FLHubby

I posted this in another discussion area, but I need you to see this

Speaking as a nurse you need to take her to ER ASAP.  She is going to become dehydrated and continue to get sicker.  I know this is not what you want to hear, but it sounds like she is in VERY bad shape.  Be honest with the MD's, they don't judge and they can help her.  I have been through bad w/d before, but never that severe.  As for weaning, you'll need about 40-50 pills and divide them up into smaller and smaller doses over the next 2 weeks until she takes one a day for about 2-3 days.  But for now, she needs more help than you can give her!
keep me up-to-date as to her condition, OK, I am a highly trained nurse, even though I am an addict, but maybe that gives me a bit more insite as to what is going on.

[FLHubby]

I did not see this until today, thanks so much for the response. She made it through the night, although it was a rough one. She was able to take a piece of toast this morning, and she is sipping some vitamin water. She also took the before breakfast doses from the "Thomas Recipe".

She refuses to go to the hospital as she says she feels somewhat better than yesterday. I understand the dangers of dehydration and will monitor it. This morning when I helped her to the bathroom, her urine was fairly clear. I was able to get through 1/2 a cup of hot tea during the night, and about 1/2 a glass of water.

I will keep you posted and again, thanks so much for response.

[road2recovery]

it is so nice to see a spouse as supportive as you are!!!  She is very lucky to have you in her life...
keep it up, and just try to keep her hydrated...
God bless you! and her for staying so strong..
R2R

[FLHubby]

Thanks road3recovery, I am happy to report that she ate crackers for lunch, and has been holding down sips of water all day.She is not totally clean as I posted on the other thread however in comparison to what she was taking, a single ultram, isn't anything.

[FLHubby]

Well, as I posted in the other thread, last night was a rough one. Again no sleep, even after 5, 3mg melatonin tablets. This morning some benadryl finally put her to sleep. Last night and today definitely seems like a step backwards, but we are just going to deal with it. We have 2 teenagers, and between handling them, the house duties, the pets, and my own business I am wearing thin, but trying to stay supportive. I scrubbed the floors, cleaned, dusted and changed all of linens in our room and bathroom, in hopes of her getting a good night sleep, but it didn't work. The stomach pains have also returned but not as bad as hell day, also aka Day 3.

[FLHubby]

Well I have posted parts of my wife's story on several different threads, but since I started this thread,  I will keep the updates up to date on this thread:

RECAP
-After years of over 120 Roxy per month, 120 Lorcet per month, 120 Ultram per month <--- All prescribed from an injury (I am sure there were other pills during the course of a month from friends and family).. the wife dumped most of a brand new Roxy perscription down the toilet and wanted to quit cold turkey. The fact is she has a debilitating back injury, which at this time is inoperable. This is how the pain meds started before spiraling out of control. It was all from prescriptions, though, and nothing was purchased from the street. I still question ... How does one beat the addiction, and then manage pain? She asked me to take all other prescriptions in the house and lock them in a safe that requires a key and a combination so only I would have access to it.

-Day 1 Sunday was met with excitement, fear, and some mild moodiness, lack of sleep, and no desire to eat.

-Day 2 Monday was met with the same as day 1, however there was perfuse sweating, then the chills, and the beginning of aches and pains, and severe abdominal pains, as well as feeling like vomiting. Again no food intake.

-Day 3 Tuesday was Hell Day!!!! She was in severe pain, had leg jerks, vomiting anything that touched her stomach, crying, sweating, chills, runny nose, ear popping, and could not sleep a wink. She, Could not take anything from the "Thomas Recipe" (I found this site and bought all of the ingredients) Nothing seemed to help, not even the baths. I was VERY worried, and thought about taking her to the ER several times. I had her take 1/2 a lorcet as well as 2 Ultram, and this did nothing to make it easier, she actually vomited the pills up. Her legs were in severe pain, and the jerking was intense. I also offered a full rehab program and or out patient detox. She declined, and asked for me to just kill her. One way or another we made it through. This day was hard, but you can get through it!!!!

