Addicted to vicoprofen??????? Help????

[MandM]

Hi There, I have no clue where to start?? I just need some feedback on my problem. If someone out there can relate to me It would sure help. O.K. I have been taking vicodon and vicoprofen now for about 4 years on and off?? I know it sounds wierd but I would only take one a day after work only and occasionally I would do 2 a day or not even anything for 3 or 4 days.  I am a registered nurse so I know how bad this is?? Go figure? I would just need a couple of hours to myself after work with a vicodon and I would be fine. Recently I hurt my back at work and ended up w/ 2 herniated disks, so the Dr would give me pills anytime I needed them (justifiable???) Last week everyone in my office fell Ill and I started coming down with flu like symptoms.  I didn't take the pills for 5 days.  IT WAS HELL.  I thought it was my cold or flu or whatever I had??  I just felt like ****.  I had the chills, then I would sweat and the WORST thing I ever felt was the restlestness at night??? My body felt like it was going in convulsions?? I didn't think that it could be withdrawl symptoms?? I am sure that had alot to do w/ it but I just need someone to say, yes It was withdrawl sx's???  While I still felt like **** I took a vicoprofen to see if it would go away. OOHHHH, don't feel sick anymore??? I feel perfectly fine now??
I am very scared because I am getting married in a few months and we are going on our honeymoon for 15 days, I don't want to take any meds w/ me??? I just want to go and have fun, but I am deathly afraid that these symptoms will come back.  
Thank You for listening!
M :)

[Witchywoman]

Yes...it was withdrawal you were going through, no doubt about it. The restlessness is the worst..isn't it?

Do you still need it for chronic pain, or are you able to live a decent quality of life without it? If you don't have chronic pain...the freedom of an addiction free life is so worth it!

Let us know how you are doing.

love,
WW

[MandM]

Thank You for replying! I didn't think it was withdrawl because I only take one  a day?? That was denial i think. So now, should I do cold turkey? and just go through the symptoms for a few days?  Will it eventually go away?? and how long does it take. Thank You for listening to me because I have nowhere else to turn.

Thanks Again

M

[SHOTSY]

Hi, M , I'm Shotsy. I've been posting here for awhile and have become quite fond of this place and the other one. Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. When I initally started coming here it was for researching on my father's condition. Long story. In the process I found that I myself may also have an addiction. I thought because I took so little I'd be okay. Well, I guess from the info gleened here that's not the case.At least I've managed painlessly to get my dose down half of we I was when I first came here. But I still have discomfort from physical symptoms so I haven't totally stopped. My big fear at this point is the neurotransmitter thing. And how long it takes to recover from that. But slowly but surely I believe I'll be fine. I personally suggest slow tapering.
You'll find a lot of wonderful people here. Very knowledgable and insightful. If I can help in any way I'll try. Bye for now, Shotsy

[MandM]

Thanks Shotsy!!!  I guess I am going to have to wiene? myself off of it. I'm going to talk to someone on Tuesday so I will let you all know how that works out! Thanks so much for responding I really do appreciate it.

I took one today and I only have about a dozen left so I hope I will be able to get through it.

Thanks Again

M

[SUSIEBLUE]

