Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

912 Members
7,373 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Lupus Support Group

Flare and extreme fatigue - Fentanyl?

juliemorrisonsternbe
juliemorrisonsternbe

Hi All,


I've had RA and lupus for quite a few years. My insurance will no longer cover my Opana ER that I use daily for pain. Dr has switched me to fentanyl patches. I did ok on them the first few weeks but have had this long lasting flare every since i was out in the sun too long last week.  I've slept away many of the last days during the week and just can't seem to get enough sleep. I've had severe fatigue before but this is very different. That and aching and swelling in my arms and hands is at an all time high. I'm wondering if it's the flare, new meds or deoression. I can't tell the difference anymore. All I know is that I want the pain and swelling to go away, I want to be able to stay awake and have a normal day and not be so down about this. Any insights? Thanks


GOLDHEART
GOLDHEART
HI JULIE, WHAT STRENGTH FENATYL PATCH ARE YOU ON ?
juliemorrisonsternbe
juliemorrisonsternbe
25. However my MD changed and took me off of it. Now oxycontin sr. It's working better but still so sleepy when I take it. I think I'm falling into a depression over this whole illness and pain situation.
GOLDHEART
GOLDHEART
I know how that feels. The worst thing for me is making plans and having to cancel. Then lieing down and thinking of the fun you are missing out on.
ALSO I don't know of anyone who gets to be pain free.
What is the worst sympton for you ? SHARE IF YOU WANT TO AND I WILL TRY AND HELP.
juliemorrisonsternbe
juliemorrisonsternbe
Luckily my PMD increased my Cymbalta dose and I'm not quite so down. My flare has calmed down as well except for pain in my upper arms and shoulders. I just got a referral to physical therapy but have to wait 2 weeks to start. So that's a good thing. Battling with my insurance company to cover my meds has been a terrible thing. They don't want to cover anything and are sending me to all new doctors. The stress from this has been overwhelming. I don't have a very supportive family either. I'm not working and am on the midst of a disability case.
I'm not expecting to be pain free in any way. I just want to be human, and be able to participate in life. Right now I've been sleeping most of it away due to the new meds. I've used low dose oxymorphone ER in the past (for quite a few years) and it gives me enough relief to function. But my insurance refuses to cover it as if July 1st. I've gone down hill since then. I'm fighting for it but it takes energy and stamina to fight. So I'm taking it slow. Slow and steady.