Duregesic Patches

The more i read on here the more i seem to be finding out.  I have a bad back like a lot of you do and the last dr told me there was nothing that could be done, so I'm seeing a nurosurgeon tomorrow.  I am thinking my MD didn't know what he was doing and was scared the dea was going to get him for giving me hydro at 3 a day and switched me to the Duregesic patches.  Wouldn't that be a lot stronger?  I went back to the 3 a day on the hydro 7.5 and then he switched me to 10mg opana er 3 times a day.  I think that is a lot stronger than the 7.5 hydro's too, am i correct?  I was not able to function on either one of those but i can on the hydro even though i still have the pain its not where i can't stand it.  I would appreciate any input you guys may have on these questions.  Thanks-

[Mikeinthesouth]

Fentanyl patches come in different strengths I think all the way to 12.5 and up. They are a stronger med but controlled release.

[Mikeinthesouth]

I can tell you the 50mg sure help the withdrawalls 100 percent just have the emotional part to deal with when I resorted to those.

[Mike_B_]

So you used the patches to stop the wd from an opiate?  and you came off them without any problem?  they seemed to put me out in left field.  So where in the south are you?  Below TN?

[Mike_B_]

Did you use the patches for long because i read where someone said they were so hard to ct from that they would rather come off vics.

[Mikeinthesouth]

I used them here and there to fend off detox not on a regular basis two weeks at longest at a  time and never withdrew as I quit when I got something else to use.

[Mikeinthesouth]

I am sure withdrawal is going to happen if using these as they are a strong opiod as well.

[Mike_B_]

They are stronger than taking 3 7.5 a day correct?  

[danners]

The drug fentanyl is mesured in Micrograms (mcg.) , where as Vicodin is measured in milligrams (mg.). So strength wise, the duragesic patch Fentanyl is alot stronger than any healthy dose of Vicodin. a 75 mcg. dura patch can last three days depending on your tolerance, but three days is typically as long as it lasts. But also these two drugs are different in how they are suppose to be used. The Vicodin is for breakthrough pain, whereas fentanyl is meant for around the clock pain relief. So actually you are able to take the vicodin while you're wearing the patch as needed. Because vicodin will stop the pain immediately and the fentanyl will keep it gone long after the vikes stop working, but thats a decision for your doctor, he may not want to do that because they don't like to give any one person different kinds of Narcotics at once. Any more questions that I might be able to help you with? Peace!        
                              -Danners