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What do I do now? Doc told me I was doing this all wrong.
I had an appointment with my neurologist to get my bi-annual check-up and MRI. I have an AVM in my brain and a pituitary cyct, so they have to keep an eye on things. Anyways, I told him I was getting off of the narcotics and it has been almost a month since I took methadone. Right away I got an ear-full from him how dangerous this was. Turns out my blood pressure was really high and that is super dangerous for the AVM because it causes too much pressure and can lead to a bleed or even an aneurism. We wont get the results from the MRI until next week so I dont what damage, if any, has been done, but he put me on bp meds and a low dose of vicodin to stop the withdrawals until we get the results. I am so devistated. Today is 30 days methadone free and I feel like i just waisted the miserable 30 days for nothing, even worse could have done damage. I posted a question on "ask the doctor" forum and he said just about the same thing. I havent pick up the vicodin yet, but i'm scared and confused. My neurologist said if i wanted to get off narcotics he would put me on a more "acceptable" plan that would be easier on my body. Which means a long term taper... And he reminded me of the migraines caused by the AVM, like I would forget them... I had hell making it through these 30 days. Will the vicodin be just as tough? Does anyone have an opinion on this situation? Should i really get back into this after i have made it so far. I should feel so good about making it 30 days, but i am not. I am more confused now than before. If you dont have answers maybe just some encouragement, please.
I know if my doctor had ever been through what I have been through this past month he would do whatever possible not to go through it again! That's what keeps running through my mind... If he only understood. But he doesn't and he made me feel like I am playing russian roulette with my head. I'm just glad I can get support here from people who do know what I'm going through. I mean I do have to remember this is the doc who started me out at 150 7.5mg vicodin a month while I was pregnant!!! I don't care who you are, if you are supposed to take that many a month starting out, you don't have a chance. You will be addicted. And so here I am dealing with the same doc trying to get me back on the vicodin... Seriously... Does anyone realize how hard it is to be addicted, and be 31 days clean, and have your doc know this and says here you go, You need to take them or else you could cause damage if you haven't already... I really must be getting all of your prayers answered, cause it is all I can do to not pick up those meds... I mean what an excuse!!! My doc made me do it. Lol! Thank God I am looking at the bigger picture now and want a sober life.
Haley keep a close eye on your blood pressure and take any non/narcotic meds they gave you for that....now that your 31 days clean I would think your out of the woods as far as a b/p spike but those monitor bracelets are only like 15 bucks at walmart better safe then sorry
just know your pressure changes threw out the day and any doctor can treat you fro b/p it dosent need to be a numerologist.....he wouldn't ask you to go back to hell had he ever been there message me if you like and check your in box.............Gnarly
just know your pressure changes threw out the day and any doctor can treat you fro b/p it dosent need to be a numerologist.....he wouldn't ask you to go back to hell had he ever been there message me if you like and check your in box.............Gnarly
my AVM is because of the location, not worth the risks of surgery, as my doctor put it. I just know it's nothing to be taken lightly. I honestly didn't know there would be any danger from withdrawals because most people say it's uncomfortable, but livable... So I got through my first month thinking I was out of the woods, until my neuro appointment. I just cried. You don't expect a doc to say you shouldn't get off drugs. So, here I sit... Do I pick up my meds or not. I'm going towards waiting until I see him next week.
I'm sorry...I am misinformed. Thank you for clarifying the blood thinning. I thought the codiene had a thinning effect. I was wrong on that point too. Dang...I feel bad. I'm not a med pro and also not all that familiar with AVM's. I must have been thinking blood clots or something. I'm glad you spoke up Jay! Thank you for setting me straight. Definately not something to mess around with.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I had an aunt die from a cerebral hemorrhage. Obviously a totally different disorder.
HALEY...listen to Jaybay...not me.
Again, thank you Jay.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I had an aunt die from a cerebral hemorrhage. Obviously a totally different disorder.
HALEY...listen to Jaybay...not me.
