Long Term Effects of Oxycontin Abuse

[GeriP]

I have recently discovered that my 23 year old son is addicted to this drug.  He is in the mental health unit of a prison awaiting trial for crimes commited while under the influence of this drug.
He is being treated for hallucinations, anxiety and panic attacks, and general depression.  I do not know the names of the drugs he is being given but he is slowly returning to normal.
The doctors do not know if these symptoms will be re-occurring, and what the long term effects are going to be.
i am trying to find out what I can do, and can be expected in the future.  What are the chances of beating this????

[?passive_aggressive!]

.....so jb,
how r u?
..i`ve managed to be "straight" 4 a week!
...but my biggest enemyz still R my nervz,
my hands shake i dont know what to do with
my self..........IM NOT HAPPY...!

I cant stop thinkin `bout "it".....

i wish i can remember what was my life like before i started
hittin yellow pillz...but i cant...i only remember my crisis
time.....i dont know what to do with da #@!$ feelinn i have,
all tha time,i sleep all day tryinn to forget and my dreamz
r pretty sick! "i ride bicycle all night"if u know what im sayinn and i know u do!

your havy times compadre,
?P_A!

[?passive_aggressive!]

...hey jb,
we r gonna make it,
im sick of feelinn like %@#$!

PA

[jack26]

I have been taking 80mg of oxycontin for 5 months. How long will it take to get off the stuff?

[crookie]

How your son goes from here depends mostly if not entirely on him.  He's young, which is a good start and if this is his first imprisonment it may shock him into doing something about his drug use.  Again, it really depends on him and his attitude towards it all.  You could maybe learn up some more about drugs and be willing to discuss family issues or other issues - if he raises them.  But look after you too.  All the best.

[GeriP]

Thanks for your kind words.  I have been reading everything I can find regarding Oxycontin.  I know it's all up to him, and right now, he still needs to take that first step.  It's just very painful to have to sit on the sidelines and watch him slip further and further into the abyss.  Several people are trying their best to convince him to "see the light".  I just hope it's not too late.

[jule1]

Congratulations on staying clean a week that is a big step!!  Keep reminding yourself everyday that you have come so far and that should help the dragon as wizard used to say.  It sounds as if you are having anxiety though do you have any therapist you could see or at least talk to about this?  I am proud that you are trying to work through our language barrier for help it is frustrating for all of us.  Do you understand us more than we understand you?  Keep on taking it one day at a time as they say that makes so much more sense to me now than ever!!  Julie

[jule1]

Hi Geri, I don't have any experience with Oxy but have learned a lot about it from being on this forum.  It is a drug from heaven or hell depending on its use.  Its sad that so many people have had such great relief from chronic pain but its so easy for others to abuse. I hope the drug companies find a way for it not to be abused I know they are trying.   I just want to send you a little cyber hug and tell you that you are a wonderful mother!!!  Your son is lucky to have a mother who cares.  I am a mother of a 20 month old little boy so I can appreciate other moms love!!!  I hope you aren't too hard on yourself and I wish the best for both of you.  I don't have a lot of wise adivice but here is your hug and I will always be an ear here for you if needed (((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))!!!!!  Your new friend, Jules

[Cindy]

Dear Frank,

We are disappointed in your attack on Dr. Steve.  He has donated countless hours and expertise to this forum for the past few years, asking nothing in return.  

We don't think you realize that there are thousands of people who visit this forum, without posting and find it very helpful.

We would have preferred to have you work with Dr. Steve & Med Help to improve this forum, rather than opening your own forum.  However, we wish you well and would appreciate it if you would not use this forum for free advertising of yours.  

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[kstuebin]

I thought what Frank said was very well put.  Even restrained, given the cavalier treatment we've received from Dr. Steve. And I would venture to say the overwhelming majority of the people posting and lurking here agree with him. The problem is Dr. Steve is not helpful.  He's not even here most of the time and the truth is sometimes lives hang in the balance. Literally. We have no other way to let people know that there is an alternative except by posting our URL. And they want an alternative. If you truly care about the people here and their recovery, you will let us advertise our forum.  If one person commits suicide because they couldn't reach someone here or their post was deleted, wouldn't that bother you?  It would me.

[kstuebin]

We've post your forum's address on our site.  We don't have a lot of ego invested in this.  We're primarily concerned with people recovering and we don't care where they find the help to do it.  I wonder why you would.

