Pain is an issue for all of us at (most) times during treatment. I've taken the usual assortment of painkillers on offer and they all work on me. They come on slowly and then wear off and I try to hurry home (if I'm out which is usually the reason I take a painkiller).The last 2 weeks I've had a patch put on me and it's lifted my mood. It's stopped me crying whenever I'm alone AND has taken all my (physical) pain away.I didn't ask for it. It was put on me by my radiologist who knew what was coming up next (lots of blisters).Has anyone else been given pain patches?I'm wondering why I wasn't offered them earlier and saved myself 12 months of tears (I have been seeing a cognitive therapist).Am I getting better or is the patch tricking me into feeling good? I'm worried about returning to my teary emotional self once the patches are ceased.I don't see my therapist until next month.

There is all sorts of interesting research into pain medications going on at the moment. Sadly, it appears some of them can actually make you more sensitive to pain if you take them for extended periods--which is a no win situation for those of us with chronic pain. I do know that much as I enjoyed it, codeine wasn't a good choice for me. When it wore off, I'd have the miseries big time. I used to take 30mg maybe once a week to give myself some relief if I'd over done things. It worked a treat, but 6-8hrs later I felt worse than before I took it. Go figure.I'm thinking of pushing past my GP now and getting some specialist advice. The issues I've had for ten years will never go away, and a combination of treatment side effects and aging mean that I'm developing a whole new suite of 'ouch;'Pain Australia www.painaustralia.org.au is a good place to find 'proper' information about the meds you are taking. It's not an easy website to navigate, but you might find some useful things on there.Mxx

Hi @Zoffiel, like you I too have suffered chronic pain for many years, I have been to a pain management clinic for 18 months and have learned several strategies to put in place, all of which I am sure you are aware so wont go into, I am on 20mg kapanol at night slow release, and then I have oxynorm immediate release 5mg for breakthrough pain, stress makes the pain even worse, I have also know what I am able to do and not able to do and if I over do then I know that I will suffer, so where to from here, I take the breakthrough pain relief when needed and it does make a difference, to my pain, which in turn makes a difference to how I feel and my mood, for me its all about learning and understanding my body, I have a great GP who understands all of this, but no one should have to suffer chronic pain, its all about whats best suited for the individual on a physical and emotional level, I will not be a martyr and have learned that when needed I WILL TAKE my tablets - getting specialist advice is a good idea,thats their area of expertise so will get you on the right track.wendy55

My GP believes that pain and mood can interact, so low mood can make pain feel worse, and vice versa. Chronic, ongoing pain can have a huge impact on mood, so it makes sense that now you've got the pain under control , your mood would be lifting. Take care

Today I discovered that my pain patch is usually prescribed for junkies who can't make it the chemist shop for their daily dose of methadone. Each one lasts a week and you get 2 in a pack, so there's one trip per fortnight...There is an 'elevation of mood' as a side effect, lol. Best side effect ever.I've got 2 patches left.So instead of crying I've been cooking and eating.Sweating is out of the question because it stings so much on the affected area so no visits to the horse.I don't even feel anxious about that.@Joannie the only thing I'm slightly anxious about is starting on Arimidex any day now (the script is in my bag!).Even if it's fake happiness I can learn from this and have changed some of my behaviours already.

Hi PatsyN - I've been taking Arimidex for seven years and the side effects have been unpleasant. (I've given a description in previous posts). Should you have unwelcome side effects don't hesitate to ask for the patches again. I tried these a few years ago but after a few days of alarming 'tripping out' (as the hippies called it) my doctor advised me to stop using them. I now rely on Panadol, coffee with friends and knitting for pain management. This discussion list is 'the best' and I thank BCNA for establishing a venue for sharing and discussion.

