[metallison77]

i have just started taking ms contin, i was prescribed because percocet was no longer effective. it works ok for the pain but it gives me bad headaches. my dr said that should not be happening but it is. has anyone else experianced this side effect. she said if i contines to happen she will switch me to the fentanyl patch, but i am uninsured and pay out of pocket. how expensive is the generic? and any other info. not sure why she doesn't put me on oxycontin it is much cheaper. she does give me 5mg oxy for breakthrough pain. i am awaiting back surgery and am only 22yrs old with 2 kids, i don't want to become addicted. i have a history off addiction so it is a great fear of mine. but i can also not deal with all this pain without meds. i have been on pain meds for about a year now. they started me with ultracet and progressed for there... vicodin, then percocet, now morphine. now sure what to do. need advice.. alot of advice.

[mpvt]

The fentanyl patch is the way to go.Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger then morphine.In fact the patches come in mcg and not mgs.Most people are started on the 25mcg patch and go from there.The patch lasts up to 72 hrs which is great because you don't have to worry about whether or not it's to early to take your pill.I'm sure that the generic patch is cheaper then the morphine only because you only need 10 patches a month opposed to say 60 30mg morphine pills.I have a friend that has had chronic pain all her life.I talked her into the patch and she wishes she had gone on it years ago.So don't shy away if she offers you the patch.Good luck.....Dave