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Tapering Question for New Person
Hello Everyone,
I have been reading this forum for a little while. I am not sure what group I fit into here. And please don't tell me I am in denial! That is not meant to insult anyone. I did search through the threads trying to find someone who went through a similar situation.
I have had 18 surgeries in the past 23 years. I have think I have tried most prescription meds available. Anti-inflammatory meds killed my stomach everytime I tried to take them for pain. So I was left to take narcotics. Over the past 23 years I have been able to just stop CT all narcotics after the 2nd or 3rd refill ran out until the next surgery with little to no problems. But my problem started about 2 years ago when they diagnosed me with Rhumatoid Arthritis + Fibromyalgia. Now I am being tested for MS. Because I could not tolerate the Anti-inflammatory meds my doctor gave me an endless supply of Norco. I would take anywhere from 4-8 pills a day. Then I cut it down to 6 a day only because I started to get too drowsy in the mornings--had a hard waking up. I also had IBS-D. These Norco's kept that in check perfectly.
Side note here: I only use one doctor and one pharmacy for this prescription. I like my pharmacists to know all the meds I am on in case they interact a funny way.
I went to see my doctor this last week for my routine checkup and I asked him about taking these Norcos. I told him I didn't like the way it made me so tired in the morning. I also miss drinking a glass of wine at dinner (which you should not do with this med or any med that has Tylenol in it.) I also told him that I noticed that when he prescribed 120 pills at a time, I was short on meds about 7-11 pills every other time. At first I thought I was just taking more of these; then I discovered -after I counted them when I got home from the pharmacy- that the pharmacy was shorting me. Funny, my allergy meds were never short. This sent up a red flag to me. My best friend and I talked about maybe the pharmacist or a worker there was taking my pills. Anyway, I told my doc I was concerned and wanted to "try a new drug."
I was also scared, after reading about how addictive this stuff is, that if I did take this too much longer, what would happen if & when I need another surgery. What would they give me to take??? If I become immune / tolerant to this. But my doc said they did have meds that were much stronger and I shouldn't worry. But he agreed if I want off of these Norco's he would try to find a new med.
But first he said: I need to taper off these. I had exactly enough meds to do this. He put me on a taper off program of:
5 for 2 days
4 for 2 days
3 for 2 days
2 for 2 days
1 for 2 days
I am on day 2 of the 3 a day. I am also taking this one Anti-inflammory med called Volteran (spelling?) along with it once a day. So far I am tolerating that one ok.
My question is for those of you who have successfully used a taper system: Will I still go through WD after I stop the 1 a day? I am kind of scared of this. I am already in a good amount of pain. And I have noticed some crazy symptoms (that I am not comfortable with discussing here..but would like to in a private message.)
I hope one of you has an answer for that.
Also: Kind of off my topic but I still would like to know: (and this is not meant to insult anyone..just curious): I read here where some people have taken 25-40 of these pills A DAY ! How is that possible? The most I EVER took was 10 spread out over 24 hours right after a major surgery, and then for only a few days. I was warned about kidney failure because of the tylenol in it. The crazy thing about this drug is it never made me feel high like it does for some people. It just took away my pain.
Sorry for the long first post..but I didn't know how else to phrase all this.
SJ
I have been reading this forum for a little while. I am not sure what group I fit into here. And please don't tell me I am in denial! That is not meant to insult anyone. I did search through the threads trying to find someone who went through a similar situation.
I have had 18 surgeries in the past 23 years. I have think I have tried most prescription meds available. Anti-inflammatory meds killed my stomach everytime I tried to take them for pain. So I was left to take narcotics. Over the past 23 years I have been able to just stop CT all narcotics after the 2nd or 3rd refill ran out until the next surgery with little to no problems. But my problem started about 2 years ago when they diagnosed me with Rhumatoid Arthritis + Fibromyalgia. Now I am being tested for MS. Because I could not tolerate the Anti-inflammatory meds my doctor gave me an endless supply of Norco. I would take anywhere from 4-8 pills a day. Then I cut it down to 6 a day only because I started to get too drowsy in the mornings--had a hard waking up. I also had IBS-D. These Norco's kept that in check perfectly.
Side note here: I only use one doctor and one pharmacy for this prescription. I like my pharmacists to know all the meds I am on in case they interact a funny way.
I went to see my doctor this last week for my routine checkup and I asked him about taking these Norcos. I told him I didn't like the way it made me so tired in the morning. I also miss drinking a glass of wine at dinner (which you should not do with this med or any med that has Tylenol in it.) I also told him that I noticed that when he prescribed 120 pills at a time, I was short on meds about 7-11 pills every other time. At first I thought I was just taking more of these; then I discovered -after I counted them when I got home from the pharmacy- that the pharmacy was shorting me. Funny, my allergy meds were never short. This sent up a red flag to me. My best friend and I talked about maybe the pharmacist or a worker there was taking my pills. Anyway, I told my doc I was concerned and wanted to "try a new drug."