I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD GET ON THE PHONE, RIGHT NOW!!!!!! AND CALL THE NEAREST AND MOST RELIABLE DETOX AND REHAB CENTER.  DETOXING ON YOUR OWN IS JUST ABOUT IMPOSSIBLE.  YOU NEED HELP.  IT IS DANGEROUS TO JUST STOP TAKING A MEDICATION OR TO CUT BACK SLOWLY.  YOU WILL FEEL SICK AND YOU NEED THE EXPERIENCE THAT A DETOX HOSPITAL CAN GIVE.  THEY HAVE DOCTORS WHO VISIT YOU DAILY.  THEY HAVE NURSES THERE 24/7.  COUNCELING IS ALSO INVOLVED.  IF YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY, THERE ARE MANY COUNTY SLOTS WHICH YOU WOULD PAY APPROXIMATELY $200.00.  IF THAT.  IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE YOU CAN GO TO A HOSPITAL THAT HAS A DETOX WARD.  SERIOUSLY, YOU MUST DO THIS IN A HOSPITAL.  IT IS SO EASY TO SAY "OH, I'M CLEAN NOW.  ONE PILL WONT HURT.  WELL THAT PILL WILL FEEL LIKE THE FIRST ONE YOU EVER TOOK, AND YOU WILL BE BACK ON THE ROAD TO DESTRUCTION.  I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD.  DETOXING FROM A DRUG IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO IN YOUR LIFE.  BUT YOU NEED HELP!  DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.  HAVE A HAPPY, CLEAN LIFE.  MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENTGH TO CARRY ON AND TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES.  I AM WRITING THIS THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND EVERYDAY THAT PASSES I THANK THE LORD I HAVE NOT USED.  TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME, IF THAT DOSEN'T WORK TAKE ONE HOUR AT A TIME, IF THAT DOSEN'T WORK TAKE ONE MINUTE AT A TIME, AND IF IT GETS TO ONE SECOND AT A TIME CALL THE DRUG HOTLINE AND TALK TO SOMEONE.  YOU WILL BE MUCH MORE HAPPIER WHEN YOUR HEAD IS CLEAR AND YOU WILL BE PROUD OF YOURSELF OF YOUR ACCOMPLISMENT.  BE STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[youngdad]

Hello all, I’m very concerned for my wife. She has been taking vicodin for about 3 years now everyday. She was involved in a serious car accident and suffers from extreme headaches. Her doctor has been prescribing her medicine every month when she goes to visit. But I’m afraid she may be addicted. She complains about restless legs, and her bones feel like they are rotting (her own comments). She also still suffers from the extreme headaches, which I’m now afraid may be part of her addiction. Does this sound like she needs help? Worst off she is 8 mo pregnant.

[Seamstress]

I don't think you ever want to see a baby born addicted to opiates.  I have and it's horrible.  Why would you do that to an new life you love so much and is so completely defenseless?  Incdidentally, nurses are vey judgemental about this so it will reflect on your wife as well. I can't blame them; it's so awful when the baby cries and cries in pain. That's been my experience when I worked in a hospital drug rehab. I know there will probably be a lot of posts from nurses saying they would never judge.  They're better people than me. Your wife needs to get off the opiates now.

[Leigh]

Actually, I would make the argument that although your wife needs to get off the opiates, at 8 months pregnant, that might be very traumatic for the unborn baby. I'm NOT a doctor or a nurse, but my point is that I think this is something for the qualified professionals to decide. I've heard doctors say that abrupt withdrawal is more traumatic than being born with an addiction. And I'm sure the effects would be directly related to the length and intensity of her addiction. How about talking to her and supporting her during a visit to her OB/GYN, where you could both discuss her possible addiction and your concerns? Severe headaches, a serious car crash--perhaps she's self-medicating depression or anxiety with opiates. My guess is that your love and support would be very valuable right now. Not support for her to continue abusing opiates, but support for her to be honest with her doctors and set up a plan for her and the baby. I just worry that at 8 months, it might be a danger to both her and the unborn baby to practice "tough love" or go through cold turkey. After all, she'll want to keep her strength and health so she can care for the newborn, too.

I know this doesn't offer much help, but I guess I'm just trying to really encourage you to get professional, medical help. Good luck, and keep posting--you'll find a lot of support here.

[Seamstress]

Actually, Leigh's right.  I didn't mean to imply your wife should just stop cold turkey as that would obviously put your unborn baby into exactly the same kind of withdrawl. Weaning might make more sense.  As Leigh says, we're not medical experts and you do need a doctor for this one. You must tell your doctor of your wife's addiction so they can help your baby.

[MandM]

hi, im the one who posted the question but I am not the wife of that man who responded??? i just wanted to clear that up!!!!! I am not pregnant, i think he messed up by meaning to post a  question and he posted a comment??? I HAVE GREAT NEWS THOUGH, I HOPE ANYWAY.

