I have been on duragesic pain patches 25 mcg for almost two years. I switched back to my regular doctor since they were gone for over 18 months. I have been taking Norco 10s 8 per day, and ativan and lithium and flexeril and trazodone. My new doctor doesn't think I should be on the patch since I am only 39. However, I was in a tragic automobile accident three years ago and almost died. I suffered fractures of T3 4 5, Fratuctres C 7, could have been paralyzed, but lucky. My right ankle was compression break in othere words my foot was hanging by a thread, and most my ribs were broke, liver lasseration, and on and on. My pain is so bad in the thorasic spine and my neck cervical spine. My old dr thought the patch would be perfect for the around the clock pain relief. with the norco for breakthrough pain. The patch did work well for me, however i noticed when I was in the hot weather i would get sick..but i dealt. so my question is>>>i dropped from the 25s i was on for two years down to 12.5. she had me on the 12.5s for three weeks i had withdrawl so i put another on to equal 25 i was on before. doc got mad said she would do two more weeks worth of 12.5 then I should be able to come completely off. so here I sit tonight when actually a new patch is due on, but I do not have any she was very persistant that I get off of them. I am having major anxiety i have ativan for that but that was cut as well so has the norco. I think I could do the off the patch thing if i have the ativan and norco to help. I don't think with the pain I am in I will do well with just norco and ativan. I think my doc is wrong and i am stressing over the withdrawls i did it one time cold turkey and I was a mess, uncontrollable crying, weakness, stomach pain, chills, can;t sleep, throw up, will i have this same sysmptoms coming off cold turkey of the 12? please someone help me.. i know i will end up taking more ativan and norco in place of the patches. then I will be out and she will not refill them early. I am scared!!!!!