I was also scared, after reading about how addictive this stuff is, that if I did take this too much longer, what would happen if & when I need another surgery. What would they give me to take??? If I become immune / tolerant to this. But my doc said they did have meds that were much stronger and I shouldn't worry. But he agreed if I want off of these Norco's he would try to find a new med.
But first he said: I need to taper off these. I had exactly enough meds to do this. He put me on a taper off program of:
5 for 2 days
4 for 2 days
3 for 2 days
2 for 2 days
1 for 2 days
I am on day 2 of the 3 a day. I am also taking this one Anti-inflammory med called Volteran (spelling?) along with it once a day. So far I am tolerating that one ok.
My question is for those of you who have successfully used a taper system: Will I still go through WD after I stop the 1 a day? I am kind of scared of this. I am already in a good amount of pain. And I have noticed some crazy symptoms (that I am not comfortable with discussing here..but would like to in a private message.)
I hope one of you has an answer for that.
Also: Kind of off my topic but I still would like to know: (and this is not meant to insult anyone..just curious): I read here where some people have taken 25-40 of these pills A DAY ! How is that possible? The most I EVER took was 10 spread out over 24 hours right after a major surgery, and then for only a few days. I was warned about kidney failure because of the tylenol in it. The crazy thing about this drug is it never made me feel high like it does for some people. It just took away my pain.
Sorry for the long first post..but I didn't know how else to phrase all this.
SJ
The Tylenols and the Extra Strength Tylenols quit working last week.
The Voltaren killed my stomach and my me have chest pains so I had to stop that.
I am not posting this to start argument (about addiction/dependancy), but rather to let a future reader know my outcome. Just incase someone has a similar situation. I respect everyone who wrote to me and gave me advice.
I saw the doctor today and we had a good discussion. He told it doesn't matter how many pills a person takes, 2 a day or 40 a day: A person can still be addicted. But his office calls it addiction when a person is taking (any) pills just to get high. If they are taking the pills for chronic pain, then they are dependant on the medication. If they increase their usage ( as I did by 2 pills a day at one time because I had longer days than normal) then they should tell their doctor as soon as possible NOT because of addiction risk but for other reasons, such as: They have become tolerant and may need something stronger or something else could be wrong.
I told my doctor when I increased my dose and when I decreased it.
He also pointed out that had I really been addicted (so to say) then I would not have been able to go 72 days without the meds and not had any cravings. I never had these cravings that addicts speak of. Just the last week or so, when the pain got real bad, I wanted pain relief! He told me he would rather have me come into his office and get medication from him then to have me try to get either this same medication other places or to try other people's medications. Sometimes chronic pain patients do this when it gets so bad.
I have seen the same doctor for 9 years now and he knows me pretty good now because of a few major surgeries. He said all his arithitis / Fibro patients complain of more pain with high heat/ humidity. Especially if you go in & outside. The alternating A/C + the heat makes us hurt. Some doctors don't believe that, but he does. So do I from experience. The ice cold winter weather does the same thing.
I asked him, because I had develped a tolerance to the meds would they NOW work again after being off for about 3 months. HE said definitly. In fact, he has alot of pain patients (like me) who go on the Norco's for about 2-3 months and then off for a few months. I think I will be able to do this because by Septmeber the weather does cool down here. I will taper off again in September and then wait for the temp to dip to around 32 degrees.
I only took one pill today and got relief. He wanted to give me a stronger dosage, but I told him just to give me the 7.5. I still am funny about having to take pills all the time.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond here.
If anything further develops I will post here on this thread again.
Thanks again friends,
SJ
The Voltaren killed my stomach and my me have chest pains so I had to stop that.
I am not posting this to start argument (about addiction/dependancy), but rather to let a future reader know my outcome. Just incase someone has a similar situation. I respect everyone who wrote to me and gave me advice.
I saw the doctor today and we had a good discussion. He told it doesn't matter how many pills a person takes, 2 a day or 40 a day: A person can still be addicted. But his office calls it addiction when a person is taking (any) pills just to get high. If they are taking the pills for chronic pain, then they are dependant on the medication. If they increase their usage ( as I did by 2 pills a day at one time because I had longer days than normal) then they should tell their doctor as soon as possible NOT because of addiction risk but for other reasons, such as: They have become tolerant and may need something stronger or something else could be wrong.
I told my doctor when I increased my dose and when I decreased it.
He also pointed out that had I really been addicted (so to say) then I would not have been able to go 72 days without the meds and not had any cravings. I never had these cravings that addicts speak of. Just the last week or so, when the pain got real bad, I wanted pain relief! He told me he would rather have me come into his office and get medication from him then to have me try to get either this same medication other places or to try other people's medications. Sometimes chronic pain patients do this when it gets so bad.
I have seen the same doctor for 9 years now and he knows me pretty good now because of a few major surgeries. He said all his arithitis / Fibro patients complain of more pain with high heat/ humidity. Especially if you go in & outside. The alternating A/C + the heat makes us hurt. Some doctors don't believe that, but he does. So do I from experience. The ice cold winter weather does the same thing.
