goin cold turkey off oxys and need helpppp

7 years ago I was an NYC fireman until I fell through a collapsed roof on the job. I fractured my spine and had to have surgery. After surgery I was prescribed oxy's 20 mg every 12 hours. At first it took away my pain, the first surgery didn't work and had to have a spinal fusion. This did not work either so my doctor gave me oxy 60 mg 2 time a day. That worked fine for about 6 months, so then my doc up the dosage to 80 mg 3x a day. and I have been on that dose for about five years.  I hate taking these pills because I am living in a drug haze and just existing and not living. I decided to get off the oxys and told my doc my intentions. He told me that he would try to taper me off but it will tak about 9-12 months. I dont' want to take that long so I am goin cold turkey. I took my last dose about 24 hrs ago and I feel horrible. I still have some oxys left but i want out now!!!!! I want my life back so I am going to dump the rest of the oxys in the crapper & flush. I am afraid if i keep them i will take them to get rid of this horrible feeling. If anyone knows off something I can do to help this hellish feeling please let me know. I have not slept since yesterday and i don't know what to do. So please help me.

[IBKleen]

Quitinoxys,

Congratulations on day 9!

Those "drug dreams" are very common. I know each time I detoxed I had intense dreams. The good news is, and I think most will agree, I always woke up before I actually used. It is like a falling dream. You always wake up before you hit the pavement.

I want to mention that topic that makes a whole of folks head for the hills: Aftercare. Pain patients especially have a hard time with it because they feel that since they have not gone to the streets for drugs, they don't need any sort of aftercare. I don't believe that is true.

The reason why I think it is important for pain patients is the high risk of relapse. Our brains and our bodies are telling us that we are in pain and we know how to fix that. And, to top it all off, it is legal! If I remember correctly, you stopped because you no longer wanted to be a slave to the pills.

Now that you made that decision to stop, how do you stay stopped? How do you re-wire your brain so that you don't reach for that pill at the first sign of pain?

I live with chronic back pain and the only thing that helps me is having a support group who teaches me how to deal with those insane thoughts. I have had major back reconstruction surgery, acupuncture, physical therapy, aqua therapy, several series of injections and pain medication. I got relief from those procedures but it was short-lived. It got to the point where I was over medicating to get relief and knew it was time to stop. It took me a few go rounds before getting clean but what did work was outside support. I am learning how to deal with the pain today and also learning that there are times when my pain is really not that bad and is manageable. My brain tricks me into thinking I am in a whole lot more pain than I really am and I now can identify (a good percentage of the time) when my brain is messing with me.

Meetings are the most helpful for me. Just being around people face to face who understand is so important for my continued recovery.

I see that you are still having trouble sleeping and there may be other things lingering for you. My fear is that you will lose the fight and go back to the pills.

If nothing else I hope that you consider it. I would hate to see you lose what you have fought so hard for.

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  I'm sorry about your situation.  Have you read the thomas recipe and amino acid protocol in the health pages?  Good info and stuff to do to help WDs.  It takes about a week of feeling sick, but you will get your life back in return!  It's worth it.  

If you keep the pills, you might take them to stop the WDs.  If you are serious about quitting, then get rid of them.  That is the only way to be sure you don't take them.  

You could try a hot bath in epsom salt.  Also, if you are having RLS take some Hylands Restful Legs or Leg Cramps.  They help and so does a mag/cal supplement before bed.

Good luck to you!  

[sway1]

tramhater has that part covered. great advice. you have the great fortune of living in an area where there are some great 12 step meetings. i am from red bank. the NA meetings will help you with your thinking. usually people who go to meetings don't use. i avoided this process since 1994 and stayed in constant relapse. totally miserable. whatever you choose, you will have constant support here. i will add you to my prayers. peace, sway

[Julie359]

Ok, think about this logically, your body has become dependant on this drug, which is seriously strong and you are taking a high dose of anyway.  If you stop taking this drug suddenly you will cause yourself sooooooo much suffering and pain both mentally and physcially, which may go on for months.  You could end up back in the hospital with seizures, severe muscle cramps, profuse sweating, stomach issues, loose bowl, insomnia, loss of appitite, hullicinations, anxiety, depression and the list goes on.  Its not 100% certain you will get all of these but almost certain you will go through most of them.  Please dont do this to yourself.  Take your doctors advice and tapper slow and steady.  Remember the story of the Hare and the Tortoise, slow and steady wins the race, you try to fast and you WILL fail.  If you ont want to do this for yourself then think about those that LOVE you and how it will affect them to see you suffer so bad.  So dont throw them down the toilet go take your pill and take your doctors advice.  It would be a massive shame to overcome breaking your back just to end up killing yourself through withdrawal.

[Julie359]

As someone who has medical knowlegde i think you are extremely inresponsible to advise him to throw them down the toilet, encouraging him to do this WILL cause him severe consequences.  Tell me what would happen if he ends up having a seizure and re-breaks his back through the muscle contractions and spasms of the fit?  Or is deprived of Oxygen while having one and ends up brain damaged?  This site can be a dangerous place to ask for advice esspecially when the lay person handing out advice has NO medical knowledge.  

