Hi everyone, this is my first post here, as this forum keep coming un in my quest for info about fentanyl patches and which ones are "best".

A little background--I have had neuropathy (not necessarily diabetic) in both lower legs and complete foot drop (right) since 2007. At first I searched for doctors who could help, went thru all of the medications, and ultimately gave up. Only relying on a single pain med to get me thru my days.

My life changed DRAMATICALLY, but I managed to get by. for the past two years, the pain in my legs and associated neuropathy symptoms (heat, burning, tingling, freezing, standing in a puddle constantly, etc.--all at the same time) worsened. My PC doc finally ordered another MRI on my back. So, then came the news, now I have two herniations--the L4 and L5 along with moderate/severe spinal stenosis. Also, very possible psoriatic (history of autoimmune problems) or rheumatoid arthritis.

Well, life as I know it has come to a screeching halt. it's hard just typing this. I feel dead. Except for the constant, non-stop screaming pain.

I saw a (supposed to be, "excellent") neurosurgeon and a ortho surgeon both who said my back is inoperable--after I did something I swore I never would do--BEGGED for a back operation.

So my PC was giving me (he is acting as my Pain Doc too--long story, long drives every month, etc. to get to one) just oxycodone 15mg 3x a day. Naturally, that wasn't enough!!!!!!

I was given the idea of a fentanyl patch by a friend who had used them. So I talked to my PC two months ago, and he switched me over--50mcg fentanyl patches (10 per month) with, ughhhhh, only tramadol for breakthrough.

The pharmacy only carried Apotex patches--and I didn't know the difference anyway--wow, now after a friend game me a Duragesic one--I KNOW the difference between bad, and good!!!

So my questions are two-fold... a rheumatologist said my PC should NEVER have stopped the oxy 15 3x even with the fentanyl pathes, and that I need a different generic manufacturer. so my monthly appointment is this coming Friday, and I intend to lay it on the line with my PC.

I researched area pharmacies--the only alternatives to crappy Apotex are Mallincrodt (SP??) and Mylan. By the looks of it, Mylan is the way i'm going to go--and my PC will write "brand necessary" on my script supposedly. (this doesn't mean my insurance would cover duragesic, no way).

I am also praying that he restores the oxy 3x 15mg. Praying.

Even with the Apotex only--I had a glimmer of hope as to what life can be like again. WOWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!! The relief I had when they weren't getting all bent up and twisted (the foil), etc. etc. was amazing--it was LIFE CHANGING. I felt human again!!!!

I'm sure many can relate--but my main question is for right now--what do YOU get for BT pain??? and is MYLAN worth fighting for in the 50mcg form????

Thank you so much, i'm hoping for much guidance and insight with this forum

Willy Be Hurtin