How do I deal with the anxiety?

Although it has been a month without opiates, I am still extremely anxious. Could someone give some advice on how to cope with this? It was so bad yesterday I was breathing in a paper bag just to feel normal and help the tingling in my fingers. Also I am having bad headaches and am not supposed to take aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofin, what can I take that will help besides narcotics?

[Sugarbeens]

I am glad you posted this question.  I came on to say basically the same thing.  I am so scared.  I have been here off and on for over a year.  I am about 21 days off the opiates, but, the anxiety is so bad that I drank alcohol all weekend and now the anxiety is even worse.  Of course!  I don't want to go back on the opiates, but, I am so scared I can't function.  My job is so important to me and it is all about helping people, so I can't tell anyone what I am doing.  I realize now that I have had an severe anxiety disorder since I was a small child.  Withdrawn, social phobia.  The opiates I started taking 8 years ago when I was 40 for back pain.  Oh my God, I was a new and different person.  But, now I want to be me, but, not with the anxiety.  My family doc gave me ativan, but, I took more than I was supposed too, so now I can't refill it until next month.  It helped so much, but, he only perscribed 2 a day and I need at least 4 for right now.  I know I need something for this anxiety, but, don't want to be addicted anymore.  I hope some of you will respond to our anxiety and just give us some feedback and support.  I know I have to do this.  I have heart palpitations right now, slept none last night, and severe snxiety. It is so scary. Help!    Love to all who share and help on this forum.  Please doc, respond to our question and is there anything we can do besides ride it out!
Sugarbeens

[The Golden Slipper]

I know exactly what you both are referring to.  Whenever I have gone into withdrawal from pills.  (My drug of choice is "fioricet" a pain med for migraines which contains a barbituate). Very dangerous stuff.

I have had such severe anxiety that I couldn't eat or sleep for days. I have found trazadone helpful for the insominia. I was given that a few years ago when I experienced extreme anxiety and it helped with the sleep and gradually the daytime anxiety went away.

This time around (I have been off the pills since just before Thanksgiving) the doc put me on neurontin, it is non-addicting and helps with the anxiety, insomnia and even helps somewhat with the cravings.

I take it 3 times a day and I have found it to be helpful.  The worst time for me is the morning I wake up terrified and then once I get up and get moving I start to feel better. I do still have cravings not as bad as they used to be and they are mainly in the morning when I first get up.

You may want to ask your doc about these medications. Sugarbeens - I would be careful with the ativan because it can be very addicting.

There are other options out there.

[WifeofAddict]

Hi there,
I have been looking into anxiety for a friend of mine.  We just discovered that she suffers from Social Anxiety.  Anyways, the medication Paxil..is supposed to help with this problem.  Go to www.paxil.com for more info.  My other friend went on this for 6 months and she came out a brand new confident self.  Anyways, it is worth looking into.  Keep smiling
CAtherine

[Rex1]

Lady,

1) When you are closer to 60 days (I am at 63) the anxiety will be less and less frequent

2) You may want to tell you doc that the Ativan is not lasting long enough. Ask to be switched to Klonopin, its longer lasting.

3) Think positive - force yourself to list the positive things in you life.

4) Excercise - this will help you sleep more than anything else!

Good luck..

Rex

[Rex1]

How was San Diego - how do you ankle hold up with all that driving?

Rex

[Sugarbeens]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I have been on Paxil and it just made me tired and feel depressed.  I think I just need something for anxiety, and may have to take something the rest of my life.  I used to exercise all the time Rex, but, when I started working on my Masters Degree a few years ago, I stopped because didn't have time, since I also work full time.  I do stretches everyday and as soon as the anxiety gets better I will start back exercising as it did help me before I started taking opiates.  I took off today because of the anxiety, and I feel so guilty.  The anxiety feels a little better now.  I go back to my pain doc on Wed. and I want to tell him I do not want the opiates.  I am clean of them again, and I do not want them. I don't want to drink either, but, I have to have something for anxiety.  You are all wonderful and thanks so much. Love to all.
Sugarbeens

[FINISHED!!]

Diego was CROWDED!! Ankle was O.K. during the drive but the end of the first day was pretty bad. Woke up hurtin' REAL BAD. All in all is was a GREAT trip though. Needed that.

How goes your battle?

FINISHED!!

[Sugarbeens]

How long did you take the opiates.  I feel like I have taken them so long that I probably have a lot of anxiety that may never go away.  I didn't abuse them at first, but after about 3 years I did so I would run out every time before I was to go back to the doc for refill.  I talk to a lot of people and hear that a lot of people are on narcotics for pain.  It seems like doctors give them so freely and then we have a bunch of people abusing them.  I don't know , it just seems like everywhere I go someone is taking them.  It is so hard to get off for good.  I hope I can do it this time.

[FINISHED!!]

Just read your post to me regarding my remarks about Michael & Achy...Now you KNOW that those percs had me a little looped. Good reply though. I don't often laugh out loud while on this forum but I did on that one.

"I bought some batteries & they weren't included...HA...ya slay me.

FINISHED!!

[HarleyCat]

Good Morning!  I wish I could just take the two of you and protect you from that darned anxiety demon.  Just remember in the throes of the attack that you always, always make it through to the other side.  It doesn't seem like it while you are in it, but it's true.  Just ride the wave and know you will be afloat once it crests.

Don't forget to take time to take care of yourselves.  Eat good, nutritious food, no junk.  Take your vitamins.  Drink lots of water and juice.  Take long hot bubble baths if you can.  Take time to celebrate YOU!!  Be extra nice and gentle with yourselves.  How would you treat a friend going through the anxiety?  Take time to love yourselves like you would a friend.

Write me at ***@**** if you need to.  Distraction helps too.  Focus on the board here or we can email together, andything that will get you focused on something else but not being able to breathe.

Sugar-are you a compulsive, too?  Just this latest round of sharing I have noticed that there are more of us than I would have thought, but compulsive behavior and addiction go hand in hand.  I am taking Celexa and it really, really has helped me.  I've done others, prozac, etc.  Celexa really helps.  Selective Seritonin Reuptake Inhibitors.  I think as they progress they are better able to pinpoint the drugs that help.

Don't you ever be ashamed of being and addict/OCD person!  You don't think any less of me, do you?  So why be so harsh on yourself.  There is a reason for everything, maybe you have had to travel down this horrible road so you can learn to love yourself.  We will all do it for you until you can, ok?  I promise.

I wish I could be there to talk you through this.  Lady, your sister has been so supportive.  Can you teach her how to talk you through?  To just rub your brow, back, soft gentle talking, whatever gets you to be calmer?  Sugar, do you have anyone else in the house with you that can do the same for you?  Hang in there!  Let me know how I can help!

Connie

[FINISHED!!]

GREAT POST Harley!!! You have shown a great deal of understanding & compassion & your experiences are welcomed here with wide open arms. I was just reading about the anxiety & really wishing I knew something comforting to say. I myself have never had this demon except for 1 day on the fourth of detox. The reason I feel that I needed to say that was because it may give a little hope to those ready to detox. Not ALL people suffer from the depression & anxiety that sometimes follows detox. Every person is different...but be ready because it MAY happen. My only advice for anxiety would be the same I have for depression...exercise. A close friend of mine suffers from random anxiety attacks & instead of taking a pill, he starts doing push-ups. We've actually been walking down a busy street & he'll drop out of nowhere & start doing push-ups until the attack subsides. You wanna get some funny looks & stares...do this on a busy avenue in downtown Long Beach. He DOES occasionally take a pill from time to time for the really bad attacks (zanyx I think) but they knock him out. I don't have much more than that. I hope it helps but I'm sure everyone has to deal with these demons differently.

FINISHED!!

