Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Kicking it up a notch

My family doctor has put me on Duragesic 25 instead of the Tramacet. Duragesic is a 72 hour time release patch of Fentanyl, an opioid. So now we're finally into the narcotic pain relievers. I knew this was coming, but, well, I guess I was hoping to not have to do this.

It looks like the Duragesic I've got isn't going to be quite the right dose - the pain is still definitely there. My doctor also gave me more Percocet. I'm supposed to take it as needed for the pain and keep track of how much I'm taking so that we can tweak the dose of the Duragesic. I see him again next Wednesday.

The Duragesic is very powerful; so much so that people who aren't accustomed to opioids can't take it. There are very specific protocols for applying and disposing of the patch once it's used, because there have been recorded deaths of people who came into contact with the patch and who weren't accustomed to opioids. I'm a bit nervous about taking this drug along with the Percocet - I know how much Percocet I can handle, but not how much I can handle in combination with the Duragesic. Since Ian's going to Las Vegas tomorrow night, I've arranged for someone to check on me periodically for the next couple of days (normally Ian would do that). I'm sure I'll be fine, but I'd rather have this peace of mind while starting the new protocol.

I also talked to my doctor about the upcoming menopause. I have a family history of depression, and I've read that people with this kind of family history are more likely to experience a severe depression after the ovaries are removed. My doctor will be putting me on anti-depressants. He might wait until after the surgery, or he might start me on them next week. I think it might be better to start them before the surgery, to get them into my system. My doctor knows best about this, of course.

PS - I loved the sweater the cancer patient's wife was wearing on tonight's episode of House. It was a white raglan cable sweater with a shawl collar and ruffled front placket. It looks like it was knit with a double-knit weight yarn. It was quite lovely :)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey Chanti
I know you haven't heard from me for awhile - I've just had a chance to check out your blogs. My two cents on the anti-depressants - Dr's don't always know best. I think you know yourself the best and you need to be your own advocate. I've had to learn this the hard way at times. You can take what you like and leave the rest - I just thought I would share my experience.
Love Your Cousin Yvonne