-Day 4 Wednesday was truly a turning point. She was able to sleep a bit in the morning after being up ALL night. She had some crackers for lunch, and was holding down water. We followed the "Thomas recipe" and I again offered her an outpatient detox, or even using a home weening (sp???) method.  The baths have also been the ticket. Today she took 1 ultram and nothing else even with me offering more (the back pain is becoming a real issue).  This is amazing to me after having a clear picture as to how much she was abusing. So this is a step in the right direction, however still no real food or sleep.  

-Day 5 Thursday -The night of Day 4 into morning of Day 5 was another ROUGH one for her. It is amazing the grip that opiate pain medicine has. She took a step forward yesterday and then 3/4 of a step back last night. She did not sleep a wink. After 5 - 3mg melatonin (over the course of 3 hours), we just gave up on it (I was afraid she would OD on it; the directions call for 1 pill in 24 hours, but the "thomas recipe" calls for 2 initially and 1 every 1/2 hour until sleep is obtained. This morning I went out and bought some benadryl and she is just now getting some rest. The stomach pain has also returned but, she isn't vomiting. Let's hope she has a reprieve when she wakes up.

Day 6 Friday -Well last night, she finally slept some, with 2 melatonin, and a single dose of benadryl. she was awoken a few times with the leg jerks, so she took 2 dosages of the Hyland's Restful Leg Pills, and they worked. During the day, she actually cleaned the house, and took care of a few other things. Friday night she wanted to eat, so we took it slow with some soup and bread. She held it down, and things were looking up. Friday evening she attended a family committment I had to be at, and was getting along fine. We left early because her energy level is not where it should be. When we arrived home, we had a great talk about the last week. She made me feel appreciated for getting us (her, I, 2 teenagers, the house, the pets, my personal business) through this past week. She was able to sleep with melatonin, however I noticed the leg and body jerks as she was sleeping. They were however not bad enough to wake her. When I noticed her sweating I pulled the blanket off leaving her covered with the sheet only. I also used a wet rag to wipe down her forehead. When I noticed her cold to the touch or with goose bumps, I covered her with the blanket again. She was able to remain sleeping and slept through the night :)

-Day 7 Saturday - She woke up feeling great, ate some toast, and although she appreciated the housework I did, she went about cleaning the house as she says only she can do, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning all linens, floors, laundry, stove, fridge, windows, bathroom, etc. etc. etc (I think you get the idea). At about 4pm she did however hit a WALL as she described and she had to nap. Is this the lingering affects of the opiates? Is this the lack of sleep for the past week? She wants to know if her energy level will ever return. I did have to give her a massage, followed with a heating pad, and some ice for her back before her nap. I need to go wake shortly so she doesn't have trouble sleeping tonight.

---- A few notes----
-I wanted to write this, so those who are quitting, know it is possible to quit, and can relate to what my wife went through. This site and the experiences of others, helped to get us through the last week, maybe our story can help someone in the future.
-I am not a writer and my grammar and spelling could use a lot of improvements, but I hope my point still got across.
-The Thomas Recipe does work, get the contents of it; and adjust it to your needs (the most helpful for us) was:
   -Hyland Restful Leg pills
   -Bath and Hot showers
   -Melatonin 3 mg
   -Vitamin B12

We learned that the follwing is normal;
-Moodiness
-Severe leg pain and jerks
-Goose bumps
-Lack of Sleep
-All Flu Like symptoms
-Vomiting
-Diarhea
-Ear popping
-Lack of Energy

Interesting enough, several people who do not know what we are going through, have commented in the last few days, about how great my wife sounds, or how great she looks, etc. etc. I do not see it as much, perhaps because I am looking from the inside, but those around us are seeing a difference, in only 1 week. Does this mean we made it through? Who knows, but I do know we made it through the past 7 days, and things are much better this Saturday than they were last Saturday.

