Put me in the med change list... I'm nervous about the change though.

Electric blankets are probably capable of causing a med dump, I only sleep on one side so I always wear my patch on the other, don't know if it's an option for you, or at least wearing it on an area that doesn't tend to be pressed directly against the blanket.

As you grow more accustomed to the patch you should develop like an 'early warning" instinct for when something isn't quite right one way or another, that's been my experience anyway. I get a taste in my mouth pretty quickly if it's starting to release too much and make adjustments asap, usually just altering my position/activity and 1 or 2 times over the years putting a cold pack over it for a few minutes to slow things down if I thought it was really overheating.

lol, no problem. I remember asking a different cp forum about what to do about a batch of patches (the gel kind instead of my usual mylan) that kept falling off and I couldn't believe it when someone suggested tegaderms, I was like "wow, that's so simple!" That suggestion saved me, I was so desperate I was using duct tape, ugh

It's amazing the helpful hints people have, thankfully there are forums like this to spread the word.

Do you cleanse your skin and prep it before putting the pad on?

I was asking because, for example, with my STIM electrode gel pads, they come with individually wrapped "cleansing cloths" to wipe/cleanse the skin before application to help the pad adhere.

I sometimes will use soap and warm water on a face cloth and make sure I really cleanse the area well.  Not scrub it raw or exfoliate your tender skin, but make sure you remove dead skin cells, leftover adhesive, and sweat. 

Just a simple rinse won't usually get all of that off.

If there's anything between the surface of the gel adhesive and the surface of your skin, it can act as a barrier and interrupt the flow of medicine or even peel off or lift at the edges or slide around because it can't really stick.

I don't know if this is do-able with your patches, it's just a thought.

M.

That's great to hear that you're getting effective pain relief with your meds.I really didn't realize what a difference it would make until they prescribed me the Oxycontin.

I feel like my old self again.I'm not isolating.I actually feel like getting out in the yard and doing what I can which isn't a whole lot.But the fact that I feel like doing it is a major improvement.

I'm really glad to hear that this change in meds is working for you.
Rick

My pharmacist recommended using soap rather than alcohol based products to clean the skin before patch placement, because alcohol opens the pores.

Not Thursday... Wednesday. Oops

Linds stay awat from heating pads & electric blankets, anything that will raise your body temp.

Susie

You want to tape around the edges, not directly over the center of the patch, if you're using regular tape.

Also...if you're thin, placing the patch on your ribcage means it won't get circulated into your blood stream as quickly, because there's not much body fat/circulation there...it's bone and skin. Even putting it on your arm will affect how quickly the med hits your center mass, but it's better than ribs.

I started out using my upper arms, then I switched to the side of my stomach. Think to the right/left of your navel, right about the area of your hip bones. I would alternate sides. I also put it on my back, at right about the same area waist wise.

I may try navel too... I hadn't even thought of that location. Thanks!

Then I'm the perfect host for this medication! LoL