Open Thread

[mrmichael67]

I can't believe I actually have the opportunity to ask a question and I can't think of something to ask.  So, following in GWH's tradition, I will declare this an open thread.  I do have one question now that I think of it.  Has anyone who has chronic pain and been prescribed the Duragesic patch been able to take it every two days instead of three.  I know it is usually prescribed every three days, but it usually wears off after two.  I was just wondering if anyone's doctor has actually prescribed it for every two days.  If you can help, I thank you.  I am thinking of having my meds changed.  And, if you have a question, feel free to break into this thread.  I won't mind a bit.

[GoingToMakeIt]

This is an old post, so go to top and hit "Post a Question" and start a new post.

60mg roxi will turn into 120. Quit now while your ahead of the game.

[dippindan]

hi.........ive been taking about 2 30mg roxicodones a day for the past 6 months...i was wondering what damage that was doing to my insides? when i wake up im not in any pain and i really dont have any withdraw symptoms only that i feel like i want to do another....

[dippindan]

hi.........ive been taking about 2 30mg roxicodones a day for the past 6 months...i was wondering what damage that was doing to my insides? when i wake up im not in any pain and i really dont have any withdraw symptoms only that i feel like i want to do another....

[ThruBeinCool]

Hi trying.
Yes, I'm still hanging in there, today is day 6. I actually woke up today and felt pretty darned good. I am happy you are sticking with it; you know, misery loves company. ;) When you have a moment of weakness, just think about that hopeless feeling of working your schedule around whether you have the pills to do something and being afraid of commiting to anything in the future because you may not have the pills to make it, screw that! As for accepting the fact that you will never use again was too much for me so I always revert back to tex3's words of advice to at least 'give sobriety a chance & if I want to go back at a later date I would have that option'. But the more time I get under my belt, the less I feel like I want to screw this up, I feel good right now. I haven't felt this good in 4 years and people are asking me if I have been working out because I 'look great' -dig that! I used to be afraid to look in the mirror. Anyway, I'm from SE Michigan about 15 miles north of Detroit, where are you hailing from? Good to hear from you and hang in there, we can beat this bastage!

TBC

[trying]

Hello. Are you still sticking to it?  It's day 7 for me and feel so much better.  I was on a 10 a day perc habit.  I agree w/ you about feeling shitty when taking so at least the shitty feeling when withrawing does go away.  It is getting much easier as each day passes.  It's still hard to accept that I will never use again, but that's my intent and I'm sticking to it.  I am just so happy that I did it and I have nothing but good things ahead of me.  Like gwh said, people think of addicts as lazy no good people who just want to get high.  Like others on this board, I have a really good job and have been at my job for the past 7 years.  So even though I was not doing the right thing, I managed to go to work and have a productive life w/ friends and family.  None of my friends know I have(had) a problem.  The only person I told was my Mother and she helped me get to a doctor to detox at home.  She would make sure I ate and got the detox meds as needed.  When I think about all the money I wasted doing those evil pills, it makes me sick.  I could have bought a new car in cash.  It's nice not to worry where I am going to score and not counting pills.  So what day are you on today?  Is it 4?  You can do this.  It is doable. Don't lose you determination.  Hope to hear from you soon.  Where are you from if you don't mind telling.

[lace]

Thanks for helping me and thanks for your support.  I don't feel so alone now.  I can't believe that I am talking to someone I don't even know and that person (you) can reach out to a perfect stranger and give her encouragement.  God Bless Us All.

[lace]

Thank you all for your advice and support.

I am in day two of my detox...As I said before my Methadone Clinic lost its  funding.  I think I am going to start a MA Group (Methadone Anonymous) at my clinic.  There are about 30 of us that have to detox.  Everyone is so negative and I think if we start this group we can be positive if we stick together. So I am going to type up a paper for a sign-up list and see if anyone wants to try to stay positive instead of thinking they can't do it.  Some of you told me it's doable and I am going to have faith.  I will keep posting because you make me feel that I am not alone.  Thanks for the support and thanks for your answers.

[ThruBeinCool]

Day 5, still alive!