[WifeofAddict]

Hi there,
I just wanted to tell you that i too am on Celexa.  I have been on it for depression.  It has been 3 1/2 weeks so far, and i have seen differences in the way i handle life situations.  It is amazing...how clear my head is...and how much better i feel about life in general.  I am not saying this is all i need to do to better myself..but it is certainly giving me the energy and willpower and assurance etc. to figure out my life with a clear head.  It is nice to know that you are on it too..because so far i have not heard or met of anyone on it.  How long have you been on it?  And what dose are you on?  Did you go on it for depression?  Thanks
You celexa sister (hahaha)
Catherine
Oh and i wanted to say to Lady and Sugar...if the anxiety is because of withdrawals...i would think that Finished is correct.  If it will pass eventually why not just try and naturally go through it (torture as it may be).  Try not to put more **** in your system.  If it is long lasting, then yes i would say to try and find a med that is non-addictive.  These days more and more people are suffering from anxiety...says something about the society we live in don't ya think?  Anyways, hang in there...we are all thinking about you.  

[WifeofAddict]

HI!
How are you doing?  Just thought about you and didn't see a recent post....so i thought i would post and ask.
Hope you are doing well.
Catherine

[hippy]

i just got an email from life is better aaaa( greg)
he seem's fine .

hippy-------- peace!!!!!!!!!!

[suzieneedshelp]

WEll my head is killing me again.  this relentless pain reminds me of why i took the stadol.  I am in the dark room with ice on my head.   I used to sleep every night wiht ice on my head for years.  WEll just bitching and moaning.  ty for listening!
No.. bungee u have missed my depresing posts evidentally.   ther are many.  But ty for the compliment.  I ebb and floww and wax and wane in my abilities to cope with the pain and depression.  
Peace!
Suzie

[Sugarbeens]

Is anyone worried that they may have liver disease.  I am.  I noticed when I pulled my bottom lids down that it looks yellow in there.  Is that normal or do I have something to fear?  I can't tell if my skin is yellow or not.  It looks the same to me.  What are some other symtoms (symptoms) of liver disease, jaudice?  Will it go away if I have it if I don't use the narcotics anymore?  Please if anyone knows, answer. Thanks.
Sugarbeens

[FINISHED!!]

Feel better sunshine...We all NEED you here. But you take care of YOU first!!! We can be patient...for a while...

FINISHED!!

[FINISHED!!]

Hey Tara...Ya lurking out there somewhere? Just checking in on you. I hope & pray that all is well.

FINISHED!!

[hippy]

every momant and every event
of everyones life on earth plants something in our soul.
For just as the wind carries thousands of invisible
and visible wingedseeds, so the stream of time brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in
the minds and wills of us all. Most of these
unnumbered seeds perish and are lost, because we are not prepaired to receive them: for such seeds as these can not spring up anywhere except in the good soil of liberty and desire.
The mind that is the prisoner of its own pleasure and the will
that is the captive of its own desire cannot accept the seeds of a higher pleasure and a supernatural desire.
FOR HOW CAN WE RECEIVE THE SEEDS OF FREEDOM IF WE ARE IN LOVE WITH SLAVERY AND HOW CAN WE CHERISH THE DESIRE OF GOODNESS IF WE ARE FILLED WITH ANOTHER AND AN OPPOSITE DESIRE?
GOD CANNOT PLANT HIS LIBERTY IN ME BECAUSE I AM A PRISONER AND I DO NOT EVEN DESIRE TO BE FREE. I LOVE MY CAPTIVITY AND I AM IN LOVE WITH MY CHAINS. I LOCK MYSELF IN THE DESIRE OF THINGS THAT I HATE ,AND I HAVE HARDENED MY HEART AGINST TRUE LOVE.
BY ADDICT WHO WAS USEING.

[The Golden Slipper]

Thanks for that last post.  It really helped me today as I have been having some intense cravings.


It helped me to see how quickly I could again become imprisoned.

Thanks
Golden Slipper

[Blackbelt]

Well said Mr. Hippy. I was a slave in a $200,000 plus home searching for my next little demon. If you wrote that ,great, if not ,great anyway. Free 6 days and counting.
    B'Belt

[hippy]

6 days your out of the hard part week 1.
after that it is the lack of energy.
keep up the good work, because that is what it is work.
it's not easy , but it is worth it.
freedom from addiction is like an elixer from the gods.
sweet freedom.
peace to you !!!!!!!! hippy.

[HarleyCat]

Hey Sista!!  I have rad your posts, and you too are a very compassionate, sweet person.  Thank you for the compliment.  (I am learning to just say thank you and tell you 15 reasons why I don't deserve praise.)

I am on 40 mgs (1 tablet) and day.  I was on just half, but I couldn't tell any difference, I was still very compulsive.  I had a major nerve surgery done in Nov and I was doing too much around the house, sobbing uncontrolably, or extremely giddy.  The mood swings may have been from the Neurontin, so they lower that from 2 400 mgs to 2 300 mgs.

I have panic attacks, too, which the Celexa has helped.  I've only had one since taking it.  And it was pretty mild, just waited it out.  Anxiety is so hard to deal with, because you know you are crazy, and you are afraid that other people are going to find out, and that ups the anxiety level even more...vicious cycle.

You hang in there, Catherine!

Connie

[2bpainfree]

Its time to post again.... Some may remember me like Rex and Methman who helped me in the past, by the way, thank you.  But I tried the totally off narcs method by using over the counter drugs, therapy, tried accupuncture but nothing worked, the pain is way too great. By the way the pain is from 2 flopped surguries to put my right hand back together which 4 seperate hand surgeons concluded is no more repairable.  Now what do I do?  I am about 32 days off narcs but my work and family is suffering immensly over my pain.  I sleep little to none. I guess its its back to the pain clinic, any other suggestions before I throw in the towel????????

Brian

[Esmith28]

I wish I had some advice for you...If this is pain your never going to recover from I cant imagine what to tell you. Tell us your background on your meds and the amount you were taking and how often...what about someone giving the meds to you instead of you being in control...what happen to your hand??
Bless you ..I will saay a prayer for you!!
Elizabeth

[BLUE501]

I know how it is, i am diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and live with daily pain. I am off meds for 8 days. cold turkey. I would love to have an answer for you, i'm looking for one myself. All I do know is that there HAS to be other options besides meds. I always tell myself, I can always use tomorrow, just not today. And I'll say the same thing day and day again.

be safe
linda

[Rex1]

Good to hear from you - bad to hear about your pain.

Pray - that's my first and foremost advice. Turn your problem over to none other than THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE.

Can you take the pain meds within the prescribes limits.

When my back was bad, one time I ran out and man! was that the worst pain in my life. I used that for a while to control my intake, saying "If you dont stick to the regimen, you will run out of pain meds again!" That worked for me for a while, and if you can control it, then you should get some relief.

I still believe there are other solutions besides powerful narcotics, like prayer, but will freely admit that I havent faced the pain you are describing.

What about phys therpay combined with the drugs? Take the pain meds to get through the therapy, then taper afterwards if therapy helps?

I will pray for you and I am glad to see you posting again. All things happen for a reason...

Rex

[suzieneedshelp]

Please continue to pray for me.. my head is killing me.
Suz

[teeitup]

I feel for you, I'm to in one of my bad pain cycles for an un-operable condition. I don't know what's worse the pain or the mental let down of knowing the cycle will start over again.

Stress from pain can be worse than the meds. Theres comes a point where lack of sleep, poor job and family performace are not doing you any good either.

Don't consider it throwing in the towel, your human for pete's sake. Everyone's thresholds are different, get your self some relief. "Use" don't "abuse" and you'll be fine! Unfortunately I've got to admit I've got a physical problem that requires some pain meds.

I will not let my physical problems keep me from living and I will not let the pain meds. I must take ruin my life either. It's a balancing act some of us must endure, like Rex said it's for a reason (sure would like a hint what the hell the reason is)! I'll be thinking of you!

teeitup!