[Frank Lee]

Cindy,

So the logic is because Dr. Steve has put in countless hours, and thousands of people visit this site, I have no right to be critical? Come on Cindy.

I think I was constructive - if you read the post I noted Dr. Steve has done some great work in the past (I've read his stuff). It just seems like this has become a bothersome chore rather than a labor of love.

Dr. Steve at this point is not posting substantial advice. I would like to ask anybody who has recieved advice from him in the last 6 weeks to go on record as recieveing substantial advice. His answers are pat. You would be better off in my opinion, going back to your original format and letting people visit and share. If someone wants specific medical advice ( with your caveats) they could ask Dr. Steve and then he wouldn't have to come in weekly and give meaningless refains.

I simply feel, and I am not alone, that he has done more to hurt this board ( threatening to close it, posting simply "delete") than to help it - that is my criticism.

Yes, I want to help people. If that means occasionally letting them know there is another site, so be it. You can call it advertising although it's a little odd. We sure ain't making money off it, it's labor intensive as you know, and we only started it because your Dr. Steve threatened to close this one. And, as Kstuebin says, we have listed your site on our board and we will continue to do so. God, this is not about competition. I just feel he is doing this place, which I said has helped me, a disservice.

So that's my two cents worth. I will stay off your board for a while if that will help. But I must tell you, I still care about this place. That was why I posted.

Frank

[Cindy]

Dear Frank & KStuebin,

Geez!  This is getting frustrating!  I believe I said in my previous posting that we would have preferred that you work with us to make this a better forum, rather than taking public pot-shots at Dr. Steve for thousands of people to see!  

Regarding publicity for your forum - you do not have any qualified medical professionals working with you and therefore, Med Help cannot, for the sake of our commitment to medical quality, support your forum.

In addition, we told all of you that if for some reason Dr. Steve chooses to leave the forum, Med Help will do everything we can to see that it continues, yet you decided to start your own forum.

As for the "delete" comments you see under Dr. Steve's name, these are software errors - not Dr. Steve being arrogant! We're working on correcting these.

This is a week during which America traditionally gives thanks -
We ask all of you to take a moment and really think about the words you are putting out for the world to see. How would you feel if your credibility was being attacked by annonymous people?  Wouldn't it be kinder to offer suggestions for improvement?

Think about the thousands of people who have been helped by Dr. Steve and ask yourself, doesn't he deserve better than remarks like:...

"His rash of short brain-dead responses this weekend, coupled with is audacity to post "delete" ( I thought that was up to you) has sounded the death knell for your board."?

Dr. Steve has supported you - now is your chance to give a little something back!  Talk to him - support him!  

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[Frank Lee]

I said I would quit posting for a while, so shoot me, but your misrepsentation of my input set me off. Criticism is a way of life, you are going to have to deal with it, especially when your "qualified medical source" has been less than helpful or positive. Regarding what qualifications exist on the other site, you frankly don't know. An MD following a name doesn't mean somoeone with real substance problems will get the help they need comming to a site where the same two sentences are repeated. I dare say there's a lot more support lately elsewhere. It's thanksgiving in America, I believe that means we celebrate freedoms like, starting our own forum if we choose, (again, you won't address this but especially when someone threatens to take this one away.) Take it as valid criticsm if Dr. Steve's posts were construed as delete and it's a "software error" - really, odd, that's a new software error, eh? Moreover, I stand by my criticism of Dr. Steve's responses. Finally, Dr. Steve hasn't supported me, he threatend me.

Good luck with the site.

F.

[kstuebin]

Why don't we just let the record speak for itself.  I personally have only had experience with Dr. Steve the past couple of months and he just hasn't been helpful and responsive during that period. Maybe he was before. What's the advantage to giving  medical advice if it isn't useful? The only help I got here was from the other users.

I don't think Frankie's remarks are pot shots. They're legitimate criticism. And they're shared by most of the people who post here.

And for the record, we started our forum prior to your suggestion for a new Medhelp venue.  It was already up and running with great success when you posted that offer.  I think Frankie has pointed out more than once that there's certainly room for as many forums as will be supported.

You're right about one thing. It's time to let this issue die and get back to the business of helping people.