Again, thank you Jay.
The problem with AVMs (arteriovenous malformations) is that they are tiny, fragile, yet high-flow vessels. Basically, you have a tiny artery that flows directly to a vein, hence the very high pressure and why it's so important to keep your blood pressure under control. They may be small vessels, but if they blow they can empty out a lot of blood.
You do NOT want to take any kind of blood-thinning meds! It will only make the bleeding worse if the vessel ruptures. Narcotics won't thin your blood and neither will the tylenol in the vicodin. Avoid things like aspirin, advil and aleve.
AVMs in the brain are usually taken care of surgically if they're within reach of the surgeon and if surgery won't cause further damage to the brain. I admittedly haven't followed your entire story so don't know if you've looked into that option already.
I understand why your doctor didn't want you to do anything to disrupt your BP, but since you're already off the methadone it seems to make more sense to put you on a blood pressure med at this point. Since you disagree with his treatment plan, you really need to see a different neuro for another opinion. My mother died of hemorrhage from multiple gastrointestinal AVMs. Please don't go off half-cocked and try to treat yourself like she did. The risk is far too high.
You do NOT want to take any kind of blood-thinning meds! It will only make the bleeding worse if the vessel ruptures. Narcotics won't thin your blood and neither will the tylenol in the vicodin. Avoid things like aspirin, advil and aleve.
AVMs in the brain are usually taken care of surgically if they're within reach of the surgeon and if surgery won't cause further damage to the brain. I admittedly haven't followed your entire story so don't know if you've looked into that option already.
I understand why your doctor didn't want you to do anything to disrupt your BP, but since you're already off the methadone it seems to make more sense to put you on a blood pressure med at this point. Since you disagree with his treatment plan, you really need to see a different neuro for another opinion. My mother died of hemorrhage from multiple gastrointestinal AVMs. Please don't go off half-cocked and try to treat yourself like she did. The risk is far too high.
Was Vicodin your drug of choice that you went on Methodone to quit? I could never understand the reasoning behind that, but I also have never had an addiction problem and am not too educated on withdrawls and how it affects the body. My son was on methodone and went through withdrawls...but, eventually, 30 days or so later, he was doing fine. It was the word "withdrawls" that scared him more than anything else. He was incarcerated at the time, so he had no other options and he never wants to go through it again.
I have taken Tramadol (Ultram) for my pain...it didn't do much for me...help or hinder. But I know...on the streets, people will pay for them...I can't understand that...I didn't think they were that much of a big deal. Apparently I was wrong.
How do YOU feel, physically, Haley? After the 30 days...do you still have the headaches? Do you feel okay? You should be getting your MRI back really soon. If all looks good...DONT take the Vicodin! Its MY OWN OPINION...WAIT for the results. As someone else mentioned in a reply...if you had a major pressure issue and a vessel were to burst...you'd be in the hospital. The MRI is read as its being taken...believe me, if there was an emergent issue with a bleeder...you would NOT have been sent home.
Why has the doc not recommended Plavix or daily aspirin for you? Vicodin has a blood thinning agent too, but a narcotic as well. Thats what you are trying to avoid.
I have to wonder if this doctor is familiar with addiction...it sounds like he is not. I know if it were me...I would question the necessity of Vicodin, now that you have gone 30 days drug free. The worst has GOT to be over.
Stay tough, girl! Go with your GUT! We have got to be our own advocate when it comes to our health. Keep us posted on how you are douing and what the MRI says! I'm curious. I am STILL PROUD of YOU, too! :) WoooHoooo
I have taken Tramadol (Ultram) for my pain...it didn't do much for me...help or hinder. But I know...on the streets, people will pay for them...I can't understand that...I didn't think they were that much of a big deal. Apparently I was wrong.
