My situation now with withdrawals, seeking advice.

[PharmToBe25]

Okay long story short.

Torn rotator cuff and chronically inflammed ligaments in good shoulder, many disc bulges and sacralized vertabrae. I have been in chronic pain for several years and just recently (almost 4 months ago) started seeing a doctor to manage the pain.

Medications:
Before prescription meds I took once in a while when I could get my hands on it, when 10mg of hydrocodone would make me feel incredible.
Month one of prescriptions: Vicodin twice a day as needed, so I ran out a week and a half short, sought out oxycodone for rest of the month.
Month two of prescriptions: Vicodin again, same routine.. Ran out a bit earlier but same circumstances. Tried methadone (about 40mg) for first time at end of month.
This month (month 3): Prescribed oxycodone three times a day with naproxen twice a day, ran out about 1.5, almost 2 weeks early sought out more oxycodone (got some, but enough for like 2 days). Had methadone from a buddy once a week up to 115mg (that was just once). Also, had 1 fentanyl patch (50ug/hr) after the 2 day oxy seeking. Then I got 2 15mg oxycodones from a buddy and had those.

So this past friday (today monday, obviously) I started feeling like **** in the early early afternoon. I went out to dinner with my GF and couldn't eat, couldn't sleep later that night, but managed to for about 4-5 hours total. Saturday and sunday were complete hell, I called out of work (I have three jobs) and go to school full time (starting pharmacy school next fall). I couldn't get comfortable whatsoever, hot/cold hot/cold on and off non stop... Hot shower felt great, but couldn't eat or sleep for past two nights.
I suppose today is day 4 and I want to know if this is going to get worse or easier from here? I heard from a few people I seeked info from that this will become easier from here on out. I have immodium and a big bottle of apple juice, as I am at work right now. I have about 30mg of diazepam at home and a bunch of naproxen (aleeve).
I took the immodium (4mg) twice already today and it seemed to help a bit while I was at school, the hot/cold flashes aren't so bad as before... What should I prepare myself for tonight?

I have read Thomas's recipe and will seek what I can.

I truly want to quit the opiate habit for good, but I don't want to be in pain. So I think I am going to go with a suggested cortisone shot (the doc hasn't read my MRI for my back with me yet, I requested the results myself).

Any advice please help... will this get worse? From what I see, it seems that people are feeling better around this day. I am not sure if that is when the withdrawals actually started (friday), but I am pretty sure..

Much much appreciated,
                               PharmToBe25

[HelpinUtah]

I have had cortisone injections for similar problems and they do work!  I would suggest that for you as well.  

I have a huge calcium deposit on my right shoulder.  The ortho doctor told me that if he has to do surgery then he will have to tear my rotator cuff - it will just happen due to where the calcium deposit is and so I chose cortisone.  I've had two injections.  I've been pain free until this week.  I'll probably do another one in the next couple weeks.  

I also have discs that have collapsed on each other.  It caused major sciatica pain - and recently I had a cortisone injection into my spine with a fluroscope.  It has made a HUGE difference and no pain.  

Anyway, I believe it will help!  Good luck and my prayers are with you that you can beat these addictions!  

[nickjackson]

Hi.
I'm new to this MedHelp, too; but finding lots of support and help.  I can relate to your torn rotator cuff.  A tendon on my left shoulder came off the bone in 1994 & I had it repaired.  Still, it was a full two years before it didn't hurt.  Then, when the same tendon came off my right shoulder last October, I ignored it until February.  Then, an MRI showed that the thing was shredded and couldn't be fixed.  But it was whipping around in there, aggravating everything; so I had it removed.  Now, four months later, it still hurts; but life goes on.  I got onto this website after my October 29 back surgery - when my neurosurgeon told my pain specialist to take me off the Methadone I'd used for my chronic pain two years.  The withdrawals are taking the zip out of me; but my new friends on MedHelp are a godsend.  Good luck to you.

[steveo30]

your mind is racing a mile a minute.the last thing your thinking about is a cortizone shot ,come on .you need guidance if not from a doctor ,maybe someone in na . the forum is good .it's also a place to listen because although were not doctors ,we've been there

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

The diazepine would be used for the anxiety that you are experiencing right now.....and you know what to expect in a way - the w/d's wont change much at this point in time. And the nutrition (vitamins, supplements, amino's and all) will be good for you for many reasons.......its only human to be afraid of the unknown - and the w/d's are an unkown beast right now for you. I found diphenhydramine to be really good for sleep...and also sleepytime (by celestial seasonings) mint tea relaxes you quite well. Hot showers will be your friend for awhile - helps sleep and helps relax you - - - many approaches to diminish the severity of the withdrawals .... just put everything together and you will have a good program established. And keep posting here and also reading through the posts and the archives .... cant learn too much about all of this stuff......and good luck to you - -

[10356]

The 5th day you should start to notice some easing up on symptoms.. Glad to read you are reclaiming your Freedom :) While wd I was so emotional and anxious it was something.. That passes after awhile...I will be hoping you get some sleep tonight.. Lots of hot baths are the best for a small amount of comfort.. lesa

[PharmToBe25]

I am feeling anxious again, not as bad as last night, but it always seems to be the worse at night doesn't it? So some good proteins and vitamins will do me good? I hope so, I am going to seek some after I get out of work (1 more hour) and hopefully get a good night of rest tonight... tommorow morning will be my 5th day... ehhhh scared... what to expect?!?!?!?!?

[PharmToBe25]

Thank you, I will research, as I love to learn. I got caught up in pain and then pain killers... I will indeed pass advice on to whomever needs it, for I wouldn't wish this upon anyone... Torn muscles, broken hand/finger, doesn't amount to this pain (to me anyways). I just can't stand the discomfort. I hope tonight will be a restful one...

Thanks again.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

By day four you are gonna get past the huge hump. It should get better very shortly. Use the diazepam as indicated. The immodium helps more than just the loose stools. Keep doing your own research and learn as much as you can stand about the beast. You may even be in a unique position to help people further on in your carrer. And quiting the pills is only the first step in the process. Think about and plan for a future without the pills. And best of luck to you -