Hi Joe,

I finally saw your post. It has been rough weather here in Indiana so I am just not on the computer very much.

Anyway, I feel for ya! I had severe neck and head pain before I had two fusions so I KNOW EXACTLY what you mean by being in an ice cold room and not wanting to vomit. Been there and did that for 3 years straight and 24/7!

Okay, I came off the 12mcg of Duragesic just fine with the help of the Vicodin. There were a couple of days there that were bumpy. And the withdrawals continued for about another two weeks long after the Fentanyl was gone. But it wasn't horrendous. The way I understand it since you are on the 100's, is that you go down to 75 then 50 then 25 and finally 12. As far as breakthrough meds go, you would have to talk to your doc. He or she may want you to go about it differently. But DEFINITELY do this under supervision.

And something you mentioned caught my eye as well. Fentanyl is so potent and powerful, I too, was wondering what happens if I ever max out?! But if you need it, you need it. I think it works great for some people...I just wasn't one of them. Actually, I was much worse off. That whole month I was on it I felt horrible. I am doing much, much better now. And I hope you can do the same...just talk with the doc about it. Good luck.

I was wondering too although you probably already have tried; but have you tried injections?