Guest guest Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Thanks for the info. If he were at home, I would certainly be trying lots of things, but they are so adament that they can't do anything without dr's. orders, I don't think they would let me do anything. I suggested Cortisone cream, which works wonderful for my itching when I have it, but they won't go for it unless prescribed. I might try the vaseline, but I think maybe the salt water might irritate the sores, even tho it might help heal them. He is so sensitive to any kind of pain now, even just a touch sometimes sends him off. The rash/sores are over the upper part of his back, both where the original patch appeared to be and all around it as well as the new patch. I am sure it's the medication. I don't think he's ever had a problem with adhesive before. I also don't think he needs the pain patch that bad anymore, as he's still on Tylenol as well as Fentanyl. I wouldn't think he'd need both at this stage. You're right about the dismissal of the itching. They seem to think it's minor, but I know how awful itching from just a mosquito bite can be, and with someone in his condition, you can't get their mind off of it, so they tend to obsess about it. The blue line on his fingernails is not in the cuticle area; it's at the point where the fingernails and fingers last touch before the nails grow on out. Probably doesn't mean anything, but I just noticed it a few nights ago, and I didn't notice it when I last cut his fingernails. --- jacqui wrote: > Hi, June, > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article and > the definition of > mottling. < > > You're very welcome. > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > fingernails have a thin > blue line that follows the curve of the finger where > the nail meets it. > Looks a little like dirt way back under the nails, > but of course, he > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's not > it. Has anyone seen > this, and if so, does it signify something regarding > medicine?< > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, or at > the end of the > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > the nailbed can be due > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > themselves are blue, it can > indicate circulatory problems. > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from the > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an order > for > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching just > as > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up sores > or > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but he > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is that it > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new patch > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, but > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the patch > has been placed? > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to the > adhesive of the > patch. If he is having a reaction over his entire > back, not just where > the patch has been placed, then it may be a reaction > to the medication, > but likely there would be other areas of his body > that would be reacting > with hives as well. > > The dermatologist for whom I transcribe recommends a > topical medicine > for the itching (which has been prescribed in your > husband's case) and > also use of moisturizer to help stop the itching. > What he recommends > most often is Vaseline petroleum jelly to be used to > moisturize the > skin. If you don't want to use it straight from the > jar, thin it with > water and it makes a nice cream. It is a nice, > hypoallergenic way to > moisturize the skin at a very affordable price. > Alternatively, he often > recommends the use of Cetaphil cream. Lotion is > pretty thinned out, but > if the skin won't absorb heavier preparations > easily, you may want to go > that route. > > If he has dry skin on his back, I suggest that you > use warm salt water > to gently remove any flaking or scaly skin, pat dry > and then apply the > moisturizer. It should help decrease the itching > for a time, at least. > > Every time a new patch is applied, it is supposed to > go on a different > site on the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. The > area to which it is > applied is supposed to be clean and dry skin which > is intact and not > irritated. It sounds as if one reason for what > you're seeing on his > back is the reaction at the various sites where the > patch has been > placed previously. > > Finally, I suggest that you tell the doctor that you > want the patch > discontinued and an alternative form of the > medication introduced. If > he is tolerating the Fentanyl itself well, certainly > the patch is the > easiest method for the staff, but it can also be > given by injection. > > Good luck! Mom has had skin reactions to > medications, too, and it is no > fun - and oddly, the medical staff often seems to > think of it as just a > minor problem. For Mom, the itching becomes an > obsession. > > jacqui (from Puget Sound) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 June. Yes, they have to follow Doctor's orders, and I would insist on seeing the MD. He shouldn't have to be in that kind of discomfort. I would insist on talking to the MD as Jan did. If the nurses are not reporting an allergic reaction, the MD can't do anything. They sound a bit off. You are entitled to have the patch removed and left off, and if it takes the MD, ask to speak to him. It sounds abusive to keep putting on something that is causing that much pain. Just my thoughts. Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02 No dx other than mine. Re: June/Fentanyl patch Thanks for the info. If he were at home, I would certainly be trying lots of things, but they are so adament that they can't do anything without dr's. orders, I don't think they would let me do anything. I suggested Cortisone cream, which works wonderful for my itching when I have it, but they won't go for it unless prescribed. I might try the vaseline, but I think maybe the salt water might irritate the sores, even tho it might help heal them. He is so sensitive to any kind of pain now, even just a touch sometimes sends him off. The rash/sores are over the upper part of his back, both where the original patch appeared to be and all around it as well as the new patch. I am sure it's the medication. I don't think he's ever had a problem with adhesive before. I also don't think he needs the pain patch that bad anymore, as he's still on Tylenol as well as Fentanyl. I wouldn't think he'd need both at this stage. You're right about the dismissal of the itching. They seem to think it's minor, but I know how awful itching from just a mosquito bite can be, and with someone in his condition, you can't get their mind off of it, so they tend to obsess about it. The blue line on his fingernails is not in the cuticle area; it's at the point where the fingernails and fingers last touch before the nails grow on out. Probably doesn't mean anything, but I just noticed it a few nights ago, and I didn't notice it when I last cut his fingernails. --- jacqui wrote: > Hi, June, > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article and > the definition of > mottling. < > > You're very welcome. > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > fingernails have a thin > blue line that follows the curve of the finger where > the nail meets it. > Looks a little like dirt way back under the nails, > but of course, he > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's not > it. Has anyone seen > this, and if so, does it signify something regarding > medicine?< > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, or at > the end of the > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > the nailbed can be due > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > themselves are blue, it can > indicate circulatory problems. > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from the > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an order > for > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching just > as > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up sores > or > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but he > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is that it > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new patch > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, but > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the patch > has been placed? > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to the > adhesive of the > patch. If he is having a reaction over his entire > back, not just where > the patch has been placed, then it may be a reaction > to the medication, > but likely there would be other areas of his body > that would be reacting > with hives as well. > > The dermatologist for whom I transcribe recommends a > topical medicine > for the itching (which has been prescribed in your > husband's case) and > also use of moisturizer to help stop the itching. > What he recommends > most often is Vaseline petroleum jelly to be used to > moisturize the > skin. If you don't want to use it straight from the > jar, thin it with > water and it makes a nice cream. It is a nice, > hypoallergenic way to > moisturize the skin at a very affordable price. > Alternatively, he often > recommends the use of Cetaphil cream. Lotion is > pretty thinned out, but > if the skin won't absorb heavier preparations > easily, you may want to go > that route. > > If he has dry skin on his back, I suggest that you > use warm salt water > to gently remove any flaking or scaly skin, pat dry > and then apply the > moisturizer. It should help decrease the itching > for a time, at least. > > Every time a new patch is applied, it is supposed to > go on a different > site on the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. The > area to which it is > applied is supposed to be clean and dry skin which > is intact and not > irritated. It sounds as if one reason for what > you're seeing on his > back is the reaction at the various sites where the > patch has been > placed previously. > > Finally, I suggest that you tell the doctor that you > want the patch > discontinued and an alternative form of the > medication introduced. If > he is tolerating the Fentanyl itself well, certainly > the patch is the > easiest method for the staff, but it can also be > given by injection. > > Good luck! Mom has had skin reactions to > medications, too, and it is no > fun - and oddly, the medical staff often seems to > think of it as just a > minor problem. For Mom, the itching becomes an > obsession. > > jacqui (from Puget Sound) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Just noticed on the Webmd site which I got to using _www.rxlist.com_ (http://www.rxlist.com) , something about this patch. Please look into this Arlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Amen, Myrna, and I would tell all the nurses that they are in a heap of trouble if it goes back on before I talked to the doctor. I am not easily intimidated by anyone anymore. I will give the orders, nicely, but they will stand. I am the one calling the shots, even to the doctor. After all we are paying them for their services. When did it get turned around? Imogene In a message dated 7/8/2006 12:25:21 PM Central Daylight Time, jermyr@... writes: Guess