[cindi]

The new forum that has been started is not an addiction MEDICINE forum with doc there to answer questions,,,we are a group of addicts helping each other......who better than to do that than those who have experience....one addict helping another...as for the medical professionals,,,,we do have some Medical professionals on the other board,,,,I, myself am a nurse, we have a professional therapist, another Medical professional and a pharmacist,,however, upon checking the archives I do see that at one time there was a nurse that was anwering medical questions,here on medhelp.,,,of course as a nurse I am not permitted to make a medical diagnosis however, I am permitted to point people in the right direction,,,,,the same as the other professionals on any board....but like I said,,,,the experience of being an addict is adequate enough.....so , as far as being on that board as being the med professionals  that is not what it is all about...it is support for the fellow addict,,,and us as a family sharing our experience, strength and hope.....i agree,,why do we have to nitpick and argue,,,it is time to put this to rest.let it die and as k said  get on with helping each other,,,,cindi

[Francoise]

Cindi, I have to agree with Frank. This forum seems to have become just another chore for Steve. I've frankly NEVER seen a substantial, well thought-out answer from him. Never. And I don't believe that one must have a medical degree to be helpful. That kind of elitism has killed a lot of people.

I am also a permanent denizen of a melanoma bb. And I can tell you for a fact that many doctors don't know their butts from third base when it comes to that disease, one of the most deadly and most frequently mis-diagnosed cancers on the planet. The "non degreed" yet well-informed regulars on that site have saved many lives in the four years I've been on it. Those people helped save my life. And there's not an M.D. among 'em.

And as desparate as addicts can become, I'm all for telling all who post here about the new site. The fact that you don't want Frankie Lee to advertise the new site on this one leaves me absolutely breathless. I cannot believe my ears! Um, eyes! That's far too much elitism for me. This site hasn't all the answers, and Steve has become less than desultory. And it's hard as hell to post here, an original one anyway. What gives you the right??? Do you honestly feel that position is ethical?

And now that I have your attention, supposedly, perhaps I can finally get an answer to the oft repeated, never answered question, "why do you delete ALL the Ibogaine posts and refuse then to discuss why you do it?"

Standing by,

Francois

[cindi]

was that post to me  cindi?   cindi41 or cindy from medhelp?

[Witchywoman]

Ok folks, this has gotten out of hand.

I honestly don't see the purpose of continuing to stir this pot up.  

When I saw the word "delete" from Dr. Steve, my imediate assumption was that he had somehow intended to delete a certain post, but had made an error because he is not used to the new software format.

I could be wrong. But I think a lot of assumptions have been made in this debate, on both sides, and I think this had caused it to go from bad to worse.  

I truly doubt that Dr Steve has any ill intentions. My "assumption" is that he does not have the time to give to this board.  I tend to not get a whole lot of from the posts that he does offer, but I think that calling him names over that is at best ineffective.

My policy with this board has been to "take what I like and leave the rest". I've continued to post here because I've gotten so much help. I've chosen to let go of my feelings about my deleted posts, and continued to be a member of a community that saved my life.  

I am not ready to say goodbye to this forum. It holds a very precious place in my heart, just for being here.  Those who are unhappy with the format here have a new place to go. Please remember though, that there are hundreds of new people every day who find this place, who NEED this place as badly as I once did. The bickering that is going on here is hurtful to them, and may prevent them from getting the positive warmth and caring they need. If I came across this site now for the first time, I'd cruise right on by.

I remain extremely grateful for the help I've gotten here. I just would like to ask that we let this bickering die down. Let's focus on the positive, sharing our experience, strength and hope, as we all struggle with this addiction demon. The bickering is a huge distraction to the real work that we need to do, the work of recovery.

To my friends who may disagree with what I'm writing, please, let it be ok to disagree and still hold love in our hearts for each other.  But please, lets stop the name calling and go to wherever each of needs to go to do the work of recovery.

love,
WW

[GeriP]

Thanks for the (((Hugs))), I appreciate them.  As I said, I'm trying to learn how to help my son(my only child).  He is receiving medical treatment during his incarceration, and while we don't know if he will recieve additional jail time as a result of his crimes, my concerns are for his mental health as well as the addiction.

He had a good life.  Recently engaged, good job.  As a result of a car accident two years ago, he was given Percocet for pain.  His addiction led to Xanax and now the Oxy.  From what I have learned, he was taking up to 160mg. every couple of days.  The girlfriend swears she didn't know, but I have my doubts.  She's gone now, and he's in jail, and I am the only one standing by him. His natural father, nor his step-dad, have anything to do with him.

