Thanks. My pain management specialist wants to switch me from metadone due to the heart rhythm issues discovered through genetic testing. It took me years to find a medication with a long half-life for good pain coveragt. He chose to gradually get to a good clinical level of Dilaudid and eventually go to a "patch". The transistion has been pretty rocky because the dilaudid pills (8mg 5-6 times daily) wears off quite rapidly, hense the yo-yo effect. Is there a chance I can get a level and significant sustained therapy from a dilaudid patch? Does it even exist?
Loaded questions, I realise, but I've been on strong pain meds over 20 years and have been able to stay active, contribute to society and still have clear cognitive function. I just want to LIVE a happy functional life without feeling guilty for relying on strong and potentially dangerous meds. So.... I await your answer and if you have an alternate drug therapy to suggest, please include it in the reply.