[Blackbelt]

Suzie-Q,
  I have headaches also and 2 darvocet usually help.They say they are narcotics but I've never had a buzz. It's the only one I can take as prescribed. If you take 3, you wasted one. I claim to be off. The time after a hip operation I took 15 Percocet a day for 7 days.  A week after that I've done the Thomas formular,exercise(which I dislike unless competitive)and klonopin to sleep.God has truly (and you guys) been with me . Hardly no withdrawels and I have suffered before with what I call the shudders where my body jerks and my body wants to come out of my skin.
  Brian, If you can have someone control them for you and you can fight the guilt Satan puts on you, you may have to go that route . God made these for our need . The devil has perveted God's intentions. Just as he did with sex. Thank God I got out of the sex deal . My wife might use my Mercedes ,1994, and fix me good.
   God Bless   Jesus healed a bad back for me and had no pain there for 25 years. Through a TV program. Keep Praying Faith is a force as electricity is a force.
   B'Belt

[theGolden1]

Have you been tested for Lyme disease? I don't know where you live .... but honestly, these headaches are coming from an infection of some kind .... please ask your doc for some NEW bloodwork. You want to be tested for everything from lyme to syphlis to rocky mountain spotted fever. I just have a feeling about this ... G

[Blackbelt]

I wondered the same thing. I've taken enough to have kept the Titanic afloat. Three weeks ago had a blood test done and asked them to check and see if all that other stuff had hurt me.
  Said it was perfect and my liver  is a long liver. Pardon the pun.
        B'Belt

[J. E. W.]

I learned in in-house detox that our liver repairs its self. So dont worry about it. Unless its to far gone then you would need a transplant. But Im sure you would know if it was that far gone. As much **** as Ive put into my system youd think Id of been gone a long time ago. Between the alcohol and pain meds.. But had tests and its fine. Day 19 coming up totaly clean but for ibuprfin once in a while and toradol which is a super streath ibuprofin. By the grace of God Im feeling GREAT!!!Good Luck to all and take care my friends...  God Bless All...               J.E.W.

[Rex1]

Will do suzee. Hang in there OK?

Have you thought about trying another doc - one who might take a different approach?

Just an idea - taking off mr. fix-it cap now..

Where are you on the meds?

Rex

[suzieneedshelp]

TAkin ultram...for my head.
I am tryin to get some rest now.. nite nite...

[Ketta]

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker here for a while. I don't generally post, but as this string caught my eye, I hope someone can help.
Today is 13 days hydro free, and I slept at least five hours a night until this Sunday night (Day 11.) SO... now I do not sleep at all. I have not slept for 48 hours. I lay in bed still, try to rest, but do not "go under" at all. There was two minutes where I went under and I had a two minute dream, then woke, checked the clock, and sure enough, it was two min. of sleep only in two days.
I am not going back on anything prescribed. My question is what, besides melatonin, chamoile tea, and calcium would work for some sleep? and while everyone is different, when will I sleep agian? I guess I was lucky getting 5 hours/night during the first ten days, but I thought it got better not worse. I'm heading into day 3 of no sleep and very uncomfortable, can't think straight, headaches, and just foggy, worse than with the dope!
thanks all. Ketta.

[Sugarbeens]

Try taking some benedryl.  It helps me sleep.  I took it last night and slept all night.  Good luck.  Have a great day!
Sugarbeens

[FINISHED!!]

I've been taking Milk Thistle everyday since detoxing. This is a GREAT natural healer of the liver. If you're still taking meds this is more highly advised but advisable to all regardless. It'll cost you about 12 or 13 dollars but whats that compared to a failing liver.

FINISHED!!

[FINISHED!!]

Hey Rex,
  Thanks for the long talk yesterday. I stuck to that 1 pill & have taken 1 this morning. The pain is ACTUALLY GETTING WORSE!! There's just not much I can do about it other than medicate. I honestly tried yesterday to go without the meds but as you said, I go in for another surgery in 2 weeks & will have to be taking them again anyways. Might as well be comforatble as possible in the meantime. These percosets are a God send for me. They work REALLY well for the pain & I have no urge to take them when not needed. They DO get me a little loopy. Can anyone out there tell me the strength of a percoset 10 as apposed to a loracet 10/650? They seem much stronger to me but my tolerance is back down to 0.
Pray for this pain to let up soon. Today is worse than right after the surgery...it's actually the worse day yet. I still have an open invitation to go get a needle full of Demoral if needed. I'm wondering if that would actually be better for me than the oral meds...

FINISHED!!

[2bpainfree]

Thanks everyone for the comments.  I have an appointment tonight with a good pain doc who Ive seen in the past.  This time I am bringing my wife along to join in on the options and resolution to this hell that not only myself by my family is going thru(I have 2 kids 5 yrs old and 3 yrs old) They dont deserve to see this. I think I will take the docs advice and let the wife control the drugs ( shes as clean as they come God bless her). After all I put her and my kids thru they deserve more than I can even say in words.

Rex - I am glad to see you doing so good you must be at about 65 days?  Hows your back holding out?  By the way, I do pray at least once a day, not only for me but everyone on this board who is suffering.  I am afraid to know where I would be at if I didnt pray(probably dead by now).  Keep going strong my friend your doing great!!!!

Esmith - Quick background - as a contractor (at the time for extra money) drilling into concrete wall which was suppose to not have and metal rods running thru it the drill at high speed got stuck on the metal rods but the outer casing kept spinning and tore every ligament and cartilage in my wrist including nerve damage.  Several surgeries later I have about 20% movement/use of the hand which is always braced. GOTTA LOVE WORKERS COMP WHO SENT ME AWAY WITH A SLAP ON THE BACK AND 30,000 for future medical.  Now I am A CPA who can still work (Thank God)What a change.  I was taking tons of norco up to 30-40 a day until I swithched to methadone( huge mistake) which I finally detoxed off last October.  Stayed with Norco up to last month and quit everything thinking I can tolerate the pain, boy I was wrong!  Even my wife, who never took a drug in her life, wants me back on the meds, its ruining her life also.

Thanks again everyone - I will let you know the results tommorrow.

Brian

[J. E. W.]

My trusty med. book says loritab 10 is 2 regular vics. and perc.10 is 2 percs. Hope that helps.Glad to hear your able to take meds. as needed,cause you sure couldnt do it without any..Take care my friend....           J.E.W.

[gwh7]

I haven't posted here in a while and I actually told the people from medhelp to Ban me from this forum. I'm hoping I can ask just one question.  

I have been helping my brother try to get clean and he has asked about the Clonodine Patch and Neurontin.  I know clonodine helps with the Blood Pressure, but not too sure how WELL the Neurontin will work.  I don't even know that he can get the Clonodine patch!! He already has the Neurontin (300mg)

SO THE QUESTION IS, HOW WELL DOES NEURONTIN WORK WITH ACHES, MUSCLE SPASMS AND/OR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?

If anyone can help me out, I would appreciate it.  

gwh

[ben dare]

Ihave been reading this forum for a while rarely post to answer your question the patch helps with withdrawals but watch for low blood pressure and weakness. the neurontin is good foer pain but mainly anxiety it is an anti convulsant I take 8oo mg
every 8 hours. the restless legs can be contolled with muscle relaxants such as zanaflex. you could take trazadone for sleeping
but that is very strong ambien or sonoma will help but you need a script, over the counter sominex may help. Benzos will help but they are addictive BE CAREFUL with them

[gwh7]

I have been sober now for over 4 months, my brother is trying to detox.  He knows all about the low blood pressure and weakness, but his legs tend to get extremely restless and he wants to know if the neurontin will work............

[diso]

Your experience sounds extremely close to mine.  I slept fine after detoxing from oxycontin for the first 9 nights.  On the tenth night the insomnia kicked in.  I slept about 2 hrs that night and about 30 minutes on the 11th night.  On the 12th night I slept about an 1 1/2.  I completely lost confidence in my ability to sleep.  I remember laying down on that 12th night and just knowing that I could not sleep.  I got out of bed and was up until about 5:00 a.m. before I fell asleep on the couch.  It didn't last long though.  

