Then discuss this with your specialist NOW, (ask him how transfer of care will proceed) so it'll be taken care of, off your mind (which can't be helping any) and the transfer of care will go smoothly. He probably has a lot of patients with the same concerns, and will likely turn everyone over to the same doctor/clinic/group with letters/notes on each that function like letters of recommendation.

Doc

Thank you! I will certainly bring this up at my next visit.
I'm having a hard time making the patches last 3 days, but I don't want to go back to changing every 48 hrs.
It's my dang back spasms! (have I mentioned lately that I'm having these? ) The Baclofen seems to be helping less and less, so I need to see if there is something better we can try. Thanks to your suggestions and links you provided, I'll be more familiar with the options that are out there

Rae

Hi Rae,

in all my years, I have managed to find new doctors as necessary when I moved cross country and back. it is not always easy and may take seeing a couple of doctors, but it is do-able. My pain doctor is in the process of retiring and she has sent a list of multiple pain doctors out to her patients. Ask your doctor for a referral. Best of luck. keep me in the loop.

sincerely,
Sloane

Thanks Sloane! I talked to him yesterday and it sounds like he'll be around for another year (I hope)...... I used up most of our 10 minute office visit asking about SSDI and if he's helped pts with this (he does), so I'll wait for next visit to ask about this.
It eases my mind to hear you say that your other Drs have honored the referrals and recommendations.
Thanks again
Rae

The best advice is to ask the md who prescribed them to you how often they want you to change them. I have worked with fentanyl patches for over 12 years and I have never changed a patients patch earlier than 72hours unless it had been removed and needed to be replaced. Sometimes the first couple of days you start using them can be difficult because it generally takes a full 24 hours to build up in your system. Take care and be sure to ask your doctor, fenanyl along with all narcotics need to be taken as ordered because they can be dangerous and even cause you to stop breathing if not taken properly.