i have been in the same place as you and struggled with the opiates for years. I too had legit pain and 5 surgeries, but i used them out of control and ended up taking 40 norcos a day and then snorting the oxy's. I then went to smoking heroin and so on. My point is that ive been there and you need to definetly wean yourself down if possible. I was never able to control them myself so maybe if you cant, is there someone who can help give you controlled amounts? I just know for me that the withdrawls were so painful and i had my grandma there for me since she is a nurse. It can really be dangerous to detox on your own, plus after that i went to a treatment center and have been sober and clean for almost 18 months. It can be done, try being honest with your doctors and get them to help you get off of these horrrible damn drugs. Hang in there.