[desertgirl]

Your wife is very lucky to have you. Thank you for posting like you did, it makes others see that it is doable. Keep posting your doing awesome!

[road2recovery]

OMG---Can i marry you?????????...I am only kidding..But i think i will let my hubby read this post..As i know he would do the exact same thing...She is a very lucky women.. And she seems like a tough women..Dang she has been through hell...And i am sure you have too...BUT this is what marriage is about through thick and thin...I am sure if it were the other way around she would do the same for you..
i am sure she will have some set backs, but pretty soon this will all be over...
i just can't say enough how wonderfull i think you are..
Please keep posting.
i am going to be in her shoes very soon, and i want to know everything, you are helping so many here by posting...And i will have my hubby read this so he can see how bad it can get.
now, i am not taking nearly what i was, but i still know it will not be easy, ..i am not sure if the doc will just take me off c/t, because of some medical issues, but either way it will not be easy for me, or my hubby to see me like that.
GOD BLESS you both
R2R

[road2recovery]

One more thing---when you say years?? how many years has she been on these meds?
Also when she is don't with the physical and mental w/d's, can she live a pain free life?
R2R

[FLHubby]

Her back injury was 7 years ago and the pain meds were off and on for the 1st 2 years. The quanities that I listed have been for the last 5 years. She would get the roxy and nearly be out by the time she got the lorcet. Than the roxy would run out, but she still had the lorcet. Before the lorcet would run out she would get the ultram. The ultram would only last a few days, and then the cycle would start over with the Roxy again. As far as living pain free, this part is still unclear to her and myself for that matter. She has a legimate injury, the only fix would be experimental procedures, and neither of us feel comfortable with that.

Last weekend, she just came to the realization that the pill addiction was worse than any other problem. She wanted to deal with that first and worry about everything else afterward. I have done my research on here and other resources and I am not sure what the long term answer is. We are going to see how much we can subdue the pain with natural remedies, diet, and exercise. If she does need to go back on meds, I think she will in fact control it, because she knows what she just went through. I would also keep a better handle in the situation. It is almost as if you are fooled into taking the meds in the beginning, because it is coming from a doctor. They would keep saying, 'long term this would be better for you' and before you know it, things get out of control, and the opiate addiction is in full force.

By no means is ort battle over, but I wanted everyone to know that there were points in the last week, that she wished she were dead. I truly thought she could die, but I educated myself as much as possible and here we are 7 days later and things are better than ever, and seem to be improving each day. I believe she is getting her life back and I am getting wife back. My kids are getting their mom back and so on and so on..... I will keep continue to update all of you on how we're doing....

[FLHubby]

Thanks for reassuring me, you really do get it. I would hope that our story can help others, even if were just 1 person.

[road2recovery]

You are going to be a great asset to this forum...i hope you realize that..i also understand the part about thinking you are going to die, are wish you would when you are going through w/d's..
I just pray that she won't need them after all she went through to get off of them..
i also understand your battle is not over, but look how far you and her have come in the past 7 days...no more looking back only forward...So nice to hear you say you are getting your wife back..
most of us start with legitiment pain issues...

What caused her back injury???
thanks again for posting and keeping us updated.
R2R

[FLHubby]

We lived a very active life style, with motor and water sports, that are rough on the back. As my orthopedic says, "your wife has the back of an 80 year old". Back problems run in her family, and then with us riding motorcyles, dirt bikes, bicycles, fast boats, waverunners, water skiing, snow skiing, race cars, coaching the kids, etc. it was a degenerative problem. The kicker 7 years ago was when she went to throw a large garbage bag in an upward motion, she felt a pop and that was it. Her MRI's show:

-Herniated Discs
-Bulging Discs
-Degenerative Dics
-Spinal Stenosis
-Advanced Arthritis
-Scholiosis
-Severe Muscle Spasms (I can literally look at her back and watch the muscles go crazy)

I probably spelled 1/2 of them wrong, and the list is much longer, but those were the ones I remembered. We literally have full size 3 boxes of medical records and piles of MRI films. We have been to more specialists that I can count, and still ended up here. Oh well, no looking back now, only forward.... right  

[lucyred68]

and i was complaining about muscle spasms, degenerative discs and arthritis!!  the poor girl.  I'll be praying for her.  don't know how she can function without the pain meds.  

