the patch

Hi Mtgman

I used the patch at one time before my back surgery and found it worked well but if it's the same patch I had it was rated for every 3 days and I found the 3rd day to be pretty tough. In my opinion they only really last 2days. I was on a 25mg patch which is the lowest dose and from what you take of oxycodone I think your doc may start you there. I think that would be the best place to start. I would however suggest that having some oxycodone around in case it isn't quite enough or it disagrees with you. I made the mistake of trying something new without having my old med to go back to if things when wrong and my pain doc was out of town and I really paid the price. I don't want to worry or discourage you because there's a good chance it may work well for you as it did for me. I didn't find that it was overwhelming or made me really out of it at all and was able to function the same as before. Remember that this drug is absorbed through your skin so it takes a while to get into your system. It's not going to work as fast as oxycodone when you first start it. I'm just very cautious of starting new things as I had some bad experiences but everyone is different. Having a good relationship with your doc is key to any treatment. I would just ask him or her what to expect and if having some of your oxycodone on hand just in case things don't work out or just for break through pain is a good idea. Best of luck to you and hope it all works out great. It may be the best thing you've tried so far so try and  keep a positive attitude. Let us know how it goes. Take care.

                                                                      .Stingray