LISTEN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! I WENT TO THE DR TODAY WITH MY FULL BOTTLE OF VICODIN AND GAVE IT TO HIM AND I WATCHED HIM FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE GAVE ME KLONIDINE, ATIVAN AND COMPAZINE SO I DON'T GO THROUGH ANY WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS.  HE PRESCRIBED ENOUGH FOR 5 DAYS AND HE SAID I SHOULD BE FINE BY THEN SINCE I ONLY TOOK ONE OR TWO A DAY.

HE SAID I WAS THE LOWEST ADDICT ON THE TOTEM POLE?? I GUESS THATS DR HUMOR...LOL.  PLEASE RESPOND WHILE I AM GOING THROUGH THIS BECAUSE I NEED SOME SUPPORT DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!!

JUST REMEMBER I AM NOT THE ONE THAT MAN IS TALKING ABOUT??? I AM A NURSE BUT I AM DEFINITELY NOT PREGNANT, I THINK MY FIANCE WOULD BE UPSET...LOL..

THANKS GUYS FOR LISTENING, HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON

SEE YA

M

[MandM]

JUST REMEMBER M IS NOT THE WIFE OF THAT MAN!! I WOULD NEVER TAKE MEDS WHILE I AM PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE HE SEES THIS SO HE CAN ALSO CLEAR THAT UP.

PLEASE REPLY SO YOU GUYS KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE PREGNANT ONE, IM M, THE ONE WHO POSTED THE ????????????????????


THANKS

,M

[Frank Lee]

Just a fyi "the other one" ( thanks S. ) refers to another board that can provide you with options dealing with substance abuse. If you want another source to help you dealing with your problems regarding substances, this board offers a different format and approach, but a lot of caring folks -

http://pub37.ezboard.com/bthenewaddictionmedicineforum

Peace, Frankie Lee

[littleguy]

mandm,

I dont know if this is still true... but they use to allow only one question to be posted each day.  So sometimes people will post a question on an existing thread, even though it has nothing to do with that thread.  This is not uncommon.  I don't want to speak for other folks, but I was not confused.  

littleguy

[fairlight123]

mandm,

I wish you much luck for the next few days :)

[MandM]

hi everyone, its the 2nd day and i am doing just OK, im at work right now, the ativan has helped alot at night, it is just that i am so anxious, no sweats or nausea, just the runs, figure!!

i could use some feedback if someone gets a chance to help me through the next couple of days


thanks

m

[MandM]

one more thing too, how long will this last, a weeK????? can someone give me their experience with getting off vicoprofen with Klonidine and ativan???

i took one or two vicoprofen a day for almost 3 yrs. (just reminding yall incase you forgot.)

thanks everyone

have a good day

M

[Witchywoman]

Hi,
I"m glad to hear you are doing better...
The worst of the withdrawals are over in a week, but it took me a full 4 to 6 weeks before my sleep cycle was back to normal, and before I felt totally normal. I couldn't believe how good I finally felt. I forgot what it was like to have regular energy.

I'm confused about how you got physically addicted by only taking one pill a day.  I was under the impression that if you only take one a day, you don't build up enough of a constant blood level to create physical addiction.  For years, I only used once a day, and never got physically addicted (though I definately was abusing and psychologically addicted).  It was when I started taking them two or three times a day that the withdrawals would set in if I went longer than  6 or 7 hours between doses.

Did you go through some time when you took it twice a day?

Please, someone who knows more, correct me if I'm wrong about taking it only once a day not creating physical dependacy.

love,
WW

[jaysbean]

i am sorry about your problem and can tottally sympathise with you !i am trying to detox from vicodin and it is really hard .    i really hope and pray for us and all the other people who struggle with this pproblem .i made day #4 and felt really bad last night and today .got 1 7.5 to get some sleep .is weaning the best way to stop .cold turkey is so hard .god bless to all

[jaysbean]

p/s all the people here are a true blessing. and reading all the support you give from your heart's and your advice has bean so helpfull. not to mention my wife is trying to help with something she really does not under stand but she has bean an angel through it all. hope tomorow is better god bless you all

