Thanks for sharing! Good for you for holding off as long as possible; I also "resisted" going the opiod route until 2005 (13yrs) mostly using complementary modalities/meds like gabapentin, tegretol, baclofen, soma, celebrex... I practiced biofeedback; actively participated in several mind/body programs; utilized cranio-sacral w/ lymph-drainage massages to ease congestion & regulate the rhythm of my nervous system... I even tried to hypnotize the pain away one year! Ultimately I began to experience serious health deterioration from years of pain induced wear-n-tear; my body was done and needed relief. Opiates were a lifesaver--literally. Dr. said I walked into clinic in physical shock--which is lifethreatening. Even so, I tried to keep doses low at first.

If you don't Absolutely need opiates, I agree not to take them, and to use as little as possible for as short a time as possible. Funny&hypocritical coming from me, huh?! I have not encountered Dr.s unwilling/unready to prescribe these. I was the 1 saying "not yet" for years. I'm always keen to hear what works for others, in case I might be able to utilize also. Anything to change direction here and possibly reduce/end these meds is most welcome!