Here's my plan

[Downey]

My plan is to take enough pills to get me to work and back and then go ct when I get home tomorrow. I'm on oxycodone 100 mg a day and I do snort. I'm 53 so I'm no spring chicken and I'm about as ready as I can be. I'm hoping that this won't be as hard as it was last time I quit. Last time I was very hung over but I haven't drank in 2 years to that won't come into play this time. I take these for back pain, but I'm tired of living from pill to pill.

Downey

[Downey]

Sorry to say I don't have a working computer at home so I won't be posting after I leave work tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's help. If I could go back in time this would be on the top of the list of things to do over.

Take care,
Downey

[IBKleen]

We are all strong and I get the feeling you are no different. Besides, you really sound like you want it this go round.

I usually have a list of stuff but I don't have it written down. This morning I was reading a post and a member here, Laurel453, wrote this to someone else. She give great suggestions and I hope she doesn't mind that I copied this for you:

immodium ( diarrhea )

advil

a good vitamin complex and a good B's ...

some magnesium ( best chelated )+calcium supplements... to help you with muscle cramps and aches

potassium rich food... apple/orange juice  , bananas, spinach, raisins, nutcrackers..

a good chicken soup, tomato soup, eat as healthy as possible ...some protein shakes.

this is very important, .....drink a lot of fluids to keep you hydrated ... gatorades, green tea ( theanine on it, will help your mood and to relax), tonic water ( it has quinine and it will help you with RLS )

Hylands restful legs to help you with RLS , hylands cramps legs

maybe some natural stuff to help you with sleep like melatonin and valerian root ( good for anxiety too and it helped me with the stomach cramps , imo).

lots of hot baths ( with epsom salts if you have them ...)

start with walks and some light exercise as soon as you can to boost your endorphines, enjoy the sun ... exercise will really help you a lot to feel better and heal :)

Good stuff, huh? Just to add, if you are anything like me, the rls will get you the worst so take as many hot baths as you can. I also laid back in a lounge chair and put a heating pad under my calves. A few times when it got real bad, I wrapped ace bandages around my calves ---tight---the pressure is what relieves the spasms.

These are starters. Get yourself ready for this and have the ingredients in the house when you are ready. Try and stay occupied by doing anything you can like watching old movies, doing jog saw puzzles...whatever. and always know you can post here. Someone is almost always around.

Hang in there lady and be good to yourself. Let us know if you have any questions.

[Downey]

There is no chance of me going back to drinking. I'm thinking about testing the waters by trying to ct it to see if I can tough it out. In my life I have done somethings I never thought I could and I'm hoping this is one of them.

Downey

[IBKleen]

None of us have control. I got that. I was going to suggest that someone hold them for you but if he is going to cave when you come begging then that won't work.

I want to see this one stick hun, really I do and I am trying to help you make it as easy as possible. 100 mg a day is a little steep, not too far, but enough that you will be sick and I think you know that. Are you willing to suck it up and get through 5 or so days of withdrawal? By that I mean no drinking, no substitute drugs, no nothing but maybe some otc supplements? If so then let us know and we will tell you what we have done to help ease the withdrawal. I say "ease" because there is just no way around it and I won't sugar coat it, but I think you know that....

[Downey]

I'm not very good with will power where the pills are concerned. God help me but I can't control myself. I have considered trying to taper and since my BF holds my pills for the most part that's what he been suggesting. But I always ask for more more more. So I thought that maybe the holiday weekend would be a good time to stop.

I'm open to any and all suggestions

Downey

[IBKleen]

Hi Downey,

I am glad to see you are getting clean again. I hope this is the last one for you.

One thing I have to say is...My best thinking got me here so whatever your plan is, run it by some people and let others tell you what they have done. It's obviously not your first time at the rodeo so this time maybe do it a little different?

I don't know when your last time was but I will promise this..each time it gets harder and if you have been using for some time since you last quit, it will probably be harder. Is there any chance you can taper down a bit before jumping off? Tapering is tricky business and takes a lot of work but in your case it may be helpful. Let us know and we can share some home remedies that can help ease the physical process.

I am glad to see you are back and doing this. We are here to help you so give a shout out for whatever you need. Hang in there....it IS worth it.

[Downey]

It's something I have considered. I will need one to get to work and stay at work untill I get paid. You are probably right that I should be able to make it one day.

Thanks

[vicki595]

Hi~  I would make tomorrow my first day without pills. I'd take the last one late tonight.
The first day off the pills won't be so bad. It's the 2nd and 3rd day when you'll feel crappy. This way,you'll get a jump on it!
Just a thought...

[shiningstar500]

I know what you mean. Its a struggle worrying about pills, counting them and making sure you have enough to get by until your next prescription. You will be glad you quit and the monkey will be off your back!!! Good luck to you and I wish you the best!!!!

[udoschoices]

Great post Lindsay and great advice - you made me feel better too!!

[Lindsay_T]

Downey. You have a good plan. I'm pulling for you. Now add some things to your plan. Like posting here. And get the stuff that Laurel, Sara and others here recommend to help with the physical part. Vitamins, amino acids... epsom salt for bath.
Being older just makes you .... older. Addicts are all ages it doesn't make it harder or easier. It is hard period. You can do it. You will love life and love yourself.
I'm 51 and I'm 50 plus days clean. I can't believe I have made it this far. I never looked past 10 days off. For years, if I could make it to 10 days off, I'd pat myself on the back and start taking again! This board opened my eyes so wide. Ouch.
I took lots of vicodin so the physical part of withdawl was bad but honestly the follow up weeks are really hard too!
Here's what I wanted to tell you. Lately I look in the mirror and do a double take. I see my self as I really am. It is such a treat. I can't really explain it. It has nothing to do with how I look. (although it helps if makeup is involved.)
I has to do with being AUTHENTIC and not being disappointed with myself anymore.
Get supplies, make sure your computer works and CARRY OUT your plan.
~lIndsay.