Kicking vicodin. Night #2. Ouch

[Ryanhart]

So I'm 25 I've been taking vicodin,norco.lortab,percocet (mostly vicodin)  for about 4 years steady everyday. It started for my bad teeth and my back.  I have a.d.d and the chemical imbalance is easily cured with some hydrocodone so I quickly became partial to it.  The first year started easy I could take 1 a day maybe 2 then nothing for a week.   By year 2 I was all in everyday but still only taking 3 a day.  Now up until Sunday morning (now technically tues 1:25 am)  I was still only taking no more than 4-6 a day. Mostly because I Los my insurance last year and now are not cheap or easy to come by so Ive been forcing myself to only take halves at a time to make them last longer.  Basically taking just enough to get a little perk keep the pain away and not get sick.   So sun night really sucked. Had runs was in alot of pain Especially in my knees and now night two is no better and now I'm getting BAD Restless Leg Syndrome not so much in my legs mostly in my arms as well as my shoulders and back it's horrible.  I've never had it before. I saw somewhere it could be normal from the w/d? I took a Xanax which I've taken a couple thru this journey to help and it has to a point but I don't think it's helping right now I can't sleep. (and before anyone says anything I hate Xanax so don't worry). Anyways I really want to be done with these things and I think I'm off to a good start but I'm 25 and I have arthritis in my back. Fingers and knees. Deterioration in my lumbar.  Migraines. And not to mention bad teeth.    Although I was using vicodin for those things as well as depression. A.d.d. Etc.  What can I do about my real problems if I abuse the medicine? I'm scared I'm going to take them again.    But fatigue and pain is a w/d so maybe my pain is manageable.  Idk because I've been on vicodin so long idk what it's like to not be on it.     Sorry I'm rambling.   I appreciate any input.   -Ryan

[Ryanhart]

Thank you.  Your right on the money.   I already took a Xanax and decided to push thru the night. Will post again tomorrow To update.     Thanks again for all your responses and encouragement.   It really helps.  

[overopiates]

hi and welcome.U r starting2feel better@day3which is great.Im gonna b honest w/u no a half wnt set ur physical situation back much but ur already feeling better so dnt take it that will set u back mentally.U werent taking a lot u sound like u were taking them n halves throughout the day too which also helped to ease ur w/d a lot.Most of us just took by the hanful just2start the day b4we quit.Heres the deal u r being very blessed that u r feeling better physically.Remember this u will have whats called rebound pain which is awful for a little while.Its honestly ur body trying to get u to take pills.Dnt give up.U will get through this.I wouldnt say a thimg about xanax I took them myself through my detox they sure helped w/the anxiety.NO LECTURES HERE.U r using(were using)the tabs/vikes/perks for numerous underlying issues.U need to see a dr to get the proper meds for depression(lots if great AD meds available).As for ur ADD well why not try one of newer meds out that r not amphetamine based)I only suggest that because as u may know the ritalin etc is widely abused.Understand too these opiates CAUSE MORE DEPRESSION.The use up basically what ur brain produces to make us happy sober(seratonin)so u will be out if balance most likely for a little while and getting on an anti depressant NOW is very important so u dnt get depresswd and use to make it go away(Ive done that n the past many times).U came2the right place we r here to help but please understand that ur already depressed,as MANY DO u medicated to take that away w/the wrong medication so u need that addressed asap.I say this from experience and MANY stories/experiences here.Have u thought what u will do for aftercare(n.a./therapy etc)people often think after the physical w/d is over they r n the clear but the physical w/d is easy.99.9%dnt stay clean  for any period of time.U r an addict,u have people readily able to give u pills.U cnt have that n ur life at all.U have a lot going on w/using to mask other issues like so many of us&still have any pills around is setting urself up for relapse so flush whatever u have.Get an aftercare plan,get on the proper meds asap and know that  will have ups and downs as we all do.Dnt use come here and post.
sabrina

[overopiates]

btw u can get otc meds for the rls,sleep aid etc hit the drugstore or walmart tomorrow

[Ryanhart]

Thank you guys for your responses. I'm on day 3 and it's getting a little better but now it's time for bed and that's when it's the worse.  I admit Im contemplating taking HALF of this ONE tab I have so I can sleep tonight. I could have got 20-30 but I got 1 with the idea of having 2 halves. I do NOT want to take these things anymore and I am terrified if I take this half and sleep that tomorrow I'll have to start all over??? Will the w/d's get worse again from reintroducing the hydro to my body???

[kme17]

Try hylands restful legs. Sometimes it works for me sometimes it don't. But I get it in my arms too. I been taking them this go n I been fortunate. Cvs is where I get it. Ask a clerk if u can't find it. Usually on the bottom shelf. Don't get the leg cramp one unless u have leg cramps

[Conjen]

Ryan I am on day 2 withdrawl but not from Vicodin from lortab 10/500 about 10-15  and when I ran out of that I would take 10-15 tramadol.  The most serious problem is I'm having is the restless leg syndrome in my legs and my arms that is the worst part the rest I can handle. It gets better i know it does it has to I did just turn down tabs a few hours ago do I'm beginning to gain a lil strength.  This site is great for those restless moments it keeps your mind busy hang in there

[Teresa1717]

Hi Ryan and Welcome! Im sorry your having so much pain. This part of coming off of pain meds isnt fun. Alot of us started on pain meds for legitimate reasons and when we get off of them we fear the pain is going to be so much worse, or untolerable. Now of course everyone is different and has their own unique experiences but I founf that after the initial week, My pain was the best it had been in YEARS. The first week was tough and I did have alot of pain but I think our brain tries to convince us that we NEED those pills! That the pills are only going to make it better. Let me ask you this, When you were taking the pills, were you ever pain free?? Did you ever have days when the pills just didnt seem to work that great anymore?? Our brains are very crafty and can play all kinds of tricks on us.

I think that once you find you come off of these that alot of the problems you have had may start to improve. If they dont then you can always talk to your Dr about non-narcotic pain management right\?

Read the Thomas Recipe which wll help your w/d's. Hylands restless leg has been used by many and they say it helped for that. (I was lucky and didnt have that problem) Take hot baths for not only the achy muscles but the skin crawling issue and the restless leg/arms. Walk as often as you can make yourself. Your body will start to rebuild its own natural chemicals which before Pain meds is what our bodies did to heal us, and help with pain and give us energy. It will all eventually come back in time if your patient enough!

Keep posting here for support! There are alot of great people with large amounts of clean time who can help guide you along the way to recovery! Congrats on making the decision to take your life back! :)