[littleguy]

jaysbean,

The good news is that it does get better, it just takes time.  Have you tried the Thomas recipe?  You can find the url for it in the 'Winding down off of Oxycontin' thread.  Please post and let us know how you are doing.  

littleguy

[MandM]

hi there, witchy woman, i would take one to two a day some days and other days not?? I think im over the physical symptoms it is just the craving of wanting to go home and take one. I hope everyone is doing ok, keep in touch, i'll w/b in a day or so.


thanks
M

[Korg]

Thanks to all of you for your postings.  Reading them has helped me more than I can say.  I've been trying for the past several weeks to ween myself off of vicoden, but that only seems to be a trap for me. I"ve even made notes of the day and time and amount that I took and that didn't work.  Please keep the suggestions coming.  I'm going cold turkey as of today.  MY prayers are with all of you.  Please pray for me also.

    Peace and Merry Christmas to all.

Korg

[Korg]

Please Add me to your prayers.  

Reading the postings has given me hope and helped me to face my own situation.   Like many of you, I got hooked on Hydrocodone by way of a cronic pain condition.  I realized something after my first posting, as I was driving around today.  

I had kidded myself, thinking I was weening my self off of these damn things.  But instead of taking 5 I'd take 4.  Then maybe 3 more an hour later to make up for it.

I kidded myself that I could drink wiskey with it to cut down, and then would take more again, and again.   And I've never in my life drank beer except once in a blue moon.   And I, through this weening down process, was now taking a mouth full of Crown Royal, or Jack Daniels straight from the bottle and gulping 1 or 2 in a row.

Wow, What a long strange trip this has been.  

Up until 4 months ago, I had been on these for pain at a rate of 3 or 4 a day..... many times less and only 1 at a time every 4 to 6 hours as prescribed for my condition.  I still had as normal a life as anyone that lives with chronic pain. A damn good one infact.

My Pain Specillist, had previously suggested switching me to methadone for pain control.  But my sucess on lorcet has been so much so that It did not seem nessecary. Anyone out there have any view's by way of comparison ?

All "seemed" well.

What happen ?

Can anyone tell me ?

Some how I got to taking more, because the pain seemed to be getting worse.   And I wake up inside and realize that I've been taking an average of 6 to 10 pills a day.  

Well I've only taken 3 today.   And maybe less tomorrow.

Please pray that I'll get there.  

May God keep you safe, and deliver you from addiction.

Korg  

[Telby]

Don't be hard on yourself.  Those meds are addictive for anyone.  After taking them for a time your tolerance goes up - then it takes more and more to kill the pain - then it's hard to know what pain your battling.  The original pain or a new pain that is attached to the meds.  You are being very responsible lowering your dose and asking yourself some hard questions.  Bes of luck.  Stay tuned in to this board, many wise souls are found here who either are in your shoes or have been in your shoes.  I hope you have a nice holiday and that this new year brings you peace.  love, Telby

[Korg]

Telby,

     Thanks for the love and support.   What I'm finding out in this journey is that it is a marathon, not a sprint.  And I've learned alot about how we kid ourselves, while we think we know.

      I'm someone who has always been in control, so I'm amazed to find myself in this situation.  I will beat it.  But I know I've got a ways to go.    

      Thanks for the support.

      Korg

[Korg]

I hope everyone had a sucessful and joyous Holiday.   I just thought I'd drop a note to let any that care how my progress is going.

     While I'm not taking 4 10/500's at a time <3 times a day>  now.   I'm am still taking 2 7.5/650's at a time about 3 times a day.  I tried to take none, and then only 1 7.5 at a time, but the pain and withdraw were far to painful to stand it. But I'm taking pride in the small victories and tryin to keep the proper mind set.  

     I've stopped drinking alchol all together, and while I don't quite feel like myself again yet.  I am able to function at a reasonable level.   I hope to lower the amount I take again soon, But I'm learning I can't rush to the finish line.  But I plan to make it.

     Do any of you have any suggestions on when I should lower my quanity, again?

     Taking it victory by victory.

