But sometimes I need to use 2 at a time (you don't need to finish it - stop sucking when feeling better and cotinue later,when the pain starts to come back).

posted 11 November 2004 01:49               

They just gave me percocet 5 mg. Works for about 4 hous maybe, then need another one. Going to ask for 50 mg. Duragesic Patch. 25 is nearly nothing.

I left yesterday morning and got back this evening from Missouri to see Dr. C. Excellent visit. He seems to be very intellegent and well informed.

My orthopedist has called me while I was gone and is asking if I'd like to have my procedure on my knee early. I got home too late to call them back, so will call them in the morning.

Hope they have'nt given it to someone else.
I'd love to get both done before Christmas.
Hope I'll be tought enough to handle it.

Try asking your Dr. for at least 50's. Tell them after taking all those percocet, that this smaller dose isn't even touching your pain.

I can't understand why they won't do surgery. Actually makes me angry. If you don't mind saying, approximately where do you live? Even if you just say the state and north, south, etc.

I'm sure someone on here would help you to find a Doctor who would help you get the surgery you need if you put your mind to it.

Best of luck to you and God Bless You,

posted 11 November 2004 02:10               

thank's pam, i was taking percocet every 4 hour's(2)..seem's they would wear off sooner with food...i don't know if the pain is worse,or i was getting use to the percocet..

thank's for trying to help with orthopedist.my ins. has a list for me to pick through..sucks! i live in buck's county pa.(lyme capital of the country!)

will it hurt to have other medication with this patch?i.e; percocet? not going to take any till someone replie's....i got all nite...gary

posted 11 November 2004 03:37            

I agree about the 25 mg, not strong at all - but i think you will be asked to slowly go to the 50 (maybe not due to all the percocet you were taking.) Right now your body is probably withdrawing from that (just a thought).

posted 11 November 2004 07:10            

quote:

---

Originally posted by GEDEN13:
thankyou lymesux..maybe right about withdrawl.feel like i been drinking too much caffine......and i don't touch the stuff.hope you are well.(cd)

---

Sounds like withdrawl, did he take you off all perc's at once?

Thanks - I'm alive, guess thats a start!

good luck.

posted 11 November 2004 08:41            

quote:

---

Originally posted by GEDEN13:
still got percocet...been wondering,if one would hurt/help.....do you know?

---

My own (non medical doctor) opinion is no because I took it but I'd definitely ask the doctor.

I'm not a doctor i just play one on lymenet (ha ha?).

posted 13 November 2004 00:16               

my pain wasnt as bad as it is now but it was bad enough to keep me from being able to do lots of things...

It helped alot I could do some things and I felt alot better.... although I do remember thatit did take a little while to start working...

Unfortunately I only got to use one patch cuz my whole body swelled up .... allergic reaction...

dont take any additional medication without consulting your dr. too much or medication interaction can be very dangerous.

Geden if you can post how much you think its helping through its cycle after you used it a little I'd really appreciate it.... the drs. are considering it for someone I know... I told her I'd tried to find out other peoples experiences... If you cant post its ok but if you can I'd really appreciate it.

as far as the dose..... usually drs like to start you out on a lower dose... if it doesnt work or work enough just tell them.

I was told that our bodies do get used to percacet fairly quickly... I was told because of this they are no good for long term use.

I hope my post wasnt too rambly or incoherent...

posted 13 November 2004 03:25               

also left old patch on.was told to buy someone on here.sorta make smooth adjustment,from one patch to the other...

they do help with the pain,but i still had some.doc sez,body has to adjust,maybe 3 day's...

i will know more with this new patch.today(sat.) is third day..gonna email my doc now for update...cause i don't want any pain at all..tired of it..wanna do things,within reason...

you might have to remind me to update you...have a hard time to remember...gary

posted 13 November 2004 05:31            

My daughter was similar in that the patch wears off in 2 days rather tha 3. Heard it varies for people. She uses a 50 every other day and it helps a great deal.

posted 13 November 2004 09:47               

Be VERY careful with those darn patches. I thought it was lyme making me sick or the flu but determined later that the patches made me very very sick when I would sweat just a bi. Like wearing too heavy a coat and exerting. Or sun shined right thru a thin shirt and then dumped ALL the medicine right now and I was throwing up sick and I never do that otherwise. Those darn patches made me so much sicker than I really was that I wouldnt even think of such things. Doc put me on non addicting Tramadole(sp). But if my Rx runs out I am in BIG trouble.

posted 13 November 2004 10:39               

patch ran out of medication last night..didn't know what was going on.then remembered someone said that the patch don't last 3 day's...about two and ahalf day's is when i am going to put a new one on.....would have been lost without everyone's input..i am very greatful...thank's,,gary

posted 15 November 2004 11:52               

medication in the patch would not last me 72 hour's. still some pain though. work on that in the next 48 hour's....gary

posted 15 November 2004 12:46               

i'm from bucks co. too. i've been on the patch for more than a yr. i have SEVERE pain. my muscles in my arms had shortened , i was drawn up in such severe pain for so long. nerve pain is my worst pain.

when i got to my llmd after yrs of ducks, she put me on the patch. not right away. tried other stuff first.

couldn't wait to get home and fill the prescription. expected that in 1/2 an hr the pain would melt away. didn't happen. she started me out on the 25's. moved up to the 50's. now on the 75's. did not go up to the 100's due to nausia/vomitting that existed before patch, but i also made worse by stretching out my appts as we are paying for them out of pocket.

insurence pays for my meds with co-payment. but you can only get 1 mos supply as they are an opiate. do not do what i did and try to make them last longer. i was putting myself thru withdrawel on a reg basis without realizing it. doesn't seem they do that much. had to spend a day in ER when i got the stomach flu on top of withdrawel.

i do know they do something as when i'm off of them, i cannot believe the pain. i take neurontin too, also flexerel and ultrcets for breakthru pain. still in lots of pain. can't believe the torture.

posted 15 November 2004 13:01               

p.s. i live about 15 mile's south of easton pa...