I asked him, because I had develped a tolerance to the meds would they NOW work again after being off for about 3 months. HE said definitly. In fact, he has alot of pain patients (like me) who go on the Norco's for about 2-3 months and then off for a few months. I think I will be able to do this because by Septmeber the weather does cool down here. I will taper off again in September and then wait for the temp to dip to around 32 degrees.
I only took one pill today and got relief. He wanted to give me a stronger dosage, but I told him just to give me the 7.5. I still am funny about having to take pills all the time.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond here.
If anything further develops I will post here on this thread again.
Thanks again friends,
SJ
I cleaned a huge swimming pool for 2 hours on Saturday. OMG..I overworked muscles I never use. I am in pain...but it is 51 days today with no Norco's. If I had them I might have taken one or two in the last 2 days...but I didn't. I took extra strength Tylenol and guess what? It worked for about 3 hours. Then a few hours after it quit working, I took a hot bath and 2 more Tylenols and went to bed.
I was very stressed out because of this stoopid PT pool job. So I quit the job on Sunday night after a man tried to assault me at closing time. I don't need this stress from a stoopid thankless PT job. I can always make money doing something else. When one door closes another one will open.
I was very stressed out because of this stoopid PT pool job. So I quit the job on Sunday night after a man tried to assault me at closing time. I don't need this stress from a stoopid thankless PT job. I can always make money doing something else. When one door closes another one will open.
It's been a good month & a week for me without the help of any narcotics for pain relief.
There were a few times I was tempted to call the doctor for a script, but the pain was only real bad for about 2 hours. That in book, is not enough time to warrant taking a narcotic for pain relief.
I did cut out that Voltaren med though. I felt tight chest pain..not real chest pain, but tightest that did not seem normal. So I quit taking it and am just doing one or 2 Tylenol pills a day. Sometimes I take 2 in the morning.
I am a little concerned about the winter months. That is when the pain really hits. I live in an area with real cold winters.
But in the past, the real humidity hurt me too. So this will be a good summer test on this pain of mine.
Wish I could find something for the stiffness in my fingers.
I go in for complete blood work up next month. They keep testing me for this Lupus stuff..but I heard that is tricky to test for. Oh well, I don't really need (or want) another new disease or conditon tacked on to my charts.
SJ
There were a few times I was tempted to call the doctor for a script, but the pain was only real bad for about 2 hours. That in book, is not enough time to warrant taking a narcotic for pain relief.
I did cut out that Voltaren med though. I felt tight chest pain..not real chest pain, but tightest that did not seem normal. So I quit taking it and am just doing one or 2 Tylenol pills a day. Sometimes I take 2 in the morning.
I am a little concerned about the winter months. That is when the pain really hits. I live in an area with real cold winters.
But in the past, the real humidity hurt me too. So this will be a good summer test on this pain of mine.
Wish I could find something for the stiffness in my fingers.
I go in for complete blood work up next month. They keep testing me for this Lupus stuff..but I heard that is tricky to test for. Oh well, I don't really need (or want) another new disease or conditon tacked on to my charts.
SJ
just keep ur mind intact k? dont let it wander and get too self confident...after care is important to keep the mind in reality
Day 20 today and feeling great. No more w/d pains..I am sleeping fine and my new NSAID med seems to be still working. My little PT job I thought might be too physical: I am able to handle it fine.
If I can quit these pills- anyone can.
If I can quit these pills- anyone can.
Congratulations that is great! Its an inspiration to help keep me on my plan. My doctor
is having me do a slow weaning instead of a faster taper. Today was the first day in over
seven years that I noticed my pupils change in size. Seems like such a small thing but
after having my eyes look funny for so long to see them look more normal meant a lot.
is having me do a slow weaning instead of a faster taper. Today was the first day in over
seven years that I noticed my pupils change in size. Seems like such a small thing but
after having my eyes look funny for so long to see them look more normal meant a lot.
I am on Day 15 today of No Pills. I am doing pretty good. Keeping myself busy and not missing these darn pain killers at all. Pain is being managed by the NSAID + a few Tylenols here and there. If I have had pain in the past few days, it has only been short bursts of pain. But they went away.
Totally AMAZING.
Totally AMAZING.
I am on Day 4 of NO Narcotic PILLS and am feeling ok. Not ok painwise..but no terrible w/d symptoms.
This is the place to ramble. I tried Cocaine one time: I hated it. I am GLAD I hated it that one time.
Today is Day 2 of NO PILLS.
Yesterday I did feel kind of punchy..or agitated. I followed my same routine: Took my allergy meds, Tylenol, Volteran, Zinc...did a little yard cleanup (was kinda scared that I might overdo it and feel pain..so I only did about 40 minutes). I also had to work about 5 hours at my job (typing on a computer)- I took frequent breaks to get up and stretch. (I am lucky that I work from home). I also took one .25 Xanax around 4pm. But that made tired. So at around 6pm I drank some coffee. That woke me up too much..so I did something I LOVE to do...I decorated a couple cakes. That took my mind off everything. I love to bake, decorate and watch TV (I got a little TV for my kitchen so I can watch the Food NEtwork while I bake). Oh plus I ate some things I really love...like Mexican Food. I start my diet in a couple weeks. One day at a time.
