Eric

I hear you loud and clear. Despite my hippie/liberal arts/seminary background and 60s/70s adventures in "better living thru chemistry", I never liked any of the opiates and always found them to mind numbing not enhancing anything. My current condition is only a minor reflection of what you are going thru as I stepped down from the 50mcg patch to the 25mcg and just feel exhausted all the time. Not helped by a infection of "necrotic tissue" from surgery that has put me on antibotics and totally eliminated the constipation issue.
Yes, I find a little pick me up of percocet helps but like you, I am resisting it. Sorry brother that I have no helpful clues or tips or tricks, just empathy and best wishes. You are STRONG enough to work through this tough patch. Again, thinking positive thoughts and sending them your way. Hang in there and keep posting about your progress.
charm