This hurts

   Its embarassing that I am in law enforcement, and I am dealing with the same problem I see people incarcerated for. I don't steal, or take other peoples meds or anything, nor do I aquire them in an illegal manner.  I was diagnosed with a spinal disk injury back in June. The doc prescribed me Vicoprophen 7.5/200s. I was taking 2 a day as needed for pain. Its a degenrative issue, so the pain has progressed worse. I started to take more, but ren out early. Asked the doc for something that lasted longer, but wasn't necessarily stronger and he just increased my dosage to 3 a day. Some days 1 is good enough, those days are few and rare. Its usually 3, but some days call for 5. I hate it when my Rx runs out early, because then I have to fight with the pharmacy like some junkie. This is day 2, in addition to moderate withdrawal, I am hurting something fierce. My neck and shouders are killing me. I have an appointment with a recommended surgeon. The only reason I have waited this long was to save enough sick leave to get through the post-op recovery. I am at the 6 week mark for leave and now I am getting this ball rolling. What can I do to help get me past these w/d symptoms. I am just axious, edgy, headaches (I get those from the injury as well), and less than motivated to get stuff done. Any suggestions?

[LeaAnn807]

Wow!  That's some brutal honesty to admit that!  Law enforcement huh?  YUCK! (I'm kidding!)

Now that you have some leave, take it and do whatever it takes!  I know what real pain feels like, and it stinks!  I have a broken vertebrae, but I don't take anything for it now.  Unfortunately, some pain you may always have to deal with.  It may not all go away, but they might can help it with surgery.  I hope so! : )

Meantime, there are things that'll help.  Have you tried anything yet? The headache, if it's dull, may hang on the whole time you go through it.  The good thing is that you're halfway through it now.  So, don't take anything narcotic!  Hot baths help.  A hot shower might relieve the headache, even if it's temporary.  The anxiety isn't easy to deal with.  Some people swear by Valerian Root.  You can buy it at health food stores.  Have you read the Thomas Recipe?  It has lots of natural things that help.  

Also, you might talk to your doc about something to help if you want to be honest? Otherwise, you'll have to stick it out!  

There are lots of people on here to help support you! : ) You came to the right place.....

[weaver71]

The Thomas Recipe and Amino Acid Protocol, minus valium, is a good place to start. You will find it at the bottom this page under Health Pages. There's a lot of other good info there as well. I know it's hard, but more around, get your blood moving as much as you can. I used to sauna and swim to relieve aches and speed up the detox. You're not on a high dose, so it should feel like the flu for about a week. You'll start feeling better soon. Also remember rebound pain. Often the meds create pain that wouldn't be there otherwise. Many find that OTC or alternative therapies are more effective for long term treatment. Opiates are great for a week or two, but long term, all walks of life can fall into the progression of pain killer addiction. You know, you bust people who have been taking pills too long. I bet this gives you a lot to think about, when you are on duty. You're on the right track, just stay focused on healing not feeling sick. You're mind can make things far worse than they have to be. Hot baths with epsom salts are relaxing and can help with the insomnia. Keep us posted, there are many here willing to walk you through this.

[dominosarah]

Hi and welcome to the forum~

I was heavily addicted to vicoprofen so these posts always stick out to me.  As you know addiction doesnt discriminate.  Your pain will increase for awhile as you are feeling rebound pain.  Our brain plays some real games with us.  This should subside after awhile.  Hopefully the surgery will help you.  As for right now, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, eat bland food if you have an upset stomach.  Exercising really helps also.  Just going for a walk can help.  Warm showers or baths are good, bananas help as they are high in potassium.  Narcotics also cover up our emotions so you will be on a roller coaster with this.  Have you been sneezing yet?  You can get thru this and we are here to help so lean on us, there isnt anything we havent heard!

[toothfairie]

welcome to the site!!  i myself have deg disc and was taking Norco10 for alot of years.....alot of pills a day....i'm on day 3 of WD...really hot baths with epsom salt are HEAVEN.......also drink lots of fluid...gatorade...ensure, just what ever you can and imodium (immodium) if you need that.....try not to stress about the job and please don't feel alone in these....people from all walks of life are addicted to pain killers as you see every day i'm sure....i'm in the dental field..hang in there...first few days are rough but since you weren't taking that huge of doses from what you posted you will get thru this!!  stay strong and keep posting!!  this site was a God send to me 4 days ago!!  you can PM me if you have any questions you don't want seen on here....we are all here to help each other!!