I was also afraid my IBSD would flare: So far so good. I have had a little bit, but nothing like it was. I took a low dose of Zantac for the last 3 days just in case.
I had some leg cramping in the middle of the night. Like a charley horse...but I think that was from the late afternoon coffee. I had those symptoms even when I was still taking the Norco's. I just need to eat a banana a day. So that doesn't really worry me..at least not now!
I feel so refreshed today. I hope this feeling continues. My pain is tolerable too. That gets me thinking right there: Had I not decided to get off these meds, I would still have been taking them..and for what? The pain I have right now, in all honesty, does not require using a narcotic. Tylenol and this Volteran is taking care of the pain.
Thanks for reading and I wish you all good luck in your pursuit to get off these meds/ drugs or what ever you call them.
Today is Day 2 of NO PILLS.
Yesterday I did feel kind of punchy..or agitated. I followed my same routine: Took my allergy meds, Tylenol, Volteran, Zinc...did a little yard cleanup (was kinda scared that I might overdo it and feel pain..so I only did about 40 minutes). I also had to work about 5 hours at my job (typing on a computer)- I took frequent breaks to get up and stretch. (I am lucky that I work from home). I also took one .25 Xanax around 4pm. But that made tired. So at around 6pm I drank some coffee. That woke me up too much..so I did something I LOVE to do...I decorated a couple cakes. That took my mind off everything. I love to bake, decorate and watch TV (I got a little TV for my kitchen so I can watch the Food NEtwork while I bake). Oh plus I ate some things I really love...like Mexican Food. I start my diet in a couple weeks. One day at a time.
I was also afraid my IBSD would flare: So far so good. I have had a little bit, but nothing like it was. I took a low dose of Zantac for the last 3 days just in case.
I had some leg cramping in the middle of the night. Like a charley horse...but I think that was from the late afternoon coffee. I had those symptoms even when I was still taking the Norco's. I just need to eat a banana a day. So that doesn't really worry me..at least not now!
I feel so refreshed today. I hope this feeling continues. My pain is tolerable too. That gets me thinking right there: Had I not decided to get off these meds, I would still have been taking them..and for what? The pain I have right now, in all honesty, does not require using a narcotic. Tylenol and this Volteran is taking care of the pain.
Thanks for reading and I wish you all good luck in your pursuit to get off these meds/ drugs or what ever you call them.
Thanks for your post it brought back memories of when I did all kinds of drugs, barbiturates and methaqualone especially. I was real lucky I lived through the 70s and many of my friends didn't. Seconal, Tuinal, Nembutal and Quaaludes were my favorites.
Because of those days I can relate to the some of the people on the forum who are drug abusers but I'm kinda surprised to find out how much of this medicine hits the black market.
To answer your question today my doctor gave me a script for 15mg oxycodone. They are scored (but tiny) so I can split them as I reduce my doses. I have been taking oxycontin for 7 years. I started on 40 mg after surgery, the doctor had me up to 4 x 40mg/day for a week then 3 x 40mg for a month then the doctor closed his practice and fled the state leaving dozens of patients hanging.
My GP is great and has taken care of me, helped wean me gently down to 2 x 20mg/day. Ive been at that level for years now so its time to cut back. You've had great
success with this approach so congratulations. Sorry for rambling
Because of those days I can relate to the some of the people on the forum who are drug abusers but I'm kinda surprised to find out how much of this medicine hits the black market.
To answer your question today my doctor gave me a script for 15mg oxycodone. They are scored (but tiny) so I can split them as I reduce my doses. I have been taking oxycontin for 7 years. I started on 40 mg after surgery, the doctor had me up to 4 x 40mg/day for a week then 3 x 40mg for a month then the doctor closed his practice and fled the state leaving dozens of patients hanging.
My GP is great and has taken care of me, helped wean me gently down to 2 x 20mg/day. Ive been at that level for years now so its time to cut back. You've had great
success with this approach so congratulations. Sorry for rambling
Thanks Franco,
Sorry to hear about your pain problems. I am sort of jealous of all the people here who got a buzz from these meds. Years ago...in 1985 I had a med that gave me a buzz (well smoking weed did too,..LOL- but that was different.) When I went in for my breast augmentation I was terrified, the doc gave me a pill called a Seconal. (they don't make these anymore.) I remember saying to him (about 30 min later) "Can I have a whole bucket of these?" and he laughed at me. I never had one of those pills again. I just laid in that bed and laughed hysterically until I was knocked out for the surgery. When I came to, the doc told me I was the funniest patient he ever had.
