Another Question Re Fentanyl Patch

[Kathi49]

Okay you guys,

I know I am still waffling about this 12mcg patch so don't yell at me LOL! :)

But I am VERY SLOWLY becoming more receptive to the idea; especially after talking with my PM and Neurologist both.

But I do have a question.

Has anyone had surgery while ON the patch...no matter the strength? It occurred to me today because I simply don't know if more surgery is in store for me down the road. My NS never had a problem with me being on Vicodin or Klonopin for surgery. But because Fentanyl is more potent for lack of a better description, can surgery be an issue as far as anesthesia goes? Would the Anesthesiologist have to adjust or compensate for that in other words? And I KNOW some surgeons want you off certain meds before they do surgery. So, just asking in case anyone can fill me in. Thanks!

[Nana4&cntn]

Kathi,

I was on the patch when I had out patient neurectomy surgery. But, I was also awake for most of the procedure, the other time I was given versed so they could wake me fast so I could perform so to speak.

Don't think that was much help.;)
Kathy

[Tbackpain1]

Yes, they do need to make adjustments to your anesthesia and your post-operative pain management. But that would be an issue, no matter what opiate you are taking.

I had to have some GYN stuff taken care of earlier in the year and I informed the anesthesiologist ahead of time. Instead of using her usual coctail for the conscious sedation, she decided to use Propofol (sp?), rather than the Versed/Vistaril combo. For pain management, she continued to use the fentanyl for pain management, but the dosage did have to be adjusted for my tolerance. But there were no problems otherwise...I was NPO after midnight, so the only meds I had on board at the time of surgery was my regular patch dosage, as per her instructions.

Having had quite a few procedures with conscious sedation in the past, I must say that I had a much better experience with the Propofol sedation, rather than the usual Versed. No nausea or vomiting, no memory-lapses from the entire day of surgery, no disorientation of any kind, and my personality did not change.

Since being on the Fentanyl patch, I believe I've had 7 separate procedures that required anesthesia of some kind and every time there's been no issues. But that's probably because the anesthesiologist was informed ahead of time and made the adjustments accordingly.

Theresa

[Kathi49]

Thanks you guys,

I figured there would have to be an adjustment. And, yes, I let the Anesthesiologist know every time what I am taking...no problems so far. Okay, well, when my husband is home next weekend I will try the patch first thing in the morning and see how it goes. :)

[Domzy]

Kathy

Good Luck with the patch! Hopefully you will have no problems with it, I hear it is a reall life saver for some.

Kathy *bunch

[Mark N]

Kathi, it is about time you quit delaying and trying the dang patch:D. I know you said not to get on to you but I couldn't resist. Remember the new findings about pain hard wiring our brains so that the pain may become permanent even if the cause of our pain is.

I am glad you are getting more comfortable with trying the patch with the hope you get better pain control without all the intestinal issues. One day you may post here about how well thne patch is working for you:).

[Kathi49]

Thanks Kathy! :)

Mark N., I can feel the smacks coming through LOL! And, yes dear, I know about the "pain in the brain"...have for some time. Now see, I couldn't resist either. :p :)

Okay, my PM and Neurologist are all for this thing LOL! It is my NS and Ob/Gyn who take a WEE bit of issue with it. They never said not to; they just have concerns about it. I guess you can tell I am out there taking surveys LOL! Just kidding...medications of course always come up whenever I am talking to any doc; changes, etc.

And, my husband and I were a pair today. I don't know who is going to beat whom to surgery. :eek: Sort of teasing again...but he wants me to put Icy Hot all over him and I told him I wanted at least 10 injections right now. So, we both just bi@@@ and moan and then laugh...what else can we do? We are both taking the meds we usually do but dang we are hurting puppies! Ooops, I should have said "I" am taking the meds I normally do. My husband has taken a couple over the weekend but, just like me, he says...I don't want to fall asleep because I have too much work to do. So, I am saying nothing until he gets over and past this conference.

In all seriousness though, I will slap that patch on next weekend because this weekend was out. I wanted to wait until this last appointment with my Neurologist just to see if she might have had anything different to say. And my husband is very much caught up in work right at the moment. I didn't want to put it on then freak out or something right as he is getting ready to leave on a business trip. Come to think of it, I hope he makes out alright. :eek::)