wfc, definetely listen to what Charm posted about the fentanyl he's dead on there. I've been on the patch for about a year now and am finally able to start dialing down and getting off the stuff. The patch works by heat and changes in temperatures can cause more pain meds to be released and have it run out sooner, I generally get around 60hrs out of my 72 hour patch. It's really addictive as well so I carry backup pain meds wherever I go because I've been caught dry and started going through withdrawels...pretty nasty stuff but it does the trick for my pain.

Keep your chin up man and good luck to you, for me going through chemo/rads tx was the hardest part. If I can do it I'm sure you can man.

best wishes

Eric