     Peace to all

     Korg

[jaysbean]

I know Iam new here can some one tell me how to post a question. I don't want to be rude by asking a question on someone's thread .But i'm really not handling the w/d's verry well.Any advice/help would really be appreciated. I am feeling kind of ashamed of myself for relapsing again. I don't understand why something I hate so much (vicodin)is so hard to stop. Well got to go for now good luck and God bless. P/S does thomas's recipe work for vicodin w/d's any advice please. thank you

[Korg]

hang in there Jaysbean.   Don't be too hard on yourself.   This stuff is like a tempting evil put into pill for, with all the promises and delights.  It calls out to us like the Syrans of old, hoping to get us to lead ourselves into the rock that will destroy up.

I'm going thru it too.   But remember to love yourself, remember that God, and we love you also.

Take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time if need be.  But hang on. Go for the small victories at first, till you make the giant leap.

Peace my friend

Korg

[kerrysfine]

God reading your story was like hearing my own. I was the exact same way. I had lortab for two herniated discs in my neck. Basically I was supposed to take them 1 or 2 times a day as needed. Well my favorite time to take them was when I got home from work. But my using progressed into taking them in the morning and then after work, then up to 4 times a day. My ortho said he was sending me to a pain managment doctor who could help me more than he could since ortho's aren't long term. Im going to see this doctor in January and Im afraid I wont tell him about the problem I have. I tried to quit in November, but the withdrwals were just too much to handle. I felt like I wanted to die. My husband and I decided to put me into a treatment center. I was there during Thanksgiving. I have 3 children so it was very hard. I think it was the lowest time in my life. I saw a lot of messed up people that made me look like an angel hahahaha.
I swore then to myself that I would never touch the stuff again, because no matter how hard I tried to tell myself that I would never end up like them, I knew I was just one step away from it.
I guess I have been doing ok. Im still always a little depressed. It is hard for me right now because I am off work for the holidays, so I have a lot of time on my hands and I keep thinking how easy it would be to just take a lortab and get through the day feeling fine. But I know the meds always run out and I have those feelings still there. I'm trying to get into church but I feel like such an outcast when I'm there. Like everyone looks at me and knows. My kids love it and they are really nice to us, so I keep going. My husband is having major dental surgery on Saturday and Im so worried about knowing there will be some form of narcotic in the house. But I guess I have to keep on truckin...
Good luck to all who are going through the same stuff. I'm right there with ya. You know what they say "Misery loves company"  :)
Kerry

[Korg]

It's 4:02 am.  I've been up for over an hour now.  I was able to get some quality sleep, or at least it feels that way.  I woke up to terrible itching on my back and the palms of my hands.  I assume this is part of it. I've had my coffee, and a nice hot bath.   The itching is better, but not quite gone.  It's been 10 hours sence I've had any medication, and I'm going to hold out for as long as I can before taking any.  

My pain is there, but more tolerable, then normal.  Overall, I feel pretty good.  Is this normal?  Does it come and go this way?
Any feed back would be helpful.

Peace to all,

Korg

[Telby]

It  might be helpful for some of you to know that my understanding is that the first time you go through WD is often not as severe and not as long.  The problem is that it gets worse every time so if you get off narcotics and think "that wasnt so bad" be smart and keep going without looking back.  The body and mind is unforgiving when we go on and off, the withdrawls will become progressivly worse and they will start as soon as the drug wears off.  My point for some of you doing this for the first time, don't be afraid you can get through this - some discomfort but you can definatly get through it.  Those of us who have been at it awhile pay the piper big time. love, Telby

[jaysbean]

Thank you for the pep talk it help's to hear from someone who understands. I took ultram today on a good freinds advice. Iknow they are also addictive but they really do nothing for me so I figured it was worth the shot. right now I really feel pretty good physically. Kind of shaky mentally but 100% better than I ussually feel at this stage in detox. I took 2 pills at 6.30 am and 2 more at 3.30pm and i honestly don't feel that bad .I am going to take 1 before bed. Not to bad considering I was taking 8/7.5's a day. I will let you know how tonight goes night time is ussually the worst for me.    God bless you all and thank you for the shoulder

[schnauzerluver]

What exactly does this drug do to your neurotrasmitters?
I take 8-17 vicodins a day for going on two years. I try to get off but the w/d's are awful. Does it cause permenent brain damage?
Any info would be appreciated.

