morphine withdrawal & Chronic Pain

[Mezmoreyes]

PLEASE, need some info for a 57 yr old friend. SWIM has been on prescribed painkiller for approx 7 yrs for chronic pain, past war and work injuries and various surgeries...ie hip replacement, back surgery, shrapnel, degenerative spinal disease, osteo arthritis. SWIM is also suffering from pain in his knees which will require surgery in the near future.

SWIM has recently cut his prescribed morphine use from 2-20 mgs tablets every 6 hrs to 1-20mgs tablets every 12 hrs over a month's period of time. During this time SWIM was prescribed 1000mgs of Cipro-antibiotic- for enlarged prostate. While taking the antibiotics
SWIM developed severe colitis with constipation and a possible UTI. I have read recent research studies that suggest that bacteria runs rampant thru a body during morphine withdrawal. Has anyone had any similar experiences or is familiar with the situation?

SWIM has tried kratom tea -11 grams green leaf powder / cup water- to assist with the withdrawal. Kratom was very effective in alleviating withdrawal symptoms but SWIM feels that may have contributed to SWIM's constipation. Anyone?

SWIM is also experiencing a sensation similar to having fiberglass on his skin. Is this a withdrawal symptom?

Considering the weaning of medication, is SWIM experiencing withdrawal symptoms now or will they manifest when SWIM completely stops the morphine? At what point will SWIM be able to determine the difference between withdrawal pain and real chronic pain?

In addition to the cocktails, exercise, etc to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms, are there any foods in particular that may help alleviate SWIM's withdrawal symptoms?

SWIM is considering tramadol for his chronic pain. Anyone with experience with how effective this medication will be..the positives and the negatives? Can tramadol be started during morphine withdrawal? If so, what would be considered a reasonable amount of time for the overlap in medications?

Or, since SWIM is in real pain, is facing more surgeries in the near future and will probably have pain issues the rest of his life, does it even make sense to quit the morphine at this time?

This is all so confusing and honestly, have found the medical professionals of little use. SWIM has also tried to contact several agencies for info or assistance...ie Narcanon, etc.....but unless SWIM has the cash to dish out, there seems to be minimal assistance. Any info or advice is greatly appreciated.