While we wait for the trial, which isn't until January, I can only talk to him via phone.  He doesn't want me to visit. His doctors give me updates on his progress, and we hope to have him clean by the trial date.  It's been hard on me, but I stay cheerful on the phone.  His bouts with paranoia and hallucinations are scary.  It takes him 4-7 days to return to normal.  This has happened twice since mid-October.  I can only sit and wait for a call from the doctors.

Well, thanks again for your kind words.
Geri

[butterbean]

WW, please don't feel ashamed.  Don't be ashamed for being human.  You may find the ringing is just an inner ear problem.  I am here for you, and you were in the same field I do and you know in your mind and heart that we are only human. If only I had never touched a pain killer.  Too late now.  My pain is better today and I am putting up my Christmas Tree since I have the rest of week off.  Remember, we are all here for you too.  Geri-keep being optimistic that your son is getting the help he needs and he will be OK.  You are a great mom for standing by him, I never had a mom like you, so I know how special you are.  Have good day.
Love Butterbean

[Witchywoman]

Butterbean, thank you for the supportive words. I needed to hear some support coming back at me, more than you could ever know.
I may be having an irrational reaction to this ear ringing, but it is hard to keep the fear away that this means I did major damage to my hearing through my years of hydro abuse.

I feel overwhelmed, sad, scared, and helpless.  I'm taking action by seeing doctors and doing what I can to find out what is going on, and I am trying really hard to stay focused on the positive.

No matter what ends up happening, I know that I have a lot to be grateful for. Yes I have bad back pain, but I have two legs that work and some folks don't.  I may end up with more hearing damage, but I have two eyes that see and some folks don't. I need to focus on what I have, and not let the fear over run me.
I don't mean to sound like I'm whinning, but I am feeling very scared and vulnerable.
Any and all support right now is greatly appreciated, so thank you, very much.

How are you doing Butterbean? How is your detox coming along? I thought about you, and Telby, and Ginger over the weekend and prayed you were all doing ok. Please let us know.
love,
WW

[butterbean]

Hi WW, I am doing OK.  I am not taking the pain meds,but, I have been drinking some because of the pain.  I intend to stop doing that too, I don't even like to drink. I hate it, but, I have so much pain.  The 15 years I went without pain meds, I would drink wine, etc, when the pain was bad, and it doesn't help much, but, some.  I guess I will try later to take the meds as perscribed or even less, but, if I start taking more, I am throwing them away.  I feel better than I have in a long time.  I am going to get through this and be a happy person!  You will be fine WW, the ear thing willclear up soon.  I feel it for you. Remember you have so much to be thankful for during this season, and I will be h ere for you when you need me.
Love Butterbean

[GingerLee]

Witchywoman, I think that you have been really brave and strong  from what I have seen here. Have you ever had your blood-pressure checked? I think that can make your ears ring.I also heard that a pinched nerve in you neck could do it too.
You keep on keepin on and stay grounded and close.

[GingerLee]

ooops, it looks like I was writing to myself. Sorry everyone

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I agree with WW.  This constant bickering serves no purpose and should not be posted here for all to see.  Maybe some people get a real kick out of all this BS but I don't!  J.B.

[cindi]

i asked in an above post...why can't we let this all die and get on with this...after hearing Cindy's reason for all the post deletions i felt better knowing that it was not doen intentionally....i have talked to cindy and and they are trying their hardest to keep this place at it's best...come on   this is Thanksgiving  can't everyone just please please get along and go back to being friends again.?

[Wizard]

I was just checking in on you all over this holiday weekend. Looks like this place has been quiet for a couple of days. I hope you all had a pretty good Thanksgiving and got through the weekend without too much discomfort. I have had you all on my mind and in my prayers. Take care and let me know if I can be of any assistance. Always your friend and always checking.
Power & Magick 2 U All,
Wiz

[Witchywoman]

Hi y'all, and thanks for the kind words!

I've had my blood pressure checked, and all kinds of other things checked, and there is no explanation for the ringing in my ears except for my past history of hydrocodone abuse.  The doc said ibuprofen (which I take high doses of for pain) does not cause ringing in the ears.  So, I'm convinced it is from the years of hydro. It started when I was still using, but has gotten worse lately.  My doc is supposed to refer to me to a hearing specialist to test further, but I haven't heard from the specialist yet. I'm going to call on Monday myself...the squeaky wheel gets the oil in HMOs.  I'm still worried, but not running as much anxiety about it as I was.

My addiction cost me a lot already. I hope I haven't permanently damaged my hearing. I"ll keep you all posted.