Finally, on the 13th night I slept for about 4 1/2 hours.  But the insomnia returned on the 14th and the 15th night.  It was madening.  Honestly, to me it was the worst part of my whole detox.  I took some great advice from people here and started to work out before I went to bed.  Believe me, my energy was so low that it was the last thing I wanted to do.  But I just went to the gym and ran until I was absolutely exhausted.  I came home and took a hot bath, took some melantonin and I began to sleep.  I still work out at night but not because I need to in order to sleep.  The insomnia probably lasted 8 nights total but the exercise really helped.

If you can't sleep.  Get out of bed.  Don't make it a negative place.  Read a book so that when you are reading the bottom of the page your eyes are nearly closed.  Don't watch tv.  These things help.

Most of all, based on my experience, the insomnia does go away.  I believe hippee has had a harder time getting his sleep back to normal but mine is right back to where it was before I started using.  I know it is frustrating but hang in there.

[Bink]

Hi there,

From my experience, I'd say that Percocets (Oxycodone) are approximately double the strength of Lortab (Hydrocodone).  I've always had to take at least 10 mg. of the Hydro to get the same pain relief as a simple 5mg. percocet!  There must be a fairly big difference since the Hydros are (I believe) a schedule III and the Oxys are a schedule II pharmacy classification.

It's great that your tolerance level is low, but I've heard that it goes up EXTREMELY QUICKLY again.  I'd be ever so careful (like you are) about taking very much, since you've got more surgery coming.  That's one of the reasons that I'm on my taper toward detox is that if I were to have to have some kind of a "procedure", I'd be screwed because there's no way they would be willing to give me enough meds to kill the pain. They wouldn't understand without my admitting to being an addict.  Then with my luck, they'd just let me suffer and think that it served me right!  

Denise

[FINISHED!!]

Thanks for the info. I figured it was about twice the amount. In any event, I'm off to get a demoral shot. Can't take the pain anymore. The percs help but not enough today. This is the worst day of them all so far. I hope to start the downside of the pain hill here pretty soon. So far, I've been climbing it instead of cruising it.

Thanks again,
FINISHED!!

[sharonver]

The very first time that I detoxed that happened to me, I was more than 48 hours without any sleep at all!  I went to the E.R. because I thought I would go crazy!!  Of course as soon as they found out about the methadone they said they could'nt give me anything!  They told me to go home and EXERCISE and they also added that eventually my body would fall asleep if it needed it that badly.  I ended up getting valium from a friend, instant relief!  within a month or so my sleep habits were back to normal.  Now when it happens I take melatonin + exercise, relaxing baths, serene music & yoga.  It helps some.

Sharon

[suzieneedshelp]

Sweet lady.. where r u.  I'm worreid.  I e-mailed ya and not here .. wuts up?????
Luv,
suzie

[suzieneedshelp]

I replied to your e-mail but it was undeliverable as if account closed??
Suzie

[Binkie]

Lady, I've been taking opiates for 22 years before bed. I knew to take as little as possible and still be able to fall asleep.
I became tired of it - always having to have them with me overnight, etc. What I learned, lady, is over a period of weeks or months, not days, you reduce your dosage as little as is physically possible. When I tried breaking a pill in half I became very anxious. Then I researched it and very nice people told me to start breaking off little corners of the pill only.
For a solid month you just take off a little piece. Then, if you are ok with this, you can start taking or biting off another bigger edge of the pill for the second MONTH. But reducing by half will not make it;
I learned that the hard way. Think of it as your goal for '03; not as a goal for this month. My Best to You,
Binkie

[minime]

I remember you from a long time ago.  You must know the routine at this point.  Didn't you detox a bunch of times using Mehtadone or something similar?  Why don't you just give your brother the same recipe that seemed to work for you?  I remember you swore by it and it was a very controversial subject with the Methadone I think it was.  Well good luck with the detox.

[suzieneedshelp]

Why wont medhelp take any questions today.. not one.. it says it has gottne max number and there are none??
Thx,
Suzie

[J. E. W.]

I got your e`mail hon. I dont know why it came back too. How you doing? Any releif yet?? Im so sorry your hurting..You take care of you right now and quit worrying about everyone else..Your like me were mother hens trying to take care of the world and never giving up on anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!                        Jerri

[sharonver]

I tried posting a question numerous times today also, somedays are like that!  And other days I have been able to post a couple of times in one day!  Beats me.  I guess it depends on whos there to moderate the forum.

Sharon

[hippy]

hey gw  good to hear fromm ya
hope all is weel with you and
i hope your brother is gettin better.
as far neurontin goes my father take 200 mg
twich a day foe perifial neropthy for his feet and
legs and gets good results.
when i detoxed i tooks some for festless leg
and i think i took 600mg aqnd it helped with the restless leg.
i must say tho that in week 1 of detox not much really
takes away the bulk of the withdrawl (withdrawal) pains.
just the vitamins and something to sleep.
by the way for me the restless leg and body was the hardest part of withdrawl (withdrawal) in the 1st 2 weeks.

peace!!!!!!!hippy

[JRex]

OK, so I look like I got banned too. It will simply be a matter of time before they figure out that I changed my login name.

I would like to say to everyone here that it has been my utmost pleasure to be associated with you guys - to both receive and offer help here has been a blessing. I sincerely hope that:

1) New visitors get help they need
2) New users read what a mistake this is and quit b4 it's too late
3) Veteran members of the this forum continue to provide the wisdom they have to others
4) Everyone who is still using realizes that the longer you wait, the worse it will be.

To all my pals (too many to name, u know who you are), I hope you keep on keeping on.

Use the Tomas Recipe and the great support from the awesome folks here to get clear of the painkiller demon, and you'll find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

It's called 'getting your life back'.

Thanks to Cindy and Thomas for hosting and funding this forum. It's been invaluable and a blessing.

So, I guess I pushed the Jesus angle too much and someone here had their little feelings hurt...AWWWW!

I am convinced beyond any measure that Jesus Christ is the answer, not just to these problems, but to every problem. If you disagree - fine - but give HIM a chance and you will see what I have seen and find what I have found.

Jesus. Its so simple.

Rex

Anyone who would like to reach me can do so at ***@****.

[suzieneedshelp]

Oh my... i am so sorry u got banned.  REx u have helped many here!
I'll still see ya...
Suzie

[lisabet]

I CAN'T believe you've been banned on the premises of discussing your beliefs....this has been your strength, and you've helped so many on this forum, including myself. What the hell ever happened to free speech?  Are you SURE this just hasn't been a misunderstanding? If not - I'm truly mortified; it's everyones loss - especially those who come here in pain seeking guidance.  Well, I'll see you on Mrs. Rat's forum, where there is true respect for everyone, regardless of their religion, opinions, whatever.  Sad day for this forum. Lisabet

[J. E. W.]

Its not rex1 thats been banned its B`Belt. Poor Rex is going to wonder what everyones talking about.... Just wanted to clarify that.             J.E.W.

[J. E. W.]

I got your e`mail this smorning. I sent one back. Hope your doing better my friend. I thought maybe that polar bear ate you or something!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope to hear from you soon. Take care my friend day 19s almost history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                J.E.W.

[suzieneedshelp]

No Rex has too. I spoke with him on e-mail.
Peace!
suz

[J. E. W.]

I wonder if Im next?!? This is totaly a shame!!! I dont understand it. Its like Rfx said why cant people just scroll past if they dont beleive???          J.E.W.

[J. E. W.]

Will you try to e`mail me again? Want to see if its working yet...             J.E.W.

[suzieneedshelp]

Sent..
Suzie

[JRex]

Yes,

I have been banned, and this little nickname/email swap will surely last through today only.

God's Grace to all of you...

Kick drugs out of your life and what's left?

Your life...

