Need help tapering myself off opiates

[Kris0721]

My body is addicted to many prescription drugs. My pain started about 4 years ago after I had a nervous breakdown and tried really hard to overdose. I obviously have a high tolerance for medications of any kind. Since then, I have chronic everything it seems. Depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, PTSD, fibro, arthritis of an elderly person and I'm only 37. If "itis" is at the end of the word, I have it. Tendonitis and bursitis in both knees and shoulders. Plantar faciitis that won't go away. I've been injected with steroids and the shots don't help. Add to that migraines and muscle spasms in my neck, along with several herniated discs and I'm simply a mess. I literally have pain from head to toe every day and all I do is lay in bed. I've been prescribed the following, gradually over the years as everything has gotten worse: Ativan, oxycodone, tizanadine, fentanyl, Celebrex, Neurontin, fioricet, phenegren, and ambien cr. I don't use them other than prescribed but it's time to stop because I know my body is addicted and I'm tired of taking so many pills. My quality of life is well, non-existant to say the least.
I have researched detox programs but would like to taper off everything myself. Any ideas would be appreciated.  The last thing I want to do is get on something else like methadone or suboxone to have to taper off of. In my mind I want this done quickly but I realize it will take time. Thanks in advance for your input.  

[Kris0721]

Before I ask, I have done research and I'm just asking for actual people who have done this.
I have decided to taper at home from the oxy and fentanyl.
I know how to do the oxy so I need to figure out the fentanyl patch.
I have the 12 mcg Mylan brand patches. I am going to cut it in half for a week and then a fourth for a week and pray that works. I have read lots of info about cutting them and realize there are different types. The ones I have do NOT contain the gel. So if you have experience with this, please let me know if it works. Thanks!!

[Kris0721]

Thanks for the info.  I realize my body is addicted to the medications but I am not a "drug addict".  I take my medications on the same schedule every day and they help.  I had hoped my thyroid was causing some of my pain and fatigue, etc. but so far my bloodwork doesn't show anything.  I know that is weird to want something to be wrong but I just want a good reason for me to feel as bad as I do.  Plus the fact that I have a nodule on my thyroid has me doing a lot of research and I'm finding people on here saying sometimes the bloodwork can be wrong.  I just want a MD to really care and look at EVERYTHING to figure out why at 37 I am in such a mess.  I've never used drugs or drank in the past.  I had an occasional drink but as far as drugs, only my current prescriptions.  
I've been sick all my life.  Pneumonia as a baby, then mono as a teen and tons of stress from then on.  Maybe my body is just been under too much stress for 37 years??  Enough rambling..  I appreciate your suggestion. Krista

[Kris0721]

I really don't want to detox but it seems the thing my dr wants me to do, or at least get off some.  I need it for the pain and don't abuse.  I realize my body is addicted but that is to be expected with these types of medication.
I don't like taking all of the pills but they help. I would be happy if suboxone wwould help the pain and I could stay on it.  My pain is to be with me for the rest of my life and only get worse.  I have seen a chiropractor for over 20 years and worked for one before I became too sick to work.  There's only so much she can do for me. The only exercise I can do is in the water but that's not an option at this time.  I barely make it through the grocery. Pain is all I can think of because it's constant from head to toe.  I'm working on checking my thyroid. But that may not be the problem.  I am afraid I am in for a lifetime of pain.  At least that's what every MD, specialist and my own research tells me.:(

[atthebeach]

suboxone will only help you get off the oxys and the fentanyl.
what do you want to detox from?
how much oxy, ambien and Ativan do you take?
have you  tried to seek other methods of pain management?
have you been to physical therapy? chiropractors can help with the Tendonitis and bursitis they use a electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound.
hydro therapy has been used very successfully to treat pain.
there is always hope....
don't give up......
keep the faith...........

[Kris0721]

Have any of you tried Suboxone? I need something for all of this pain but need to get off so many different things.  I am reading good and bad thing about it.  Thanks

[selfinduced]

Hi Kris, That is quite an artisinal of meds your on. Can you possibly go to a detox facility even for just a week to get you started? Because you don't mention addiction and only dependency, you may not need rehab. My only advice on tapering( as we can't give specific's), is to get rid of the pills you only take once in a while first and leave the benzo's till last. Good luck. Keep posting for support. I know battling pain is no fun, but getting a quality of life back is priceless.

[Kris0721]

I appreciate everyone's kind words and information. I have seen a good naturopathic dr that did all kinds of bloodwork, including toxins/ heavy metals. He also checked for food allergies.

My patch is 25/and I don't take fioricet every day.  
One dr prescribes everything. He sent me to specialists that gave me different prescriptions but he ended up refilling everything for me so I didn't have to keep seeking so many different md's.
He said I would need to see someone to get off of everything because he's not qualified. What a joke, right. Anyway...
Thanks again for listening. K

[atthebeach]

Do you have one doctor who prescribes you all your meds?
What strength patch are you on? The patch, ambien,  Ativan and fioricet all need to be tapered off of.

[marycarmel]

If you're going to taper, taper one drug at a time andngo vert slowly.  Also, ativan cannot be stopped abruptly and you should definitely talk to your doctor.

[EvolverU]

Hi Chris!

Thanks for reaching out! My friend above basically said it all. The only thing I'd like to add/ask is: Have you ever considered going to a Naturopathic Dr. for your Fibro/Chronic Fatigue/Arthritis ? The reason I ask is that these are all autoimmune diseases with a cluster of common symptoms. In this particular area, I believe that a good Integrative/Naturopathic/Alternative Med. Dr. is better able to treat the disease as a whole. Unfortunately, regular Drs. tend to treat these illnesses symptom by symptom instead of trying to determine the root of the issue by changing: environment/diet/stressors & checking for toxins and allergies. I've seen both some alleviation of Fibro/chronic F. symptoms when treated by a competent Alternative practitioner & I've also witnessed complete alleviation of said symptom group.

Just thought I'd throw that out there for your consideration. Best of luck to you! We're here.

[ActingBrandNew]

Im sorry your in so much pain. I read your post and can relate...Ive got my own list of "itis's" that I live with daily. I know how it is to have a poor "quality" of life. The idea of tapering off your medications is a good idea if thats what you chose however this site has regulations against tapering advice. We are advised to encourage folks to speak with the prescribing docs when entertaining tapering as we are not doctors here nor do we no the risks tapering may have on your health. With that said, if your doctor is compassionate, it would be in your best interest to bring the issue up with him/her.

Ive tapered off pills before and was successful. It made it a lot easier than going cold turkey. Even if you weren't abusing them, the body develops a physical dependency to them. I hope that you talk to your doc and stay plugged into this site when you start your taper. Many on here can give excellent advice on how to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal....or just lend and ear.

Good luck and God bless.
Always,
ABN