I am just impulsive here, but I would just take that patch off myself. Then maybe the doctor would deal with it. I often have hives and to have a LBD patient with all their other problems uncomfortable with hives is awful. Myrna (68) in Missouri Caregiver for Husband Jerry (70) Diagnosed AD 1997, LBD 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Guess I am just impulsive here, but I would just take that patch off myself. Then maybe the doctor would deal with it. I often have hives and to have a LBD patient with all their other problems uncomfortable with hives is awful. Myrna (68) in Missouri Caregiver for Husband Jerry (70) Diagnosed AD 1997, LBD 2004 Re: June/Fentanyl patch Thanks for the info. If he were at home, I would certainly be trying lots of things, but they are so adament that they can't do anything without dr's. orders, I don't think they would let me do anything. I suggested Cortisone cream, which works wonderful for my itching when I have it, but they won't go for it unless prescribed. I might try the vaseline, but I think maybe the salt water might irritate the sores, even tho it might help heal them. He is so sensitive to any kind of pain now, even just a touch sometimes sends him off. The rash/sores are over the upper part of his back, both where the original patch appeared to be and all around it as well as the new patch. I am sure it's the medication. I don't think he's ever had a problem with adhesive before. I also don't think he needs the pain patch that bad anymore, as he's still on Tylenol as well as Fentanyl. I wouldn't think he'd need both at this stage. You're right about the dismissal of the itching. They seem to think it's minor, but I know how awful itching from just a mosquito bite can be, and with someone in his condition, you can't get their mind off of it, so they tend to obsess about it. The blue line on his fingernails is not in the cuticle area; it's at the point where the fingernails and fingers last touch before the nails grow on out. Probably doesn't mean anything, but I just noticed it a few nights ago, and I didn't notice it when I last cut his fingernails. --- jacqui wrote: > Hi, June, > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article and > the definition of > mottling. < > > You're very welcome. > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > fingernails have a thin > blue line that follows the curve of the finger where > the nail meets it. > Looks a little like dirt way back under the nails, > but of course, he > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's not > it. Has anyone seen > this, and if so, does it signify something regarding > medicine?< > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, or at > the end of the > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > the nailbed can be due > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > themselves are blue, it can > indicate circulatory problems. > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from the > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an order > for > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching just > as > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up sores > or > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but he > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is that it > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new patch > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, but > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the patch > has been placed? > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to the > adhesive of the > patch. If he is having a reaction over his entire > back, not just where > the patch has been placed, then it may be a reaction > to the medication, > but likely there would be other areas of his body > that would be reacting > with hives as well. > > The dermatologist for whom I transcribe recommends a > topical medicine > for the itching (which has been prescribed in your > husband's case) and > also use of moisturizer to help stop the itching. > What he recommends > most often is Vaseline petroleum jelly to be used to > moisturize the > skin. If you don't want to use it straight from the > jar, thin it with > water and it makes a nice cream. It is a nice, > hypoallergenic way to > moisturize the skin at a very affordable price. > Alternatively, he often > recommends the use of Cetaphil cream. Lotion is > pretty thinned out, but > if the skin won't absorb heavier preparations > easily, you may want to go > that route. > > If he has dry skin on his back, I suggest that you > use warm salt water > to gently remove any flaking or scaly skin, pat dry > and then apply the > moisturizer. It should help decrease the itching > for a time, at least. > > Every time a new patch is applied, it is supposed to > go on a different > site on the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. The > area to which it is > applied is supposed to be clean and dry skin which > is intact and not > irritated. It sounds as if one reason for what > you're seeing on his > back is the reaction at the various sites where the > patch has been > placed previously. > > Finally, I suggest that you tell the doctor that you > want the patch > discontinued and an alternative form of the > medication introduced. If > he is tolerating the Fentanyl itself well, certainly > the patch is the > easiest method for the staff, but it can also be > given by injection. > > Good luck! Mom has had skin reactions to > medications, too, and it is no > fun - and oddly, the medical staff often seems to > think of it as just a > minor problem. For Mom, the itching becomes an > obsession. > > jacqui (from Puget