Rex

[WifeofAddict]

Hi there!
I am soo sorry to hear you are banned from this site!  I am in shock.  Although i haven't had much direct posting with you, you have helped my situation a tremendous amount, and i am truly thankful for you, and your words of encouragement.  Unfortunatley, religion is a touchy subject these days.  My personal belief is that as long as you believe in some power greater than your own, you will be a happier person, healthier person.  For you and many others, that power is God.  I am glad you find so much power in him.  I am also glad that you are recovered and are at least leaving this forum, giving us all the reassurance that YOU will be o.k.  We all believe that you are going to do this....you are one of the strongest people on this site.  Anyways, it was nice to read your posts, and this forum will definatley not be the same without you here.  
Thanks,
Catherine
Is Mrs. Rat's forum public?  or private?  Just wondering.  

[lisabet]

FYI: Mrs. Rat opened a forum a few weeks ago - to get an invite, please e-mail Suzie @ ***@****.  This is an open-opinion forum where all views and opinions are valued. Lisabet.

[DADOOPS]

Hello, Everybody--newbie, here
been taking Lortab 7.5s for 7 months-
ready to quit, now- It's been 48 hours.
Wondering how much of the above I'm gonna have to look forward to.
Thought it was gonna be a cinch the first day, but today was a little tough and that 'restless leg' thing is a bit maddening, at night. I'll try my stretches and a hot tub.
  I seem to get 'antsy' out of proportion to my discomfort, at times. guess that's the anxiety. eh? The little guy, inside, wanting to do a bit of screaming? and being VERY impatient with EVERYTHING. It comes and goes with no discernable pattern or reason. Thanks for the Thomas recipe, got it on my shopping list.
I know my troubles seem trivial compared to all of the above,( at least I HOPE it turns out to be trivial-lol) but its there nonetheless and so this all helps- thx, Dave

[suzieneedshelp]

Your e-mail does not work!
Suz

[hippy]

hi dave welcome, my name is michael age 42.
im from philly, been clean form vikes since macch 02,
thanks to the help here at the fourm, i am an adict
been going to na since i 16 got clean when i was 24 back in 1984,
stayed clean up untill i had rotator cuff operations back in 1999.

when it came time to put away the vikes i found i could not function, and i did not really know what was going on.
i was a spped freak and qualude heaed back in the day.
when i got here i began to understand what was going on with the addiction to vikes, and how tough the withdrawls were
and what was causing them.
i got on thomas's receope and i was finally to abble to put them down, but not with out a fight , the restless leg at night the 1 st week was a killer, lots of hot baths and some sleeping aid the 1st 2 weeks( VALIUM).
LOTS OF POSTING HERE , and thing began to get better with hope being the begining,
for when i got here i really felt hopeless.
tho some people don't want to here it there was definitly divine intervention.

before i got here everytime i tried to kickon my own
the withdrawls kicked my but.the severe depression was one of the worst things, the L-tyrosine and b6 along with the rest of the receipe helps imensely with the depression along with
5htp another vitamine. of course the lack of energy was another
major problem , the receipe also helped with that and made it
tolerable and i was able to go to work.after week 1.
then lots of water and gatoraid and exerzize/.

well keep your head up and take it a day at a time , it gets better and better.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!hippy++++++++++ michael

[HarleyCat]

Sorry to interrupt, but they won't let any questions post today.

I am on 100mg-120mg daily of hydrocodone (nerve surgery in Nov) and I have recently noticed changes in my vision.  I am noticing a slight lose of periphial vision and a slight blurring, so when I move my head, it looks like there is a moving object out of the corner of my eye.   ???  Thanks, everyone

Connie

[hippy]

hi connie, michael here, aka hippy.
i have heard some people share about vision problems,
but it might be safe to get it chcked out.
it is a rarity.
good to see ya posting , the doctor who answers questions
is a shrink and does not answer medicaal questions.
keeep posting some one on the fourm may have some personal experence.

peace!!!!!!!!!hippy.
ps give it a little time , it will probly go away.

[Wardman]

sorry to hijack thread but I have a question that is perplexing me.

Well I have been doc hopping and when my friend went to get my refill, the pharmacist said my doc refused to fill the prescription. Now this is a doctor and pharmacy I do not use often at all, so no "apparent" red flag. However, everytime I see this doctor he puts three drugs on one script and I tell the pharmacist I only need the vicodin. Also, when I called last night for my refill the lady asked my name and I told her what it was and as I was reading the prescription bottle I realized they had my first name wrong. I then told her what my actual first name was. So you think because of this she called the doctor to make sure it wasn' forged? And maybe she told him I wasn't getting the other scripts filled? I am just thinking why they and the doctor refused the refill. This is a mom and pop pharmacy in a huge city and I have never brough another prescription there from another doctor.

[freezing]

Well, it's 4 in the morning and once again, like clockwork, I awaken, so drenched in sweat, I have to change my clothes, freezing too of course.  This time, I just took two 5 mg of valium for the anxiety and insomnia.  I don't want to take anymore oxy, but I guess I have to.  I hate this.  Yesterday, I just didn't go back to sleep.  Couldn't.  Got to get some sleep.  My wife hates the heat and fights me over it.  God this sucks.  I had increased intake a little b/c I had a bad cold.  Maybe this is partly from tapering back to my prescribed 20x3/day.  Does my past dependence on the methadone make me more inclined to becoming addicted again than if I hadn't been dependent in the past?  The dr. says addiction and physical dependence are totally different.  I don't think that makes sense.  Thanks for feedback and I hope all are well.

[ben dare]

why do you say you have to take oxy?
I went through all the stuff you described, sweating, changing the clothes in the morn, freezing, insomnia etc.  It is all part of the withdrawel process.  i don't think there is any way to avoid it totally.  Neurotin helps a lot and is non addictive. It will all pass in about 3-4 weeks. Hang in there ...it is worth it.  Being narcotic free is a wonderful feeling.

[ben dare]

why do you say you have to take oxy?
I went through all the stuff you described, sweating, changing the clothes in the morn, freezing, insomnia etc.  It is all part of the withdrawel process.  i don't think there is any way to avoid it totally.  Neurotin helps a lot and is non addictive. It will all pass in about 3-4 weeks. Hang in there ...it is worth it.  Being narcotic free is a wonderful feeling.

[hippy]

yo g man
you don't want to get caught forging scrips.
bery bery bad thing to get caught on.
you get arrested , fingerprinted, humilated.
they go out of thier way to break balls
and treat you like a scumbag.

i hope everything goes well.
get out while you can.
peace ----------hippy.

[ladymp72]

I don't think gman is forging scripts, he had a valid one they would not fill. Gman if they called the doc they probably did let him know you were not getting the others filled, that is one reason they put them all on one script. Have you tried calling the doc to find out why he cut you off?

Michele

[FINISHED!!]

SORRY FOR THE CAPS PUT I'M YELLING!!! WHY WOULD THIS FORUM BAN A TRUE ASSET TO THIS COMMUNITY FOR NOTHING MORE THAN THEIR BELIEFS? REX HAS PROVEN HIMSELF TO BE A CARING, SUPPORTIVE, EXPERIENCED MEMBER HERE & HAS DONE NOTHING TO WARRANT BEING BANNED. IF THIS IS HOW THE FORUM IS GOING TO BE RUN THEN WHY NOT BAN ALL OF THOSE THAT MENTION NA OR AA? THESE ARE SPIRITUALLY BASED PROGRAMS. WHY NOT BAN EVERYBODY THAT SAYS "THANK GOD IM DOING THIS?" THEY SAID GOD! YOU HAVE TRULY CREATED A GREAT LOSS IN OUR FORUM IN BANNING REX FOR SUCH ASSANINE REASONING!!!! THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!

TRULY FINISHED!!!

I'LL PROBABLY BE BANNED AS WELL BECAUSE I SPOKE MY MIND, USED THE WORD "GOD" & REFUSE TO SIT HERE WITHOUT A WORD BEING SAID IN THE HUGE MISTAKE THIS FORUM HAS MADE IN THEIR RIDICULOUS DECISION!!!

