Hydrocodone 10-325

Question

Today is Sunday June 14, 2009.  My wife is 12 days recovering from center lobe removal from her right lung.  She was out of ICU in one day and sent home in three days with the above Rx take 1-2 tabs every 4 hours.  We would start the day with two pills and then take one every two hours as needed.  We were on that schedule for the first week then tapered back to nothing since last Saturday morning following a shower.  She has seemed to have lost ground, extreemely weak  to do much of anything, nauseated, diarehea, dry heaves, no apetite, sudden cold chills, sudden hot spells.  She has no fever.  Are we widthrawing?  How long do you think this will last.  We see the oncologist next Thursday.  

Thanks,

sfwalter

122 Tactical Fighter Group · Answer

Thats an awfully short period of use for withdrawal to be a consideration. I am readint your post that you atart the day with 2 pills.....and then 1 every hour or two PRN?  She could possibly be getting oo much by dosing in that manner. Even though hydrocodone is short acting you could develop a toxic serum level by taking enough by the hour after the 2 pill loading dose........take a look at how you dose..........and the mint tea is a great idea - get her some of that right before bedtime and she will sleep well.......

flmagi · Answer

I would find it hard to believe that it's withdrawals she's experiencing after only 12 days on Hydrocodone (if I'm understanding the time correctly). Although stranger things have happened. Have her checked by her doctor.

sfwalter · Answer

Thanks for the welcome.   We had two very rough nights but she seems much more comfortable now after a few sips of mint (from the garden) tea at room temperture.

sfwalter · Answer

Thanks for all your help.  No day was consistant.  She averaged 6 a day, sometimes as many as 10.  She is able to keep clear fluids down.  I googled nausea and made her some fresh mint tea from the garden and that settled her down swiftly.  I will go and get some sports drink for the rest of the night and call her MD tomorrow.

pegatha1981 · Answer

Nooo...I meant tapering, like is she trying to taper off by cutting back. Sorry if you misunderstood. I'm sure you are concerned. I knew someone that went thru that surgery and just watch her. Don't hesitate to call her Dr.if you feel something isn't right. Can she eat stuff like jello, or chicken bouillion, or gatorade, anything to keep her strength up and keep her hydrated. My thoughts are with you.

road2recovery · Answer

I would also be concerned...Just because they sound like w/d's doesn't mean they are...
When you say you tapered to nothing, how many was she taking a day ? then to how many?   we need more to try and help you.

but i wouldn't wait for the appt either...

sfwalter · Answer

Did you mean tampering?  I'm not.  I am very concerned.  That's why I posted.  Neither of have ever been addicts.  She's put herself off the pills because she doesn't like the way they make her feel and her pain levels have been dropping.  Thankyou for your help and concern.

pegatha1981 · Answer

I would be really careful to make sure that she isn't dehydrated. Can she keep any liquids down, like anything with electrolytes? Why would she be withdrawing, and why are you tapering in a situation like this? I don't think i would wait til next Thursday to contact her Dr.

road2recovery · Answer

welcome....It does sound like w/d's , but i am no doctor, and hopefully her doctor can answer all of that....

I am a little confused, was she taking the meds before her surgery too??  IF it is w/d's she should be good very soon...Is she having trouble sleeping at night?
r2r