When will it end?

[Driver20]

Having started on Vicodin after back surgery, I now find myself withdrawing cold turkey as I want off!  I have been on this for the past 12 years and just the past 6 months, I found myself taking more than the recommended dosage. I was taking 12-16 pills a day. The withdrawals are serious. Can you have a seizure from doing this? I am over 60, by the way! I have no doctor whom I trust enough with this information, UNFORTUNATELY. My wife has been a blessing but as she has never been through something like this, she has no understanding of what's to come. Will everything be OK and how long should I expect to not sleep? It has been 3 days now, My muscles are twitching, my stomach is in knots, my blood pressure was up but is back down now. Thank you. I appreciate any info you can give.me.  .  

[littlebit667]

Imodium, Imodium for tummy and opiate trots.  The legs thing is harder.  My legs are still giving me problems.  You can ask your doctor about something to help the legs.  The first time I went thru withdrawals (I did not know I was) I spent a month dealing with them and finally went to the dr.  She gave me a non addictive med that I still use.  It helps after about 30 minutes.  There was no talk about the hydros (she has been prescribing) and I had quit taking --not realizing I was addicted (totally clueless then).  

Other than that....Lots of hot baths, showers.  If you can get epsom salts for the water.  The magnesium seems to help with the legs.  My doctor says an hour of walking a day will help with the legs.  I have not managed that yet.  Afraid exercise is not my thing and never has been much to my kid's dismay!  Sweat is for athletes!  :)  

Keep it up!  It does get better.

[Driver20]

It's 3:30am and I'm still awake.......stomach hurts, shakes, keep having to get out of bed to walk. It'll get better, I'm sure!

[IwillDoThis]

Driver don't beat yourself up, lots of us find ourselves here when we started looking for relief from chronic pain.  I'm a chronic pain patient as well so I "feel your pain" and frustration with finding yourself in this situation.  But alas we cannot change the past, only bravely move forward to rectify the situation which is exactly what you are doing. Give yourself lots of credit for having the strength to make this decision and carry it out.

I'd like you to start thinking about some realistic pain mgmt alternatives for your conditions.  I have a pain mgmt journal on my profile if you'd like to check it out - I talk about what I plan to try, what I'm trying and what hasn't worked.  Just food for thought.  Getting some extra tools in your kit will empower you to feel as though you are not a slave to pain  - best now to start thinking about it.

You have a lovely spouse who is supporting you which is a big positive, you have the will to do this - now a little time and patience to help you get through.  You can do this.

[sandstone27]

Also, I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but in case it hasn't, other OTC sleep aids such as Alteril, melatonin and valerian may help.

Good luck with getting your zzzzz's back.

[Driver20]

Thank you so much. I needed to hear that right now. I don't drink or smoke, take any other pain drugs other that Vicodin, I eat healthy, so yes, I am in good shape, I think!  Thank you so much. I need friends at this point!

[sandstone27]

Hi Driver - just a quick comment regarding the above post - Do NOT take Tylenol PM - your liver needs a break from all of that acetaminophen - benedryl on its own is OK, but avoid the Tylenol.  

Well wishes to you...

Sandy ♦