How do YOU feel, physically, Haley? After the 30 days...do you still have the headaches? Do you feel okay? You should be getting your MRI back really soon. If all looks good...DONT take the Vicodin! Its MY OWN OPINION...WAIT for the results. As someone else mentioned in a reply...if you had a major pressure issue and a vessel were to burst...you'd be in the hospital. The MRI is read as its being taken...believe me, if there was an emergent issue with a bleeder...you would NOT have been sent home.
Why has the doc not recommended Plavix or daily aspirin for you? Vicodin has a blood thinning agent too, but a narcotic as well. Thats what you are trying to avoid.
I have to wonder if this doctor is familiar with addiction...it sounds like he is not. I know if it were me...I would question the necessity of Vicodin, now that you have gone 30 days drug free. The worst has GOT to be over.
Stay tough, girl! Go with your GUT! We have got to be our own advocate when it comes to our health. Keep us posted on how you are douing and what the MRI says! I'm curious. I am STILL PROUD of YOU, too! :) WoooHoooo
HI Haley no harm no fowl.....id be frustrated to....people have know idea how hard it is to get off methadone and to jump at the dose you jumped from you had a ruff ride......I always hait to go ageist dr orders but it would have taken 2 1/2 ht to get off methadone for me with there plan yes I suffered ...probably more then I had to but I did it for 8 1/2 mo not 2 1/2 yrs ageist doctors orders ...no if you came to me and said I have an unusual health condition I would be the first one to say go see what the doctor says but this dident even come up till your 30th day you have been threw the worst of it and I can guarantee you you B/P was threw the roof jumping off as high as you did and everything held up threw the worst of it....now with moderate B/P they want to put you on B/P meds all the better but asking you to go back on narcotics is ludicrous and will only spike your B/P again this is the part I dont understand
im sorry if my last post sounded harsh ....I dident mean it to I was only trying to simpasize with your situation and frustrations check you b/p often stay on meds for b/p think long and hard b/4 you start taking narcotics again you got this thing almost beet you still got a ways till your going to feel good again but the acute withdrawals that really elevate your b/p are behind you at this point....I will keep you in my prayers message me any time im sorry if you feel I wrote you off my answers on the forum have to be politically correct so there brief at best...I just dident want you to think I wrote you off by not answering your friend Mark
im sorry if my last post sounded harsh ....I dident mean it to I was only trying to simpasize with your situation and frustrations check you b/p often stay on meds for b/p think long and hard b/4 you start taking narcotics again you got this thing almost beet you still got a ways till your going to feel good again but the acute withdrawals that really elevate your b/p are behind you at this point....I will keep you in my prayers message me any time im sorry if you feel I wrote you off my answers on the forum have to be politically correct so there brief at best...I just dident want you to think I wrote you off by not answering your friend Mark
I am sorry I took my frustration out on you. You have been a great asset to me in getting where I am today. I am just so confused.... You have been there with me the whole way and I do appreciate your time an prayers. That being said, I have prayed on it and decided not to get back on narcotics and wait until I get the results of the MRI next week. God has gotten me safely through this so far... There is no need to doubt
hm now. So 30 days into recovery... Yippee!!! If anyone has some insight or encouragement I need it now more than ever. I'm sure everyone knows how hard it is to turn down narcotics, especially when given by a doc saying it is dangerous not to take them. But at my stage in the game I can't give up and move backwards. Am I being nieve (sp ?) I know the doctors are why I got where I am in the first place... so I will trust God will get me through this. I don't know what other choice I have. And, gnarly, I take everything you say to worth, so thank you and pray for my safety and healing during this dark time...
hm now. So 30 days into recovery... Yippee!!! If anyone has some insight or encouragement I need it now more than ever. I'm sure everyone knows how hard it is to turn down narcotics, especially when given by a doc saying it is dangerous not to take them. But at my stage in the game I can't give up and move backwards. Am I being nieve (sp ?) I know the doctors are why I got where I am in the first place... so I will trust God will get me through this. I don't know what other choice I have. And, gnarly, I take everything you say to worth, so thank you and pray for my safety and healing during this dark time...
what the hell do I do??? I haven't picked up the meds and I don't understand why the doc did this to me, but I don't know what to do... I have come so far to through it away. And seriously, gnarly, you and I have been talking one on one about everything I've been through, and it has been tough, but you helped me through it. Why does it seem as if, especially you, are just writing me off... I haven't done anything yet... That's why I'm here to find out what to do. This is my darkest time and I'm torn and hurt. Please someone just give me some encouragement... How do I get a second opinion from a neurologist when you can't just walk into one of their offices and tell em "hey... I think my doc is full of crap"...
