 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Ask the doc about the fentayl patch. It has worked very well for many here, including myself. This medication is a step up and step down one where it would gradually be increased or decreased. Read the directions thoroughly. The fentanyl patch is the strongest pain killer available. Never fold, bend tear, cut, rip or damage the patch. Always put it in a different place, changing it every 72 hours. I used to change mine about every 68 hours to make sure it didnt wear off. It can take up to 24 hours before it starts to work. If she could get the patch on today, about 12-16 hours later she would begin to have some relief. When wearing the patch do no long hot showers or baths as very hot water could trigger too much medication being released causing an over-dose. It also can make the patient tired and constipated. I would guess your mother would start at at least 50mg, maybe even 75mg. She can also have the norco in case she is having breakthru pain.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