After that surgery he gave me a Rx for Tylox with one refill. The pain from surgery was really bad as I not only had an augumentation done, I also had a subcutaneous double mastectomy. He had me take 2 pills at a time for the first 3-4 days, then he had me taper off those. I remember him telling me back then that if I felt like I needed more meds for pain, NOT to use these but to call and get a different med. NOTE: I just looked up that pill and that was Oxyconton. But he had me taper off that I rememeber. Maybe that is why I never really got addicted to it back then. I do remember asking him at the time what was this drug and he said it was synthetic morphine. I didn't have another surgery for 6 years. So I never took any medications except for Tylenol.
What do you plan on taking for your pain? My pain condition, supposedly is going to get worse. But I was getting scared of the narcotics because they not only stop my pain BUT I was afraid that if I had a new pain it would not allow me to feel it. And Pain is a good thing sometime to WARN us of other problems. For instance: I thought if I were to ever suffer a heart attack, would i feel the warning signs if I continue on these narcotics. Scary.
Sorry to hear about your pain problems. I am sort of jealous of all the people here who got a buzz from these meds. Years ago...in 1985 I had a med that gave me a buzz (well smoking weed did too,..LOL- but that was different.) When I went in for my breast augmentation I was terrified, the doc gave me a pill called a Seconal. (they don't make these anymore.) I remember saying to him (about 30 min later) "Can I have a whole bucket of these?" and he laughed at me. I never had one of those pills again. I just laid in that bed and laughed hysterically until I was knocked out for the surgery. When I came to, the doc told me I was the funniest patient he ever had.
After that surgery he gave me a Rx for Tylox with one refill. The pain from surgery was really bad as I not only had an augumentation done, I also had a subcutaneous double mastectomy. He had me take 2 pills at a time for the first 3-4 days, then he had me taper off those. I remember him telling me back then that if I felt like I needed more meds for pain, NOT to use these but to call and get a different med. NOTE: I just looked up that pill and that was Oxyconton. But he had me taper off that I rememeber. Maybe that is why I never really got addicted to it back then. I do remember asking him at the time what was this drug and he said it was synthetic morphine. I didn't have another surgery for 6 years. So I never took any medications except for Tylenol.
What do you plan on taking for your pain? My pain condition, supposedly is going to get worse. But I was getting scared of the narcotics because they not only stop my pain BUT I was afraid that if I had a new pain it would not allow me to feel it. And Pain is a good thing sometime to WARN us of other problems. For instance: I thought if I were to ever suffer a heart attack, would i feel the warning signs if I continue on these narcotics. Scary.
Congratulations on finishing your taper plan. Enjoy your vino tomorrow.
I am starting a new taper plan tomorrow. Tried C/T but couldn't do it. I take my meds for
a damaged spine and take them as directed but just want to get off them to feel free again. Like you I don't take them for the buzz, if I can feel the meds I'm taking too much.
Best Wishes and I really hope your pain issues subside.
I am starting a new taper plan tomorrow. Tried C/T but couldn't do it. I take my meds for
a damaged spine and take them as directed but just want to get off them to feel free again. Like you I don't take them for the buzz, if I can feel the meds I'm taking too much.
Best Wishes and I really hope your pain issues subside.
Today I took my LAST 1/2 pill. Doing pretty good too. I was dreading and anticipating this past 2 weeks, but it really hasn't been that bad. I had a few shaky moments, but I pulled through them. I am glad I did this taper over 2 weeks. And I recommend it to anyone taking narcotics for pain. If I ever have to take a narcotic again for a surgery, I will tell the surgeon to write me enough to taper off!
Tomorrow, I am going to enjoy a glass of wine with a good dinner.
Tomorrow, I am going to enjoy a glass of wine with a good dinner.
Thanks for the kind words. I cannot take Immodium because of my main bile duct problem. But that gastro did say that he has seen a 50/50 rate of this healing itself after awhile...so I always had that in the back of my mind.
And true: I never got the buzz from the pain meds like so many here say they did.
I even had a script for Xanax for anxiety attacks way back and I only took a few months of that pill.
When I had my GB out my surgeon was amazed by my refusal of the morphine in the hospital. I remember him telling me that night "Ok , if you refuse the morphine, then you have to take one percocet every 3 hours to stay ahead of this pain for the next 3 days. I did not get a refill from him. He offered it, but i had pills left over. A true addict would have taken that refill. But to be honest, after going through that silicone rupture pain, this GB surgery was nothing!
And a real addict would have taken the narcotic option from the Gastro too when he offered it.
I have emotional support from my silicone sisters, so I am not worried about that. Plus I have a good friend who is a clinical psychogist pHd.
I am treating this getting off these pain meds like I did with my quitting smoking. I found a great little PT job for the summer to make me feel good about myself and take my mind off things.
And true: I never got the buzz from the pain meds like so many here say they did.
I even had a script for Xanax for anxiety attacks way back and I only took a few months of that pill.
When I had my GB out my surgeon was amazed by my refusal of the morphine in the hospital. I remember him telling me that night "Ok , if you refuse the morphine, then you have to take one percocet every 3 hours to stay ahead of this pain for the next 3 days. I did not get a refill from him. He offered it, but i had pills left over. A true addict would have taken that refill. But to be honest, after going through that silicone rupture pain, this GB surgery was nothing!
And a real addict would have taken the narcotic option from the Gastro too when he offered it.
I have emotional support from my silicone sisters, so I am not worried about that. Plus I have a good friend who is a clinical psychogist pHd.
I am treating this getting off these pain meds like I did with my quitting smoking. I found a great little PT job for the summer to make me feel good about myself and take my mind off things.
My IBSD is not triggered by any foods. Several years ago I was tested for every kind of food intolerance and saw many gastro's. Finally one did a colonscopy and told me my main bile duct was deteriorating and what I had was very similar to IBSD. He told me they don't see this often but they think it is a result of having a very diseased GB and not having it removed soon enough. So in other words: I can have flareups at any given moment and it doesn't matter what I eat. He gave me a choice of meds then: Take a narcotic to stop me up for $10 a month OR a new cholesteral lowering med (that cost me about $175 a month.) I chose the non-narcotic one. Would an addict do that? I stayed on that med for 2 years. Then I had to go off it for a surgery and opted for the Norco's because I had pain and this IBSD stuff. Not to mention the money I was saving.
What triggered all of my problems (as I found out too late) was both of my silicone breast implants were ruptures and they had been ruptured (the docs think) for a good 3 years before they found out. For 6 weeks I could not lay on my back or front or sides for more than 30 minutes at a time. They were just about ready to send me to the Mayo Clinic when my doctor did one more test on me. I was paralyzed from the waist up for the last 3 days before this test. They found the silicone had gone to my neck , back and stomach. More recently in one my legs. Right now it has caused a very big lump in one of my legs, causing a big lump of fat to wrap around a muscle. In the winter months the littles bits of silicone act like glass inside my skin. Hardly no drug touches this pain in the winter when I get cold. I try to stay warm.
Since 2001 I have researching what happens to us silicone survivors and am on a support group for this.
All I was looking for here was support on tapering off of a med.
I disagree with your comment on "an addict is an addict is an addict". I think there are different degrees of becoming addicted to certain meds.
I do agree with you on most of the people here did start taking pain meds for legit pain but couldn't get off the rollercoster then. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere. I think when a doc tells a pain patient that he will not Rx a narcotic, he should tell them why he won't. I have been to hundred of docs trying to find out what my pain was caused from but all they wanted to do was Rx meds to me. That's why I stick with this one doctor who saw firsthand what happened to me.
Silicone opened up a whole new disease for the world.
So if you want to call me an addict, go ahead. That won't hurt my feelings at all.
I still only have my half pill tomorrow to take and I am still gonna write my letter to my doctor to try and help others who are in this situation.
I wish all of you good luck.
What triggered all of my problems (as I found out too late) was both of my silicone breast implants were ruptures and they had been ruptured (the docs think) for a good 3 years before they found out. For 6 weeks I could not lay on my back or front or sides for more than 30 minutes at a time. They were just about ready to send me to the Mayo Clinic when my doctor did one more test on me. I was paralyzed from the waist up for the last 3 days before this test. They found the silicone had gone to my neck , back and stomach. More recently in one my legs. Right now it has caused a very big lump in one of my legs, causing a big lump of fat to wrap around a muscle. In the winter months the littles bits of silicone act like glass inside my skin. Hardly no drug touches this pain in the winter when I get cold. I try to stay warm.
Since 2001 I have researching what happens to us silicone survivors and am on a support group for this.
All I was looking for here was support on tapering off of a med.
I disagree with your comment on "an addict is an addict is an addict". I think there are different degrees of becoming addicted to certain meds.
I do agree with you on most of the people here did start taking pain meds for legit pain but couldn't get off the rollercoster then. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere. I think when a doc tells a pain patient that he will not Rx a narcotic, he should tell them why he won't. I have been to hundred of docs trying to find out what my pain was caused from but all they wanted to do was Rx meds to me. That's why I stick with this one doctor who saw firsthand what happened to me.
Silicone opened up a whole new disease for the world.
So if you want to call me an addict, go ahead. That won't hurt my feelings at all.
I still only have my half pill tomorrow to take and I am still gonna write my letter to my doctor to try and help others who are in this situation.
I wish all of you good luck.
Seems like you are doing great. You are down to a very small dose and you have not yet experienced really bad w/d's. I have been through countless detoxes in my life due to the fact that I am an addict. From what you describe, it seems that you do not have a classic addictive personality. In fact all of your opiate use is tied to legitimate reasons. I think that you will be fine especially since you said that you are seeking the buzz! Considering the fact that you are still engaging in your daily activities I would venture to say that you can push through the rest of your detox. I hope that you realize that you will probably have an extended period of diarrea so stock up on the immodium. This a common side effect of coming off of the opiates. Anyway, I consider myself to be somewhat of an authority on detox simply because I have done it so many times. If you want to know more about my circumstances, you can read my post which I placed a couple of days ago. So hang in there and don't discount the AA/NA thing completley. If you find that you are unhappy and want to find a new way to live, I am sure that there is a 12 step group out there that will fit your needs. I have to tell you that it completely transformed my life and I am a much happier person for it. The only warning sign I see for you, is if you are an isolater. If you are, try to find a group of peope that you can bond with, it will make your life brighter in every way.
there are several women on this site who have fibromyalgia and in alot of pain. there are alternatives to pain meds. i also suffer from IBS but i dont take pain pills for it. mine has been flared up for a couple of days now...and even though the pain was pretty intense for about 24 hours...i just suffered through it and watched what i ate. foods are a real trigger for IBS...so figure out what is causing your flare-ups and try and stay away from it.
your body is reacting to the lower dose of pills. your brain is fixing to kick in big time...and try and convince you that your pain is unbearable and that you NEED to take a pill or two. at this point...you will not be able to determine what is real pain and what is not. most ppl find that after a few weeks...their pain has been greatly reduced...and they have found new ways to help relieve it.
a large majority...i would say most of the ppl here started taking pills just like you did. they had legitimate pain. pain is pain...no matter how many surgeries you have had...not trying to insult you...or how bad your back is...or how horrible the wreck was. no one set out to be an addict...sh*t happens. it doesnt matter if you needed the pills for pain or you wanted the drugs for the high. an addict is an addict is an addict. what is important is that you do something about it!
your body is reacting to the lower dose of pills. your brain is fixing to kick in big time...and try and convince you that your pain is unbearable and that you NEED to take a pill or two. at this point...you will not be able to determine what is real pain and what is not. most ppl find that after a few weeks...their pain has been greatly reduced...and they have found new ways to help relieve it.
a large majority...i would say most of the ppl here started taking pills just like you did. they had legitimate pain. pain is pain...no matter how many surgeries you have had...not trying to insult you...or how bad your back is...or how horrible the wreck was. no one set out to be an addict...sh*t happens. it doesnt matter if you needed the pills for pain or you wanted the drugs for the high. an addict is an addict is an addict. what is important is that you do something about it!
When I say surgeries: I am talking about the routine surgeries like hysterctomy, gallbladder etc. And I am talking about when you are released from the hospital. Obviously a burn patient would need more time on the meds. Common Sense here. I had a critical condition in 2001 that required me to be on very strong narcotics for 8 weeks straight; 4 of those weeks I was on them round the clock and only sleeping 3 hours each night because of my intense pain. I kept a journal throughout all that and I wrote several times "Please let me die" because the pain was so severe. I almost went into shock it was so bad.
But the pain I had from hystertomy, gallbladder, 2 foot surgeries, impacted wisdom teeth, lumpedectomies, breast augmentation and explantation, uterus repair (2x) (just to name a few), all of these surgeries do not require prolonged narcotic pain meds.
And I never saw anything on any of my pain meds that said "this medicine should never be stopped abruptly"- in fact I just now looked at one of my patient inserts and it says nothing about this. It does say "May be habit forming" but this is what I talked to to my doctor about after I was taking this med for about an year and I was told if I only took 6-8 a day I didn't have to worry about addiction. He said they look for people who are taking large amounts (20-45 a day).
My real reason for wanting off these is they make me so tired in the mornings. Plus I like wine (can't do that with these meds) plus I notice in the summer my condition improves. I know I can get more of any drug I want but I don't to be a slave. If I do ever have to take these, I will only take for a short time and taper off.
But the pain I had from hystertomy, gallbladder, 2 foot surgeries, impacted wisdom teeth, lumpedectomies, breast augmentation and explantation, uterus repair (2x) (just to name a few), all of these surgeries do not require prolonged narcotic pain meds.
And I never saw anything on any of my pain meds that said "this medicine should never be stopped abruptly"- in fact I just now looked at one of my patient inserts and it says nothing about this. It does say "May be habit forming" but this is what I talked to to my doctor about after I was taking this med for about an year and I was told if I only took 6-8 a day I didn't have to worry about addiction. He said they look for people who are taking large amounts (20-45 a day).
My real reason for wanting off these is they make me so tired in the mornings. Plus I like wine (can't do that with these meds) plus I notice in the summer my condition improves. I know I can get more of any drug I want but I don't to be a slave. If I do ever have to take these, I will only take for a short time and taper off.
Thats a nice thought but some surgeries need more then 10 days of narcotics . There are some forms of pain that will need a lot more then that. A burn patient could not go with 10 days of narcotics.
If you look at the insert that the pharmacy you will see where it says it can be habit forming and if you are on it long term you need to reduce down your dose to get off of it.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if hydrocodone and acetaminophen is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose
If you look at the insert that the pharmacy you will see where it says it can be habit forming and if you are on it long term you need to reduce down your dose to get off of it.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if hydrocodone and acetaminophen is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose
My plans after I complete this detox is not to go to NA/AA meetings but to work with my doctor on trying to educate him and his staff on prescribing these meds to those of us who have had major surgeries.
