Need Advice on Butrans 10mcg & Exercise!!

Without taking all day, I'll just say I'm a medical/health nightmare at age 47. My chronic pain & illnesses started in my late teens. I've had multiple surgeries & procedures for this or that.

Now, I'm in pain management again. about 1 1/2 months ago, I started the Butrans 10mcg patch which gives me pretty good pain relief. The pain is not completely gone but certainly better. Oral medication was not doing the job as I need continuous pain relief.

Previously, I was diagnosed with hypertension, prescribed medication & it was well-controlled except pain will cause spikes. After a June 2016 surgery, I developed tachycardia out of nowhere. Never had it before. Now I take medication for my heart condition.

After every major surgery, I ALWAYS gain weight and quite a bit - maybe up to 30-40 but once I'm feeling better & more active/working out - I ALWAYS lose that extra weight...until now. Currently, I'm 60lbs over my normal weight of 140lbs. Part of the weight gain has to do with the plethora of medications I'm on but most is I can't exercise!!! I hate it!! It's terrible for my hypertension, tachycardia and general health.

The Butrans warnings say to NOT get overheated or sweat a lot, etc... I tend to run a little hot anyway (probably pre-menopause).

For me to lose the weight I want and medically need to, I need lots of cardio or at least history has shown that. I need Butrans for the pain relief but I'm not able to exercise to the point where I get hot & sweaty. I've cut back on what & how much I eat but for me personally, I need that vigorous, cardio workout that makes you hot & sweaty.

Has anyone else had this same/similar problem???? I don't want to lose all this gained weight for pure vanity reasons. I need to lose weight for my high blood pressure, tachycardia, to keep my glucose within normal limits, try to reduce my high cholesterol, etc...but I'd like to fit into my clothes as well without buying a complete new wardrobe!!!

Any advice is very, very welcome!

ChronicPain1970:
Thr warming to avoid excessive heat with the Butran's patch (and any duragesic patch for extended pain relief) is to avoid premature "dumping" of the pain medication from the patch into your system (and a possible drug overdose). Release of the medication is on a predetermined rate in a chemical bond that is linked to normal body temperature.

I am on the fentanyl patch and a physical therapist by profession.

I think your vision that weight loss needs to be coupled with vigorous, all out, drenching in sweat exercise is misplaced. Extreme exercise need not be the expected level of activity to see effective weight loss. As a counter point, I would suggest that extreme exercise leaves you more at risk for muscle and joint damage due to overly stressing joints and muscles that are weakened and at a risk for injury due to prolonged lack of use.

Slow and steady wins the race. The affirmation holds truth and wisdom.

Walking will be your best friend in your goal to lose weight and to sustain the weight loss. No equipment necessary but a pair of quality running or walking shoes. Link up with a friend and find a walking buddy or adopt a dog to accompany you on your walks and to encourage being out and about. Your vision of high intensity cardio work outs will likely leave you sitting on the sidelines with a continuum of minor muscle and joint injuries. Walking will set you on a path for sustained success.

I am a former marathon runner. Running has been my oxygen and source of solace for most of my life. Although I can no longer run, it is my love of long distance running that gives me the resiliency to continue to stand, walk, and put one foot in front of the other. It has also given me a lean body frame that makes it easier for me to remain upright and functional. The beauty of walking is also to be found in appreciating and enjoying the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Go to a park or walk along trails in a forested area where you live. Listen to the chatter of the birds overhead and delights in watching the antics of squirrels. There is much benefit to one's mental and emotional health in walking outdoors and connecting to nature.

Best wishes to you in reclaiming of your health,
Karen

(Seashell) said...
ChronicPain1970:
Thr warming to avoid excessive heat with the Butran's patch (and any duragesic patch for extended pain relief) is to avoid premature "dumping" of the pain medication from the patch into your system (and a possible drug overdose). Release of the medication is on a predetermined rate in a chemical bond that is linked to normal body temperature.

I am on the fentanyl patch and a physical therapist by profession.

I think your vision that weight loss needs to be coupled with vigorous, all out, drenching in sweat exercise is misplaced. Extreme exercise need not be the expected level of activity to see effective weight loss. As a counter point, I would suggest that extreme exercise leaves you more at risk for muscle and joint damage due to overly stressing joints and muscles that are weakened and at a risk for injury due to prolonged lack of use.

Slow and steady wins the race. The affirmation holds truth and wisdom.

Walking will be your best friend in your goal to lose weight and to sustain the weight loss. No equipment necessary but a pair of quality running or walking shoes. Link up with a friend and find a walking buddy or adopt a dog to accompany you on your walks and to encourage being out and about. Your vision of high intensity cardio work outs will likely leave you sitting on the sidelines with a continuum of minor muscle and joint injuries. Walking will set you on a path for sustained success.

I am a former marathon runner. Running has been my oxygen and source of solace for most of my life. Although I can no longer run, it is my love of long distance running that gives me the resiliency to continue to stand, walk, and put one foot in front of the other. It has also given me a lean body frame that makes it easier for me to remain upright and functional. The beauty of walking is also to be found in appreciating and enjoying the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Go to a park or walk along trails in a forested area where you live. Listen to the chatter of the birds overhead and delights in watching the antics of squirrels. There is much benefit to one's mental and emotional health in walking outdoors and connecting to nature.

Best wishes to you in reclaiming of your health,
Karen

----
Thank you for the advice & encouragement!