[Katie]

Terry, how I wish. I ended up in an ambulance four hours into my first twelve hour fentanyl patch with respiratory arrest, vomiting, etc. Almost the same with every other pain medication I have tried. I have extreme chemical sensitivity. I realize that I am either getting used to the dose, or the pain is getting worse.

My symptoms are changing, so I'm not sure what's what. I had just upped my dose a few weeks ago, and the pain specialist is fine with it, as long as it doesn't go much farther, I think. Thank heavens I found her, as two years ago, I could not get any pain relief, none, from my GP other than some tylenol 3. I was in absolute agony.

I did ask if there was a problem with the dose, and she said that she considered me a responsible patient and not abusing it, so no worries. If there are some side effects I should be looking out for, please, please let me know. I am extremely careful about mixing anything else, including cold medication, and always check with the pharmacist. A question....what difference would it make to change to another narcotic? The same issues would eventually show up, no? I really appreciate your feedback on this, and have questioned it myself, trying to stay sane and safe at the same time.

If I could just get a doctor who would treat me, this would not be an issue...