Scared about the fentanyl patch, Finally got the nerve up to put it on last night dont feel any relief yet?

Question

I am on chemo therapy along with 2 herniated disks and arthritis, I have been on medication for 5 1/2 months it is scary to rely on these in such away. To be able to work and have a productive life feel rather sad and nervous of addiction how will I come off these?

Answer 1

Hate to tell you but you will not come off the Fentanyl for years. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and prolapsed disc, so started the Fentanyl two years ago for the disc. Seems as we age the Discs dehydrate, so at 49 I have 10-15 years to survive before the disc dehydrates. I thought the Doc was joking, but seems not. The way I see it and I might be wrong, reckon the RA will get me long before the Disc dehydrates. I am not working have not worked the past 16 years. No I do not feel sad, read the news papers, one 21 year old who survived cancer went to a Party last weekend, ate coke and they turned off the life support yesterday. Another 21 year old is still on life support, no change in his condition. Meanwhile a famous 24 female, was into coke, gave up, was at a Family Party at the weekend, collapsed and is critical. At 21 I was working, had a nice job, house, car, boyfriend and the initial signs of RA. I made it to 49, many never make it this far in life, so I am happy with everyday as it comes. My productive life, walking my dog, watching the sky, watching the sea and being thankful that I am still alive.