New to forum and starting Butrans

Hi everyone. I am new to the forum but not to pain or pain management. I have had 6 epidural steroid injections, two ablations, a partial diskectomy L3,4,5, and artificial disk at C6-7, a torn rotator cuff and a fused right foot to eliminate a spastic flat foot after it was crushed in an industrial accident.
I was prescribed 240mg MSIR and 180mg MS ER for about 4 yrs and then 240mg MSIR and 60 mg methadone with 30 mg diazepam for another two years. I did pretty well until the 2008 economic crash, a layoff and then found myself relying on on the meds to deal with both my pain and fears.
I have been off of all opioids except Tramadol, taking Neurontin and large dosages of NSAIDs for 3.5 yrs. until crippling abdominal pain and a colonoscopy revealed significant ulcerative colitis due to the NSAIDs. While the above regimen of Tramadol and NSAIDs did not adequately relieve my pain, I was leary of taking anything stronger.
Without the NSAIDs, Tramadol and Neurontin with Tylenol has left me in intolerable pain. Today, I finally allowed a PM Dr to prescribe me 5 mg Butrans patches. Initially, they tried to hustle me into a trial of Intrathecal Prialt via a Medtronics pump. I let them know that I felt pressured and wanted to try patches first, before considering something so invasive, controversial and expensive. I am hoping that the Butrans will help but weighing 250 lbs, I am worried that the dosage will be to low. I will start with the 5mcg and titrate up as needed and let the Dr do his thing. I can always keep taking the Tramadol, Neurontin and Tylenol to hopefully allow me to function better until the right dosage is achieved. If this does not work, I would likely try Fentanyl patches as I am not really comfortable with pills, given my past experience.
Any support or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Hello.

Welcome to HW.You make me look healthy.

I was prescribed Butrans for a few months.It didn't help me a whole lot.

Fentnyl is a good bit stronger than Butrans.

I just wanted to say hello.Someone else will be along with better info.

Rick

Thanks Vicki, Rick, Susie,
I am now on 10 mcg Butrans and getting ready to go to 15. I am receiving pretty good analgesia but am still not quite quite where I want to be. I think that Butrans is going to work for me based on my experience so far. I will do anything to avoid any chance of full blown addiction. For me, it is important to minimize any peaks and valleys, hence the choice of patches, and any euphoria or emotional payoff. I have learned to block the pain to a large degree but need just a little help, which the Bupe seems to be offering. I haven't been back in a while as I thought I would receive email notification of responses, which never came. I appreciate your feedback and support.
Thanks,
Bob