IF THIS BECOMES THE CASE & I "DISAPPEAR," I ECHO THE WORDS OF THE GREAT REX1. YOU ALL HAVE BECOME A FAMILY TO MYSELF AS WELL AS REX I KNOW & OUR FAMILY IS SUFFERING A GREAT, GREAT LOSS TODAY.

[Bungee7]

I don't understand why they banned Rex. There was no reason, I personally was never offended by anything rex ever said. He helped so much, and after reading his posts when I first came here I actually wanted to detox. He gave me and many others some great advice and encouragment and hope. I know I speak for many here when I say Rex, you will be missed!


-Anthony
PS: Rex...you can email me anytime at ***@**** or AIM me @ Bungee7. Hope to hear from you.

[freezing]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement.  I take the oxy for cervical disk problems (degenerating/bulging).  I never stopped meds except for 2 months after my detox (which was four months ago), so I don't know why I am in constant withdrawal, or at least most of the time.  Thanks again and I appreciate any/all feedback.  -freezing
(came off methadone 100mg almost 4 months ago.)  I may try going to bupenorphine, and then to naltrexone again.  

Does it really take 6 months to get methadone out of your system???  

Well wishes to all.  Thanks.

[sharonver]

I TOO AM VERY UPSET ON REX BEING BANNED FROM THIS FORUM !!! WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FREE SPEACH? MANY OF US ARE VERY COMFORTED BY HIS WORDS AND THE ABSENCE OF THESE WILL BE A GREAT LOSS TO US!!! IF ANYONE IS OFFENDED THEY CAN SKIP BY HIS POST AND GO TO ANOTHER. THESE FORUMS ARE FOR ANYONE TO SPEAK THEIR MIND AND FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS, WE ARE ALL HERE FOR THE SAME REASONS TO GET HELP AND GIVE HELP. I THINK THIS IS A BIG MISTAKE, THE SOLUTION FOR THIS IS TO EXPLAIN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FORUM THAT THIS FORUM WILL EXPRESS MANY BELIEFS AND IDEAS AND THAT THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE FORCED ON ANYONE! WITH THIS POSTED THEY WILL BE WARNED OF EVERYONES DIFFERENCES.  I'LL BE TALKING TO YA REX...

SHARON

[Oxyclean]

I agree, no one should be offended by Rex or B'belts posts. If you do not agree with what they are saying, skip their posts and move on. A lot of people, including myself have benefited from what they have to say. Maybe they should have been given a warning if what they said was against the rules. You both will be missed........

[peaz]

Hi--I can explain part of your question. I was a pharm tech and yes, there are doctors who put more than one med on a script, like you said.  And many times a patient would ask that this or that one be "put on file"  and they would wait to see if they wanted to ever fill it.  We never thought anything of this. And why would we? if anything, we would assume that you're NOT a junkie because you're not scarfing up every narc as quickly as you can.
   I think the name error might have raised a red flag, even though it had nothing to do w/ a forged script.  I assume you didn't have iinsurance, because if they would have tried to run the script by your ins.,it would have come back that your name was wrong and to correct it.  Nevertheless, when you pointed out the error to the clerk (pharmacist, tech, whomever) and he called the MD, it appears to me that the two of them decided something about this just didn't smell right.  You have to realize that they get scammed A LOT, and perhaps son't give the benefit of the doubt as much as they should.  If  you are Dr. shopping, I would not raise a stink but simply cross them off your list.  It's amazing what they can find out about what other Drs. you use if they really want to.  MDs stick together!  Hope I helped--Peaz

[Wardman]

What do those people do to get banned?  I don't recall anything offensive on here?

[Vicqueennomore]

Some people find it offensive when you discuss religion and it's part of recovery, I found it helpful but when you say something specific about the God you believe in you get banned.
I went the the disclaimer to see if there was anything about it but couldn't find anything specific. Anyone else find anything??

[Erika_Ann]

IM IN CAPS BECAUSE IM MAD TOO. IM NEW TO THIS FORUM, (WELL A MONTH OR TWO) AND REX HAS GIVEN ME HOPE AND START TO BELEIVE AGAIN. WHATS WRONG WITH THAT.? WHY CANT PEOPLE JUST LET OTHERS WHO SUFFER GET THE HELP THEY NEED BY SUPPORT? DO THEY HAVE ANYTHING ELSE BETTER TO DO? I THINK THIS IS ****. I DONT CARE IF I GET KICKED OFF AT ALL. IM TIRED OF PEOPLE RULING OTHERS AROUND WHEN THEY ARE IN THIS FORUM FOR A POSITIVE REASON. NOW A DAYS YOU CANT SAY OR DO ANYTHING WITHOUT SOMEONE COMPLAINING. I WAS IN THE MARINE CORP AND LEARNED ALOT ABOUT STICKING BY ONE A NOTHER. THIS SHOWS ME SELFISHNESS ON THEIR PART. IM VERY MAD.

[HarleyCat]

Everyone, all three of these wonderful people got banned.  I am about to mouth off big time, so if I get banned, you can email me at ***@****

I think we should all post the following, so they have to ban allof us, too!

GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD
Oh, did I mention GOD GOD GOD and don't forget that nasty phrase, I'll be praying for you.  God forbid, Thank God, for the grace of GOD, Praise GOD, You are in my prayers, May GOD bless you

Never once did any of them say, you need to go to church, espouse any specific religion or prayer or define their idea of GOD.  

Gee, who is acting like GOD, ADMIN??  Are you PLAYING GOD with all of us, deciding who can post and who can't?

[minime]

God love ya....GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD.  

God help me, God please help everyone here, God please help us solve the problems with Iraq, God please make it stop snowing.

God God God

[Esmith28]

I actually did paste a scripture here once so maybe I will be banned too...if I do take care all you have been the best to me. I mentioned God in almost everyone of my post...what up?

[minime]

Did I mention God, God God?

[Vicqueennomore]

DOESN'T THIS FORUM ASK FOR DONATIONS, DOESN'T DONATIONS CONSIST OF MONEY AND DOESN'T MONEY SAY "IN GOD WE TRUST". WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?????????

[afriend]

Rex, I have been honest and open with the members here as I will be with you.(even if I may have been missinterpreted on some of my comments, I've never commented about religion). Anyway I am a non-believer and have NEVER been offended by ANY of your posts! You are a great loss to this forum, and you will be missed! If you (or others) believing in god, help only (1) person, you should walk proud, but you (and others) have helped many more than that. Stand tall brother! I'm behind you, and all the rest!

[HarleyCat]

May God bless and keep you all.  God works in mysterious ways.  Smile, God loves you.  

I don't know how we start our own forum.  What I liked about this one was it was full of people caring about each other and wanting to help.  I have run across ones that they just help each other find drugs on the internet and teach each other how to extract the tylenol so they can take more codine.  I don't think they Administration knows anything about being addicted. ???  Let's hear from you Admin.  Have you personally ever been addicted?  I'll bet not.

Connie

[minime]

I know that one person on here asked that the religious comments stop.  I was kind of blown away by her comments, and I thought why don't you just scroll on by if you don't like it.  I'm quite sure she complained to the management which makes me mad because I got a lot more out of Rex and B'Belts comments than I do hers.  I got so much inspiration from those guys, and now I don't even know if this place is worth coming to anymore.  I'm horrified by what some people get away with saying.  Now that I know God and Jesus are like dirty words around here, what's the point?  I'll have to monitor everything I say?  It's probably not worth it.  I don't say much but I really really have enjoyed reading Rex' posts.  You guys will be missed.

[diso]

I don't post very often but I read the posts here everyday.  Rex started posting at this forum while I was in detox for my oxycontin addiction.  I have been at this forum for about 5 months now.  There is always a select group of people here than really keep the wheels rolling by tirelessly responding to the posts of newbies and old timers alike.  When I first found this forum it was people like Chezz and Bmac that made me and everyone else feel welcome by their responses, support and advice.  Since November, one of the key members at this forum has been Rex.  He has been a wonderful support to everyone.  His comments have been very positive.  He has been extremely slow to get angered or offended at those that either challenged or disagreed with his views.  He has made countless new people here feel welcome.  Even though he was just starting the hardest part of his detox when I was already done with mine, he has encouraged and inspired me to stay clean (tomorrow is my 80th day).