[mrmichael67]

Clonodine can drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels.  That is why it is dangerous.  Don't worry.  Stick around and everyone will help you get through this.  It is do-able.  There are many here that can give you sound advice.

[lace]

THANKS FOR THE DIRECTIONS ON HOW THE COPY...BOY OH BOY...LIVE AND LEARN. I FINALLY DID IT AND HERE'S MY POST (BUT BEFORE THAT LET ME SAY IN ANSWER TO THE CLONIDINE QUESTION...I WAS ON IT BECAUSE I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE...BUT SOMEONE TOLD ME I COULD USE THE CLONIDINE TO ALSO HELP DETOX...BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THE DOSAGE...WHERE COULD I FIND IT OUT.  WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?) wELL HERE IS MY ORIGINAL MESSAGE AND YEST YOU WILL SEE I AM AT A CLINC AND HAVE BEEN FOR SOME TIME.  THIS IS TRULY A BLESSING IN DISQUIZE (SP)...tHEY ARE TAKING ME DOWN EVERY SIX DAYS AND IT ALREADY STARTED. I DON'T FEEL IT YET, BUT I AM DETERMINED TO DETOX EVEN IF THEY GET THEIR FUNDING BACK.  I FINISHED HAVING SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THIS KIND OF CONTROL OVER MY LIFE.  PLEASE READ AND YOU WILL SEE MY DILEMA.  I ALSO WAS IN REHAB A LONG TIME AGO IN A PLACE CALLED SYNANON.  I THINK IT WAS THE FIRST REHAB.  I THEN WENT ON TO WORK AT PHONIX HOUSE IN NY AND S___ HAPPENS AND LOW AND BEHOLD I GOT RE-ADDICTED AND HAD TO GO BACK ON METHODONEL...I THINK IT'S TIME TO GET OFF.  I NEED ALL THE HELP AND SUPPORT I CAN GET...THANX EVERYONE...HERE IT GOES:

mY ORIGINAL POST ON 7/2/02

Hi, I am new to this site. Today as a matter of fact. I need help. I am very frightened. My Methodone clinic has been bought by a company from it's original owners. I was on a financially assisted program and they let the ball slip and they lost their funding. Anyway...I am on 60 mg. of methodone and they have given me two months to detox or pay. I can't afford to pay so I am detoxing. If you were above 90 Mgs. they gave you 3 months...and if you were below 50...they gave you one month. Now...even if they do get their funding back...I will still detox. I am finished with this thing running my life.
I have been on Meth since 1972 and got off it in 1995 (in jail). It's different in jail. Now I am going to do it on my own. I got in a bad accident in 1995 and am on dissability. What I am trying to say is that when I was clean I got re-addicted to pain pills and had to get back on Methodone in 1997. So I was clean 2 years. I am not afraid of using again (had a great awakening...the accident). I am afraid of my health. I want to know if you think it's possible to get off of 60 in 2 months. How bad do you think it will be and any suggestions you might have. Thanks.

[mrmichael67]

Yes, I have noticed that too.

[OxyDout]

where you a co author of "microsoft for dummies" just kidding, I was quite impressed with the detailed description, at this point anything will make me laugh.  While I'm on the subject can I say that it kills me how so many people stereotype "addicts" when most of us have a good life.  Here I am, almost 23 yrs old, Just graduated from a top ranked business school with a 3.3 gpa I might add, I had an open door to play semi-professional soccer, I would have sat the bench, haha, but the point is, I have a good life, I also have a girlfriend that I will soon be engaged to, I mean, that doesn't sound like the stereotype, neither do any of your stories. I have learned a lot from this forum.  Its been on my mind because I heard a high school friend that i haven't seen in 4 years talk about me to someone else.  When I confronted him, he just insulted me like I was nobody, and as bad as it was, the only thing I came back was, I made close to $70,000 my first year out of college, what are you doing with your life, ( I felt stupid after that) but non the less, he shut up. I just can't stand when people talk, you know? but I do have to say, they are right about one thing, I'm screwing up my life.  Sorry, I had to vent.