Congrats on 30 days, I agree with Knarly and MHModerator you should probably seek another opinion. If you are on BP meds and you monitor your BP maybe you should not start opiates again. Once again you should listen to your doc (as he/she knows your medical history) but should still get a second opinion.
MedHelp certainly encourages you to follow your doctor's advice. Individuals often have more underlying health issues than can be properly assessed online, and the best person to give you advice on your situation is a doctor who has examined you and your medical history.
However, gnarly_1 raises some questions for which you might desire answers, and in instances where your doctor's advice doesn't sit well with you initially, it may be worthwhile to pursue a second opinion.
We wish you luck in your journey. Regardless of the direction you end up going, congratulations on your 30 days!
However, gnarly_1 raises some questions for which you might desire answers, and in instances where your doctor's advice doesn't sit well with you initially, it may be worthwhile to pursue a second opinion.
We wish you luck in your journey. Regardless of the direction you end up going, congratulations on your 30 days!
well im going to go out on a limb here probably get some negative resposeses but if you dident blow a blood vesses in your brain will in acute methadone withdrawal early on I doubt
30 days later its going to be a problem .....the problem seams to be you B/P WITCH ALWAYS SPIKES COMING OFF anny narcotictic BY taking readings seveal times a day you could monotor the situation your self if it where urgent thdey would have you in the hospital
doctors cover there as.ses and would rather error on the side on safety then to let something go.... the thing
I dont get is putting you back on them onlly to have to spick your B/P again bringing you down it makes no sence to me for my oppinion I would take the b/p meds monotor your b/p severla times a day the units are cheep at the drug store and finish this thing out you have gone 30 says dont throw that away NOW THIS IS MY OPPINION and does not reflect medhelps advise they say listen to your doctor call me the rebel but I detoxed off methadone in less the 1/2 the time they said it would take and made it threw with flying colors this is serious only you and God can make this decion
I know I would be 30 days into recovery rather then a 2 or 3 mo taper and feeling like shi t take it for what its worrth I wish you the best of luvck we will support you howerver you do this I just hait to see someone set themselfs back after working so hard ....God bless......Gnarly
30 days later its going to be a problem .....the problem seams to be you B/P WITCH ALWAYS SPIKES COMING OFF anny narcotictic BY taking readings seveal times a day you could monotor the situation your self if it where urgent thdey would have you in the hospital
doctors cover there as.ses and would rather error on the side on safety then to let something go.... the thing
I dont get is putting you back on them onlly to have to spick your B/P again bringing you down it makes no sence to me for my oppinion I would take the b/p meds monotor your b/p severla times a day the units are cheep at the drug store and finish this thing out you have gone 30 says dont throw that away NOW THIS IS MY OPPINION and does not reflect medhelps advise they say listen to your doctor call me the rebel but I detoxed off methadone in less the 1/2 the time they said it would take and made it threw with flying colors this is serious only you and God can make this decion
I know I would be 30 days into recovery rather then a 2 or 3 mo taper and feeling like shi t take it for what its worrth I wish you the best of luvck we will support you howerver you do this I just hait to see someone set themselfs back after working so hard ....God bless......Gnarly
I agree with the other posters - you should feel REALLY great about getting off the methadone - and you have to listen to your Dr. Seriously, they know best - they know you, your medical history and things you need to do to prevent any serious issues down the road. Trust the Dr. and stay proud about your accomplishment - you'll get through this and now it will be done in a safer way. So don't lose sight of what you've done here! :)
i think in most cases the bp will returen to normal after the acute withdrawal is over. if it is causing problems your doctor may need to add a bp medication to get you through the withdrawals.... That being said, I did NOT like what ,my doctor told me, but every situation is different. My problem isnt really with the bpressure, its with the AVM. I think to be safe you should always talk to your doc. Look at me for example. I am 30 days into methadone detox and my doc told me i was not doing what was safe for my body.... So i am right back where i started being prescribed vicodin to stop the withdrawals. So I am down and depressed to have made it this far and to get a big kick in the butt from my doc. Good luck with yours, and if anyone has advice or just encouragement please send it my way. I can still say 30 days off methadone, i guess....
