Substance abuse withdrawal

[DeeDee694]

I'm here for help with narcotic withdrawal.  Does anybody think I will get more reposes because I'm spending an awful lot of time on here and getting very little response. I'm new, 5 days today, but it seems like if I'm saying some heavy stuff and sharing generously i should get responses.  I'm going for knee surgery to eradicate MRSA;  This is my 5 or 6 surgery within 3 years.  My goal is to get off the narcs after the surgery?  Any advice, questions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
DeeDee

[DeeDee694]

Hi Ella,

Thanks so much for your caring and concern.  Tell me about your son.  How old is he? Had he had surgery and then developed the MRSA?  Years ago it (MRSA) was primarily contracted in the hospital or medical facility. This is one of many reasons we hear so much about handwashing.  It has now travelled to the general community and any body can get it.  What were his negative symptoms from the antibiotic?  Was it gastrointestinal?  I've been on Vancomycin which he was probably on because it's more or less the standard treatment.  I had nausea and diarrhea terrible until I found out you're supposed to eat Yogurt or take Acidophilus to protect the intestines.  I can't explain it very well but the antibiotic gets rid of the bacteria but it also kills off the "good bacteria which protects your stomach from the side effects."  Please tell me his story if you don't mind. If you don't want to, I'll understand.  I just get excited when I can talk to someone or hear about it because it is still relatively uncommon.

[Ella789]

Hi !  I just wanted you to know that my son also had mrsa and it was a horrible time for him.  He still says that one of the antibiotics he had to take has had a negative effect on him.  It may be a reaction from once having the mrsa tho.  Anyway, I wish you all the luck with your surgery and so sad you have to go through all that!  
It is a good idea to wait till after surgery to talk to your Dr. about going off the pain meds,  you will need something to help you get past the post surgery pains anyway.  If he will not help you with detox, then find a Dr. who will,  but it shouldn't be a big deal for him/her to help you with the meds.  I wish you well and a speedy  recovery!

Ella

[Lisa0345]

First off let me start by saying welcome!!! You have come to the right place for support. Boy oh boy, you are on some heavy meds. I think you will need to be under the supervision of a doctor. With the amount of drugs you are on, I do not think you should try to do this alone at home. Be honest with your doctor and let him know of your intentions. He should have a taper schedule for you so that you do not harm yourself or go thru horriable withdrawls. Keep posting and let us know what is going on and how your surgery goes. Good luck and God Bless!!!
Lisa
Jacksonville,FL

[sunshine1109]

I have to agree with narla, you really need to talk to your Dr about this, your on a combination of opiates and I wouldnt quit cold turkey, the best way for you it seems would be to taper plan but talk with the Dr. tell him this is what you want to do and see what he suggests. Lots of Luck to you and there are alot of great people on here to help you out..Sunshine (Tricia)

[narla]

I would talk to my doctor and let him/her know what you intend to do,he /she should be able to help you with a taper plan,don't stop the meds cold turkey,get all the information you need from your doctor before you try.If he/she doesn't want you to quit the meds be firm and tell them it's your choice,but make sure you use a taper plan.Good Luck

Denise

[DeeDee694]

Narla,

Wrong date. July 1 (I think).  I'm so confused.  I'm retired and since I'm not working I don't know the day of the week, much less the date.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

[DeeDee694]

Hi Narla
Thank you so much fir writing. I didn;t know how to start my own thread, Duh!  I'm on Dilaudud 8mg every 6 hours but I usually take it more like every 8 hours. I'm also on MS Contin (Morphine) every twelve hours for breakthru pain which helps me to take less Dilaudid.  I've graduated from Advil to Tramadol to Percocet 5/325, Percocet 7.5/325, to Dilaudid.  I also take Prozac 40mg daily and Xanax 1mg usually once or twice a day. Why all these meds?  I had bilateral total knee replacemnts in 8/2007. I developed the wicked intractable MRSA which has required repeated surgeries to get rid of it by removing the prothesesis, cleaning out the wound, 6-8 weeks of hospitalization for IV antibiotics and I've been through this 5 times within 3 years.  My next, hopefully my last surgery will be July 12.  After that my goal is withdrawal.  I don't know if I'm kidding myself by thinking I will be able to withdraw on my on or if I will have to go to a treatment center considering the length of time and the progression of stronger and stronger meds.  What do you think?  Needless to say I am so stressed out I can't remember **** can't follow a conversation, and generally confused as hell.  I've recently had several minor fender benders.  And I know this is all caused by the drugs!

[narla]

Hey DeeDee694 write and let us know what you are taking,how long you've been taking it and how much,we'd love to help if we can.

Denise

[IBKleen]

DeDee, you are not being ignored. You were posting in other member's threads and it is difficult at best to follow two people in the same thread. Now that you have started your own, believe me, you will get more responses.

See? You got responses already so let us know what is going on with you and we will help you as best we can. One thing I will say is that it is possible to get off of the pills---absolutely.

Hope to see you post again here and let the members get to know you. Hang in there.

[dominosarah]

We have to have more info here. When is your surgery?

[avisg]

dee dee what are you taking ? how long have you been taking it ? Are you taking more then you should ?

[narla]

What are the narcotics you are using and how much,I only have experience with codeine but I'm sure if it's something different if you explain which ones and how much you will get the advice you need.

Denise