I completely agree that worrying about whether we will have side effects or anxiety or any other symptom for the rest of our life does hamper our recovery.
But to answer the question: Yes there are success stories. There were several while I was battling my way off. People who had horrendous side effects when they rapidly tapered off or went cold turkey who only hung around long enough to get the help they needed to get through it and then at a point 6 to 12 weeks off reported that they were back to normal.
As I recall most really stressed staying hydrated, taking their supplements and keeping active, they also had very positive outlooks. I think those things are key to success.
I don't think the age thing is as much of a factor as we think or the length of time.
I was on 60mg for 6 weeks then dropped to 30mg for a week then bead counted from there and suffered all the typical withdrawal symptoms. My brother who is 8 years older than me took 60mg for about 2 years and had no trouble at all other than a few flu like symptoms going cold turkey but there again he had access to the gym to keep himself active and fit in the winter whereas I did not and can only stay active in the summer.
Another difference is that in my case taking the drug itself caused me no end of problems and aggravated problems I didn't even know that I had.
Do I blame Cymbalta for my problems now? Of course I do, I should never have been put on it but then I don't think most people should take this kind of med especially as a starter med.
Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but you don't get anywhere.
Think positive, drink lots of water, take the supplements and stay active and good things will happen.
Take care of you and be well