Hello all:
Like many of you here I also have some serious issues regarding chronic pain management. I started experiencing chronic pain a number of years ago after an injury that resulted in damage being done to 3 cervical vertebrates and herniated discs that are placing pressure on the spinal chord. In addition to that I have severe rheumatiod arthritis & osteo arthritis (also have a neurolmuscular disorder, that, as far as I know doesn't contribute to the chronic pain issues). Currently I am on the 100 mg Fentanyl patch ( 72 hours ) which does take the edge off the pain enough for me to be able to function. My doctor would like to wean me off of the patch because, apparently, it's not recommended for long term or permant use ... he didn't say he was concerned about me getting addicted ).

We tried to eliminate the usage of the patch but I did not respond well to the decreased dosage and the pain soon became severely debilitating. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar issue ... what you did/didn't do to alleviate the problems. Like, while one was being weaned off of the patch were you able to initiate adding a different type of medication concurrently or did you have to wait until you were totally weaned off. My doctor just reduced dosage on the patch and did not initiate a different med for the pain. I'd also be interested in hearing about what you use for breakthrough pain.

Thanks for listening and any suggestions in advance. Hoping everyone is safe and well this evening and wishing you all peace, comfort and speedy resolutions to all the challenges you're dealing with.

Kefrin