Thank you so much for the support, everybody. It truly makes me feel so much better knowing that I'm not alone, and that I'm not going crazy.
An update: I saw my primary care physician yesterday, who was appalled that my pain specialist dismissed my symptoms. He prescribed me Lexapro to start immediately, and stop Cymbalta immediately. He said this should combat some withdrawal symptoms, although Lexapro is not useful for chronic pain, so I have low hopes that it will help in that regard. It's only been a day, so far I don't know how it will help coming off Cymbalta, but I will try anything at this point.
To Carleeta:
1. Do you feel you cannot go without a drink for one day? - Yes. Absolutely.
2. Does the alcohol help take the pain away where the cymbalta hasn't helped with the pain? - No. It has nothing to do with helping pain, or feeling down and needing a drink, it is simply "I could really use a drink right now" out of nowhere. In my nearly 27 years, even in the "party days", I never once felt like this. I have never been a "drinker", even in my worst times of pain.
3. Did the cymbalta ever help with the pain? - Absolutely. I thought it was a miracle medication for the first few months I was taking it. I was so relieved that after chronic pain since I was 19, I could finally get my life back on track. But then the side-effects began, and it just isn't worth it to me.
I don't feel extremely hopeful right now. My PCP also suggested I see his lifestyle coach for meditation, nutrition, etc, advise, and that my "internal stress" can be causing my chronic pain. I feel like not many people believe me. However, I feel like my 21 leg and back surgeries (6 of which were to attempt to address my pain levels) should be a good indication that this is not in my head. My xrays should be an indicator as well, considering that the nerves around my bone are totally exposed still, but doctors just don't really believe me.
Regardless of all of this, I feel so grateful for this community and that I'm not alone in this. I'm really hoping this Lexapro can help me stop Cymbalta without the horrific withdrawal symptoms.