Aa
Most mentally challenging thing I've endured
Hey everyone, been reading and trying to gauge some sort of time frame for a few withdrawls of Demerol, Percs and Hydrocodones...... Six months ago I started these with a prescription. I never really took X amount of pills daily. It always varied and some days nothing. Well, with my wifes help I quit cold turkey 5 days ago. I feel like days 3 and 4 were better than today. The only things that are bothering me is the lack of sleep and elevated heart rate. The chills/sweat I can deal with. Sleep and heart rate worry me. My Doc knows and knows I'm a stern S O B. He's just ask that I text him updates. I thought I would do okay after "only" six months. Bwahahahaha! I was stupid. I have a small son that I still devote time to everyday through this process. I still work my full-time job while going through this as well. It keeps me active. Today is the first day I noticed muscle soreness. Maybe because I was less busy today? Lots of walking and using of the muscles in my job. I lost 20lbs in these six months too. I am taking a multi-vitamin, fish oil, B-6 and drinking enough water, Gatorade and Cran-Grape(for the vitamin C) to have peed 13 times in 9 hours. I did however take a phenergan 25 last night to sleep. Made for a rough first half the day. Tonight is an OTC sleep aid night! Never took benzo's for long times. They do nothing great for me. Yet, I did take a Soma today for the muscle soreness. They do not make me sleepy in the least.
I really just wanted to give some background and ask, what am I looking at time wise for improvements in sleep and Heart Rate? I was originally trying these to stop my Migraines which don't seem to respond to Triptans(sp)? I have found its easier to handle repeated headache pain than go through this nightmare. I have an excellent support system including my wife, brother and sister. I read everyones story and say DAMN! How did we all get here? Thankfully, I'm at six months. It was my idea to trash the sh!t and go cold turkey as I will not forget this too soon by going this route.
Thanks everyone
I really just wanted to give some background and ask, what am I looking at time wise for improvements in sleep and Heart Rate? I was originally trying these to stop my Migraines which don't seem to respond to Triptans(sp)? I have found its easier to handle repeated headache pain than go through this nightmare. I have an excellent support system including my wife, brother and sister. I read everyones story and say DAMN! How did we all get here? Thankfully, I'm at six months. It was my idea to trash the sh!t and go cold turkey as I will not forget this too soon by going this route.
Thanks everyone
Hi! Welcome...
How fast is your heart beating? Can you get your blood pressure checked? Often,during withdrawals,B/P goes way up. There's a great med for this called clonodine. It's great you have a Dr. on board. Get that B/P checked and if it's higher than 120/80 (like 150/100) call the doctor. Do this ASAP and let us know...
We can answer the other questions later...
Vicki
How fast is your heart beating? Can you get your blood pressure checked? Often,during withdrawals,B/P goes way up. There's a great med for this called clonodine. It's great you have a Dr. on board. Get that B/P checked and if it's higher than 120/80 (like 150/100) call the doctor. Do this ASAP and let us know...
We can answer the other questions later...
Vicki
The Heart Rate hovers in the 100 bpm range. I have low blood pressure but, I'll get it checked. I'm holding my head high and doing my best to maintain my daily activities as this is pretty tough but, I did it to myself and know that "There is light at the end of the tunnel, I just have to be brave and walk through the darkness to get to it". Thats what I keep telling myself. Still though, this whole blood pressure thing should subside as well too, correct?
Poochie...you are a prime example of the short period of time it takes to get addicted or dependent on opiates and the fact that opiates cause more pain that they relieve.
You are wise to detox from them and use other methods of pain relief.
Toradol is a very effective NSAID pain reliever.It needs an Rx from the doctor and they only like to order it short term because of stomach irritation.
Percogesic is another otc pain med that contains acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine(an antihistamine) that may be quite effective for migraine pain.Or even ibuprofen 800mg(2 x 400mg ibuprofen)in recommended doses.
Your symptoms should soon be over and you should be able to sleep soon.I took Nyquil without the decongestant to help me sleep during detox and it workes well.The only problem is that it is also habit forming so use it sparingly.
You are wise to detox from them and use other methods of pain relief.
Toradol is a very effective NSAID pain reliever.It needs an Rx from the doctor and they only like to order it short term because of stomach irritation.
