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Does tapering off help withdrawals from oxi?

I took oxicontin in ever increasing dosages for ten years.  I had very bad arthritis pain and I chose opiates. As THE HEALTHIEST of all the pain meds I researched.  After ten years I was up to six 80mg pills a day, which could kill some people,  AND Norco, for breakthrough pain.  At the point where it finally dawned on me that I needed a hip replacement instead of more drugs.  But what in the world would they use for pain management after the surgery? Clearly  I had to quit.  So I went on line to see what withdrawal symptoms I was facing.  Horror stories that you no doubt have read...nausea, anxiety, blurred vision, sweating, rlm and any number of pains, including stomach cramps, abdominal pain...on and on.  I was scared.  But, I tapered off over a period of a month, ending only with a couple of narco a day before i stopped.  I was a little anxious (mostly because of the stories) so I took a .5 mg Xanax for the first week.  But otherwise, the only symptom I ever suffered we're stomach pain..and that turned out to be an infected gall bladder that hadn't worked in years and which pain had been masked by the oxi.  DON'T STOP SUDDENLY, and don't believe everything you hear about withdrawal...it's mostly fear.  I love my new hip and feel no desire for oxi at all.  Good luck
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4823849 tn?1373657829
SOLD! Thank you for this story... I needed some inspiration. I'm currently tapering off Norco and I get myself so worked up about everything. That's not to say I didn't experienced some major physical withdrawals my first jump (it was a big leap, now I'm going much slower). I'm hoping a little "mind over matter" and positivity will get me through the rest of the taper without as much anxiety and fear. Who knows. Time will tell... Congrats on the new hip and detoxing from the opiates. Life is good for you right now - well deserved :)  
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
Hi Yes we all have different experiences in our drug use but the withdraws seem be the same signs some more some less. I also have found out from others that somestimes it depends on howlong, how much and age. Health has a big one in there for me oxy/hydro withdraw at 40 was shorter and milder then methedone at 56 and taken with a benzo. Be careful with the benzo It is really high anxiety to come off of. Your doing great. Sounds like you know what to do. Keep on Truckin it only gets better.
God bless us all
vvic
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4622451 tn?1360595255
Thanks for posting that! Wow! I read stories like this and I'm embarrassed to complain about my piddling little 60-75mg/day oxy habit. That showed some real guts. Great success!

Good luck in the future

Jimi
Helpful - 0
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