I doubt Rex and I share the same religious views.  I don't care.  He speaks from his heart and he tells people what he has done to become and to stay clean.  His advice is priceless.  One only needs to look back over the posts here over the past few months to see how much Rex has given to this forum.  It is disgusting that he has been banned.

While I do state that this forum has its "key" members, please don't construe this statement as me saying that some here are more important than others.  I am not saying this at all.  Every comment from every member here is worth its weight in gold.  You can never know what you might say to encourage or help another here.  The forum works because people here communicate.  The forum has made a enormous error in deciding to end the communication of Rex.

[Erika_Ann]

IM WITH YOU.......GOD,GOD,GOD,GOD,GOD,GOD OH AND DID I SAY GOD? WELL, GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD,GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD, GOD...............................................................................................................GOD, GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD AND GOD!!!!!!!! I CANT GET OVER THIS NONSENSE......YA, WHAT ABOUT THE DOLLAR BILLS THAT GET CONTRIBUTED TO THIS SITE? IN GOD WE TRUST IS ON IT? ANSWER THAT ONE ADMINISTRATION? I WOULD CALL THAT A HIPOCRIT!!!!!! MAYBE YOU SHOULD BAN MONEY COMING IN TOO. I WOULD THINK. THIS IS SO REDICIOULOUS.

[hippy]

you said you resent the person who
mentioned in passing to rex about the religion coments.
that person did it out of concern for rex. also
concern for the new people just logging in at med help.
and if you go back and read those piticular post from
that day , rex reposted by saying he understood and got the
point, his exact words were point taken.
by the way it was not thatperson who emailed med help about people getting to religious..
you have to respect rex for being upfront about his personal
beleifs, just as you should respect the person who mentioned to him about over doing it, and maby scaeing of new commers.

resentment is a acid that destroys the jar that holds it.!

rex is doing good and has found a fourm where is free to post what ever he wishs.
so in the every thing happens for a reason.
so we should all lighten up , and try kindness twards others
for we always reap what we sow.

peace!!!!!!!!!!!hippy

[lifeisbetter]

To whom it may concern,
  Do you realize what you've done? I am absolutely appalled by the banning that occured today. Rex1 was one of the members banned and one of the most honest and inspiring members on the addiction forum. This will surely add to the problem people have of getting or staying off drugs. Rex was a welcome hug in the dark for so many. I have 1 and a half years clean from pills and Rex with 2 monthes has still given me more strength and insight than I could ever give him. I thought this was supposed to be a place for help. I am very, very, dissapointed with Med-Help. So much for that hefty donation I was sending you when my tax refund came this year. Please remedy the error in judgement you have made to ban anyone from this forum. I don't know how you will sleep at night if you don't.

Regards,
Kent Sadar
954-978-5350

[lifeisbetter]

As well as you all, I am also quite upset with the forum leaders here. Please email me...***@**** if you want to voice your discontent with med-help in writing. If we get enough people together I say we Ban them! Of course we can all take turns checking into this forum to continue to help all those who are out there alone and suffering. Suzie, please let me know of this other forum you know about. We have to stick together on this you guys.

Kent Sadar
***@****
1-800-978-5355 or
1-954-978-5350

[Wardman]

GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD.   Give me a break!  Is that what really got these people banned? For their belief in God?   I can think of many more offensive things than a belief in God.  Just amazes me how silly some people are here.  I have been lurking here fopr almost 2 years and I post every now and then.  People get too sensitive over silly things.

[Threestrikes]

Hi....Sooo happy I found this site tonight.  I really needed this.  I am 7 days clean and this is my third attempt this year,hence the nickname Threestrikes. I am a 4yr addict to Vic,Loracet or Percs.  None from a doctor and not for physical pain but for pain of the heart (bad relationship).  I am happily married now but still contiued to use for fear of not being that happy go lucky person I was when on the pills.  I do know that's false and after higher doses I became short tempered and not so nice a person.  I try so hard to remember all my life till just 4 yrs ago I never took a drink or a drug and I was a funny, happy, and life loving person.  But now after 7 days clean all I do is cry and feel depressed.  I know it takes time.  The first time I stopped it was for 30 days then I thought I could do them only once in a while. LIED.  Second time this past March, 17 days.  So I must do something different this time or my third srike is coming.  I tried meetings...OK just two..but not it's not me.  Funny thing about this time is the withdrawals aren't as bad as the other two times except for the sadness.  I did do one thing different I got down on my knees!!!  Thanks for letting me share and welcome any help.  Three

[hippy]

welcome to the fourm.
my name is michael and i have been here
at this fourm for a year now, i had to take vikes for ligit pain.
but had a hard time leting them go, the withdrawls were hard to deal with , the severe depression and restless leg and body
were the worst, along with lack of sleep and lack of energy.

i was clean for 17 years in na  untill i ran into the pain med problem,
the peop;e here welcomed me and explained what was happining
to me, i was in the dark about pain med withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms.
i have learned a lot here.
the thomas's receipe helped me a lot,
with the depressiom andlack of energy.

the receipe is in some of the lower post.

peace    hippy

keep posting

[minime]

Hi Hippee and yes I do resent the person/people who complained about Rex, B'Belt, J.E.W. etc.  The person I think you are referring to should have talked to him privately and then the administration wouldn't have gotten involved.  Now that they have they are banning anyone who talks about spirituality and I think it stinks.  Those comments stirred the pot and this banning has forever changed this place.  Now people won't feel free to talk about spirituality and how it helped them and that is a key to helping many here.

I don't hold grudges so let's not make this into a bigger deal.  This isn't about me.  It's about people getting banned for the wrong reasons.

[hippy]

spirituality and religion are 2 entirely different things.
the spirital foundation of the 12 step programs aa and na is
ANONYMITY   and  anonymity is the setting aside our differences
and coming together as equals, those difference seperare us and
keep us from getting better through unity of purpose.
the differences we set aside are religion, lack of religion,
race, sexual idenity, money , property and presteige
all thigs that keep us seperated, when we set them aside
we can come together  and touch soul to soul  , heart to heart.

if someone started talking about how allah has been there to help them recover and allah is the reason they are staying clean
I DON'T THINK IT WOULD GO OVER TO WELL EITHER.
AM I MAKING ANY SENSE.

HIPPY

[Organic]

I have been lurking in this Forum for approximately 2 months now. I have read many posts pretaining to the Thomas receipe??I entered Thomas Receipe in the search and nothing comes up??
I have read posts and can not seem to find it,maybe it is me.Would someone be so kind as to link or email the site so I can get it??
***@****.
The first post I read in here was from Rex,it is ashame he and others have gotten banned from here.I thought this was for helping others to escape the wrath of addiction.I can say Rex has encouraged me and helped me!!!You all have gave me faith in myself that I can stop.
Have a nice day

[percsnomas]

Hey!

Here is the detox recipe:THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.



Percs

[minime]

WHATEVER!  I don't think I should be ragged on because I'm upset that 3 good people are banned from here.  God is good.  Not one of those 3 people said anything that hurt anyone here.  In fact they helped many people.  That is my point.  I'm willing to drop this.  Are you?