Percogesic is another otc pain med that contains acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine(an antihistamine) that may be quite effective for migraine pain.Or even ibuprofen 800mg(2 x 400mg ibuprofen)in recommended doses.
Your symptoms should soon be over and you should be able to sleep soon.I took Nyquil without the decongestant to help me sleep during detox and it workes well.The only problem is that it is also habit forming so use it sparingly.
Yes...the B/P thing subsides but can get pretty high. I'm not trying to frighten you,I'm just suggesting it would be very prudent to get it checked because if it's high it needs to come down...NOW. Can you get it checked? If you know your usual B/P then you'll know what "too high" is for you...
V.
V.
B/P is 130/84 and a pulse of 97. However this is according to the machine at CVS pharmacy.
Your BP is in the acceptable range if you have no risk factors like heart disease or diabetes and your heart rate is in the high range,but my reading says that the normal range is about 50 to 100....a very wide range.
Looks like everything is OK so far,but if you have a concern call your doctor
Have you been drinking a lot of drinks with caffeine?That raises heart rate.
How are you feeling now?
Detox is a bummer even if you were prescribed these drugs and used them as ordered a short time.
Looks like everything is OK so far,but if you have a concern call your doctor
Have you been drinking a lot of drinks with caffeine?That raises heart rate.
How are you feeling now?
Detox is a bummer even if you were prescribed these drugs and used them as ordered a short time.
Okay...Great! Glad you checked that out. :)
It sounds like you're doing everything correctly. You take the right vits. etc..Good on fluids and food...At 5 days you should be turning the corner by tomorrow or Saturday.
Loss of sleep and fatigue are the last to return to normal. Could be a month. I'm sorry but I won't BS you! Try to hang in there. This is not easy but it's doable. I think you're very strong...working,spending time with your child. It's important to do that in the midst of it all. Also,having the family support is wonderful. You're lucky!
Hope this helped~ Keep posting with any questions~
Vicki
It sounds like you're doing everything correctly. You take the right vits. etc..Good on fluids and food...At 5 days you should be turning the corner by tomorrow or Saturday.
Loss of sleep and fatigue are the last to return to normal. Could be a month. I'm sorry but I won't BS you! Try to hang in there. This is not easy but it's doable. I think you're very strong...working,spending time with your child. It's important to do that in the midst of it all. Also,having the family support is wonderful. You're lucky!
Hope this helped~ Keep posting with any questions~
Vicki
I'm 33 with no other problems than migraines and frequent headaches. I'm particularly glad to learn I'm going about this correctly. I have to make time for my wife and son. The importance of them is crucial. Work knows what I'm going through and is doing whatever they can. I've been at this job 15 1/2 years. My boss is more a close friend. He listens but, doesn't quite understand. I like the scheduled day. Seems to help keep me moving and getting better. This is a damn tough road. I actually look at this as a challenge. I hope I'm turning that corner. I talked to friend who went through this before. He said I should feel substantially better in the 7-10 day area. With 2-5 days left, I think I have this. Then, the true test starts! I think I may visit a NA meeting. Even with my support system, just seems like a good idea. I have a cycle ride scheduled for Sunday too. My Doc will be with me. We share the same love of cycling and he wants to shed some pounds and I want to feel better. I have to go! This is a damn good site with a knowledgeable community. In my opinion Cold Turkey was the best ending. Spring is right around the corner and I want another garden and have a yard that needs tidying up. I have so much to do when the energy returns. I also have a small weight set at work that I'm putting to slight use through this. Everything is seemingly on track to a speedy recovery. Since I informed my Doc of what I've done to myself, he has been quite helpful. I say truth and honesty with your Doc goes a long way. I have long posts but, I want to help as much as I've been helped.
Just one question....did you sneeze a lot?I sneezed for about a week among other things..but was able to work long hard days at work because I had no choice.
I blamed the sneezing on a cold...which I never get and everyone felt sorry for me.
I blamed the sneezing on a cold...which I never get and everyone felt sorry for me.
