atypical withdrawal

dope history: dilaudid IV for a year and quit cold turkey.  then on and off dilauded several times thereafter.  then was on methadone for almost three years(80-120mg/day in later stage) and quit cold turkey.  i had been clean for over three years and started taking care of my health.  diet and exercise were my new addiction.  i'm in it on my own, i have no one to work out with and nobody gives a sh*t about their health around here.  my work schedule began to invade my home life to the point where i could not work out nor could i diet properly.  my job is very stressful and involves seeing some pretty traumatic things.  the hours are very erratic and keeps me away from friends and family but i can't find another job.  the repeat exposure to death and trauma coupled with being alone when i'm not at work have caused me to slip back into drugs.  started with vicodin for a month, then percocets for about 1week, then all i could find were dilaudid in pill form. i have been using very small doses to taper down bc i could see the end coming.  but as i remember last time tapering IV drugs does not work.  so here is what happening.   yesterday i had a fever of 101.3  i was really weak, had a horrible headache.  my bones were extremely painful.  and i know people say this is typical for opioid wd's.  i've had countless wd's which gave me diarrhea, no appetite at all, extreme lethargy, chills with frequent hot/cold flashes, sometimes vomiting.  i have never had bone pain before.  and i've never taken my temp in other wd's so i dunno.  it's just strange that this time i have a great appetite.  i'm not having diarrhea.  the only symptoms i'm having now that i've had before are depression and feeling of impending doom.  i'm a little weak but the extreme lethargy is not there.  my temp is 99 today.  could this be that i'm wd'ing from vicodin?  methadone and dilaudid wd's had vague differences but panic is tale-tale dilaudid.  has anyone else experienced a totally new set of withdrawal symptoms from past experiences???   thanks in advance

[LeaAnn807]

It's normal to have WDs that are different from before.  Sometimes I had the exact same symptoms and sometimes they were less or more.  It just depends on lots of factors I think.  

Just do something different so you don't have to keep doing it, ok?  Get some aftercare! : )

[oh_hai]

thanks trama.  i was worried about having an infection r/t mainlining dilaudids.  i think i'm just in a panic.  hopefully this is the last time.

[LeaAnn807]

Well, if your fever gets high, you certainly need to get to a doctor.  Do you have any other signs of infection?  (redness, swelling?)  I definitely can't diagnose you, but you need to watch for those things I would say.  Panic is SO normal for WD.  It will pass.  Remember that!!!!!!!

[oh_hai]

my temp is normal now.  highest was 101.3  i have no lymphadenopathy and no other symptoms of an infection.  i'm starting to think this is just a mild withdrawal with completely different symptoms.  i'm looking at my hands and my veins are not visible.  this always happens.  if my bones would quit hurting i would be in the clear. this is the first time i have not had drug cravings during wd.  i have a few more pills but i'm gonna throw that **** away and ride this one out.  

[vicki595]

People get very dehydrated during withdrawal and that accounts for many symptoms. So...start drinking as much as you can!!

[oh_hai]

will do. thanks

[LeaAnn807]

Yes, flush them!!!  Drink lots of water and take 600 mg of ibuprofen. (if you don't have stomach issues)  HOT baths will sooth that bone pain too.

[oh_hai]

yah.  they're gone.  i have issues with neck back pain and take alot of ibuprofen.  and it helps alot.  but my stomach is a wreck sometimes from it.  hotbaths do help until i get out with goosebumps.  hahah

[atthebeach]

i would highly recommend you get back into the regiment of exercise and good eating habits.also because of your repeated drug abuse and relapsed have you ever been to counseling,one on one or support groups?
you are very knowledgeable about the medical aspects and because you stated your job is tramatic seems that would indicate you are in the medical profess.
that i take it would also make you aware of the dangers of continued drug abuse and the long term abuse on your body and mind.
please get yourself some counseling. even if you have to go to another town or city so colleagues dont get wind of it. wouldnt want to jeoparizes your job even if it is supposed to be confidential.
praying for you,
debbie

[dominosarah]

Listen to vicki.....fluids fluids fluids!