Tapering - timing suggestions?

Hi All,

I am starting my doctor-supervised tapering schedule and forgot to ask her a very important question about timing.  I am supposed to take 7 norco a day for the next 1-2 weeks (my call).  I took 2 when I got up this morning.  For the rest of the day, I am thinking that I should take 1 every 3 hours.  Normally, I would take 2 (or more) every 4-5 hours.  But it seems to me that taking fewer of them but more frequently would result in a more level amount in my system and avoid a spike and then a drop.  What do you all think?  My docs office is closed for the weekend but I will email them on Monday and ask.

This is going to be challenging for sure.  I am experiencing an increase in pain (no surprise there) but I can do this.  I was told to expect some rebound pain.  What OTC pain relievers do you recommend?  

Thanks,
Peanut

[avisg]

Go by how your body reacts and what u can handle we cant really give you times besideds i bet you will know the best times for your body ..I got the most help from aleve but honeslty at first it really did nothing. Did the doctor give you any meds for tapering and wd/

[cleanmom]

Hi,

I think you are right about the tapering. Try to avoid any major spikes and drops with the medication levels. Definitely e-mail your doctor on Monday to be sure but stick to that plan for now.

I too suffer with chronic pain and for me the Advil LiquiGels work best. They seem to get into my system the quickest and keep at an even level the longest. I usually take 600 mgs 2-3 times daily and it works well. Space your doses as evenly as possible for the maximum benefit.

I hope this helps and that all works out well for you. I have been following some of your posts and it seems that you are being as smart and thorough about this as possible. That helps a lot. Just stay the course and keep positive.

Best of luck and keep us posted...........


Jacky

[PeanutG]

Thanks guys - I'll go get the Advil later today.  Still trying to work out all my morning stiffness.  The fact that it is dumping rain doesn't help but at least it isn't cold too.  Cold rain usually lays me out big time.

Jackey - I was thinking that alternating the Advil with the norco would be of maximun benefit and effectiveness - would you agree?

No, my doc did not give me anything for wd and I did not ask for anything.  If I find that I'm really unable to stick to the schedule this weekend, I will email about that as well on Monday.  I am SOOO fortunate to have a doc that does email.  

My doc did switch me from Ambian to Lunesta and last night, I slept like a LOG!  Which is both good and bad.  Good because, well - I slept like a log!  Best night's sleep I've had in I can't remember how long.  Bad because when I do sleep like that, I don't move and so wake up VERY stiff and so incredibly sore.  But that is a small price to pay for what I hope is healing sleep.

I have restarted my research on what might be causing my pain problems.  To be honest, I had just given up for a while.  I got so tired - emotionally and physically - of searching, researching, looking...I am sure many of you understand.  But I have found a couple of possibilities that bear further investigation.  I just lost my primary care doc though and so now, have to find a new one.  Sigh.

Well, I do know that one of the best things I can do for my pain is to stay busy.  So with that, I'm heading off to the shower and then to run some errands - rain or no rain.

Peace,
Peanut

[avisg]

peanut what kind of pain do you have

[PeanutG]

Well - the docs don't really know.  I've been diagnosed with fibro, osteoarthritis and they suspect that I have Ehlers-Danlos, a degenerative joint disorder.  I've been tested for RA and pretty much every auto-immune disease under the sun - all negative.  Also negative for Lyme Disease.

My pain right now is in multiple places.  One from shoulder surgery I had about 2 1/2 weeks ago to remove a bone spur that caused a torn rotator cuff.  That is supposed to improve as the tear heals (about another 2 months).  My hands and fingers get very swollen and stiff and my two middle fingers will actually lock on occasion- in the down position thank goodness!  ;)  I also have just generalized joint and bone pain.  Oh, and I developed problems with my sciatica about 2 months ago as well.  

Many days, it feels like I have the flu.  Just seems like everything hurts.  Other days, it is more specific to the bones in my hands, arms and shoulders.  And every once in a while, I seem to be relatively pain free.  It is SO frustrating because I can't seem to predict from one day to the next how I will feel, what will make it better or worse, what will trigger a flare.  

I just want my life back.  I have been doing pretty well all things considered - I still work, do my art, maintain my house.  But I do have my days...  I read a great quote somewhere "Inside every sick person is a well person wondering what the h*** happened."  Boy can I relate to that.

Peace,
Peanut

[avisg]

Peanut ,
at this point so can I ......luckly with my problem they know what it is but so far they have been able to help it I do my 2nd surgery in 3 months in may its very frustrating . To do it without Pain meds makes it an extra challenge but I know if I go back to them would be a far worse pain its a battle. I hope they can find an answer its every overwhelming when there seems to be no answers and no end in site .

[petroglyph54]

Hello Peanut! The norco I was taking was 10/325, I forget the 10, I think it was hydrocodone? Anyway, some kind of narcotic, but the second number in my case is acetameniphine[tylenol] I think in the beginning I was taking 5 or 10/500's till I asked my druggist [ who can be wealth's of information ], so be aware if your taking any norco, your probably also taking tylenol. The tylenol, espescially if you drink is really bad for your liver and kidney's, some people get terribly messed up by it in a short time, I try not to take it, I like excedrin's which also have it, but they work great for me, sometimes. The other point I'd like to make is, your other ailments seem familiar, I think you should keep a journal if your not already, of everything you eat or drink, and see if maybe there's a patern with your diet and pain? Good luck, and good health!