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MedHelp Member's Question

Vicoden Addiction

by Shea, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
Tags: Addiction
Hi, I am going from spectator to participant.You are definitly little Internet Angels.Reading your posts have been of great benefit to me.I have had numerous extensive reconstructive back surgeries. Along with other surgeries.Started small 15 years ago and the Dragon's Tail just grew bigger and bigger from there.To the lenght of 20 Vicoden ES, 2 Oxy's (10mg) and 6 Soma's a day. So about 3 weeks ago all the med seeking and going to different Dr.caught up to me.They all seemed to find out about one another.I know this is a blessing because I don't think I would have done it on my own.I went to my regular Dr. and told him the truth. He put me on clonidine, xanax and kept me on the 2 10mg oxy and down to two Somas for about a week. NOW I only take 2 Soma's at night and 1 trazodone (help me sleep).Nothing in day For a week I was taking Neurontin (for epilepsy, but I read it helps withdrawl so the Dr. had me try it off label use, anyone hear of this drug?)It seemed to help but had verigo so I stopped. Anyhow, now to my question which I will thank you in advance for your time.I still feel like ****!I have No energy.I keep reading how after 3 weeks so many feel energetic and a positive attitude.But I don't.Yes I have pain but that isn't my big concern.It is how tired I feel.And nausea always Dr.gave me Zofran(used for Chemo patients with nausea)Will I ever feel good again? Thom's recipe should I try? Any insight would be GREAT. Also I feel like I am having acute post withdrawls. Skin crawling out of the blue. Yes, it is better than the initial

first 3 days. Thank you all.
Member Comments (44)

by shane, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
Hello shea, I know your situation and it is not pleasent at all! Unfortunately it is lots of work and time to get yourself straight again. Compared to 15 yrs., three weeks is not a long time,although it seems that way.It sound like your very determined to change and this is sooo important. stay with it man, things WILL start to lightin up. Going back can't be an option,or you will be right where you left off. Please go to NA meetings. They are wonderful organizations and will help you inmeauseably in your recovory. I had stoped using narcotic maney times and always went back to using until I found help at NA. DO this for yourself and you can then help other's with this awful addition. God belss you.  Shane

by Witchywoman, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Shea
Shea, I think it would help a lot for you to take the supplements that many of us here have been taking. I've been taking them for a few months, and I'm sure I'd be feeling worse without them, and many here have gotten tons of help from them.



Thoma's recipe outlines the supplements in more detail, but in brief, you want to be taking L-Tyrosine, a good multivatimin, and a multimineral tablet that has zinc, magnesium and magnanese.

Also I've taken 5 htp, an amino acid that is the precurser to seratonin, and frankly, that has been the most helpful of any of the supplements, though I encourage you to take them all.  Be careful of the zinc, it is toxic in too high doses.



Keep us posted!



WW

by jule1, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Shea, Constant, Earthgirl, Katie
Hi everyone,  It seems like labor Day really brought a lot of new writers to this forum so welcome to all.  CONSTANT I used to look in the mirror and not be able to stand the sight of my own face and I felt like a fraud and that I was kidding everyone and would be found out.  The loving, caring people on this forum have made things so much better someone here once told me that adiction is a disease much like diabetes etc. and that I should not feel ashamed for being and addict however disease need to be taken care of and you have made the biggest, hardest step by coming here I can tell you without you even writing it that you felt a huge weight lift off your shoulders just by wrting about yourself and being honest about your addiction.  Anyway I just want to welcome you all and to those of you that are in the days of withdrawl keep up the good work and read back postings to get some encouragement read all of WW she has come so far when I hear from her I know I can do it too.  Do not be ashamed of your addictions and weakness we are only human and have our disease I am here for anyone that needs me Love and Peace to all Jules

by jule1, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: WW
Hi buddy how is your back today?  I am so proud of you and just wanted to send you a big Hug (((((((hug))))) Jules

by katie r, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
Well, this morning I woke up and didn't feel too good. I just now took my "cold turkey recipe" and am hoping that once that kicks in I'll feel better. I'm very nauseated this morning. I really wish I had some valium to take the edge off! I may call in and see if I can get some. WW???? I didn't get your email. Did you save mine? Can you try again? Ok folks. Time for some imodium. Gotta run! ha ha.

by Kristen, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Got a QUESTION
Does the L-Tyrosene/B-6 recipe help if you NOT going through withdrawals...such as for cravings/or just helping my brain stay healthy????

by Kristen, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Shea
You have come to the RIGHT place....as said above....DONT go back...its only been 3 weeks and compared to 15 years, that is not much time....Be easy on yourself...I know I would beat myself up because I wasn't being super-mom 24/7 and it had been only 2 weeks....I didn't understand WHY I didn't feel like doing anything....I DO know that making yourself exercise helps alot...getting your natural endorphins going...you had suppressed those for so long, your body doesn't really know what to think now....just be patient and go easy on yourself...you have come a LONG way and Don't go back....that life is a living HELL!!!  Those pills will own you and your bank account....just think of all the time spend at Dr's offices, just wondering where you were going to get the next supply to get you through the week so you could function....its AWEFUL!!!!  When you are feeling down and wanting to vent, come here, everyone is WONDERFUL!!!!   ~love, kristen

by Witchywoman, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Katie r, Kristen, jbear
Katie, I did answer your email and just sent another one...let me know if you still don't get it. Maybe you have more than one email account and sent it to me from one you haven't checked back on yet?



