Imago,
I hope I can answer at least 1 of your questions! My original reason for being on hydro was long gone, I was tired of all the BS,and out of meds. I took my last 10/500 @ 6:45am, went to my PCP (He is a Saint) and told him the truth!!!
He asked me what I wanted to do, and I told him I read on another board that Suboxone was the miracle drug. I had to call several pharmacies to find it, but I took 1-8mg @ 3:30p and I had no WD at all!! I felt great for 3mos. No pain,no wd but if I can offer 1 iota of advice it would be this:
Taper from the sub.
Feel free to send a PM if you have any more questions.

Ken