Please help

[wannabedrugfree]

Hi. I am a 52 year old male.I started using Lortabs on and off about 6 years ago after arm surgery and three shoulder surgerys.
I have been taken 3 10mg tablets per day for the last 2 years because of back pain.
I realize this isn't a lot compared to some folks but I don't like what they are doing to me. I will not keep taking these.
I took my last pill 21 hours ago. My head is swimmy and I am emotional. Kinda feel like I have the flu.
What can I expect in the next week ? When will the withdrawal syptoms go away ?
Can I do this ? Would some one help me ?
I am working 12 hour shifts at a factory while doing this.
I have three collage age kids to care for.
My wife left home three days before Christmas after 30 years of marriage.
I am broke.
And I must move in 30 days.
I'm trying to hold all this together.
I do trust and depend on God. Aways have always will.
Thank you all. Please help me.

[wannabedrugfree]

Reply to clean_in_ks
Yes. I want off for good. Yes I always took as prescribed by my Doctor. 3 10mg Lortab per day as needed for pain. No I never ran out.
I do not think the Lortab caused my present situation. The financial problems have been building for 20+ years. My wife leaving is due to her childhood and me not being smart enough to take those extra steps to make sure she was happy.
What do you mean my head may not "talk to me "?
Thank you for helping.
Thank you all. I appreciate your time and advice and friendship and prayers. I will also pray for all of you. Hope tonight is a good one.
60 hours no drugs.  

[Pat1956100]

Hey there
I just wanted to correct myself.  Lortab is hydrocodone not Tramadol so ignore that comment, lol.  
I am sure you knew that.

[clean_in_ks]

Glad you made it thru the night.  We had a member here who always said he thought the first 100 hrs were the hardest.  So that means you'd be half way there, huh?

I'm gonna bombard you with some questions cause I'm not clear on a few things.  Are you wanting to get off and STAY off narcotic pain meds?
Did you take your meds as prescribed?  Ever run out early?  Do you attribute the use of pain meds to the losses you've experienced in the last 3 months?  It's possible, depending on the answers to those questions, that you may have just become physically dependent on Lortabs.....and if that is the case.....your head won't continue to "talk to you" after you get the detox behind you~  

[takingmylifeback2014]

Hello and Welcome! I am a newcomer but I know one thing! GET RID OF THAT BOTTLE. That is too dangerous for you right now. Even taking them just one day will set you right back to day 1 all over again. I have been clean cold turkey for 15 days. All my physical symtoms are pretty much gone for the most part. I am just dealing with low energy levels but with the help of all these loving people on this forum I get through it. You CAN DO THIS! My prayers are with you! Keep posting!!!!

[Pat1956100]

Glad you made it through the night and hope you got some sleep.
That feeling should start coming in waves and then pass and then the waves will come less and less and fade away.
Anxiety and depression are a normal part of withdrawal and especially with Lortab (Tramadol) as there is an anti depressant component in them.
It can be tough but it's doable.
I am concerned that you have a bottle of pills with you.  I know they would be calling my name and I would be taking one soon.

[wannabedrugfree]

Thank you all.
I made it thru the night. It was terrible. I did stay home from work today.
Most likely will tomorrow also.
I take potassium for restless legs which works wonders for me but it didn't help the upper body jerks and restlessness. They have lessened considerably now.
I feel very anxious and restless and worried. My body feels uncomfortable.
The anxiousness my come from missing my wife and worrying about her.
Just one pill would be so good right now. I have a bottle full.
But not just yet. God will help me. Please pray and encourage me.
52 hours without a Lortab.
Thank you all.