[Korg]

It's been a touch and go day today, but I've stuck to my program.  The cravings were not bad at first, but then kicked in with a vengance.   I didn't cave.   I even took a half a pill less today.   Hurry for small victories!!!

After serveral hot baths, several hot and cold spells, I got out of the house for a little while and went to the store.  unexplainably, the cravings have been gone sence 6:30 pm this evening. I don't know why, but I'm glad for it. It's now 9:52 pm and I feel good for sticking it out when it got tough today. I'll take my trazadone later and get a good night sleep.

Hang in there all.   Let God show you the way home.   Keep the faith, and stay strong.

love to all,

Korg

[Metalback]

Hi, I am new and I am now very scared. I was looking up muscular trouble but methadone came first and then I came to the addictive medicine site. I started having back trouble at 10 and my first surgery at 14. I am now 44 and have had 5 major and 2 minor spinal fusions.  I hurt when I was young, I didn't even hear of Vicodin, just Percodan. But none of that mattered for at that time you needed a broken bone for medication. My surgeon said take 2 aspirin and lie down. We know lying down is  terrible for the muscles and that was after nine months in bed recovering from scoliosis. I didn't like my doctor's advice and the only thing I could find living near NYC was heroin. That was only trouble. I made it through with one hour sleep per night for six months. But my back wasn't better and I eventually got vicodin in 1993-1994. After being tackled on the ground by an abusive boyfriend who didn't want to break up, I was hospitalized for rest and was put on MSContin. Since I had nerve damage that would wake me at night and back pain when walking in the day, the MS Contin took too long to work and I went to a pain doctor who put me on Methadone. Now after 7 years, I am on 180 mg. of methadone and, oh Lord am I crying. I'll never get off of this. I am a slave. Snow scares me for the tight laws on prescriptions. That is pathetic
     I sure hope those who stop once, never ever get back on these kinds of drugs. The sad part is I still hurt. I am starting to fall from the nerve damage so I see a wheelchair in my future. I have prayed that God will take me for I can't. I have dogs I love and they wouldn't understand. My mother does understand and wouldn't prevent me from ending it all, but she doesn't want the dogs; they are a bit obnoxious.
    I am sorry to have gone on like this, but lately I have been so burdened by everything. I can't keep my house clean. I finally figured out I should use paper plates, cups, etc. Sorry for the landfill, but I can't do the dishes and cook. Stoffer's is pretty good, but vitamins are a must. I have had to get some of this grief off my mind for it's dystroying me.
     Thank you for letting me release this. Please, no one go this way. If you hurt, do anything else but medicate. And don't really believe that surgeries are the best thing for you. Think long and hard about it. In hindsight, I don't see doing it another way, but technology has improved. Good luck to all.
Metalback

[littleguy]

You are doing a great job staying on track. Please keep posting, it is an inspiration for me to hear someone so motivated.

littleguy

[Korg]

Thanks for the thumbs up bud.   Encouagement goes along way, espeically during the bad times.  Every small victory really seems to count.   Today started a bit rough, but after 2 hot baths.  And forcing myself to at least get dressed and to EAT SOMETHING.  I got through the rough part and stuck with my program.   I've cut down to my actual prescribed amount today, and after the morning sweats, I actually feel good.  I ran the vacume and cleaned up a bit.   I'm even doing laundry.   Small victories mean alot.

keep the faith all.

Life is worth it.

Love, Korg

[Korg]

Good morning friends: )   Starting another day and I'm feeling good as it begins.  Is the battle over?  No.  But I'm winning it. Today is just another oppertunity for a small victory.  Another oppertunity to use less, and get closer to my goal of not using at all.  I already know not to celebrate my progress by using more. I've done that trap before.  There may be others ahead, but I'm watching out for them.   I thank everyone for their posts, and the wisdom they contain.  I hope my progress may help others that may need some.  I still need all of you. Please post more.