Sound) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Thanks. I went in on this, and it was similar to what I found when I typed Fentanyl in. It is a dangerous drug to be used, especially on LBD, and the fact that he is apparently allergic to either the adhesive or the medicine, I would think that would be grounds for immedicate disuse. If they put another one on him today, I am going to insist the doctor be called and it be removed. I don't think he's in that much pain, anyway, and he is still getting Tylenol. --- Zweibeers@... wrote: > > > Just noticed on the Webmd site which I got to using > _www.rxlist.com_ > (http://www.rxlist.com) , > something about this patch. Please look into this > Arlene > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 I agree Myrna, I think June should take the patch off also. What are they going to do, June. Fire you! LOL Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02 No dx other than mine. Re: June/Fentanyl patch Guess I am just impulsive here, but I would just take that patch off myself. Then maybe the doctor would deal with it. I often have hives and to have a LBD patient with all their other problems uncomfortable with hives is awful. Myrna (68) in Missouri Caregiver for Husband Jerry (70) Diagnosed AD 1997, LBD 2004 Re: June/Fentanyl patch Thanks for the info. If he were at home, I would certainly be trying lots of things, but they are so adament that they can't do anything without dr's. orders, I don't think they would let me do anything. I suggested Cortisone cream, which works wonderful for my itching when I have it, but they won't go for it unless prescribed. I might try the vaseline, but I think maybe the salt water might irritate the sores, even tho it might help heal them. He is so sensitive to any kind of pain now, even just a touch sometimes sends him off. The rash/sores are over the upper part of his back, both where the original patch appeared to be and all around it as well as the new patch. I am sure it's the medication. I don't think he's ever had a problem with adhesive before. I also don't think he needs the pain patch that bad anymore, as he's still on Tylenol as well as Fentanyl. I wouldn't think he'd need both at this stage. You're right about the dismissal of the itching. They seem to think it's minor, but I know how awful itching from just a mosquito bite can be, and with someone in his condition, you can't get their mind off of it, so they tend to obsess about it. The blue line on his fingernails is not in the cuticle area; it's at the point where the fingernails and fingers last touch before the nails grow on out. Probably doesn't mean anything, but I just noticed it a few nights ago, and I didn't notice it when I last cut his fingernails. --- jacqui wrote: > Hi, June, > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article and > the definition of > mottling. < > > You're very welcome. > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > fingernails have a thin > blue line that follows the curve of the finger where > the nail meets it. > Looks a little like dirt way back under the nails, > but of course, he > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's not > it. Has anyone seen > this, and if so, does it signify something regarding > medicine?< > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, or at > the end of the > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > the nailbed can be due > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > themselves are blue, it can > indicate circulatory problems. > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from the > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an order > for > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching just > as > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up sores > or > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but he > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is that it > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new patch > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, but > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the patch > has been placed? > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to the > adhesive of the > patch. If he is having a reaction over his entire > back, not just where > the patch has been placed, then it may be a reaction > to the medication, > but likely there would be other areas of his body > that would be reacting > with hives as well. > > The dermatologist for whom I transcribe recommends a > topical medicine > for the itching (which has been prescribed in your > husband's case) and > also use of moisturizer to help stop the itching. > What he recommends > most often is Vaseline petroleum jelly to be used to > moisturize the > skin. If you don't want to use it straight from the > jar, thin it with > water and it makes a nice cream. It is a nice, > hypoallergenic way to > moisturize the skin at a very affordable price. > Alternatively, he often > recommends the use of Cetaphil cream. Lotion is > pretty thinned out, but > if the skin won't absorb heavier preparations > easily, you may want to go > that route. > > If he has dry skin on his back, I suggest that you > use warm salt water > to gently remove any flaking or scaly skin, pat dry > and then apply the > moisturizer. It should help decrease the itching > for a time, at least. > > Every time a new patch is applied, it is supposed to > go on a different > site on the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. The > area to which it is > applied is supposed to be clean and dry skin which > is intact and not > irritated. It sounds as if one reason for what > you're seeing on his > back is the reaction at the various sites where