[Tony35]

I recently underwent spinal fusion surgery. T3-8, broke 3 ribs and collapsed a lung. Got into pain management clinic and they perscribed me as follows: 40 mg oxycodone (percocet), and 50mg of methadone per day. I am 5 wks out of surgery and still have a lot of constant pain. I am concerned with methadone as i have researched it and discovered the severity of withrawls and detox. Does anyone have any info that could help me? I am trying to get a second opinion for my own comfort, but would greatly appreciate any info anyone may share with me. Thank you.

[Leesa]

Hi Tony -- I'm also on Methadone, along with the Fentanyl patch, and I've also heard that getting off Methadone is difficult.

But i've gotten off other medications before, and I'm SURE that with a slow weaning/tapering process, it shouldn't be all that hard. Some people go too fast with the tapering, and that makes it rough -- some DOCTORS aren't sufficiently trained in the weaning process either, so they taper you much too fast. If you're going to get off Methadone, make sure your doc understands that you want to do it SLOWLY, to avoid the nasty withdrawals. Methadone has a longer half-life than alot of meds too, so that makes it harder.

Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee