Day 4 Without Oxycodone

[Mook11222]

Hello Supportive and Helpful Group!

I am on Day 4 already. Between yesterday and today there is no appreciable difference in terms of withdrawal symptoms. I am freezing, fairly tired, in a bit of pain, have sporadic moments of restless arms and legs, and I have that incredibly yucky taste in my mouth and sleep is very elusive.  Today I also developed pretty awful stomach pains and diarrhea (yuck) .Interestingly, I actually have very little thoughts about taking any Oxycodone, despite the fact that it's here in the house and far too accessible. I've asked my husband to hide it somewhere but I don't think he's thought of a place yet, "Where could I hide it that you wouldn't find it?" was his question.......

So for freezing hands and body, I am taking incredibly long baths during the day, sometimes for two hours or more. I read in the bathtub and rewarm the water as it cools. This also helps with the restlessness and pain. In the evening, I have been jumping in the jacuzzi for as long as I can stand it at a VERY hot temperature.... my theory is that it will wipe me out and I'll fall asleep. I think it works, because I fall asleep right away after getting out, but I don't stay asleep and wander around from room to room trying different places to sleep all night long. For the yucky taste in my mouth, I've taken to chewing some really minty gum. Then there is the Imodium for the stomach. I have not taken any vitamins, sleeping aids, ammino acids or any other kind of pill in the past 24 hours because I am concerned that the yucky taste is an indication that my liver is working on overtime trying to keep up with all the stuff I've been subjecting it to. I read that somewhere on the internet.... don't know if there is truth to it.

I hope everyone is staying strong in their resolve. Tomorrow I was supposed to start the dream job but I don't feel I am quite ok yet. I requested a "stay of execution". My new start date is now next Monday. That gives me another 7 days to get it totally together.

Stay strong y'all.

[Kbusymom]

I'm glad you are doing well and love your writing; you  have such a strong presence.
I didn't realize how much my personality changed as well; I never wanted to do anything but isolate the last few months I was taking the pills.
I think we all lose ourselves in our addiction; we get so caught up in obtaining, counting, etc. that we forget how much we are hurting ourselves as well as those who care about us.  
Stay strong; you're doing great!!  

[JenKitty92]

I can relate to your story so much.  I'm only a day behind you.  It's day 4 for me of being off of hydrocodone.  Been on it since 2008.  I'm hoping to get on the elliptical today for 20 min.  We'll see, still have no energy. Looking forward to healing my brain and my body...............

[spider6]

Wow, I'm very inspired by your story.  I relate to a lot of it.  You are doing
a wonderful thing for yourself and your family.  Just keep doing what you're
doing, it seems to be working great.

I think next Monday you'd have a much better chance at pulling off the
"fake it til you make it" routine for your new job.
Sooooooo routing for ya.

Peace and prayers for swift "reprogramming"
hugs

[conhall]

You Can do this Stay strong keep pushing through each day! I promise it does get easier.
For me the anxiety was torture and when it was real bad I made my self get out and go for  a walk it helps and any exercise you do helps get those endorphins going and you will see what a difference a lil walk can do :)
Good Luck and Stay positive!

[Mook11222]

Thanks so much! You know I am so excited to be able to say that tomorrow is day 5 without.... I've been on the pills since 2007... definitely long enough. The truth is almost stranger than fiction sometimes. I guess I had not realized how the pills were changing me. From a gregarious, sporty and fun person, I became nearly a recluse just wanting to be left alone in the house when not at work. From being fairly intelligent and competent, I became kind of brain fogged and made a million mistakes when serious concentration was required and I didn't care anymore about paying my bills on time or doing my taxes. From holding down two jobs, one as director of promotions and marketing for an airline, the other teaching English to men from Saudi Telecom on the internet, I became unemployed. One job had ended and the other I quit without thought as to what I was going to do next.

My story though has an incredibly lucky ending.... I hope. After quitting my excellent job for no good reason other than I wanted to go home early and pop a pill or two, I found that I had a voice mail inviting me to attend an interview for a job I'd always wanted. Then I got a call from my step-daughter telling me that I, at 45, was going to be a grandmother.  As an aside, her mother died long ago of flesh eating disease from an infected needle - she was a raging addict who ended her life out on the streets. To me, this was like a light in the dark saying, "hey..... stop this sh**", you have royally screwed up everything yet here you are with a perfect second chance. So that's why I decided to quit. I just realized that I could be so much more than what I'd lowered myself to. I was fooling myself thinking I could keep taking those pills and that there would not be any consequences. The truth is, I lost myself.

So I've got lots of work to do to get back on track. First things first, get healthy, and then get healthier. Once I've got that one in the bag I will have  look at what else I've lost, friends etc and see if I can do something about that.

Whatever the reason we find ourselves here, we are all in it together. I am behind everyone and anyone who wants to get help.

[Sonrissa]

Hi Mook, how funny I just posted on your other thread! I was wondering how you were doing. Maybe have your husband keep his pills in his pocket, and take them with him when he leaves the house? You really should take some magnesium, potassium, and zinc. That can really help with the restlessness. Also, Immodium is great, and will help with the stomach/bathroom issues.

I'm really glad you gave yourself another week to heal before you start the new job. Hopefully, you will be feeling much better by then! Take care, and keep moving forward!