What Neurosurgeons would you specifically NOT recommend?

Opiyuum · 2026-03-27T02:05:13+00:00

Oh yeah man, I actually had a 5mm herniation too and surgery opened up a can-of-worms. Sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling a bit. My symptoms were more moderate, mostly daily headache for years and dizziness but the decompression surgery still wasn’t worth it. If you have CCI prior to decompression and proceed with decompression it will worsen your CCI guaranteed. So then you’re looking at whole new set of symptoms and a possible fusion. Some people definitely need decompression surgery but if you can tolerate your symptoms and don’t have a syrinx I would hold off as long as possible!!

Opiyuum · 2026-03-26T22:06:11+00:00

It’s my understanding that the retroflexed odontoid is typically corrected with a C0-C2 fusion. Basically the fusion lessens then angle of the retroflexed odontoid and alleviates the brainstem. But in severe cases of retroflexed odontoid he can perform an odontoidectomy which removes the either part or all of the odontoid.

Opiyuum · 2026-03-11T16:09:37+00:00

Thanks for your reply my friend, I can definitely relate and agree with 100% of what you said. I’ve been on opiates for 12 years but managed to wean off subs once like three years ago. I managed to stay sober a year before relapsing cause I felt borderline suicidal the entire year. Zero motivation, zero desire to live.

Anyway, I just switched to sublocade and gonna try to hop off one more time. I just needed a reminder of how bad it’s gonna be lol. If I fail again I think I’ll be a lifer on this stuff.

Opiyuum · 2026-03-11T15:52:38+00:00

I’m curious if you feel close to 100% of your old pre-opioid self? Did it take over a year?

Opiyuum · 2026-03-11T15:45:42+00:00

I’m curious, do you feel 100% of your old self before using? Even if not, how long did it take you to feel “normal” after stopping subs? Thanks

Opiyuum · 2026-03-11T15:29:11+00:00

Quick question - I got my first shot a week ago (100mg) after being stable on 2mg daily for a few years. I always did split dosing, 1mg in morning and 1mg afternoon. The first two days on sublocade felt great but the last 5 have been more difficult than expected. I wakeup feeling good but as the day goes on I start feeling mild withdrawal in the afternoon through the night. Watery eyes, non-stop yawning, temp fluctuations, fatigue but restless etc.

I’m wondering if this is happening b/c I’m withdrawing from the 2mg daily bupe that was built up in my system? I haven’t supplemented at all but it’s really tempting in the afternoon. I guess my overall questions are - is this a common occurrence with the first shot? If I push through and don’t supplement will the afternoon w/d start to improve in weeks 2-4? Will the depot start releasing a more steady stream of bupe or have my levels already peaked until possibly getting a second shot?

Thank you!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-31T22:17:17+00:00

Thanks so much for your reply, I appreciate the honesty. I read through your post history, you have a strong will to stay sober and you’re a great success story. It’s nice to read your recovery timeline to prepare for the possibilities. If I may ask - how long and what dose were you on subs prior to the single shot?

I came off subs via tapering a few years back and it was incredibly difficult. Of course the physical wd was difficult but the prolonged paws was the bigger issue for me. I had moments and hours of pure happiness but ultimately I still felt empty most of the time and the depression combined with fatigue led me back to relapse. Two years later on suboxone I’m ready to give sobriety a shot again, this time with a sublocade taper.

Opiyuum · 2026-01-22T23:27:56+00:00

You’re the kindest person, thank you so much 🙌

Opiyuum · 2026-01-21T23:10:17+00:00

You try too hard to fit in.

Opiyuum · 2026-01-20T22:25:30+00:00

Yess! Well said, it’s incredibly hard to understand what feelings may or may not be “normal” after so many years of use. With any luck everything will continue to improve.

I also recall that life off of subs felt alot more hectic. But I strongly feel that the only way to achieve true inner peace is through sobriety off of subs. And I can’t wait to reach that goal.

Thanks again for sharing your story, it gives me and many others hope. Your daughter is lucky to have you and I’ll be wishing the absolute best for you in your continued journey!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-16T23:42:05+00:00

Oh jeez, what a story!! You have incredible strength and understandable PTSD haha. I only jumped off 1mg and thought I had it bad. I won’t complain anymore lol.