When I first started taking these meds (about 23 years ago)- I never had a problem stopping them after a few days or 2 weeks. It wasn't up until about 2 years ago that i continued on them daily. For a few years before that, I took them 2 weeks on (4-6 a day) and then 4-6 weeks off.
After all the stuff I have read here, the best way to prescribe these narcotic meds (when a person has had surgery OR if they are having some major breakthrough pain) would be to only give the person about a 5-10 day supply and then demand that they taper off them. (The taper I was given seems to have worked.) Every time I did it CT, I got scared because my pain level came back 100x times worse and the IBSD did too. So, I am wondering, perhaps I do not even have IBSD. Because I have noticed while tapering it is better. And I noticed that my pain level is also tolerable. (I am taking that Volteran med though too- but only 1x a day because 2x upset my stomach.)
If you ever have been given a prednisone steroid pack, notice that you tapered on that too. Also, I remember on Neurontin, that also carried a big warning label to taper too before totally discontinuing. So why not petition the Narcotic Manufacturers to have to put a taper on these meds when prescribed? I mean, think back when you first got the med for your pain: These meds did work great. Only to set you up for a big fall and make you feel even lousier. I kept thinking after being diagnosed with RA & OA & FMS that my pain was getting worse...but in fact it was this med making me feel worse. I think it is worth me writing a paper on to my doctor, I have found some great references here to add to my paper. One thing is about the pain receptacles in your brain remembering the pain and how these narcotics play a part in that. That made total sense to me.
***Only took a half today + a Tylenol and I feel pretty good. I'll take the last half tomorrow. I am trying to stay positive, eat what I really want to eat, take hot baths at night for my muscles and get to bed at 11pm. Wake up and start my day by going to a church service and asking God's help and thanking Him for letting me make it this far.
When I first started taking these meds (about 23 years ago)- I never had a problem stopping them after a few days or 2 weeks. It wasn't up until about 2 years ago that i continued on them daily. For a few years before that, I took them 2 weeks on (4-6 a day) and then 4-6 weeks off.
After all the stuff I have read here, the best way to prescribe these narcotic meds (when a person has had surgery OR if they are having some major breakthrough pain) would be to only give the person about a 5-10 day supply and then demand that they taper off them. (The taper I was given seems to have worked.) Every time I did it CT, I got scared because my pain level came back 100x times worse and the IBSD did too. So, I am wondering, perhaps I do not even have IBSD. Because I have noticed while tapering it is better. And I noticed that my pain level is also tolerable. (I am taking that Volteran med though too- but only 1x a day because 2x upset my stomach.)
If you ever have been given a prednisone steroid pack, notice that you tapered on that too. Also, I remember on Neurontin, that also carried a big warning label to taper too before totally discontinuing. So why not petition the Narcotic Manufacturers to have to put a taper on these meds when prescribed? I mean, think back when you first got the med for your pain: These meds did work great. Only to set you up for a big fall and make you feel even lousier. I kept thinking after being diagnosed with RA & OA & FMS that my pain was getting worse...but in fact it was this med making me feel worse. I think it is worth me writing a paper on to my doctor, I have found some great references here to add to my paper. One thing is about the pain receptacles in your brain remembering the pain and how these narcotics play a part in that. That made total sense to me.
***Only took a half today + a Tylenol and I feel pretty good. I'll take the last half tomorrow. I am trying to stay positive, eat what I really want to eat, take hot baths at night for my muscles and get to bed at 11pm. Wake up and start my day by going to a church service and asking God's help and thanking Him for letting me make it this far.
I tapered off hydros also. It is a good idea to take a half for the next two days...or you could take 1/2 in the am and 1/2 in the pm...either way...i think it will be fine.
I did have wds...but they weren't nearly as bad as others who ct or whatever they did.
I mostly had the rls, no motivation or energy, and mood swings. ...and this stuff continued for about 6 weeks...but just mostly the no energy or motivation...with more good days than bad.
If you keep your mind busy...it is VERY doable and you can still work!!
I also found exercise, either walking or working out...helped a GREAT deal.
Keep going...YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
Getting clean is the easy part...STAYING clean is the hard part. Do you have any plans for aftercare?...such as NA/AA mtgs or counseling(to get to the core issues of why we use). I strongly suggest something....it will increase you chances of staying clean.
GOOD LUCK!! KEEP POSTING!!
I did have wds...but they weren't nearly as bad as others who ct or whatever they did.
I mostly had the rls, no motivation or energy, and mood swings. ...and this stuff continued for about 6 weeks...but just mostly the no energy or motivation...with more good days than bad.
If you keep your mind busy...it is VERY doable and you can still work!!
I also found exercise, either walking or working out...helped a GREAT deal.
Keep going...YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
Getting clean is the easy part...STAYING clean is the hard part. Do you have any plans for aftercare?...such as NA/AA mtgs or counseling(to get to the core issues of why we use). I strongly suggest something....it will increase you chances of staying clean.
GOOD LUCK!! KEEP POSTING!!
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