Lucy

[BonnieAnn]

Lord Have Mercy!!!!!!!
I am on hubby #4, but you are my future hubby #5!!!!!

You are a sanit. I don't know too many men, or women for that matter, that would do what you are doing.

God Bless you> Honestly.

She probably needed to go to the ER days ago, and I do recall asking you to do that. I do not recommend anyone doing what you did, as I feel it is extremely dangerous, but you somehow managed to get her to this point. There could have been heart problems, etc., etc.

She sounds like she is out of the danger zone, but she has a long way to go. I hope you both realize that.

I will pray long and hard for you both tonight.

God Bless, Bonnie

[FLHubby]

Thank you Bonnie, I truly do understand where we are and where we have to go and you are correct in many ways the past week, proabably was not handled in the most efficient manner. I just wanted people to understand that she was in a very place just 7 days, and now we are climbing the hill in the right direction. You can truly change the direction of your life on 1 week. I am not foolish enough to think we have surpassed all of the hurdles this adventure has to offer, but I am confident that we are headed in the right direction.

[road2recovery]

If you don't mind me asking how old is she??  to have the back of and 80 yr old...Poor thing..i know someone who get back spasms and she says it is terrible...
but just keep looking forward.....
r2r

[FLHubby]

She is 36 years old.

[road2recovery]

i am 39, i can't beleive ...she is very young for all of this...how was her night? and how is she today?
r2r

[FLHubby]

Day 7 Saturday Night - This night went very well. We went out for dinner and had a couple of drinks. Where normally, we would have probably drank heavily, instead it was a good meal, good conversation, and only a couple of drinks. When we came home, she actually asked me to turn on the stereo and we enjoyed a nice dance to a slow song, this caught me totally off guard, but was nice just the same. After having a couple of drinks, she slept well Saturday night.

Day 8 Sunday - Sunday was spent with the kids as well as visiting family about an hour from here. The day was uneventful, although it seemed as if she was somewhat withdrawn. We arrived home late after a long day and again she slept restfully.

Day 9 Monday - Today is Labor Day and we decided not to do too much, with heavy drinking and so forth probably taking place at any most party we attended. She slept very well last night, and well into late morning, which was a bit odd. She woke with aches and pains, and some stomach cramps. I think this all may be residual effects of the W/D. Even after waking it took her awhile to make it out of bed. Her back is becoming a real issue, and we really need to figure out how to get this pain managed without, falling into the same "pill trap" again. She had the seat heater in the car on High yesterday even though it was very hot outside, trying to subdue the pain. Alot of massaging seemed to help but it did not solve the problem. She still seems a bit withdrawn and I cannot help but wonder if quitting is now playing an affect on her emotionally. She has mentioned thinking about the pills several times but says she always things back to day 3 and 4 and it quickly gets her away from any urges. I never thought I would use this word, but she seems a bit "melancholy". I am going to help her with some house work and some shopping while giving some emotional space and try not to pry. Perhaps needs to deal with some of this part on her own. When she is ready to talk or if she needs anything, I will be ready to help.

[road2recovery]

The dinner and dance sounds so special...Keep posting please..i cannot say enough how wonderfull you are , and they great support you give to her and us here..
GOD BLESS
R2R

[1911]

If your wife finds comfort from the car seat heater or a hot bath...have her try the heat packs you get at the drugstore or grocery store.  

I took pain pills for 10 years due to back pain.  Now, I stick one of those heat packs on my back in the morning.  It lasts all day and gives me relief.  Sure beats taking pills.

