Is it withdrawl? Shaking, Headache, nervousness

[The Dude]

Hi,
I am having a rough time lately.  I was hooked on Hydrocodone for about a year, 30-40 mgs a day.  I haven't had a pill in about a month, but lately I have been having excruciating headaches on the top/center of my head.  They've been here for about a month and WON'T GO AWAY.  I don't think it's migraines either.  These things just don't go away.  Today I noticed my hands were shaking.  I have been having anxiety attacks for the past three days as well.  I got the drugs anyway I could, do you think I could have caused brain damage to myself?  Or a neurological disorder?  Is this normal for the first few months?  I had a CT Scan of my head and it revealed nothing.  Neurologist can't find anything either.  I just don't feel right you know?  I have fear of death everyday, I can't do anything except worry about it.  Is it Parkinson's disease coming on?  Help me please?  Anybody ever go through this?  I can hardly type right now I'm so worked up.  Does anybody know anything at all?  Thanks and God Bless

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

You know, you ask some pretty good questions about pain meds. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you.  As time goes on, the tolerence builds and pretty soon you are self medicating instead of following Dr's orders.  I live in constant dread of upping my dose because I know there would be no end to it.

Out of respect for my physician, I have not asked for early refills.  I just tell him everything is fine during visits and let him call the shots.  My meds have been rewritten a few times, but it was his call.  I just answer the questions honestly.

Remember that using more than the perscribed amount is just stealing from yourself.  I'm guilty of doing this and have to pay by detoxing for several days until refill time comes.  Not pleasant at all!  Being on pain meds long term is not pleasant when you come right down to it.  It takes a lot of restraint and responsibilty for your intake.  If you are truly an addict, it can drive you crazy!  Sure, I could probably be on Oxy Contin right now but I would probably be dead, shortly.

I don't really think that I have helped you out much here, but at least it gave me an opportunity to get real with myself!  J.B.

[Witchywoman]

Hi everyone,
Jenny I've been thinking about you and sending positive energy your way.  It is so strange..we've never met, but knowing you're struggle is helping me with mine.

I need some help here....

I need help with some guidelines for myself in taking the meds. I have a high degree of pain, when the meds wear off it is at 7 to 8, and the Doc says the surgery I had produces pain reduction at around 4 to 6 months post op. I had the surgery June 4, so am close to halfway to the healing point.

When I first started posting, I really thought I could bear the physical pain, and really wanted to be free of this addiction.
But now I am finding it very very hard to manage the pain, and don't think this is the right time to completely go off them.

So, how do I stay in integrity with myself here? How do I wrap my head around taking the meds also knowing that I am an addict?

Every time it is time to take them, I face the temptation to take one or two more than I am supposed to. Yesterday I did fine until my nighttime dose, when I took 4 instead of 2. ::thwap  

I am begining to understand how food addicts feel, when they obviously can't abstain from food.

help! Gods, I wish I didn't love the feeling. Why can't I be one of the people who hates the way opiates make them feel? I'm trying to stay honest here. I have had to delete two paragraphs that I started to write, that contained lies...I can't let myself lie to you guys. I need you too much.

WW

[Wizard]

Jenny you listen hard to what J.B. has said. J.B. you are right on. It comes from inside deep in the heart for sure.
Jbear and Wildcat thanks for missing me! It's nice to feel wanted :-) I hope all is well for you both. There is so much to catch up on here. I really missed everyone too. I never quit thinking or praying for you all on the forum for sure.
Jenny, I'm back to you girl. You keep striving for that light and pay attention to my e-mails. God Bless you all and keep you.
Power & Magick 2 u all,
Peace & Light on us 4ever,
Wiz

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I'm praying for you, Jenny!  I wish I had a magic wand that would give you what you need right now! Anxiety is a killer state of mind to be in and I'm actually glad you took something to ease your discomfort.  I'm talking to you as an addict and not as a book pounding recovering addict. Believe me, better days are coming soon!  I've asked all the questions that you are asking now, and all I can say is pray to God.  The answers will come from inside your soul when they are most needed. J.B.

[Angelica]

.....You and Thomas were the first ones to respond to my post back in January.  You two coached me through some difficult decisions.  I am here for you too.  I'll check my email from time to time.... there is no rush, just email me when you have some spare time.  Hopefully, I can help.
Your Friend,
Angelica

[jennyfla]

I am feeling better now, of course, because i took a 1/2 a loracet.  I actually feel 'normal', and able to cope with everything again.
My question is, how long will i feel bad after stopping the medication?  When i'm in withdrawal, the whole world looks impossible to face, and i can't even do the simplist of tasks.  It might as well be pitch-black outside, because i don't see any sunshine while in w/d.  How long will it be before the sun comes back out, and i start to feel 'normal' without the pills?
I think my husband has reached that point, but i can't say for sure, so i wanted to run this by you guys!
Helps!
Lv Jenny