Hey! I need some" laymans" advice...I've been tapering off lortab, and granted...I've only been doing 2 1/2 to 3 a day, but been taking for 11 years..anyway, now Im cold turkey, but had a situation the other day at my work. Since I work at the airport, the air natl guard meds came over and my BP was 170 over 140! WTF? I do have a history of HBP, but not ever that high...I haven't yet spoken with my back doc about quitting, but do u think I should? I took 2 more BP readings since, and they were a little better, not much...what is your or anyones opinion?
thank you for your kind words. I just felt like I was so close to being me again. Vicodin I what I was prescribed to begin with 5 years ago. I'm just scared about not being able to control it and ending up right back where I am. The methadone w/d was soooo hard I am just scared of taking the vicodin again and having to feel like that, again... I've gotten so much support here and now I feel like I have disappointed everyone who has been there for me. Is it normal for a doctor to do this? I mean I've come so far, and to take a huge step back just breaks my heart. I want to live my life without feeling numb and always having to take a pill. I told my doctor that, so he said after we get results we would come up with a better plan... I thought I had a good plan. He talked about tramidol though, and even though it is not a narcotic, I have heard horror stories about it and the w/d from it so I don't think that's the route I want to go, but neither is vicodin. Thank you anyways for your support. It really does help just to get to vent my frustrations...
Trying to get yourself clean is NEVER a WASTE, hon. NEVER NEVER NEVER
What would happen if you continued on methodone? Its worse than heroin!! If you hadn't told your neurologist about your attempts to stop methodone...he wouldnt have been able to give you something less harmful to help you. Vicodin...personally, I hate the stuff, but only take it as prescribed.
Please, please , please, be proud of yourself for trying to do it on your own. You didn't know the possible consequences of cold turkey. Now you do, and I hope you are okay and the MRI is a good one. Good luck in your recovery, my dear. Stay strong, stay true and take one day at a time. You are doing GREAT!!! I don't even know you and I am PROUD of you.
What would happen if you continued on methodone? Its worse than heroin!! If you hadn't told your neurologist about your attempts to stop methodone...he wouldnt have been able to give you something less harmful to help you. Vicodin...personally, I hate the stuff, but only take it as prescribed.
Please, please , please, be proud of yourself for trying to do it on your own. You didn't know the possible consequences of cold turkey. Now you do, and I hope you are okay and the MRI is a good one. Good luck in your recovery, my dear. Stay strong, stay true and take one day at a time. You are doing GREAT!!! I don't even know you and I am PROUD of you.
Thanks for the advice. I just feel like I wasted 30 days.... Thanks for the encouragement, though. If i can make it through 30 days of methadone w/d, i think i can make it through anything. And always thanks for the prayers.
i feel that you need to follow your doctor's advice...it seems you have a potentially serious medical situation and even though you've been through hell and back detoxing off of the methodone, your doctors advice trumps all.
i wish you all the best and i pray that all will work out for you. BTW...vicodin w/ds are no where near as painful or as drawn out as methodone. please listen to your doctor.
i wish you all the best and i pray that all will work out for you. BTW...vicodin w/ds are no where near as painful or as drawn out as methodone. please listen to your doctor.
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