About Layla Yeganeh Expertise I have researched and studied medicine, pharmacy, psychology and biology in college, through medical journals and research studies, I also have personal knowledge of the side effects, interactions and uses of many drugs for: antidepressants, alternative depression treatments, sleep aids, ADD, ADHD, psychiatric meds, weight loss, fibro, thyroid (Armour) versus synthetic, endocrinology, HRT, natural homeopathic drug interactions, toxicology, steroids, blood pressure, anxiety, birth control pills, Migraines, headaches, pain medications, TMJ, antibiotics, sinus and otolaryngoloy medications, as well as Immune therapy and allergy treatments, and many more. I would like to extend my knowledge and exerience to you, and offer advice so please don't hesitate to ask if you have a question. Every question is important, and no question is too difficult.
Question QUESTION: I'm a total disable Vet. I was getting treatment from the VA for Fibromyagliga, Plus I had neck surgery to fix C5,6,7,.which all service connected. Pain Doctors at the VA have there hands tied because of the meds they can give. I went outside the VA to a pain Doctor. Now after years I can deal with my pain a lot better but I'm worried about the Meds I'm on now and If I ever want to get off them will I be able to. They started me on Ultam first then it stop working then when to percots now I'm on Fentanyl patches 100 mg plus Actiq 600 when needed. The pain is a lot better I do have stomach pain from the Fentanyl is that one of the side effects and when do I have to start worrying about that. Would it be hard to come off the Fentanyl if I need to.The reason I ask this is because the VA doesn't give Fentanyl unless you have cancer, plus Blue cross is giving me hard time about Actiq. I couldn't afford too buy them without blue cross paying for them.
ANSWER: Hi David,
Are you a quadriplegic?
It appears you are concerned about the Fentanyl. You are worried that you may be addicted to pain medications, are concerned about some of their side effects and that you will not be able to get off of them.
These are all valid concerns you raise.
Yes stomach pain could be a side effect of any of the drugs you are taking. I assume you are also on a number of others as well.
Withdrawal from any painkiller, patch, pill, injection, is going to be a process, and its going to be harder, psychologically, and physically, the longer you have been on it, and the higher dose you are on. There are some medications you doctor can prescribe to help ease the symptoms. You will have to discuss that with them.
I hope you have a good relationship with your doctor, because you should be able to talk with him about tapering off of the patches in the future, you should be able to discuss your concerns. I don't think the VA would take your drugs away from you, I would assume they do periodic screenings and such to see if you are indeed using the medication.
Depending on your conditions, if the medications help your pain then continue to take them as prescribed, however don't let yourself go overboard. Always stay on the lowest possible dose that helps.
Layla
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QUESTION: Yes the VA will take my meds away they have already took away my Lidocaine patchs because of cost to the Goverment I was told by The VA Doctor point blank they won't give me FENTANYL Unless I have cancer.They don't offer Ultram either, because of cost. I was told by the VA to stay with my outside Doctor because the VA can't offer the meds I'm on. I have a great relatioship with my VA and Private Doctor they both agree with the meds I'm on but I just don't like being hooked on anything... Thank God I'm Private Insure by blue cross I retired on Disablilty from the Postal service after 29 years. People in this Country just don't know that Vets who get hurt get good Doctors but second class Meds A lot of the time just because Good meds cost more...
Answer That's unfortunate that you cannot get the meds that you need from the VA. I am glad that you have a good relationship with your doctors, and that you have private insurance to cover better meds.
I hope that you can continue to have less pain and inflammation, that is important.
It is not good to be hooked on anything, I wouldn't want to see that happen. But in the end it comes down to quality of life. It's important that you feel well. You can still thake these medications without becoming dependent. It is up to you. Sometimes it is mind over matter.