You are very wise to be thinking about an NA meeting. I was going to mention it but thought I'd wait a bit before pounding THAT drum in your ear! LOL
Aftercare is very important so do go to a meeting. Sometimes you need to go to different ones until you find a good fit...It's a great plan,though.
I think you're on track but keep posting with updates. Many folks read the forum posts and are helped greatly from them. Pretty soon you'll find yourself responding to others posts. Actually,there's a man "widowed dad" who also posted here today. You are both in the same time frame with some similar symptoms(I told him to get his B/P checked,also) You should read his post and feel free to comment to him.
Take care~~Vicki
Aftercare is very important so do go to a meeting. Sometimes you need to go to different ones until you find a good fit...It's a great plan,though.
I think you're on track but keep posting with updates. Many folks read the forum posts and are helped greatly from them. Pretty soon you'll find yourself responding to others posts. Actually,there's a man "widowed dad" who also posted here today. You are both in the same time frame with some similar symptoms(I told him to get his B/P checked,also) You should read his post and feel free to comment to him.
Take care~~Vicki
I have never sneezed so much in my life! Work was like "Geez, whats up with the sneezing"? It is a rare occasion for me to sneeze. I told'em flat out. Withdrawals!
I read that thread and have been keeping up with it. I searched Sunday night which was my first day clean for NA meetings. Quite a few near me.
My wife made me eat tonight as I really had no desire. I'm a sucker for chicken pot pie and the grocery store had a fresh baked one! Also got more grapes and bananas. I love food! I want to desire it again....... I was always active and in shape.In these six months though, I went from 149lbs to 130-132. I have a rule that I must be able to count 8 abs. Its just ridiculous now though. I'm 5'5" and my size 29 waist jeans are too big. Secretary informed me today that my skin tone was much better and my eyes looked better. I feel pretty good right now. Just rocked my son to sleep. Such a precious lil guy! I have to be there for him, he's mini me, my greatest gift. I'm gaining some of my humor back as well. Well I took a couple sleeping pills and gonna go relax and try to fall asleep.
Everyone should remember, Cold Turkey should not be feared. I mean hey, sex was scary your first time but, did it stop you from trying?
I read that thread and have been keeping up with it. I searched Sunday night which was my first day clean for NA meetings. Quite a few near me.
My wife made me eat tonight as I really had no desire. I'm a sucker for chicken pot pie and the grocery store had a fresh baked one! Also got more grapes and bananas. I love food! I want to desire it again....... I was always active and in shape.In these six months though, I went from 149lbs to 130-132. I have a rule that I must be able to count 8 abs. Its just ridiculous now though. I'm 5'5" and my size 29 waist jeans are too big. Secretary informed me today that my skin tone was much better and my eyes looked better. I feel pretty good right now. Just rocked my son to sleep. Such a precious lil guy! I have to be there for him, he's mini me, my greatest gift. I'm gaining some of my humor back as well. Well I took a couple sleeping pills and gonna go relax and try to fall asleep.
Everyone should remember, Cold Turkey should not be feared. I mean hey, sex was scary your first time but, did it stop you from trying?
Well, I thought I was getting better. I started feeling crazy today. I was working and then all of a sudden....BAM! I felt all out of sorts and wondering "what have I done to myself"? Really fixating and scaring myself. Practiced my breathing techniques and that calmed me somewhat. The Doc said BP is 120/80 and pulse was 92. I went to the Doc and he gave me lorazepam to calm me down and told me I have done nothing to myself and to just hang in there a little bit longer. He said he would be surprised if I needed these more than a week at this point. I'm in my sixth day. Why did I feel this way all of a sudden? Especially this far into Cold Turkey. I sit here now at home after leaving work just struggling.
FORWARD 20 MINUTES
A close friend called and I just let it all out. Teary eyed ***** fest. However, I feel better. Now if I could just get some sleep. Doc said no sleeping pills, use lorazepam to calm down and fall asleep. 1 pill no more frequent than 6 hours.
Though this has been the toughest challenge I have ever faced, this being my first bout with narcotics, I still don't see using them again as a viable option in the least. I have come to look at taking more pills to not suffer withdrawals is like getting up in the morning and have a beer to make the hangover easier. Those action just don't compute in my head. Makes no sense, you get through this once and you can be a Hero. Doing it again means much less and I HAVE to be my sons HERO! There are no other choices.