Peace to all,  Love Korg

[kerrysfine]

I just read your post. Im sorry to hear you are in such pain. I just wanted to let you know that there are several alternatives. I hope you get to feeling better, I know when there s a lot on your plate it seems to never end and there never seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. But there is babe. Keep the faith. I'll be thinking of you and I'm here if you need me.
Kerrysfine

[Metalback]

Thank you for your thoughts. I was just having a bad day and feeling sorry for myself. I do it at least once a month and then go back to normal.What did you mean there are alternatives? I know there are, but was wondering what was on your mind as far as an alternative.
Metal

[Metalback]

I want to congratulate you on your progress. Keep it up. It is so worth it. I am not a doctor, but years ago I remember reading about taking powdered Vit.C to help with withdrawals. What you body doesn't need is voided. I tried it but wasn't mentally ready. You really are an inspiration. I hope you have a quiet New Year's. LOL.
Metalback

[Korg]

Thank you Metalback. It's a journey for sure.  little by little alot of small victoies add up.   Another day is done, and the total reads another half a tablet less.  Baby steps if that's what it takes.  The cravings and bluriness are getting less and less.  I'm feeling more and more human.  For some reason I find I'm itching like crazy.  Is this another symptom of withdraw? It's earitating, but not as bad as that craving feeling.  Sleep is still not as good as I'd like it to be.  But, I'm getting it, even if it's on and off.   I'm reminded of an old Chicago song, "Feeling Stronger Everyday".  I am.   Today's another day.  Another step, even if it' a baby step, I'll make it.

Thanks for the Cheer,

Korg

[Korg]

It's been a tough one today.   The normal with draw hasn't been bad.  But I"m itching like mad.    Is this a part of it ?  Anyone else have this happen.   No victories today, except for staying at the level I was yesterday.  But, I haven'e slipped back to where I was, even though I was tempted.  Terrible sleep last night, but a good nap today.

Happy new years all,

Love Korg

[Korg]

Happy New Years to all.   Happy Days ahead without the slavery to pain pills.  Happy sober days, to all.  I pray a safe, and sober New Year, and new beginning to all.

Love, Korg

[Korg]

I was hoping someone could tell me if itchy skin is a symptom from withdraw.   Most of my withdraw symptoms have gone, and my dosage is lower then it's ever been.  I've made real progress, but my skin itches like crazy.   Will someone please resond or recomend something for this sympton.

korg

[skipper]

Korg:
in my 35 years+ of drug addiction (everything-mostly junk) i have
not heard of a withdrawal symptom. are you taking other drugs
(benzo,blood presure.or sedative? there is theory that opiate with
drawl has a very allergy like componenet to it. try some benedryl
(ich). Maybe your Dr will write an Rx for somehting more effective
with less unpleasent side effect
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[Korg]

First off, Thanks for at least answering Skipper.   That's at least something.  

Progress report:  I'm below my prescrbed dosage now, And the worst seems to be over.  I'm still focused.  But still dealing with this damn itching.  My energy hasn't returned yet. But I'm forcing myself to get off the couch and get somethings done.  I'm dealing with more pain then I'm use to, but I want off these things if I can stand it.  I don't post every day, but I do check the board several times a day.  Reading the new posts is a boost.  I want to thank everyone for your kindness and caring.  I pray everyone sucess and joy.

If anyone has any futher advise about this Itchy feeing, please post

Korg

[his-wife]

hi I have just found this web page and was happy to find it my husband has been taking lortabs and vicodin, for over 3years he is hooked on them!I am not sure how many a day (maybe 6-8 a day) I try to talk to him about this but he gets mad if I say anything about it.(he tells the Dr. his back is hurt but i am no so sure that his back hurts)He works every day never tell me about a hurt back when his pills start to get low he gets ill!!but his Dr.keep giving them to him. what does this drug do to your body long turm? and what kinda high do you get from them ?  i don't know what to do and don't know a lot about this drug.If I went and  talked to his Dr. he would be very upset, HELP I DON,T KNOW WHAT TO DO     thanks