Pain/mood management | Online Network

jennyss
Member
7 years ago
Dear @PatsyN, I'm glad the patches have helped take away your bad pain and helped your mood. I'm sorry to think about you crying poor gal. I'll be interested to hear what others can tell about pain patches. Best wishes from jennyss
Finch
Member
7 years ago
Sorry @PatsyN to hear you've been in pain and teary. I don't know anything about patches so can't help you I'm sorry. I just wish I could give you a big hug . Take care xxxx
Anonymous
7 years ago
The user and all related content has been deleted.
lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
My GP believes that pain and mood can interact, so low mood can make pain feel worse, and vice versa. Chronic, ongoing pain can have a huge impact on mood, so it makes sense that now you've got the pain under control , your mood would be lifting.
Take care
Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
There is all sorts of interesting research into pain medications going on at the moment. Sadly, it appears some of them can actually make you more sensitive to pain if you take them for extended periods--which is a no win situation for those of us with chronic pain. I do know that much as I enjoyed it, codeine wasn't a good choice for me. When it wore off, I'd have the miseries big time. I used to take 30mg maybe once a week to give myself some relief if I'd over done things. It worked a treat, but 6-8hrs later I felt worse than before I took it. Go figure.
I'm thinking of pushing past my GP now and getting some specialist advice. The issues I've had for ten years will never go away, and a combination of treatment side effects and aging mean that I'm developing a whole new suite of 'ouch;'
Pain Australia www.painaustralia.org.au is a good place to find 'proper' information about the meds you are taking. It's not an easy website to navigate, but you might find some useful things on there.
Mxx
wendy55
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Zoffiel, like you I too have suffered chronic pain for many years, I have been to a pain management clinic for 18 months and have learned several strategies to put in place, all of which I am sure you are aware so wont go into, I am on 20mg kapanol at night slow release, and then I have oxynorm immediate release 5mg for breakthrough pain, stress makes the pain even worse, I have also know what I am able to do and not able to do and if I over do then I know that I will suffer, so where to from here, I take the breakthrough pain relief when needed and it does make a difference, to my pain, which in turn makes a difference to how I feel and my mood, for me its all about learning and understanding my body, I have a great GP who understands all of this, but no one should have to suffer chronic pain, its all about whats best suited for the individual on a physical and emotional level, I will not be a martyr and have learned that when needed I WILL TAKE my tablets - getting specialist advice is a good idea,thats their area of expertise so will get you on the right track.
wendy55
PatsyN
Member
7 years ago
Today I discovered that my pain patch is usually prescribed for junkies who can't make it the chemist shop for their daily dose of methadone.
Each one lasts a week and you get 2 in a pack, so there's one trip per fortnight...
There is an 'elevation of mood' as a side effect, lol.
Best side effect ever.
I've got 2 patches left.
So instead of crying I've been cooking and eating.
Sweating is out of the question because it stings so much on the affected area so no visits to the horse.
I don't even feel anxious about that.
@Joannie the only thing I'm slightly anxious about is starting on Arimidex any day now (the script is in my bag!).
Even if it's fake happiness I can learn from this and have changed some of my behaviours already.
Beryl_C_
Member
7 years ago
Hi PatsyN - I've been taking Arimidex for seven years and the side effects have been unpleasant. (I've given a description in previous posts). Should you have unwelcome side effects don't hesitate to ask for the patches again. I tried these a few years ago but after a few days of alarming 'tripping out' (as the hippies called it) my doctor advised me to stop using them. I now rely on Panadol, coffee with friends and knitting for pain management. This discussion list is 'the best' and I thank BCNA for establishing a venue for sharing and discussion.
PatsyN
Member
7 years ago
@"Beryl C." - You've made my day knowing that I can get patches for Arimidex. Not that I shall ask unless needed, and I hope I won't need them but good to they are safe to use during whilst taking Arimidex.
It's interesting to me the differing effects drugs have on the various individuals who take them.
I only noticed gradually how good I was feeling though.
When I'd got to midday the day after the patch went on I realised I hadn't cried since I woke up and thought that the tears would surely come. The only crying I've done in the last 2 weeks is for the usual things I'll always shed a little tear over, like the fact there there is so much war and suffering in this beautiful world we all live in.
Thanks for your response
Cheers
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
7 years ago
Hi @PatsyN, I completely understand your fears about starting Arimidex. I held onto my box for 2 weeks before I got up the courage to take one. All I can say is we are all different and not everyone gets any or all of the side effects. I’ve been taking Arimidex for 21 months and have minimal problems. I’ve managed to put on 4kg which I can’t seem to shift but I’m tall and can cope with that. A bit more self discipline needed I think haha. I was already menopausal so the hot flushes were nothing new and they have just about disappeared. I have a good GP who is always looking at complementary products and he prescribed me fennel cream for vaginal atrophy (syringed) plus I take glucosamine, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D. Yep, I rattle in the morning! Exercise is really important to keep your joints flexible. There has been some discussion re when is the best time to take Arimidex. I take mine in the morning, others prefer night. Just give it some time and see what works for you.
I really hope you are one of the lucky ones - sadly we don’t have a lot of choice but you will have the option of switching drugs if Arimidex doesn’t suit you. Good luck. Jane x