pain
"I have been using the Fentanyl patch for a year now.  I started with the smallest dose, and now am using 100 mcg, replacing every 2-3 days.  After 10 years with a chronic headache, I have tried almost everything out there, as well as alternative forms of pain relief (acupuncture, biofeedback, etc.).  I've come to realize that the best relief, for me, seems to be the strongest pain medicines, like methadone tabs, morphine tabs and fentanyl patches.  Unfortunately, every one of the strongest also causes edema for me.  Not right away, but after months of use.  It's frustrating.  I'm not sure what my doctor will do, but I sincerely hope the step-down from 100 mcg, to no longer using the patch won't be an insane withdrawal experience."