I spent 15 yrs taking oxycontin, duragesic patch (fentanyl) for previous back surgeries. I still had continual pain. 2 yrs ago I decided to stop all pain meds. My body was physically addicted and built up a tolerance. I never abused my medication and took it exactly as described.
Initially, I tried to wean myself off-stopping one of the oxycontin's per day. The withdrawal was "nuts". My legs thrashed, I had freezing cold sweats, shivering, agitation-and God knows what else. For over a week, I suffered. I could only wonder: if I'm going through this with one pill, I'll never get off all of them! One day, I threw everything away-EVERYTHING. Then...I experienced withdrawal from hell! I ended up in the hospital for 4 days with severe opiate withdrawal. It was the longest,hardest, most painful days of my life. I knew it would be hard, but never imagined how hard. I always knew that if I just took that 1 pill-all the misery would be gone.
It's been 2 years, and I've had nothing stronger than a motrin! Ironically, I could say my pain has improved. From experience, if you're considering going off pain meds, get a good, reputable pain doctor that can help you. You also need good, dependable family support. But...you CAN do it. And, you will not regret your decision for a single moment!