[hippy]

please try to understand that i am not upset with you at all,
my only problem was you inferred that suzee was the one who contactated med help, and that did not happen.
last week suz mentioned to rex to tone it down so that he would
not get in any trouble. suzee and me both have a ton of respect for rex and the others, we both feel the same way you do.
we would rather see rex still here, he is a great person and helped a lot of people,
i have been here at the fourm for a year now and have only seen aboyt 10 people get banned.
i under stand you resenting the fact of what happened,
but to point that in the direction of another addict here at the fourm is unfair and wrong.
beleive me i spoke to my wife about what happened. and how i was
a little hurt by it.
but like i said in another post, if someone was giving allah the credit for there clean time and that allah was the reason everyone is getting better . or allah was the true lord.
it would not go over well either.and that person would get banned too.

so i will not mention this anymore.
peace

[diso]

I must respectfully disagree with your comments here.  If someone began posting here that through allah's help they were able to fight their addiction, then I think people should respect that fact.  They don't need to respect or believe in allah to respect the fact that this person has found strength in that particular "higher power".  I don't recall any of Rex's messages saying believe in God or be damned.  He was just sharing his source of strength in an attempt to help others.  I don't even agree with Rex's religious views.

Who knows, if someone here actually posted saying that through meditating and prayer to allah they gained strength to fight their addiction I might look into what benefit that might hold for me.

I don't think that anyone could spend a short amount of time at this forum without quickly realizing it is not a religious forum.  I don't think members would be drawn away from a few members discussing God as their higher power.  Just as any mention of AA or NA at this forum poses little risk that people adverse to such organizations might be offended and leave.

This is just my opinion and I truly respect your posts.  You have given me a lot of help.  I just hate to see Rex banned.  He never fought with other members like the others who have been banned.

[FINISHED!!]

Suzie DID NOT CONTACT MED-HELP IN REGARDS TO REX. This I know. Suzie adores Rex & his advice, beliefs etc. (Sorry to speak for ya Suz but I KNOW how you feel about Rex)Look...this happened. It's ridiculous & assanine to say the least but I've talked to Rex on the phone several times as well as via E-Mail...He has great faith that some good will come of this. The fact that SO many members here have really felt & suffered a loss in his & the other's banning shows Rex his value to us all. Maybe with enough concerns over this to the forum organizers, this decision will be over-turned. We cannot get into a bickering match based on unsupported facts. The only outcome will be more bickering & hard feelings. Whoever complained about the talk of religion, God or otherwise may realize NOW that he or she has disrupted this forum in many more ways than any words typed by Rex, J.E.W or B'Belt. We have ALL suffered a GREAT LOSS here because of somebody's lack of belief or offense they may have felt. Let's use the energy formed from our anger, disappointment & loss to contact Med-Help, explain that the complaintant is in the small majority here & we feel that the banning of these people has created a lesser forum for us ALL...religous or not. Let's do ALL we can to come together as the community that we've been & get our friends back...where we need them. Religion can be as offensive to some as a derogatory term or phrase. However, every person here has the choice of which posts they read or which they pass over. Please exercise this choice instead of making our forum a lesser place & refusing those in need of the help they may have received from a valuable member that is no longer "allowed" to post because of his or her beliefs. Please keep an open mind instead of "witch hunting" those who are perhaps MORE spiritual than yourself or others. And please keep the insinuations of who did what to who to yourselves unless absolutely supported by hard facts. To Rex1, B'Belt & J.E.W....WE MISS YOU!!!

FINISHED!!

[Threestrikes]

Thanks hippee for your reply and thanks to Percs. for the Thomas Recipe.  I'm going out for the first time in a week today and I will pick-up these items.  I have been taking a half of a valium at night to help w/ sleep and leg pain but wake feeling tired and sad.  My husband is picking me up tonight and we are driving 3 hrs. to our other home and I'm worried the drive and seeing our friends there will be difficult.  I keep telling people I have the flu and they are starting to worry.  i don't even want to answer the phone.  I called a friend up North who is nurse also.  She told me to get on a flight and come home for a while.
I spoke w/ my husband and he was fine w/ this but I felt I was running away (I tend to do that) from reality.  I have a home there and it needs lots of work and that would keep me real busy but I have no energy. It's hard because when I'm around my husband I feel guilty, like what did I marry he must be saying.  We live bi-coastal so I'm alone during the week. I went through the worst alone so he wouldn't have to feel the blunt of it. My husband has waited a year for me to sell my home and move there and I have had one reason after another to put it off.  The real reason was my addiction.  My heart is pounding again it starts racing out of no where.  BOYYY!!  I'm rambling aren't I? SORRY!!

[minime]

The reason they were banned is wrong plain and simple.  None of them tried to convert anyone.  God is their strength and they talked about that fact.  Without God in my life I might as well take a fistfull of pills.  

It's strange to me that people here can talk about a number of offensive things but just not God.  I shouldn't have been given any grief over this.  I didn't mention names but apparently everyone knew who I was talking about.  I have asked that this be dropped a couple of times but it continues so I'll take my leave of this forum.  God will give me the extra strenght that I gained from coming here.  God Bless.

[Wardman]

If you don't like what you read here, then don't read the post,  These people provided invaluable support and insight into the demon we all face, drug addiction.  It is a total shame that they get banned for helping others and talking about  *gasp*  GOD!   You know people, be adult and take responsibility.  You don't like certain posts, DON'T READ THEM!

[Threestrikes]

Regarding all who have been banned, what about freedom of speech,religion and choice?  People have the FREEDOM to speak from their heart and experiences.  Those who don't agree have a CHOICE to listen or in this case read what is being said.

I don't want Censorship in a place I need real truth and real life experiences.  I wouldn't be here if I thought I couldn't be open and truthful.  I've been saying what everyone needed to hear for years.  It's a wonderful thing to be able to be honest and speek from my heart.  Thanks and I hope they let Rex1 and the others back in.  I look forward to their help.

Three

[Threestrikes]

One more and I'm done...Thanks

Censorship: Prevention of distrubing or painful thoughts of feelings from reaching consciousness except in a disguised form.

Sounds like a drug to me.


Three

[FINISHED!!]

As I had said before...You ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS FORUM. Don't take this personally. I am EXTREMELY upset by this as are you. I too am close with God & believe that we should be able to offer His Word as another possible tool in the recovery process. No words towards you were meant to be an attack. Please don't leave the forum on these basis. You have a LOT to offer new members as well as old. I apologize if I offended you further. I just wanted to make sure that Suzie was not crucified unjustly.

FINISHED!!

[sharonver]

Now that all of this is out of our system, lets get on with why we are really here, to help each other get through each day.  Rex wants us to continue as if this did not happen!!!  So my question is: Does anyone have any good ideas for RLS?  I keep waking up in the middle of the nite with this, then I can't go back to sleep!

Sharon

[suzieneedshelp]

Do u eat bananas? they help tremendously!
Love ya!
Suzie

[Vicqueennomore]

Hi Suz-
I just happened to be reading down and noticed your answer to the RLS question. I have gone 25 days now into no narc use and just in the last 2 days have started to experience a mild case of RLS. Had it much, much worse the first time I detoxed from narcs. Can I take a potassium sup instead of bananas? Not really fond of bananas? And how long before I take them will they start to work? Thanks!!
Tammy

[suzieneedshelp]

Well i know it is the potassium in the bananas that is supposed to help.. but who knows.. could be other things too.  Try the supplements if you want.. but natural is always better and more easily absorbed by your body.  It should start helping pretty quick. Within a day or so.  
Peace!
Suzie  
e-mail me if ya like.  ***@****  (anyone can e-mail  me any time)

[Vicqueennomore]

Thanks!!! I'll try the supplement first and if not I will try and stomach a few bananas....
Do ya think it's normal to have RLS 25 days later?

[suzieneedshelp]

I had em before i went on opiates..So anyone can have em.  Hopefully u will get ove r em soon.  ACtaully opiates totally got rid of em for me.  But now they are back.
No fun...
Peace!
Suzie

[Vicqueennomore]

Any idea what the heck causes them, is it as simple as lack of postassium? Just wondering cuz I never had them except during detox....

[suboxMom]

OMG, honey as I am reading your post my heart goes out to you. I have been there more times than I'd like to admit. I am on Suboxone right now and have forgot what that is like until I read your post. I suffer from all the above. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.. A high dose of B vitamins always helps me. But that's just me.. Good Luck