BTW: I know a little of what you are going through.  When my wife broke her neck and was bed ridden for  months, I had to take care of her, manage six children, cook, clean, laundry, and work 8 hours a day.   I got about 4 hours sleep at night...but, survived.  It is amazing what we can actually do.  

GEORGE

      

[FLHubby]

Thanks George, I have seen those, and I think I will get some tomm. I think it may help, because she uses a heating pad a lot at home as well. Because her injuries are both muscular and skelatal, we usually have to use a alternating hot and cold. It seems that when one side of the problem is ok, the other acts up.

[avisg]

thank you for keeping a detailed account .Thank you for being there for her . She as well is such a strong person to get thru this .Believe it or not just reading threw what she has gone threw will help me more then you know so thank you . I hope things get better for her everyday i am sure they will .
Avis

[FLHubby]

I can tell that yesterday and today is a real struggle for her emotionally. Her energy level is low, her stomach is not right, and her back pain is starting to become intense. I knew this point would come, but I am not certain what the next step should be.

[road2recovery]

i am so sorry to hear that...She has went so far, and now this.....my heart breaks for you...
good luck
R2R

[FLHubby]

Well, she is still on the correct path, so I look at this as just another hurdle she needs to overcome.  

[road2recovery]

you are correct..She is still on the right path....and there will always be some hurdles..i love your attitude...you brighten up this forum.
R2R

[FLHubby]

Well today we had a minor issue with one of our kids, but the good part is that the event has seemed to snap her out of her funk. Aside from the now minor stomach problems, and the increasing back pain issues, I can truly see the recovery is very much mental at the moment. For those who have been here is this normal for the start of week 2?

[debsally]

OMG, OMG, OMG.

[debsally]

I am so proud of you...I know that sounds corny, but being the partner of an addict, I can tell you I would happily go through what you have gone through to see my partner clean.  You are such an inspiration to me.  I will be praying for you and your wife.  

Gotta go.

Best wishes!!!

Debbie

[FLHubby]

Thanks Debbie.

Well my hunch was correct, and she is battling the mental demons of Day 9. She says every thought leads to, "I need a pill"; I have the chills .... My stomach hurts .... I have no energy ... My kids are causing me stress... I need to get the house clean.... My back is killing me (this one however is valid). Unfotunately there is not much I can do to help her out on this part. I can only listen. I have learned that during the physical W/D my actions were needed, but during the mental part, no answer I give will be the right answer, because the only right answer to her right now would be ... Here are some pills.

I did however cut, pasted and printed some posts from this forum, that showed she was not alone, what she is going through is normal, and other people have made it through. At this point, I also feel it is a plus that she can be honest about the cravings. Understanding where she is at and what she is feeling enables me to show compasion for her situation. I think she thought I would be mad at her for feeling this way, but I believe I showed her that this is not the case.

[FLHubby]

Wed Day 10 - I can clearly see how much of a mental game pill addiciton is. Today my wife was very pre-occupied with kid issues, house issues, and basically a bunch of regular life issues. What is amazing is that her attitude is completely different. With her mind being occupied I can see a huge difference. It seems that if the mind is left idle, the cravings occupy every thought. Aside from the back pain that we cannot get away from, I do not see her with the same cravings for the pills, as I did for the last 2 days.

[trinny apple]

You are a wonderful person and don't ever forget that. I'm so glad you decided to post here. The people are so very helpful and you and your wife are an inspiration. God luck with whats to come. I hope you and your family will get back the life you deserve. A life of happiness. Hugs to you, your wife will be in my prayers!

[debsally]

That is wonderful news.  I was just telling my partner this morning that I miss her before the pills.  She misses herself too and I am so happy for you that you are finally getting your wife back.  It must be so worth all that you have been through and again you are such an inspiration.  

Cutting and pasting from this site was a great idea.  I might do the same although I haven't even told her yet that I have been participating in this site.  

Again, I am so happy for you and your wife for her progress and bravery mixed with your support and love and perserverence.  It is a recipie for success.  You have my prayers and best wishes Mr. Hubby man.  Good on ya!!!

