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Posted 9/18/2014 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys/gals, how is everyone doing? I just want to update a little and I do have one question that I'm not sure it belongs here but I've been posting here so much some of you probably can remember what is going on with me.

I'm doing good with the 50mcg/hr fentanyl patch, although I think I would be better with changing it every 48 hours, but I can't afford 3 boxes a month...I can barely afford 2 boxes I am getting.

I'm still using Tramadol for BT pain. I stopped taking it for about a month and toughed out the BT pain and now I'm back to taking the Tramadol and it is working better now. I'm sure that won't last as I will build up a tolerance to it quickly again.

So..to my question. My doctor wanted me to monitor my blood sugar levels a few times a day and record it. I'm not sure what is going on but I have a pattern of pretty low blood sugar readings. It is always in the low 70's if not high 60's in the morning. Never goes above like 80-85 after meals and can get down in the 60's and 70's again during the day. Should I see my doctor? And I'm assuming these neuroendocrine tumors in my pancreas are causing this most likely?

Hope everyone has a pain-free day...my day is not bad so far.
Posted 9/18/2014 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Markh...I would think there would be a correlation with the blood sugar levels and the tumors.  It would be a good idea to check with your doctor's office to convey your numbers.  I hope the Fentanyl continues to bring you some relief.  I certainly understand the challenges of affording meds=(

~~Dixie

Posted 9/18/2014 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on the same patch and same quantity (2 boxes = 10 for $60). I agree, for me since I can handle the 48 hour dose that's what I should be on. I have perc and Nucynta to take for break through pain. Wish the patch would be covered a bit more by insurance.
Posted 9/26/2014 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Been a long time but thanks for the replies. I've got an appointment with my gastro doc on the 3rd and I'm going to talk about the low sugar levels. I had a bad episode a couple days ago. I started getting the weak, shaky feelings and it hit me hard. I don't know how low it got as I didn't have time to stop and check it. I have glucose tablets but a couple bad teeth makes it hard to chew them. I had my wife go and get a bottle of honey and I sucked half the bottle down LOL. I started feeling better a couple minutes later but that was kinda scary. I don't know what would have happened if I had passed out. I am hoping the doctor has a solution to this.

I also had a big screw up with a patch. I guess I was being careless but after I peeled the backing off the adhesive of one I was putting on I dropped it and it folded in half on the floor. I tried to pull it apart to use it but it was just really messed up and I said @%&# it and flushed it. So now I'm gonna have a hard 3 days of pain I guess before my refill. I'm thinking of trying to hold out a couple days this next time I change to a new patch. I'll see how it goes I guess.

I have kind of had a bad week but things could be a lot worse. I could be without any pain relief at all or dead I guess lol. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing good!
Posted 9/27/2014 9:01 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about the patch, I did that once myself. Those things are like when duct tape gets stuck together, huh? Try leaving your old patch on for an extra day while you still put on the new patch, that seemed to stretch out the pain relief a bit for me. Best of luck . . . Q
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