Tapering off

[Ladyluck8]

Hi,
I have been using vicodin for about 4 years. I think it peaked about 3 years ago. I was up to about 6 every night after work. Sometime last year I read about tapering off. Which I did for along time. I have been down to a half or one for the last two months. Now, after reading this forum I took a half yesterday and none today. I am inspired by everything people are posting. I live alone and it's easy to isolate. I had to WD about 3 years ago when the pharmacy said I was refilling too soon. I went thru 8 days of sneezing and a light flu. For the last few months I have gotten strong physical discomfort. The hard part is I used them a lot to socialize. I would use them before a movie or during a concert. Will things go back to normal?

[Bones216]

ladyluck8,
Congrats and best wishes for continued success. Our stories are very similar and I also tapered down for about two weeks or so before getting down to 1 and a half pills per day before quitting. I also didnt have horrible w/d symptoms, lots of sneezing and coughing more like a cold, than a flu.
Encouragement for you- I also was accustomed to popping a pill for every occasion like movies, concerts yadayadayada. I just golfed a full 18 holes without pills yesterday for the first time in probably 7 years and it was great, so the normal times will return.
Proud of you, and keep up the good work
Bones

[minn66]

Congratulations on day 6, lady! I just think it is amazing that you were able to taper and I believe you have the strength to stay off of those things. Yup, rebooting is a great way to look at it and you'll gain some additional memory as well! ;)

Hugs and hope you have a great day, too!

[Ladyluck8]

Thank you...Day 6....and I see what everyone has been saying is so true. During the time i was tapering I had huge physical anxiety and I didn't know why. I went out of town and just kept taking hot baths. I thought I was really losing it. Thank you to this board and everyone who posts. Whoever posted about Hylands Restless leg medicine was a great help too.
I am getting weepy and someone had posted that it's a good thing since that means the brains chemistry is rebooting. Have a great day everyone, thank you for the help.
L

[minn66]

Very impressive that you were able to taper like that. It takes a lot of discipline and determination. And now you've stopped altogether! You will feel a little different in social situations for a while, yet you'll adjust and feel more comfortable because you will be you. I hope you keep posting because your success is an inspiration.

Hugs,
Minn

[Sonrissa]

Congrats & best wishes Lady! You've done great! Stick around and post if you feel like it! There's lots to learn here and we are always welcoming! I'm finally on day 7, almost day 8 and it does keep getting better!

[Ladyluck8]

Day 4 is down, thank you to this whole community. I don't think i am as straight forward as I could be. But reading these postings and remarks has given me a clarity about this issue I didn't think possible. My physical sympthons have stopped. Now, I am just scared to rejoin the work a day world. I admire the experience and strength everyone shares daily on this site.
It has really helped me to not feel alone and look at prescriptions in a whole new way.

[Ladyluck8]

Thank you

[vicki595]

Yes, things will get back to normal and you've done well getting down to a half per day!

Once you've been off all pills for about three months, you'll be nearly at a place near to your baseline. It just takes a little time for your own brain chemicals to kick in.