I have seen and had to play part in treating people who had gone cold turkey off serious hardcore pain killers.  Please think before answering!

[LeaAnn807]

Sweetheart....I DO have medical knowledge and experience.  I worked in a clinic and in a hospital ER for years.  YOU, my dear, are the one giving ill-informed advice.  People are not in danger from stopping opiates.  Benzos, alcohol and barbs??  YES.  But not opiates!  

I, myself, have had grand mal seizures.  I have never broken my back from it.  I am sure it is possible, but not probable.  

And we are ALL lay people with personal experience. NO ONE on this part of the forum is supposed to be giving medical advice!!  Or didn't you read the rules?????

[quitinoxys]

I know that tapering off is probably safer but I want off this garbage asap. I don't even like they way they make me feel. Of course I am not going to go cold turkey without my docs supervision. I will take your advice and hold on to the oxy's just in case something bad starts to happen. I am strong enough to get through this and I have a wonderful wife that supports however I want to do it. In fact she wants her old-man back as it hasn't been a picnic since I been on this crap. I also have my brethren firefighters to turn to always. I thank everyone for thier encouraging comments and support. I will look into the thomas recipe and amino acid protocol that tramahater suggested. I just wish I could get some sleep. Please pray for me I'd really appreciate it.

[laurel453]

hi, welcome

i bet  you are really scared now after reading some comments , right ? well, calm down :)... i will speak about my experience... i was far from going to ER after quitting c/t opiates. yeah, it's true that  i went through muscle cramps, stomach issues, profuse sweating, loose tools, insomnia, some depression, anxiety...what else? ah, lose of appetite...right, it was that way for a week and it's the best thing i could have done ! tappering for a year..sounds too much for me! but of course, you could tapper your doses if you feel better maybe for a couple of months or so....

anyway, you can find there are some stuff to help you going through that week, there is no magical pill to stop all them but you'll be able to  tolerate them ...and afterwards, start working in what matters...sobriety :)

best wishes and good luck, quitinoxys, and once you have made up your mind, stay here and we'll try helping you as much as we can :)

[quitinoxys]

Thank you for your support and advice. I will look into the thomas recipe and amino acid protocol you suggested. Does it really help?

[quitinoxys]

Thanks laurel453 for the encouragement. My mind is made up I am going cold turkey. I called one of my brother firefighters this morn who has been through this and he is coming down to stay with me for as long as I need him to. I will stay in touch and let you know how I'm doing.

[Julie359]

Of course i read the rules i am a regular on a couple of other forums here, one being anxiety and we make it very clear to people we are not doctors, so yes i'm fully aware.  We are also very careful in advising such a drastic move.  We always say that the person posting should consult their PC doc or whom ever it should be.  I just felt very uncomfortable reading that comment as i did, i just flet it was unprofessional adn dangerous.  Plus opiates can and do cause withdrawal, we hear it all the time over on the anxiety forum of how so n so went cold turkey and are now suffering severe anxiety and a whole host of other nightmarish symptoms.  Even one of my close friends is in the position as we speak, she wouldn't listen to me neither and is now paying the price.  

Sorry though if i rubbed u up the wrong way, just trying to look out for the poster thats all, i can see your a regular on this forum and so you, like myself, spend alot of time on this web-site...

Also i referred to the poster breaking his back during a seziure as he already had a broken back, hence why he went on med's in the first place, just wouldnt want to see all that hard work of recovery go bad thats all, again looking out for the poster.

[IBKleen]

Quit,

Welcome to the forum. Not much I can add here except hang in there, it does get better. Hun, you are in for a rough ride, but you know that. If it gets bad, phone your doctor and tell him what you have done. He can prescribe something (non-narcotic) to help ease the symptoms.

I lived in Monmouth County most of my life, so I too am familiar with the area. Asbury Park has great meetings. Here is the link to the meeting locater:

http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/

Keep posting here. It helps to know there are others just like you. You are not alone.

[Julie359]

Good-luck, even though i think your stark raving mad for doing so, but at least you will and do have the support behind you with your friends, so if anything does happen they can get you help asap.  Yes will pray for you!  Take it easy.

[laurel453]

:)

then here it's a list to start with:

drink a lot of fluids to keep you hydrated ( green tea, gatorades, apple juice, tonic water...(apple also has pothasium and tonic water quinine)

eat bananas ( they are rich in pothasium and you need it now)

epsom salts & hot baths are one of the best things to relax and to help yor muscles...

a good magnessium+calcium suplemment ( muscles again) and a good B's complex to help you with the lack of energy...

immodium, sure :)

hylands restful legs ( RLS)

advil..

i took valerian root to help me with the anxiety  and insomnia and i believe it helped me with the stomach cramps too. You can also try melatonin to help you with the sleep ( in the dark, right, sway ? :)  )

some protein shakes...

sure, i'm forgetting something so if any of you can tell him... :)

and as gnarly says...this is 1/3 physical and 2/3 mental ..so be positive that it can be done and you can do it !!!!

good luck ! :)

[vicki595]

Quitinoxys :   Most of here have a lot of experience with your situation.  I'll only add that you need to drink a lot of fluids; juices,water,gatorade. Very important!!   I see now that Laurel gave you a list...it's a good one.  She and Tramahater gave you very good advice.