GWH

[ThruBeinCool]

Good job, trying!
Yes, I kinda have the blues, but I really had the blues while eating 20+ vics! These blues are free, f**k it! This way there is at least hope. -No plans for the 4th other than my band mates coaxing me into playing a gig, which I told them to get a stand-in for me; I told them I have the flu, although I'm sure they know whats up; -they've known me for over 20 years. My best friend, in the band, I've known for over 30 years, we met when we were in diapers. A good reason why I'm quitting is beacase he just gave me this 'look' about a week ago, you know that, 'goddamn, you are pathetic' look. It woke me up; I love him like a brother.  
Last night, I got about 4 hours of sleep, but I hope to get a cat-nap today (provided the kids don't drive me nuts.)
One thing I'm noticing is my heart, at times, is beating like a trip hammer, but that seems to be getting better with each passing day. The toilet runs are starting to get a little more solid, (sorry if that is too much detail for you! :D )
I tell you, it was a 'white knuckle ride' for a couple of days but I'm feeling strong about this. I had never made it this long (I started this **** 4 years ago quite innocently with a kidney stone and 30 vics.)  
Thank you for your concern, it's people like you (and tex3; in my darkest hour her words got me through)that give me strength. What's your story?

-TBC

[trying]

Good for you.  Yesterday was my day 4 and I felt the same.  Today is much better and I'm sure tomorrow even better.  I have mood swings where one hour I'm so happy and the next a little sad.  But the saddness does pass and I feel happy again.  I'm sure this will take a while to work itself out.  I have nothing but time.  Are you making plans for the 4th or hanging in recovering.  How are you sleeping.  Give more details.  I would love to hear from someone else who is in the same general state as I am.  It's hard but the worst is over and it gets easier and easier every day (so i'm told).  I hope to hear from you soon.

[ThruBeinCool]

Day 4 and I'm feeling semi-human today...

[mrbari]

gwh was correct about the copy/paste comments.  But being a student myself, let me go into a little more detail, which I always need, and maybe you can grasp it better.  I will be very elementary.  Find a text that you want to transfer.  Start at the bottom of the text with your mouse left button held down.  Move the mouse upward until you have highlighted the portion of text you want to transfer, or "copy".  Release the left button.  Now depress the right button on the mouse on top of the highlighted portion of the text and you will see an option menu pop up.  Click on "copy".  You have now saved the highlighted portion of your text.  It is in "memory".  Now go to wherever you wish to transfer the text to.  Have your cursor blinking at the spot where you want the text to begin.  Click on "Edit" at the top of your screen and the drop down menu will give you the option of "Paste".  Click on Paste.  You will see your "copied" text "pasted" right where you had your cursor blinking.  Hope this has helped because it is a handy, and almost necessary, tool.  I am doing the very same thing here in writing to you.  I have typed this message in Word Pad and I am now going to "copy" it and "paste" it in the Comment section to you.

I'm sorry I can't comment on your other concern because I am new here myself and learning so much from the thoughts of others.  If they can help you, believe me, they will.  They shun no one who is in need.  Good luck.

[mrbari]

Tracy, thank you for your two posts.  Your comments were very welcomed and appreciated.  You revealed the type of feelings I was wanting to hear.  That is, just what we can expect before, during and after the withdrawal process.  You gave it in very nice detail.  I think she has been somewhat apprehensive about this, not wanting to suffer very much, which is natural, wondering if it's worth it.  You gave some very good advice.  I have spoken to her this morning and encouraged her to read all these posts so that she can better understand not only what others are going through but also that all of you are here to help her through it.  I have also urged her to get on here and respond to express just how she feels so that she will know all of you are there for her.  She agreed to read them tonight when she comes in from work.  I'm anxious for this to happen.  I am also in great hopes that she will write from her heart and tell it like it is.  We'll go from there.

Again, thank you Tracy, and ALL of you who have shown concern by being there for me, and also wanting to be there for my wife.  In all my life, I have never met a gathering of nicer people.  I really mean that.  I am so glad I found you.  THANK YOU!