***cuddles***
Debbie

[FLHubby]

Thank you both .... the words of encouragement are helpful and the knowlesdge gained from this site is second to none!

[FLHubby]

Thurs and Friday Day 11 and 12 - The past 2 days have been fairly uneventful. I won't claim them to be easy, but compared to the Days 3 and 4 they were certainly easier. As an outsider looking in I can clearly see that the addiction is 99% mental at this point. Hopefully she can contiue to stay strong.  

[desertgirl]

does your wife want to come on here herself and get some support, it may help her now?

[FLHubby]

She read this and some other threads, as well the posts that I have printed for her, but she seems to be anti computer. She calls the Internet "my thing" (as in mine and not hers). I use the Internet for virtually everything .... but I will mention it to her again. At this point she also has a fairly full schedule, which is a good thing. Tonight she is actually playing match maker for a friend of mine and a friend of hers, so we are going to chaperone a date LOL


PS
Saturday -Day 13 - Today she woke up with a renewed energy, and was be bopping around the house, making everyone breakfast and lunch, stopping by a local vegatable market and bread store to by everyone's favorite ingredients. When she pulled in the driveway she had her music cranking and was singing away. She commented when she woke up that she "feels great mentally today". Her back however is still an issue ... and we really don't know what the answer is. I gave her an hour long massage this morning, to try and ease the pain.  

[desertgirl]

Wow, you just made my day : ) I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well. I am so glad that you were there to help her and that you are posting day by day, it really helps everyone!

[FLHubby]

Sunday Day 14 and Monday Day 15 - Things are still going well, and she is commenting on how well she feels and how the only struggle with the addiction is now mental, and not physical other than the ongoing back issues. She also said how she never thought she could really do it without inpatient rehab. She says she never thought she could ever or would ever feel this good. The meds that she thought made her feel great actually made her feel horrible. I almost fell over when she said she would rather deal with the back pain, than to deal with being an addict, and having her life controlled by a substance.

Desertgirl, I am glad that this thread is helping you. As long as it is helping one person, I will continue to update it, through the good and the bad.

[sunny8008]

WOW How GREAT are you.... Tell you wife she is a strong woman and she should be VERY PROUD of herself. One thing that has been hard for me is coming clean with my loved ones. My husband is great but would NOT support me when I was going through me withdraw. He would talk to me and say things like now you must just pay your price. You must learn from all this and not do it again. Had he been there for me the way you are for your wife, this may have turned out different. In the back of my mind I think ok well he doesn't give a sh*t or he's just like whatever. It would have been great to have someone (in person) right there by my side holding my hair back. I just cant say enough about how you have handled this whole thing. Its wonderful. You both stay strong and keep up the great work you 2.
Hugs, Heather

[FLHubby]

Sunny8008 it was VERY hard to say positive, however when I seen what she was going through and that she really wanted to quit, I did my best to support her. While you may not have this same level of support, you do have the support of all of on here.


Day 16 - Tues - I am pleased to report that her energy level and mental health seem to be rising everyday. The struggle is still there and probably always will be, however we openly discuss this. I am extremely proud that she keeps conquering it. Also her sleeping habits are returning to normal without the use of melatonin or any other aids. I still do notice her leg jerks and jolting as she is sleeping, but it does not seem to be bother her. From a spouses standpoint, the house is cleaner than ever, the dinners have been better than ever, the family conversations are at an all time high, and she is reconnecting with several great friends and family members who were pushed to the side over the years. We still need a solution to the back pain, so we are going to try some different topical treatments ... I am open to suggestions if anyone has any ideas.

[FLHubby]

Day 17 Wed - Day 18 Thurs - It is amazing how vibrant and outgoing my wife is as she continues down the road of recovery. She was like a social butterfly at a community event last night. This was just awesome because more and more towards the end of her addiction, I would need to handle these types of things for us. I also went out and bought her an expensive pair of sunglasses that she has been eyeing from the mall. This seemed to totally please her! She still has not taken anything for the back, nor anything to sleep. While I know she is pain, it is nice to her dealing with his on her own.

