Is this fentanyl withdrawal? Addicted, and in serious ab pain

[DoxyMoron]

Dear Blulight: I am a desperate woman these days. Have been on fentanyl patch 75 mcg for about a year, previously on oxycontin 180 mg/day for a few years before that. As I almost killed myself twice in the last 6 months (last time was mid March) (fell asleep with a patch in my mouth both times) needed narcan (absolutely horrid the last time, thought my head was going to blow up), my doctor is weaning me, from 75 downwards, starting soon, very soon. I am in almost constant serious abdominal pain, upper sometimes, but mostly lower. Reminds me of labour pains actually. The pain is always worse in the morning, shortly after I wake up, and sometimes dissipates by late afternoon, but not today unfortunately. I got in the ridiculous habit of chewing my patches, and as I only get one every three days (have to pick up from drug store), the fentanyl was seriously depleted by then, and it became very uncomfortable. Anyway, what I am trying to say, is this ab pain because I'm addicted, messed my tolerance, and I deserve every nasty cramp that comes? I've been trying very hard to keep the patch out of my mouth, but once or twice a day just have to because it's really unbearable. Is there anything else I can do for this? I am using Buscopan, tylenol with codeine, gabapentin, every herbal thing I can think of like garlic, magnesium, ginger, gravol. I need some advice, desperately, as this pain makes me positively suicidal at times. Thank-you very much for your expert advice. I have searched lots, and found some information, but nothing specific for this. Aside from the ab pain, there are no other problems. I had thought the ab pain could be from something else?

 

[Swimmingdancer]

This is not the right area for your post but someone should be along to move it shortly. Can you describe the pain and location more precisely? Are you constipated? I have had some major abdominal pain from opioid-induced constipation, but it's important to rule out other things. Mild withdrawal could be a possibility too, especially if you're also constipated so slight WD isn't enough to cause diarrhea but just causes abdominal cramping. However it's hard to know over the internet so please see a doctor if the pain in severe and not improving.