Recently my Doctor has prescribed the Fentanyl Patch for me for chronic pain after having a Spinal Fusion surgery. This morphine patch is for mild to severe chronic pain and must be worn for 72 hours. Those of you out there that is familiar with this Duragesic Patch, how do you keep them on? Does anyone have any tips, advice or suggestions? I am currently going to a Pain Clinic about every three weeks and will be doing so for quite sometime. Fusion takes up to a year. But trying to keep this patch on is quite a struggle. As stated earlier, please, if anyone out there has ANY experience with these and how to keep them on your upper arms, please share your experience. Currently, I do use the 3M medical tape. IF I AM LUCKY, it will stay on the 72 hours and through my showers, but I never know what to expect from one patch to another. Thankyou in advance for any advice you may have!
2007-12-13 13:51:21 · 8 answers · asked by snowman68 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
If they are Duragesic by name then you can call the company and request their waterproof adhesive covers that let you keep the patch on the full 3 days. The covers are no charge to the best of my knowledge.
2007-12-14 15:56:01 · answer #1 · answered by Freddd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been through 2 spinal fusion operations and you will be very lucky if you are able to function without pain medication even after a year.
The fentanyl is really strong so be careful using it. Never cut or tear one of the patches or the time release will release a full dose that may result in a overdose.
My last operation was in 2002 and I still take
10mil. loratabs 4x day
40 mil. morphine sulphate at night
and on bad days 20mil. Oxycontin 2x day.
For the time you are in the collar ask for a Philadelphia brace they are far better than the ones they normally send you home with.
When I used the patches I gave up and used duct tape so the damn things would stay on.
The bad thing about such strong pain meds is that you have to be weened off them after awhile or you will get sick and have problems sleeping.
2007-12-13 15:13:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the best way to keep those patches on is to wipe the area first with alcohol (the chest or some hairless place that doesn't sweat much is best), let dry, then apply the patch. It will stay on well if you then apply a clear transparent adhesive dressing such as Tegaderm or Opsite over the patch. You might ask your doctor or pharmacist for some...or maybe a medical supply store. Then try to keep the area from getting too wet. You might want to reinforce the edges of the clear dressing with some cloth medical tape (it stays on better than the clear tape.) I hope you get better real soon.
2007-12-13 17:40:37 · answer #3 · answered by mysti 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used these patches before but, the cost is prohibitive over pills. They do the same for ma as Vicodin at way less the cost. Of course you don't have the side problems like Viconin and "pooping" or constipation.
The patches are very concentrated if you read them carefully, almost scary. They work, I put a piece of Saran wrap over them when taking a shower. They seem to hold good.
I guess it's one thing over the other but, I'd rather the pill. I can control that.
2007-12-13 23:08:48 · answer #4 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These patches are notorious for falling off. They stay in place best by using a body part with very little hair. EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE PATCHES USE A DIFFERENT BODY PART. You want an area with very little hair, such as the top part of the arms, but also the breast area, back, bottom and chest. Prepare an area every time you change by gently shaving the area. This will avoid a horrible and painful inflammation. Do NOT put on irritated ot redend skin. Nurses have a wonderful trick to keep the patch on. Cover the area TOTALLY with a sticky dressing such as TRANSPORE or OPSITE, available from the chemist. Now you have all the tricks, so go get better quickly!
Good luck! :)
2007-12-13 14:18:59 · answer #5 · answered by LadyLynn 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My experience with the duragesic patch is that if I thoroughly cleaned the area with alcohol first it stayed on better. I also put them on my back in various spots where it would be bumped or rubbed up against like it would be on the buttocks. Some medical tape around the edges also seems to help.
2007-12-13 15:55:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask your pharmacist. S/he are experienced in all medications and will give you advice with this. I'm sure a pharmacist has assisted other patients with this. Good luck. Is there any oral pain meds that you could take instead of the Fentanyl patch? Talk to the pain clinic. I know these meds upset the stomach and am not sure why the patch was given instead of other alternatives.
2007-12-13 14:22:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
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2016-11-26 21:53:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