[skipper]

his-wife:
welcome to the forum! there will always be room for one more! a bit of advice: post closer to the top. it is real easy to overlook a post in the "basement!"

the trouble with taking vicodon, lorset, etc. is they all have
hydrocodone in them. hydocodone is an opiate and has a potential
for abuse and addiction. the other problem with all of these preperations is that they all contain tylenol. when a addict starts "oil burning" (getting a habit and taking more and more) dangerious amounts of tylenol can build up in the system. tylenol is metabolised out of the body by the liver. a person can be do-
ing a real number on their liver without ever knowing until it gets real bad. perhaps the next time your husband goes to the doctor he should ask for a liver pannel. they will draw a little bit of blood to look for elavated enzymes, etc. that indicate how well the liver is functioning.

as far as getting your husband to stop or moderate his intake of
hydrocodone there are not any quick or easy answers. i do know
that you can get straight hydrocodone without any tylenol or as-
prin mixxed in. this would at least be a start in stopping pot-
ential liver damage.

keep posting and keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[Mac114]

Hello people, I had a back problem about four years ago. Ive been using Vicoprofen on and off during the time. I averaged about two or three a night at evening to unwind, occasionally I used twice a day. I have no problem coming off of them for a month or so, except for the sleeplessnes at night. My biggest problem is not getting started again. I have noticed the depression and lack of energy. My biggest addiction is to the high I get in the evening when I use, not from the lack of pain that it is prescribed for. When I stop using I get anxiety also. how long do you have to quit before you forget about this drug and its high all together? I am mentally a strong person, I plan on taking this drug out of my life once and for all. I hope I succeed. Thankyou

[Korg]

Hi gang, I've been posting lately on one of the threads above this one.  But I was re-reading the postings I did from December and January and found I needed to share something.  

One strange or unusual symptom that I had during withdraw was a terrible Itching  skin sensation.  On my hands, arms, legs, back, ect.  I talked to alot of people about this, and found that yes, some people do experiance this symptom, but it's not common.  But for one who did have it, It was maddening.

The reason being that drug withdraw in some people is like having an allergic reaction.  It was for me at least.

I tried all of the normal over the counter itch releif gells and lotions, to little effect.  

Then one day as I was walking through the drug store, buying more itch cream, I saw lots of vaporizors on sale. Well that turned on my idea light.   So I bought a vaporizor, and hooked it up when I got home.  The added moisture in the air, stopped the itching!!!  Not right away, but it was less right away, and by day 2, the itching was totally gone, and it remains gone. It also has the added benefit of helping to keep the house feel warmerdue to the added humidity.  

I hope that is of some help to someone that may run into the same symptom.

108 hours clean and feeling Great!

Love Korg

[stillvictorious]

Im thankful for this site atleast I know its others going thru the same thing. Im not thirty yet and i have three children.  I started taking percocet for my teeth and then and then lortab and now vicoprofen. I need so much dental work that when i do detox (using bupromorphine) i find myself needing it again for my mouth because i dont have the money to have all the work done. Now even when im not in pain i have to take it or i feel really bad and hurt all over, and lose energy. If anyone know anything about a program that will pay for major dental please let me know

[rockymounthorse]

I am a 58 yo female and I take upwards to 12 vicoprofen on bad days.  On my good days I take maybe 3 or 4; I do not feel that I am addicted as when I am not in pain I dont take the meds and dont even think about them.  I have been injured in a rodeo accident with one of my horses a few years ago and it has left me very disabled.  I live in pain mostly 24/7 but in the last few months my pain has been subsiding to a tolerable level.  My injuries have left me able to do for myself only but not able to do anything else.  It changed my life totally.  I became extremely depressed over the pain and truly didnt want to live this way any longer.  With the help of the pain meds I am able to live some of my life I use to have only not with any of my beloved horses as that involves to much painful movements.  To some this may be too many drugs to take, but to some it is the only way we can live a nearly torerable life.

Breana

[Dieing2Live]

hey rocky, this post was posted in 2001, most likely these people arent around anymore. if you go to the top of the screen and click post a question you can create your own post and people will be able to help you but nobody is going to read this post more than likely because it old.