In keeping my humor while going through this.........
Cold Turkey can turn you into a ***** for awhile, so beware.
FORWARD 20 MINUTES
A close friend called and I just let it all out. Teary eyed ***** fest. However, I feel better. Now if I could just get some sleep. Doc said no sleeping pills, use lorazepam to calm down and fall asleep. 1 pill no more frequent than 6 hours.
Though this has been the toughest challenge I have ever faced, this being my first bout with narcotics, I still don't see using them again as a viable option in the least. I have come to look at taking more pills to not suffer withdrawals is like getting up in the morning and have a beer to make the hangover easier. Those action just don't compute in my head. Makes no sense, you get through this once and you can be a Hero. Doing it again means much less and I HAVE to be my sons HERO! There are no other choices.
In keeping my humor while going through this.........
Cold Turkey can turn you into a ***** for awhile, so beware.
Because you're really not that far along yet...that's why you felt that way all of a sudden. 6 days of cold turkey is great BUT it's only 6 days of being clean. Feelings are all over the place,brain is rapid firing,anxiety is floating just under the surface...
It sounds like a panic/anxiety attack to me. They're very common. The meds will help
(You have a great Doc) and now that you know about this symptom you'll know how to handle it in the future. They are creepy but they pass.
Your attitude is wonderful...
Vicki
It sounds like a panic/anxiety attack to me. They're very common. The meds will help
(You have a great Doc) and now that you know about this symptom you'll know how to handle it in the future. They are creepy but they pass.
Your attitude is wonderful...
Vicki
Ahhhh! Thats why! I was hoping to be nearly done. Doc said give it upto another week but, it may be just 3-4 more days. He is a good guy but, he said after what I've done he will not see me again after today until I show him I'm seeing a psychiatrist. This Doc believes the root of my constant debilitating headaches is worry and anxiety. He's glad I'm honest with him as that way he can tell me what to do and fix it. I felt ashamed. He said "don't beat yourself up, sh!t happens when you go to slack Docs. Its our job to keep you outta this mess" and "you're going to be fine, I promise. Just takes time. Took time to happen, takes time to fix it but, at least you're doing it!"
As I said, he's a great Doc. Now I'm convinced! As far as the headaches go...
there are so many different types of headaches and causes it's tough to get to the root. Yes,a psych might be of help,I don't really know. Only you know. You have to ask yourself a lot of questions about the headaches: Do you wake up with them? Do they follow a stressful day? Large meal? Anger? Etc.. I kept track in a notebook so I could try to find a trend. Migraines are what got me into my addiction as well. The drug I took was Fioricet. I was horribly addicted to it for many years and it was horrible to get off of. It has to be tapered. Don't let anyone give it to you...ever!! But,I digress(love that word). Anyway,the psychiatrist is worth a shot. Also,you probably have headaches now during this process. They are rebound headaches.
Take a little Tylenol for those. Remember,you're detoxing from Tylenol also.
Yes,you ARE getting there. Why can't you take Triptans?
Vicki
there are so many different types of headaches and causes it's tough to get to the root. Yes,a psych might be of help,I don't really know. Only you know. You have to ask yourself a lot of questions about the headaches: Do you wake up with them? Do they follow a stressful day? Large meal? Anger? Etc.. I kept track in a notebook so I could try to find a trend. Migraines are what got me into my addiction as well. The drug I took was Fioricet. I was horribly addicted to it for many years and it was horrible to get off of. It has to be tapered. Don't let anyone give it to you...ever!! But,I digress(love that word). Anyway,the psychiatrist is worth a shot. Also,you probably have headaches now during this process. They are rebound headaches.
Take a little Tylenol for those. Remember,you're detoxing from Tylenol also.
Yes,you ARE getting there. Why can't you take Triptans?
Vicki
Do you grind or clench your teeth a lot because that can cause headaches.Perhaps a mouthguard at night and try to not clench your teeth while awake.
Vicki..I Think he said that triptans did not help..That is why they are probably not migraines but tension headaches.
Vicki..I Think he said that triptans did not help..That is why they are probably not migraines but tension headaches.