Kristen, yes, the L-Tyrosine and B6 helps a lot after withdrawals as well. So does 5 HTP..I swear the 5 HTP has been like a miracle for me in terms of balancing my mood.  Also, keep taking the zinc/magnesium supplements, if you haven't been...consider starting them. They help the body tons.



Jules (((hugs))) right back to you! My back is not great. A bit better today than it was yesterday, but I still have pain. I look forward to seeing what non narcotic options doccypoo has to offer me today.



I still feel that I'd rather be free of the Demon and deal with some pain, than deal with the intense emotional hell that the addiction I was gave me...but dang I wish I could handle the meds without doing the addiction dance!  My cravings for the meds have subsided a lot. I guess the cravings must come in waves, yes?



I like FREEDOM!

love to all..

WW

by jule1, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: WW
Hi there,  Have you ever looked into getting nerve block shots for your back.  I am sure if it is an option the Drs will talk yo about it but maybe you want to read up on them and bring it up to the drs first a friend of mine had them done and they helped her pain it is only a termorary fix but would maybe be good when you are in extreme pain and again. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!  I HAVE BEEN THINKING SO MUCH ABOUT YOU AND YOU HAVE REALLY HELPED ME CUT DOWN!!!!!!!!!! I really am doing better but could probally use some therapy!! Talk to you soon

by Shea, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
Thank you all for responding to my post. I went out today to the health food store and bought the L'Tyrosine, B-6, Mag, Zinc, multi, Copper, Phosphours and 5HT. It was a strange feeling coming home with pills you can put on the counter instead of having to stash in a sock drawer so your husband don't find

out:-)Although now he is aware and has been very supportive.



Someone posted that they were having alot of nausea with their withdrawl. I also had this and still do 3 weeks later. The Dr. gave me Zofran. It works great and doesn't make you tired. But you must have an insurance plan as these cost about $30.00 a pill.



Bless you all. Your compassion and warmth exceeds.



Shea



by Kristen, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Shea and everyone
I haven't gone out and bought all those vitamins...but geez, HOW MUCH did you spend on all that....I am seriously thinking about going to buy everything, but where do I go and How much is it going to be???

by pinky to rebecca, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: kristen
the vitamins will cost all together around 50 bucks? not too bad considering what it's for.



the l-tyrosine 20 some, multivitamins 15, b6 9 and i don't know about the 5htp. still have to find that.



by Witchywoman, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Kristen
The most expensive supplement on the regime is the 5 HTP. It can run you anywhere between $30 and $60 a bottle. The higher price one tends to be enteric coated, so the stomache acids don't destroy it. I paid $35.00 for the Jarrow brand, and even though it is not enteric coated, it works fine for me.  You can get any and all of these in a health food store, or any vitamin shop. GNC would work. There are some good deals on the website www.vitaminshoppe.com as well.



the L-Tyrosine and the mutlimineral with the zinc,mag,etc are not that expensive.

Think of all the money spent on the pain pills over time, and then compare the cost of them to the cost of the supplements...the supplements are cheaper and better for you! lol



WW

by PHILLYCHAD, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: METHADONE QUESTION
Can someone tell me the benifits of going on a methadone maintnance program? If someone keeps going back on opates would it be better to just use Methadone? Thanks, Chad

by mickytim, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
To: Shea,Phillychad, WW and all
Shea, Welcome! You need to know that deep down inside each of us on this post, at one time or another, or many times asked the same question as you, and finally came clean about something that has been hidden for so long.



It also seems that as soon as that weight is lifted, SHAME sets in. ( I KNOW VERY WELL ), The friends on this post have come to our rescue ( especialy mine ) many times, some daily if needed.

This is not an easy step, But one that has to be done, Here on this post is one time we all relate, feel, live and survive on helping, talking, what ever it takes to help someone make this an easyier step.  Remember your not alone! Keep strong!



WW, Phillychad, And all, I'm thinking of you guys and reading your post about the herbs and saying to myself, HUMMM now what would be a good idea to help you save some money on your stuff, WEELL the internet!!



Check out Vitamins.com and Vitaminworld.com or pick up a muscle mag ( now now ladies ) but in the back you will find all kinds of places to get MUCH CHEAPER STUFF.



Most, no store can come close to.  Just FYI



Stay srtrong I'm proud of you all, I'm doing great, painful but great.  All the strength to you my friends



peace

mickytim

by Shea, Sep 04, 2001 12:00AM
Kristen, The cat is right about $50.00. GNC was running a special. Bought some items there but also went to Viamin World. The most expensive was the 5HT. Now let me ask do