the > patch has been > placed previously. > > Finally, I suggest that you tell the doctor that you > want the patch > discontinued and an alternative form of the > medication introduced. If > he is tolerating the Fentanyl itself well, certainly > the patch is the > easiest method for the staff, but it can also be > given by injection. > > Good luck! Mom has had skin reactions to > medications, too, and it is no > fun - and oddly, the medical staff often seems to > think of it as just a > minor problem. For Mom, the itching becomes an > obsession. > > jacqui (from Puget Sound) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 When I got there tonight, he was sitting at the table with his head down and half asleep. He is always that way on the day the patch is put on. The one on his back was gone, although he was still broken out and itching very badly. I tried to feel under his clothing to see if I could find one, but couldn't get to his hip and thigh area. The LPN on duty said she didn't know if he had a new one, as it probably would have been put on during the day shift. I had to force-feed him most of his meal, although he did eat, but he would drop his head between bites, chew slowly for a long time but not swallow for a long time and had to be reminded. I rubbed his back with the cortisone cream, but he said it still itched some. The aide that was going to give him a bath said she would see if he had a new patch on. Some of them are so good and show concern, and some just do what they have to do. Anyway, if I could have found the patch, I probably would have gotten it off. I will call Monday and tell the DON that I want it off no matter what the dr. says, because I don't think he's in that much pain, and he's a lot more miserable the way he is. Thanks. --- Donna Mido wrote: > I agree Myrna, > > I think June should take the patch off also. What > are they going to do, June. Fire you! LOL > > Donna R > > Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) > for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. > > She was almost 89 when she died in '02 > > No dx other than mine. > > > Re: June/Fentanyl patch > > Guess I am just impulsive here, but I would just > take that patch off myself. Then maybe the doctor > would deal with it. I often have hives and to have > a LBD patient with all their other problems > uncomfortable with hives is awful. > Myrna (68) in Missouri > Caregiver for Husband Jerry (70) > Diagnosed AD 1997, LBD 2004 > > Re: June/Fentanyl patch > > Thanks for the info. If he were at home, I would > certainly be trying lots of things, but they are > so > adament that they can't do anything without dr's. > orders, I don't think they would let me do > anything. > I suggested Cortisone cream, which works wonderful > for > my itching when I have it, but they won't go for > it > unless prescribed. I might try the vaseline, but I > think maybe the salt water might irritate the > sores, > even tho it might help heal them. He is so > sensitive > to any kind of pain now, even just a touch > sometimes > sends him off. > > The rash/sores are over the upper part of his > back, > both where the original patch appeared to be and > all > around it as well as the new patch. I am sure it's > the medication. I don't think he's ever had a > problem > with adhesive before. I also don't think he needs > the > pain patch that bad anymore, as he's still on > Tylenol > as well as Fentanyl. I wouldn't think he'd need > both > at this stage. > > You're right about the dismissal of the itching. > They > seem to think it's minor, but I know how awful > itching > from just a mosquito bite can be, and with someone > in > his condition, you can't get their mind off of it, > so > they tend to obsess about it. > > The blue line on his fingernails is not in the > cuticle > area; it's at the point where the fingernails and > fingers last touch before the nails grow on out. > Probably doesn't mean anything, but I just noticed > it > a few nights ago, and I didn't notice it when I > last > cut his fingernails. > > --- jacqui wrote: > > > Hi, June, > > > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article > and > > the definition of > > mottling. < > > > > You're very welcome. > > > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > > fingernails have a thin > > blue line that follows the curve of the finger > where > > the nail meets it. > > Looks a little like dirt way back under the > nails, > > but of course, he > > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's > not > > it. Has anyone seen > > this, and if so, does it signify something > regarding > > medicine?< > > > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, > or at > > the end of the > > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > > the nailbed can be due > > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > > themselves are blue, it can > > indicate circulatory problems. > > > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from > the > > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an > order > > for > > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching > just > > as > > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up > sores > > or > > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but > he > > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is > that it > > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new > patch > > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, > but > > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the > patch > > has been placed? > > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to > the > > adhesive of the > > patch. If he is having a reaction over his > entire > > back, not just