PS don't ever start on tramadol either.It is a lot more addicting than stated.
See you all later.Got to go to work.
See you all later.Got to go to work.
I do have a night guard that I've been wearing again. My headaches are tripped around variances in barometric pressure. My original GP who I went to see today doesn't believe they are migraines. However, my Neurologist does. Anyway, for now I'm sticking with the GP's word and give it a few more days. He said "Take it easy, calm down, you're going to fine despite what you feel right now. Your healthy as sh!t, drop the narcotics!" I can't see him again until I see a psychiatrist and I'll see my Neuro at my cycle ride Sunday. I'll fill him in. He isn't too worried about me since I'm hard headed and full of life when I'm not on pills! I was even scared to take the lorazepam until he said "do what I tell you, it will make the rest easier". Tylenol, advil, all that stuff is not being taken through this process. I'm taking hot detox sweat baths with baking soda and epsom salt. I'm still peeing all the time too. I want this crap outta my system!
Sounds like you and I are in the same situation...sneezing and all! You are a day ahead of me...and it sounds like you're doing an amazing job. I've had the beating heart and sneezing as well and am definitely looking forward to them both ending. But dont' you just feel so much better about yourself at this point? Keep up the good job.
I am going to start my cold turkey detox soon from vicodin 5/500 approximately 6 pills a day. I am scared. I have a wonderful husband, but I do not want to tell him. I also have 4 children with exhausting schedules. It is going to be so hard to keep up. I have been reading the posts, and am inspired by both of your comments. Taking a week off work is doable for me as I am only part time, but I will have to schedule it. I will crave the vicodin a again when I am exhausted the next day after work, and have to take care of the kids. This is the scariest part for me. The wd is just a challenge that I WILL make it through if I don't work during this time, and I can post for encouragement. Please help me. I have not set a date yet.
First...you need to tell your husband. The lying and secrets just keep you sick. You will probably be pleasantly surprised by his reaction. Even if it is a little harsh...it will be much better than for him to find out another way. I found that out the hard way...I lied to my wife for years and was left to do this alone. He will be able to help you and the challenges you will face over this period.
Second...attack this with everything you have. Research amino acid protocol, vitamins, exercise, etc. The more you do, the better you will feel. Your body and mind need to be "jump started"...even though you will feel like doing nothing.
Third...you will get past this...and life on the other end is wonderful. Yes, it has it's up and downs...but it is real and it can be amazing at times.
Keep posting, reading and checking in. There are some wonderful people on this site...and we all love reading success stories.
As I always like to say..."Come and Play!"
~ Free
Second...attack this with everything you have. Research amino acid protocol, vitamins, exercise, etc. The more you do, the better you will feel. Your body and mind need to be "jump started"...even though you will feel like doing nothing.
Third...you will get past this...and life on the other end is wonderful. Yes, it has it's up and downs...but it is real and it can be amazing at times.
Keep posting, reading and checking in. There are some wonderful people on this site...and we all love reading success stories.
As I always like to say..."Come and Play!"
~ Free
I agree. You really need to tell him. My wife was surprised and angry for about 5 minutes. She much rather help me through this than to find that I was having an affair. Though I could never have an affair, just too wrong. Anyway, the time has come right now. You need to let your husband know and let the kids know you have a bad case of the flu. I cannot find any excuse for waiting one, single,solitary day longer to get started. The day you choose will not be any easier than right now. I will be back to check on everyone but, I will not be back to discuss relapse. My wife by my side, we will always tell the Docs in my future as to what happen. I will never hide this as I'm not ashamed any more, only proud of my accomplishment. Its a feat that is difficult but so is raising my son to be a honorable, respectable man. How can I do that if I'm not one myself? The time is now, the place is here! Do this and get your life back. This is my day 7 morning. Lorazepam and phenergan let me sleep about 4 then 2 more hours last night. Haven'y had that since Sunday.......It was vedy, vedy nice! My 1 1/2 year old son was crawling in the bed touching and saying eyes, nose, belly button. This is the important sh!t! Be brave and follow us through that dark tunnel towards the light at the end...........there is nothing to be scared of. Get your Doc in on this. Hopefully he/she is as good as mine. If not, and also.......we are always here.
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