Fentanyl 100 patch almost 8 years

[CiscoF]

My 32 yo wife has been on the Fentanyl Patch for almost 8 years,  Started on the 50, now the 100.  She had a total disc replacement about 3.5 years ago and a fusion last August.  There is a plan for another fusion this summer at some point as well.  Knowing the meds are taking over our family and limiting her ability to function clear headed and be happy we decided to go to a new pain manager doctor.  He decided to hand over a script for siezures and reduced her 100 to 50 and basically said good luck.  I am in shock that she is being treated like a junkie and me as well.  They made her do a drug test there and all, which she has never taken patch early or self medicate, etc.  I figured it was protocol, continuing to give the benefit of the doubt to them since they should know whats best, but now there is no turning back since her original doctor is likely just delighted she is out of his hands now and said the new doctor knows best basically..(I hate to say that, but its true)
Now we are being treated like junkies, but the issue remains:  What is the next right move??  I am going to meet with the pain doctor tomorrow to bring my own research on what I found to be interesting and quite powerful info on coming off fentanyl.  It would seem to me it should be more of an inpatient, or at a minimum closely monitored process.  We also have an eight year old daughter in this family equation.  I just feel like the monster of addiction created by the entrusted professionals is now raging and we are told to handle it on our own basically.  I am beyond upset, but mostly horrified of the months ahead and nervous about the fact that once this all comes to an end, she is left with real pain that still needs to be managed somehow.  I am lost.

Any info, suggestions are both welcomed and respected.  Thank you.

"Cisco"

[marycarmel]

I'm'not a doctor but a 50% feduction is huge and unless they're going to balancethatbwith another narcotic that will help ease the withdrawals, she will likely be miserable.  If they give her something in pill form, it is much easier to taper down from the pills.

[CiscoF]

She didnt drop to 50 yet.  We met with 2 pain doctors today to discuss the process more and ask whether they could recommend in patient facility, or some ideas as to how to handle this with our 8 yo daughter, etc.  Also the concern for the real medical issues she faces which includes 2 major back surgeries that cant simply be forgotten about as if they never happened.  

I do understand, we do understand I should say, that the opiates are a serious concern for quality of life.  She was the one who has taken this path to getting off the fentanyl and meds her self...this does not however cure her back problems.  My questions to the pain doctor was for specifics on how this gets handled as things move forward.  Vague answers at best.  I know nobody has a magic wand, but I do expect and we do deserve their respect...after all it was doctors who started this mess to begin with with her meds....we will see soon i suppose.  The way it was left is that she is to reduce to 50 and come back in two weeks.  My guess is it will not succeed until someone can deliver us the confidence and give us the time of day without pushing us out the door for the next patients money.  We have great insurance, but it is becoming clear they all are also aware of that and enjoy the billing.  I hate saying this out loud, but it feels true sadly..

Thanks for your response.  sincerely.

[marycarmel]

Funny how doctors who are so gung-ho to put people on this have little input when you want to come off.  Fentanyl can be very difficult to come off.  Will they be giving her other narcotics to help with withdrawals and then wean off those? Fentanyl is so strong and withdrawals can be extreme.  How is she feeling after dropping 50%?