Question: I've been on Avinza for chronic pain for a few years now. Was at 240mgq at my XXXXXXX then went to 180mgs, then to 120mgs, then to 80mgs, down to 45mgs. Then tried to go off on my own and had horrible withdrawals and called my Dr. and went to pharmacist to ask what he thought so I'd be prepared at next Dr. appointment. This was back in beginning of November. My doctor switched me to 30 mgs of MS Contin and I'd taken that for a few weeks, then went to 15 mgs. My Rheumatologist retired Dec. 19th and I have a new Rheumatologist who I see in January, I also had to find a new PC Dr. as my regular Dr. is now Medical Director of larger practice and only is there 1 1/2 days per week and is further away now. My new PC Dr. tells me if I'm still not off the Avinza/MS Contin she will continue to help me wean, but I'd like to be totally off when I go XXXXXXX 16th. So far I've taken nothing since Sunday morning. I know that's not a long time, but last time I tried to stop I got a few days and couldn't take it. I had also been trying every couple of days back in December but then went on the 15mgs daily through the Holidays as I felt I shouldn't be detoxing during the holidays and was very busy. Sorry, so long but I want you to see what and how I'm doing this. My doctor that retired tells me with my pain level I am going to be in a lot of pain and I read that muscle aches are part of the withdrawal symptoms, I also know stomach issues, and jitteriness, twitchy muscles etc. are withdrawal symptoms - I had all back in November. As I've gone since Sunday without any MS Contin and can tell I'm in withdrawal but nothing like before - it seems bearable. Should I just stay off it at this point? Or, see how my body does - I've got the stomach issues and really hurt, but that is life for me now, I guess. My new doctor's say don't prescribe it and I am 59 now - I don't want to be an 80 year old women still on strong pain meds - I need to learn another way to control my pain. Are you able to give me any advice? Am I doing this properly weaning off my narcotic pain meds properly? Thank you for any advise you can give me. XXXXXXX

I've been taking Advil. Is it OK, to take a Hydrocodone which is 5.5 strength if I feel that I really need something to help? I will try the other alternatives you told me but for the next few days which will be most difficult, I believe, maybe not. Is it OK then to take a low dose of Hydrocodone every few days just to help, or would that deter my efforts? Otherwise, if you prefer I can call my PC doctor and try to get advice from her. I'm trying not to take anything at all and feel if withdrawal symptoms get too bad, what is the best way to lessen them? With meditation, or with Advil, or would my body as it has become addicted over the years need a pain medication that will stop the withdrawal, without taking the MS Contin. I want it totally out of my system and I want to do this properly. Thank you very much. XXXXXXX

I'm sorry. I just want to make sure I understand this. On the Lortab (Hydrocodone - APAP 5-500, that 5-500 actually means it's 30 mg? It's an old prescription that only has a couple of pills in it. as I'm going off 15 mg of the MS Contin then, can I just break it in have as you say above to get the 15 mg? Again - as it says 5-50 on it I want to make sure. Thank you and this will be my last question. I appreciate your help/assistance/knowledge.
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Thank you.

OK, I will. I have not taken anything and feel I am doing ok, enough, to not resort to trying anything other than meditation. I am hurting too much to try Yoga at the moment. My Dr. who I last saw in December and is now retired warned me I'd be in a lot of pain. I'm not going off meds because I don't hurt anymore, or I'm just taking them to take them. I'm taking them for Lupus, MCTD, chronic migraines, and Degen. Disk Disease in my spine. He says it's to be expected that I will hurt and have to deal with it. I've been doing meditation, listening to music and will resume light stretching and maybe Yoga when the really cold weather let's up and my joints will move better again. I am doing Ok with minimal withdrawal symptoms so far. Thank you for your help.