[OxyDout]

you just take it where it was posted, "copy" it and then "paste it when you put in a new "comment".  the options "copy" and "paste" are under the "Edit" pulldown menu.  Anyway, I think coming off of 60mg in 2 months is definitely doable if you want it. Just go down 10mg a week............ that should be good, although, the last 1wk or so I would go down a little less so when your at zero your not dead, you know.  Use your body as a tool to decide what to take when you get to the last 10 days.  YOU CAN DO THIS, don't take the methadone to get high!!!!

GWH

[lace]

Thanks for your reply...but do you have any suggestions.  I did not get any replies from anyone.  I hope someone out there can help!  I need it!!!!  PS  you said all I had to do was copy my question (which you did for me).  How did you do that?  Are there any directions on how this site works?  How do you start a thread?  I am so new to computers...I hope I not being a pest.  Thanks again for answering me.

[oh please already]

sorry about that

[oh please already]

hi to every one, i havent been around here much but i had to stop and ask mr michael a question if i may.it might seem like a drug seeking qiestion but its not, i have been weaning off large doses of oxycotin and now am on the patch,which i find works very well for me for pain control and is also helping stop the pattern i followed of popping pils in my mouth when ever i had stress.Its good for me because ,it limits my choice and control which as a addict i have very little of.MRMICHAEL, i am currently using a 100mcg patch q 48 hr as per my mds instuction and i'v have notiiced that sometimes the amount of jell in the resorvor is differt, some seem plump, and others barely have a dab.I find its messing with my mind,even thought i know they are tightly controled on dosage,i find if i SEE the patch isnt plump,i stress that it wont work. It does, i have no pain but i still stress. SO bad i have my husband put on my back so i can see. lol, i know,but i cant help it. Have you noticed this?, its seems more so with the 100 then other does but i have also noted it with 75s before i increased   thanks am?y

[oh please already]

hi to every one, i havent been around here much but i had to stop and ask mr michael a question if i may.it might seem like a drug seeking qiestion but its not, i have been weaning off large doses of oxycotin and now am on the patch,which i find works very well for me for pain control and is also helping stop the pattern i followed of popping pils in my mouth when ever i had stress.Its good for me because ,it limits my choice and control which as a addict i have very little of.MRMICHAEL, i am currently using a 100mcg patch q 48 hr as per my mds instuction and i'v have notiiced that sometimes the amount of jell in the resorvor is differt, some seem plump, and others barely have a dab.I find its messing with my mind,even thought i know they are tightly controled on dosage,i find if i SEE the patch isnt plump,i stress that it wont work. It does, i have no pain but i still stress. SO bad i have my husband put on my back so i can see. lol, i know,but i cant help it. Have you noticed this?, its seems more so with the 100 then other does but i have also noted it with 75s before i increased   thanks am?y

[oh please already]

hi to every one, i havent been around here much but i had to stop and ask mr michael a question if i may.it might seem like a drug seeking qiestion but its not, i have been weaning off large doses of oxycotin and now am on the patch,which i find works very well for me for pain control and is also helping stop the pattern i followed of popping pils in my mouth when ever i had stress.Its good for me because ,it limits my choice and control which as a addict i have very little of.MRMICHAEL, i am currently using a 100mcg patch q 48 hr as per my mds instuction and i'v have notiiced that sometimes the amount of jell in the resorvor is differt, some seem plump, and others barely have a dab.I find its messing with my mind,even thought i know they are tightly controled on dosage,i find if i SEE the patch isnt plump,i stress that it wont work. It does, i have no pain but i still stress. SO bad i have my husband put on my back so i can see. lol, i know,but i cant help it. Have you noticed this?, its seems more so with the 100 then other does but i have also noted it with 75s before i increased   thanks am?y

[OxyDout]

mrmichael, very well stated, wasn't it in psychology class, the "salivating dogs" therapy, something along those lines. Anyway, its true, she needs to suffer to realize the pain of not stopping, and she needs to stop abusing your kindness, basically what it comes down to is, every addict in order to stop needs to SUCK IT UP, deal with the pain and pay your dues, (god that sounds awful) but its the truth, and I hope you can handle the deceiptful minded games........... and I don't mean that she is the only one, we all know what she is thinking because we thought the same things.............