[Sonrissa]

Hi Sick, and welcome! You have been given great advice on how to deal with the symptoms so I won't repeat. I just wanted to say that addiction knows no boundaries! It can happen to anyone, in any capacity! You certainly didn't start out your career with the intention of becoming addicted to pain medication! Congrats on your decision to deal with this head on! Good luck and please keep posting with any questions or if you need support! Lots of wonderful folks here! Take care!

[murphauto]

Dude. You need to taper things down slowly, especially if you need to work. And remember that you are doing nothing wrong. What's up with you is the fact your body has become dependant on those meds. Get with your surgeon and get the ball rolling. You sound like you have a plan and you need to execute it. I have been doing a taper rigimen, and so far, so good. I can still work and with the help of sleeping aids, can still sleep. Hit me any time you need words of encouragement.

[pepe77]

I am a health 'professional' and work with lots of drug and alcohol people, I know how you feel....

[conhall]

You Have been given some great advice on here. I just wanted to add that for me the biggest things was making my mind up that I was done no matter what. Do you Plan on refilling or just stopping CT?
This is like a carousel each month you will go through the same thing if you dont make a choice either quit or only take what is prescribed.
I know its hard especially because you have true pain issues. keep posting and you will get the support you need on here. Talk to your doctor maybe they can help you also with a plan.

[selfinduced]

Welcome, Hot baths are a lifesaver for sore muscles and anxiety. Sleepytime tea does wonders to relax. Music is a must. Jam out in the morning to get going and play some soft country when the boo hoo's hit you. It will allow you to let those emotions flow. Your far from alone and your story is not unique. You'll get thru this attitude is everything....stay busy and stay positive. Keep posting.

[toothfairie]

i agree with you seflinduced.....hot hot baths are a God send to me!!  I put on music while in the tub....and just relax....feels so good....just let your mind relax as much as possible!!  and if you have epsom salt that helps with pain and soreness too....and keep posting!!  we are all here for you!!  xoxo

[paddleback]

I understand your problem same thing happened to me. I have a disk problem as well. I went from two to three and then I started to have withdraws. Your body wants more and starts to crave it. After about three months of having mood swings, headache and more pain, I realized it was the medication and not my body. I quit cold turkey. If you need to work you might drop down to one a day for a while. You will still have withdraws but they might not be as bad. When taking this low of a dose cold turkey works best in my opinion. Age and length of time taking them plays apart as well. Everyone is different.
It took about a week for my rebound pain to go away. I was told I needed surgery, I feel pretty good most days without surgery. Over the counter pain medicines and other therapy has worked wonders for me. I have bad days but its 100% better then the way I felt on pain killers. Good luck!!

[clean_in_ks]

So glad you are here and posting!  So many of us had legit pain issues, surgeries, degeneration (part of aging for MOST), and all kinds of circumstances.  Your honesty is REFRESHING!!
I started out taking my pain meds once in awhile or 2 or 3 a day.  As I lived thru a bad car accident, no insurance, needed back surgery, 2 yrs in bed with the pain, of course my tolerance increased and I needed more and more.  I snowballed after surgery.
Today, I can attest to the rebound pain when I first started weaning and then went ct.  I hurt way worse back then than I do now.  Do I hurt?  yep!
But, like another woman on here taught me, I'm learning to live life with pain.....without pain pills.  It can be done, and there are lots and lots of ways to deal with pain that dont involve narcotics.
The health pages down below on your right may help you to read, too.
They answered a lot of my questions.  I took what I liked, "and let the rest go".  
Glad you are aboard......please keep posting~

[GANeedHelpMarie]

I have detoxed opiates and from Suboxone (as well as from benzos---19 days clean).  Great advice given.  I tapered.  As u know, it takes a decision and discipline.  Otherwise, CT does to......I mainly want to mention that "active release therapy" has helped me sooo much and continues to be a .godsend.  I had no endorphin system of my own after 6 years of opiates...google it, many chiropractors are trained in this type of muscle work.  Also, I now get "gun a injections" from a DO.  Majorly helpful.  Wishing u the best (oh I have replacement discs at c-5 and c-6).  Hugs, Marie