I have been tapering off fentanyl pain patches. I was on 100mcg/hr and and have tapered to 25mcg. I should never have been put on them because it says right on the box "not for post op pain." However, when I was in rehab a nurse practitioner put me on them. I had a tumor in the large bone (humerus) of my upper left arm. It took four surgeries which were painful, but my surgeon was able to keep me almost comfortable after the first day on a morphine pump. From that I was to go to an oral painkiller. When I healed there wouldn't be any pain. (to say I dislike that nurse practitioner is an understatement.) I didn't know anything about them.

I was there for three months because I was too drugged to tell anyone I wanted to go home. They make money as long as they have the beds filled, although I never stayed in bed. They were also giving me vicodin, but I came off of them very easy. Probably, because of the patch. When I went home I was ok and started learning how to do things w/o the use of my upper arm which is useless not. I can still use my forearm and fingers...however, three of my fingers and my palm are numb. Neither my surgeon or family dr. liked the idea that I was on the fentanyl pain patches. My family dr. has helped me taper, but she goes so slow because she's afraid I will have w/d.

Can anyone tell me their person opinion on how much w/d I would have if I just stopped the patches now that I'm only on 25mcg's?? I would really appreciate the suggestions.
Thanks and Take Care,
gypsy:confused:

It's been about a week since I've been off of the 100mcg patches. I went cold turkey, no taper. Things are starting to improve but I definitely had some withdrawals. I would think it wouldn't be as bad to stop taking the 25mcg. How long have you been on the 25's? I think they make 12.5 patches but I'm not sure. Good luck!