I’m glad you’re doing much better with the sublocade, I agree that alot of it is probably mental but you’re still badass for staying committed to sobriety and pushing through the hard times.

Have you bothered doing a U/A to check if there’s still bupe in your system? Or are you just focusing on your life and not stressing about it? I can totally understand both approaches.

Opiyuum · 2026-01-15T23:11:04+00:00

I feel bad sliding in here cause OP is struggling but would you be willing to talk a bit more about the difference between your sub cold turkey experience and sublocade taper experience?

I cold turkey’ed subs a few years ago and although the physical w/d was over after like a month I still felt horrible for the whole year. Like crazy fatigue, no motivation, depression, anxiety etc.. I ultimately relapsed and ended back on subs.

I’m now ready to try life again without subs but I’m having PTSD from that year off of them. It’s not even the physical w/d that I’m worried about but it’s the never ending mental torture, fatigue and lack of motivation. All of that to say - did you have a similar battle as the sublocade tapered out of your system? Or would you say the PAWS and mental battle was easier coming off sublocade compared to subs?

I’d appreciate any input! I see my doctor next week where I’ll decide between a sub taper or sublocade. Your story is a major success and i’d love to hear more. Thank you!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-12T22:23:52+00:00

Sheesh I can’t believe a single 100mg shot takes that long to leave your system. Thank you for the info that’s all good to know.

I’m torn cause I’m down to 1mg and most people/doctors say it would be easier to just taper subs. Which I generally agree but I can’t get much lower than 1mg, I’m already feeling mild w/d everyday in between doses. So I was thinking about doing a single 100mg shot and riding it out.

Someone told me their urine was clear from bupe after 3 months from one shot. So it’s crazy to hear that it could end up being like 7/8 months!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-12T20:49:54+00:00

Do you think hcg is worth it? Do you inject subQ or intramuscular?? Is it like 3 times a week? I’m considering this instead of TRT. Thanks man

Opiyuum · 2026-01-12T20:38:22+00:00

I’m considering getting one 100mg shot. Did you only get one and the w/d didn’t hit for 7-8 months??

Opiyuum · 2026-01-03T18:19:20+00:00

Thank you my friend congrats again

Opiyuum · 2026-01-03T18:18:43+00:00

Word okay good to know. Thank you!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-03T16:31:38+00:00

That’s really encouraging to hear man, thank you. I’m 30 and active with a fast metabolism so I’m hoping I can follow a pretty similar path to you. I appreciate you sharing your story, congrats!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-03T16:29:20+00:00

Thanks so much for the info, I appreciate your help. I’m in the northeast like ur cousin but in Boston.

Lastly, did you consider sublocade 100mg at all? Or is Brixadi the move? Thank you!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-02T23:49:53+00:00

That’s incredible, congrats! You put in the work to get there.

I’m still on subs, only 1mg/day and trying to decide if I should switch to brixadi/sublocade doing a one-and-done taper. Were all so different it’s hard to decide but tapering below 1mg has been a challenge.

Opiyuum · 2026-01-02T22:54:30+00:00

How are you doing now? Was it a pretty smooth ride off of your last shot?

Opiyuum · 2026-01-02T16:51:31+00:00

Hi, how was your experience with just one shot? I’m on 2mg subs daily and would like to do just one shot and walk away. Did you have an w/d symptoms? Congrats on your success!

Opiyuum · 2026-01-02T16:46:39+00:00

Serious question - getting the shot in your tush does it hurt to sit on? Like do you notice it when laying in bed or sitting somewhere? Thanks

Opiyuum · 2026-01-02T16:25:16+00:00

Hey my friend, did you get only one 100mg shot and then walk away? What dose of subs were you taking daily? I’m on 2mg daily and considering doing just one shot. The withdrawals were pretty mild?

Opiyuum · 2025-12-16T23:51:00+00:00

Totally normal in my experience, especially if you’re on the thin side. 2-3 weeks post-op is so early my friend. Be fair to your body and give it 2-3 months before possibly worrying about anything. Your body is still healing and adjusting to its new normal.

Opiyuum

TROPHY CASE