Is it withdrawal pain or real pain?

[gettingmylifeback1964]

Today is my first day off opiates and my back pain is almost unbearable.  I have DDD, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.  I have had surgery on my lower back for herniated disks and spinal stenosis.  My fibro seems to be unchanged at the moment but my lower back feels like it did pre surgery.  Do you think this increased pain in my back is degeneration I did not notice while on pain meds or is it my mind playing tricks on me?  If it is, how long does it take for this symptom to dissipate.

[spider6]

CIK explained it perfectly IMO.   Just hang in there. ...it will get better.  I experienced this rebound pain also.  Push through. Prayers and hugs.

[gnarly_1]

Hey  just want to take a minute and encourage you to stick it out  I also had tearable rebound pain  but today I manage a really messed up back with 800mg ibuprofine tylonal and asprine  and im in less pain then when on the pills  as for a detox your in the right place we do them daily weekly monthly here on the forum  the best thing you can bring to the table is a positive attitude  it makes the difference between being uncomfortable and suffering....suffering is a choice....this is 1/3 phyical and 2/3 mental so be ready to fight it out on both fronts.....epsom salt baths go a long way in reliving most of the symptoms  force the fluids  pick up a case of gator aid  you will go threw it  rent some movies for the next few days you probably wont sleep  and I have said this a million times  ''but you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile''  this to shall pass  so post and post some more this forum was my life line and will be yours also  may God be with you............Gnarly

[clean_in_ks]

Be gentle w/yourself.....it's just day one.  You're healing RIGHT NOW and every moment you don't use!

[gettingmylifeback1964]

Thank you for the reassurance of what I suspected.  I will definitely search that up.  I'm trying to exercise a bit but my energy level has bottomed out.  Having trouble getting up and down the stairs.  Just brutal.  The next few days are going to be scary and if my hands aren't shaking to much I will post.  

[BearsFan1966]

I totally agree with clean! My pain levels went threw the roof when I first stopped. I think it depends on dosage and how long you were on them as to how long it will last! Mine took about 1 month to come down after being on high doses and 10 years! Keep the faith and you will be fine.....we are here for you!
Congrats on day 1 and getting your life back!

Kari

[clean_in_ks]

This is strictly my opinion, but what you are feeling is definitely rebound pain from being off opiates only one day.  It happened to me, too.   We have opiate receptors all up and down our spines and in our guts.....when we initially get off all opiates, those receptors all go HAY WIRE screaming because they aren't getting what they are used to having.  It is like a band aide being ripped off and they are laying bare until you heal enough to start producing your only natural endorphins. The true definition for endorphins is:  endogenous morphine".  They are produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland.  

This rebound pain WILL settle down....for some it's within days....others a few weeks.  There's no "right" answer....but just don't freak, ok?
Many, many people actually feel LESS pain and do better with their pain levels after they get off opiates and heal up a bit.
I had it too.....and I've had back surgery and am a chronic pain patient myself.  Getting off opiates is a wonderful opportunity to be able to re-acess your TRUE pain.  Because after we are on opiates for a long time, our bodies produce "more" pain.  It's called opioid induced hyperalgesia.
Put it in your search engine and read about it....it will help you understand.
Hang in there....DAY 1 is the first step towards freedom and a life not chained to a pill bottle.  Keep posting for support.....someone will be here to help you~