[debsally]

You and your wife are such an inspiration to me.  I am so happy for you and cannot wait to get the same result with my partner.  Now if she will just stop taking the pills.  We talked about it again last night and I told her again that she is killing herself and every day that she continues on taking these meds in these quantities, she is taking time from our future together.  I know she gets it, but is not ready to make the choice yet.  She said again last night that she hates the pills and hates taking them...so I said..."So stop taking them. You'll have a week or two of detox, I will help you get through and then we can have our lives back."  She just started crying.  I think she is really afraid.

So say a quick prayer if you are the praying kind.

Again, congrats on your success and best wishes for you and your family.

Debbie

[FLHubby]

I am saying a prayer for you now. I went through the exact same thing as you for the last year. Even a couple of hap hazard attempts to quit. Each time she was doing it for me and not for herself. I expressed my problem with the habit, and started to point out, the problems it was causing for her, for us, for the kids etc. etc. It took a while because she would always lead back to the medical problems that we knew existed as well as the fact they were presribed to her. After enough pressure, she woke up one Sunday and flushed the entire ROXY prescription on her own. She did not even tell me until late in the day, when I asked what was up with her that day. The key is you need express your disapproval without over pushing the point, while still making her aware that you will be there to support her. I knew nothing about detox, and figured it would be rough but obtainable. She had said that she did not want it to affect me or the kids. 3 days into the detox she was in bad shape, and this site along with the Thomas Recipe saved us. After making it through, I felt I had to tell our story, in hopes that it could help someone. I am glad to here that it has helped a few people.  

[Chasenchristy]

Hi.....I understand both sides. I know it sucks, and the thought about detox is enough to scare anyone, especially if she has done it before. I know they say one must be ready, and that is true, but it sounds like she has a wonderful person to take care of her if and when she choses to make the change. She is lucky to have you. Where, may I ask, do you guys live? I will pray for you both. Please do the same for my girl. She is doing good...so far, so good.It's been 5 days and it seems like a century. It is so worth it.....so, so worth it.!! Take care and good luck!

[FLHubby]

Awesome to hear your girl is hanging in there. My wife is at Day 18, and as you can see I have chronicled the entire thing. Look back at some of my posts on here, and perhaps having the advanced insight will help you. There are hurdles you must overcome, but I promise that as time moves on, the entire situation will continue to get better for both of you. GOOD LUCK!!!

[FLHubby]

Friday Day 19, Saturday Day 20, & Sunday Day 21 - Hi all, I just wanted to check in and report that everything is still progressing nicely, as far as the opiate addiction is concerned. We still have a real problem with the ongoing back and fybro pain. She has a filled script for Lyrica, but has not been taking it, it remains locked up. I seen FL addict mentioned it in a positive manner, in a post, so perhaps some more research, is warranted. Does anyone know if Lyrica is like the medications that require  30 days to take full affect? Also FLaddict mentioned that it was non narcotic, however I was not able to determine it if can still be abused and or be addictive. I thought I read several posts on here about folks becoming addicted to it? If anyone has peronal knowledge or experiences with Lyrica, please let me know.  

[ohfree8days]

Has your wife tried RF Ablation for her back pain?  My husband broke his back and this has been a tremendous relief for the pain.  They use radio frequency to burn the nerves causing the pain.

[debsally]

Hi!  So happy to hear you are doing well and that your wife is doing phenominal!!!  In regards to the Lyrica.  I have heard good things.  It works like neurontin but can be taken in a much lower dose than neurontin.  I haven't heard of it being addictive and should work within a few days.  It does build up in your system.  This is what I know from my experience with it working w/ an Ortho doc and my partners neurologist also wanted her to try it.  That is all I know accept it is new and with any new drug, we just dont know what will happen long term.

For example, when ultram came out it was huge.  A non narcotic pain killer that is not addictive.  Then I get on here and years later, I find out that it is severly addictive as bad as opiates.

Whatever you and your wife decide, you know you have our support and prayers.

Sally is having her epidurals today at 4pm.  Say a prayer for her that this will be the answer we are looking for to help her get off all this medication for pain.

***kisses and love to you and your family***
Debbie

[nurseintrouble]

Hey you,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I am so happy to hear that your wife is doing so well.  You are a god send for her!  I wish I could give you some brilliant advice on her back pain.  As a nurse the first thing we reach for are narcotics to ease the pain.  I know that can never be an option for her again.  From reading all of your previous posts, it sounds like she has tried many other alternatives (or am I confusing her with someone else?)  Does your wife see a physical therapist on a regular bases?  I have a couple of friends that are PT's and they swear by therapy instead of drugs.

Keep posting and let us know about her progress.

Caitlin (AKA Nurse)

[FLHubby]

Hi Everyone, sorry I have not been on in a few days, (but as the TO: LINE indicated), my wife has in fact slipped back into the stronghold of the opiates. Additionally, it has come to light that my teenage child also has an addiction to opiates, from pills he was stealing from his mother. Apparently she had an idea he was stealing them form her, and tried to lead him in the right direction, but it truly was a case of the blind leading the blind.

Day 18, according the what I can tell, was the day she p/u another ROXY script, no wonder I reported she had a blast on energy about that time. Her lies and deceit have put such a strain on this family, that at the present time, she is actually out of house, and has been so for the past several days. For the time being the lies and pills are more important to her. She has still seen the kids who are all teenagers, and I have been very honest with them through the entire process. I also uncovered the fact that even after taking literally thousands us dollars from our various accounts and credit cards, she also owes thosands out on the street. I do not believe I had a full understanding of just how bad it was and is. While she is not currently in our home, I will still help her if she chooses, but for the time being I really need to concentrate on my child (age 18) who really needs the help. The Thomas Recipe is back on the counter, only now it is for my child. I am so angry, but I am trying to set that emotion aside, and continue to do the right thing.

I am sharing this information, because I said from the beginning that I would share the up and downs. Wish me luck with, and please say a prayer for our family. Thanks Everyone!!!

[needhelp67]

Sorry to hear this what a down fall, on aug 29th i stopped cold turkey it worked, just starting to get energy again, all your wife had to do was turn to a good doctor, the problem is , is that the pharmists keeps your refills on file for a year, i went to fill my sons prescript for bees and the pharmasist had my pain pills in the bag, i told him what is that he said vicodin, i said throw it out, i went threw horrible detox, od on the b12...lol, broke out in hives all over and lost all energy...but come to find out 3 weeks later, my immune system is shot because i went cold turkey, and got lyme disease back, but ifeel good off the pills, but i do find myself moody, i was honest with my doctors and they put me on a neurtion for my back saying it is none addicting, and i only take it at nigt, i have all the degnerating, muscle spasms etc, but i do find myself very moody, never had the shakes and all either thanks to some of the advice on here, if your wife comes back try the neurotin, but  please your teenager is to young help him or her, but watch the b12 you cn od on it, the doctor said your body will only take in 1500 mgs a day and you will get diaherrea from the rest i was taking  5000 mgs a day, bananas, bananas, bananas, and try some rice for your child it is binding or the brat diet, bananas rice applesauce and tea...good luck let us know

[debsally]

OMG!!!  My heart is broken for you.  I almost don't even know what to say.  As partners of addicts, we seem to have no control and limited choices.  My heart is crying for you, I am angry with you, and I feel so sorry for her that she doesn't even know what she has in you.

You are a wonderful husband and father.  I will pray very hard for you and your family and your kid.  I admire you and support you and lift you up in prayer.  Keep us posted.

I am so sorry for all that has been done to you.

Sincerely from my heart,
Debbie