Hello and Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm glad you found us but sorry to hear about your pain and situation.
For our members that don't know this is EDS: The Hypermobility Type of EDS is characterized by loose joints and chronic joint pain. This form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome was formerly called type III. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Type is a subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
And again for those that don't know: Acronym Definition; SAHM: Stay At Home Mom.
You have reason for pain. I understand that at 22 you are concerned about any amount of opiates you must take for your pain. We Chronic Pain patients are often caught in that Catch 22. No one wants to take opiates but for most of us we have no choice if we some type of normal life and function. I assume the same is true for you.
I think this decision is to large for one person to decide alone. Talk to your prescribing physician. Discuss the pros and cons. You're correct, your body is dependent on the opiates. It may be time to switch opiates if you have built tolerance. It's also possible that your condition is becoming worse and the current opiates are not effectively controlling your sx. What ever the situation your physicians can help you with the plan.
Yes withdrawal can be difficult - but many have gone through it successfully. There are medications and things that you can do like exercise, healthy eating and plenty of fluids that will ease some of the symptoms. We are not the forum that can offer you the most suggestions in this arena. If you decide to go that route his a link to our forum that can help you:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/show/77
Again I encourage you to discuss this with your PMP. I wish you the best and hope you'll keep in touch.
Take Care,
~Tuck