 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | Patrick,
As a patient that was on opiates for 23 months, fentanyl for a total of 18 months, I would tell you it's best to dial down from the opiate pain meds as soon as you are able.
As you may be aware, opiates have a host of side effects, from affecting sleep patterns, nausea, appetite, depression and then the longer term effects of constraining testosterone and hearing loss. It's best to dial down off of them under the direction of your Dr. Pain is the enemy when healing (it puts the body in distress)so start dialing down but make sure your pain is handled.
Best of luck
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| 
