duragesic patch

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I've been gone from the group for while since I didn't have

a phone and couldn't access the net. I joined this group at the end

of last year when I moved to Ohio. I have Fibro, MPS, TMJ, chronic

daily headache and lower back problems. Even though Ohio is a

difficult state to obtain pain help in, I'm glad to report that I

found an angel here! She put me on the patch and I'm up to the 75

with 4 vicodins for breakthru pain.

My question for those of you on the patch:

On the third day of the patch which I change in the evening, I've got

no energy, get hot and cold, feel like I'm in full flare and sleep

all day. Does anyone else have a problem with their last day of the

patch? I'm afraid my doctor will take me off if I complain to her.

The folks at Janssen told me that I either need a stronger patch or

need to use a different medicine. The doc already thinks I'm on way

too strong a dose and likely won't up it. I get pretty good relief

for 2 days, it gets the pain down to 3-4 on good days (along with the

vicodins).

I'd appreciate any feedback on this weird issue. I really don't want

to change meds since Janssen is giving me the patch for free. I've

really missed keeping up with what's going on. Thanks for your

support and keep on keeping on.

Cheryl in SW Ohio