where > > the patch has been placed, then it may be a > reaction > > to the medication, > > but likely there would be other areas of his > body > > that would be reacting > > with hives as well. > > > === message truncated === __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2006 Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 Patients do have the right to refuse to take a medication. A waiver may have to be signed. I think a spouse of a person, who can't make decisions, probably has the right to make that decision, esp. if the have Power of Attorney. Gerry Re: June/Fentanyl patch Amen, Myrna, and I would tell all the nurses that they are in a heap of trouble if it goes back on before I talked to the doctor. I am not easily intimidated by anyone anymore. I will give the orders, nicely, but they will stand. I am the one calling the shots, even to the doctor. After all we are paying them for their services. When did it get turned around? Imogene In a message dated 7/8/2006 12:25:21 PM Central Daylight Time, jermyr@... writes: Guess I am just impulsive here, but I would just take that patch off myself. Then maybe the doctor would deal with it. I often have hives and to have a LBD patient with all their other problems uncomfortable with hives is awful. Myrna (68) in Missouri Caregiver for Husband Jerry (70) Diagnosed AD 1997, LBD 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2006 Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 At my Mother's nursing home, they say that the family can do what they want. One nurse told me that if I wanted to buy over the counter medication and give it to my Mother, that they can't stop me. The nurse can't give it to my Mother, but I can. Therefore, if the patch seems to be a problem, I would remove it and keep doing it until the doctor listens. in Dallas > > > Hi, June, > > > > >Thanks from me, too, Jacqui about the article and > > the definition of > > mottling. < > > > > You're very welcome. > > > > >I noticed a few days ago that my husband's > > fingernails have a thin > > blue line that follows the curve of the finger where > > the nail meets it. > > Looks a little like dirt way back under the nails, > > but of course, he > > does nothing to get his hands dirty, so that's not > > it. Has anyone seen > > this, and if so, does it signify something regarding > > medicine?< > > > > Is it at the cuticle where the nail grows out, or at > > the end of the > > fingernail at the tip of the finger? Blueness in > > the nailbed can be due > > to pulmonary problems. If the fingernails > > themselves are blue, it can > > indicate circulatory problems. > > > > >Also, he was itching terribly last night, from the > > >Fentanyl patch on his back for pain > > >(morphine-related), and they finally got an order > > for > > >a cream to put on it. Tonight he was itching just > > as > > >bad, and his back looked almost like dried up sores > > or > > >hives. THe nurse put on some more ointment, but he > > >still complained about itching. I'm sure it's a > > >reaction to the medicine, and my feeling is that it > > >should be discontinued. He is due for a new patch > > >tomorrow, and I told them I didn't want it on, but > > >they have to unless dr. orders not to. > > > > > > > Is the itching localized to the area where the patch > > has been placed? > > If so, it sounds like an allergic reaction to the > > adhesive of the > > patch. If he is having a reaction over his entire > > back, not just where > > the patch has been placed, then it may be a reaction > > to the medication, > > but likely there would be other areas of his body > > that would be reacting > > with hives as well. > > > > The dermatologist for whom I transcribe recommends a > > topical medicine > > for the itching (which has been prescribed in your > > husband's case) and > > also use of moisturizer to help stop the itching. > > What he recommends > > most often is Vaseline petroleum jelly to be used to > > moisturize the > > skin. If you don't want to use it straight from the > > jar, thin it with > > water and it makes a nice cream. It is a nice, > > hypoallergenic way to > > moisturize the skin at a very affordable price. > > Alternatively, he often > > recommends the use of Cetaphil cream. Lotion is > > pretty thinned out, but > > if the skin won't absorb heavier preparations > > easily, you may want to go > > that route. > > > > If he has dry skin on his back, I suggest that you > > use warm salt water > > to gently remove any flaking or scaly skin, pat dry > > and then apply the > > moisturizer. It should help decrease the itching > > for a time, at least. > > > > Every time a new patch is applied, it is supposed to > > go on a different > > site on the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. The > > area to which it is > > applied is supposed to be clean and dry skin which > > is intact and not > > irritated. It sounds as if one reason for what > > you're seeing on his > > back is the reaction at the various sites where the > > patch has been > > placed previously. > > > > Finally, I suggest that you tell the doctor that you > > want the patch > > discontinued and an alternative form of the > > medication introduced. If > > he is tolerating the Fentanyl itself well, certainly > > the patch is the > > easiest method for the staff, but it can also be > > given by injection. > > > > Good luck! Mom has had skin reactions to > > medications, too, and it is no > > fun - and oddly, the medical staff often seems to > > think of it as just a > > minor problem. For Mom, the itching becomes an > > obsession. > > > > jacqui (from Puget Sound) > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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