I hope you are all feeling more comfortable by now.  How is the withdrawal going? Have you been able to fight the Dragon? It is soooo damn hard..I know.  

love,
WW

[GingerLee]

I was getting a little concerned about everyone because it has been so quiet. I am doing ok. I feel guilty about having to take anything for my pain, but that is something I have imposed on myself. As far as narcotics go- I have been a good girl. I went to the DR. earlier this week and he said I should be walking on my own in a couple of months.
WW, I thought I would post this tidbit of information that I have about ibuprophen. It is unrelated to the ringing in the ears problem, but it might help another woman one day.  I had a total hysterectomy a few years back due to some female problems and was put on Premarin
I always preferred motrin to tylenol and I would take it if I had nothing else. I noticed that when I would take the ibuprophen the cold sweats and chills would come on faster than when I did not. I asked my Dr. and sure enough, ibuprophen hinders the hormones, making an uncomfotable situation worse.
I also have a suggestion for your tinitus.(sp?) Start taking Ginko Biloba. It increases the circulation in the brain. Check it out it may help. It comes in tea form, bulk herb or capsules. You may have to take it for a month or two before you realize the full effect, but I have heard great things about it.
Wiz- Thanks to you as usual, you are a wise wiz and I appreciate you.
Telby-butterbean, where are you? I am thinking about you.

[Wizard]

Goodmorning to you! How nice to see a major win on the board. Walking on your own in a couple of months is wonderful news. I hope you keep us posted on the progress as we too often only hear about the sad stuff. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving weekend and I'll keep on praying for you.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Wiz

[Witchywoman]

Hi Ginger...that is great news from your doctor, about hearing you will be walking on your own in a little while. Hang in there..I know it must feel like forever!

Good advice about the ginko biloba...however, I've been taking ginko biloba every day, in fairly high quantities, for the past two years.  I find it helps with a lot of things, but it doesn't seem to help the ear ringing.  My acupuncturist gave me a chinese herbal formula that does seem to be lowering the ringing a bit, which was the first bit of hope I've had in a while.  She also put the needles in points deep inside my ears..LOL..it felt so wierd, but it really did help.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!

love,
WW

[butterbean]

Read my post up above Ginger.  I am doing fine, but, I did start taking my meds again.  I wish I knew another way to deal with my pain. I have taken Motrin, and just about everything else there is over the years, but, nothing worked but the narcotic.  I need to learn to take as perscribed.  You sound so positive, and I am so glad that you will be walking soon. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did, but, made my back worse!  Thanks for asking for me.  Keep up the strength Gingerlee!!!
Love Butterbean

[butterbean]

I want to try and find the new forum.  I couldn't find the link .  Could you post it again here.  For some reason, before I tried about 4 times and couldn't get on it.  Do you know how I can get on it.  When I put in the link before it came up that it wasn't in there.  I have AOL.  Does that have something to do with it?  Thanks.  I am doing OK.  Only took some meds when I got home today for the pain as I was on my feet all day.  I think I can do this.  Please keep encouraging me.  How are you guys doing?  Maybe I should try acupuncture for my back?  What do you think WW.  It is my very low back and buttocks.  I fell first at age 14 and had massive lump on my right buttocks.  I had to have many blood clots removed in a period of a week!  Told me i could have died from that.  The final straw was when I fell skating !!!  It was downhill after that.  I was on my feet for two hours today and everytime I sneezed I almost fell with my back grabbing and hurting!  This is horrible.  I am going to join a gym again soon, so I hope that helps.  Thanks to all of you for your support.  Hope Telby, Gingerlee, Abusa, Skipper and everyone are doing OK.
Love Butterbean

[Witchywoman]

Hi Butterbean,
I was incredibly busy at work yesterday and didn't have a chance to do any posting all!

Yes, I do think acupuncture would be a great thing to try. It helps me a lot with my back pain, and it also helps the body handle the side effects of opiates.  In addition, if you ever try to detox from opiate, acupuncture has ways of making that much, much less uncomfortable.

I've been getting acupuncture at least every other week for a while now, and though I hear it doesn't work for everyone, it works very well for me.

Email me at ***@**** if you want info on the other forum, we've been (understandably) asked to not use this forum to advertise for that one.

I hope you are doing well..you're in my thoughts.

love,
WW

[sheila15]

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is any long term effects to kidneys or liver from tramadol use. I have been on 400mg a day for 1 year follow a botched back surgery.