I just had an appointment with a new doctor -- an anesthesiologist in a pain clinic. I currently use a fentanyl patch 25 mcg., and have been doing so with good results for 6 years. (Before I had it, I thought about suicide every day because the pain was intolerable.) I added Lyrica when it came out and it has provided additional relief. But I definitely need the fentanyl patch, too. I have tried decreasing the fentanyl patch, but when I do I really suffer. Same for the Lyrica. The two together seem to work great. Well, this new doc is totally against any narcotic use for chronic pain, including the fentanyl. I respectfully asked her why this was, since it has been good to me for 6 years, and I am obvioulsy not addicted, have not had to advance the dosage, etc. She gave two reasons: one is that the body accomodates to it and dosages have to be increased, so it is not good for long term use. I am not sure how I feel about this, as Iam 59 years old and have not had to increase the dosage in 6 years, and have a good deal of room to go before I would top out on this drug. How long does she think I will live? Ha. Her second reason is that with prolonged use of a narcotic, a person will develop a condition where they will become increasingly sensitized to their pain and will be worse off. I am not sure what medical term she used for this. I have never heard this before. Does anyone know anything about this or have an opinion on what she said? She wants me to get a spinal cord stimulator and quit the fentanyl. I am happy to try this, and nothing would make me happier than to get off it --IF I can get pain relief without it. But it seems crazy to me to stop it and just sit around an suffer for the rest of my life if the stimulator doesn't work. This doctor makes me nervous, as she doesn't seem to have any negotiating room on the question of the fentanyl at all. She wants me off of it no matter what or how I feel pain wise. I really want to be responsible about medications, and not do anything to harm myself. But I know how severe my pain can be and that it can be intolerable, literally. It frightens me to think about it. I appreciate any input. Thanks, all.