Good morning, so great to find that others are using Butrans patch. I have CRPS, small nerve fiber polyneuropathy and erythromelalgia. Been using it (20 mcg and recently added a 5 mcg) for over 2 years and it has definitely helped with pain control. I also use Nucynta for breakthrough pain. Before switching from OxyContin, which I requested, I had pain flares wrecking havoc on my physical and mental state. With the patch and a steady stream of med in my system, I can function at a baseline 5-6 pain level. Like you mentioned Debi, any physical activity or sometimes just walking down the hall can cause a flare up to 7-8. I don't always take Nucynta for these, as getting my feet elevated ( a must because the bottoms of my feet, especially the soles are involved) meditating, resting, etc....can sometimes bring the pain level back down.

I'm happy to read it's working for you! I've not experienced what you described, increased pain after placing the patch as my initial injury was my right foot. I use my upper arms and my chest for placement and rotate them. The upper chest gets into my system faster, I think, as there is less fat in this area. Good luck going forward and I will look for your updates.

Thanks mrsD for great info about the drug. I wish more folks were able to use it.