I am hoping a nurse who has experience with Fentanyl patches can help me.
For 5 years I took methadone and morphine for pain. I felt doped all the time, and was chronically constipated. Four months ago I was switched to Fentanyl patches and it was wonderful, I no longer feel doped up, I have normal bowel function, and the level of pain relief is better then ever. My problem is after 2 months I stated having skin reactions, I believe I am allergic to the adhesive, and now I can not stand to go over 24 hours with a patch in the same location. My doctor has prescribed a new patch ever 48 hrs, but he does not know that I must now move the used patch to a new location after 24 hrs. I have large red welts all over wherever a patch has been, as it takes a week or two for the welts to completely fade. And they itch for days. Last month my Doctor prescribed Flonase (which is a nasal spray) and told me to spray my skin before I apply the patch and I am also taking Benadryl and Zyrtec tablets. But, the problem is growing worse, I am afraid of telling my doctor just how bad it is for fear he will take me off of these and put me back on Methadone or Morphine. Does anyone have any suggestions of anything I can do to keep using the patches?
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