Some folks take Nyquil without the decongestant. You might try that for restlessness and insomnia.

Be sure your wife is holding those pills if you decided to hang on to them.

Keep posting here with any issues that come up. This is not a comfortaable process but it's doable. It wont kill you and I'd be really surprised if you had a seizure so don't worry about that.

Vicki

[vicki595]

Julie359 :     You're being overly dramatic.  Please try not to put fear in the minds of
our posters.
Thanks !

[dominosarah]

Hi and welcome!!  Laurel gave you a good list of things to do.  The only other thing i can add is get outside and get some sun too as that really helps also.  You will be in good hands having your wife and a fellow firefighter with you.  I know the strength of firefighters as i grew up in a home with them.  This will be tough and you will have to be tougher.  Stay positive in your thinking.  This part doesnt last forever.  Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.       sara

[Back2Me]

I think you are doing the right thing. I have done it CT many times and have had friends who have also that have take even way more than you. It will be HELL but I findnthat getting out and moving around helps. If you sit in the bed or stay still it is WAY worse and lasts longer IMO.

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the vote of confidence in a very tough situation. Yes we firefighter are a tough breed and I know I will find the inner strength to get through this. How long does the w/d's usally last? I know that is a tough question to answer but I would like your opinion anyway. I went to the vitamin shoppe and purchased B6, B12, Multivitamin and tyrosine. I took a dose a little wile ago and it does seem to help. My brother wants me to go out on his boat today but I don't want to spoil everyones fun by being a zombie. Thanks to all for your help and prayers, with Gods help I will get through this. Vicki595 my firefighter brother is going to hold the oxys for me as my wife feels so bad for me she may give them to me if I asked. My firefighter brother has went through this and knows that it would only prolong it for me if he gives in to me.  

[dominosarah]

Go out on that boat and soak up some sun and fresh air.  That will be good for you.  As for the wd's the worst days are usually day 3 and 4.  Being mentally strong thru this will help.  Our bodies need to get rid of the toxins so i looked at it like let whatever happens happen cuz i want off this stuff.  I made myself get up and go outside and move around.  It suks the big one but we have to get thru this part to get to the other side.  You have a great support system and knowing firefighters like i do giving up isnt an option!!  Fight this like you did fires, with everything you have.  Now go boating!!!        sara

[LeaAnn807]

Yes!!!  Go out on that boat!  It will do you good to get out, AND it will occupy your mind and kill some time.  You are brave, and you can do this.

I would think the WDs will last about 5-7 days....getting better after day 3 or 4.  No matter what, you can do it.  You are worth the time it takes you to get off the pills!

Keep us posted on how you are doing!  We will help you thru this!!!

Lea Ann

[laurel453]

on a boat ? are you all really sure ? Lol... :)

on a boat would be the last place where i could be found in wd's, hahahah

[dominosarah]

Maybe the boat has a bathroom!!!

[laurel453]

sarah, i really hope so for his sake :) and he can always blame the boat for the vomiting and so, hahah

[LeaAnn807]

Laurel....IMODIUM (immodium)!!!  And lots of it!! : )  LOL

[quitinoxys]

I took your advice and went out on the boat. We went out in the bay and tied up with some of my brother firefighters. In all this w/d stuff I am going through I forgot today is memorial day. My captain was even there and we threw wreath into the bay to honor our fallen brother from WTC attack. I talked to the guys and explained what I was doing with the cold turkey thing and they all cheered and hugged me and said it great to have you back. I now feel a little better but I know it is one day at a time. I thank all of you who have answered my cry for help and I now know I am going to make it. OH btw along with the wreaths the rest of my oxys went into the bay also. Please all remember all of our fallen heros today god bless all of you and god bless America.    

[vicki595]

Hey!  That's the spirit!!  You are so fortunate to have your bros' support. That will make a huge difference in your recovery.  Doesn't it feel good to look at the bigger picture today?  It's such a special day...
Good luck to you and keep posting~  We're all here to help!

Vicki

[quitinoxys]

kittycat I appreciate your concern but if you read my last posting I already toss them into the bay at our memorial service for my fallen firefighter brothers. I am in day 2 of cold turkey and I am going to make thanks to my brothers and all the wonderful people on this forum. I found my inner strength today and am going to make it. I still feel like crap but this will pass with the grace of God. Today was a very inspirational day for me I am going to live again.

[LeaAnn807]

I am so proud of you!  And I'm very glad you have the support of your fellow firefighters.  I think, as addicts, we always feel that people will judge, but our true friends will just be glad for what we're doing!!!

Congrats on a great decision!  Sounds like you had an awesome day.  I'm very proud of you right now!!!

Lea Ann

[quitinoxys]

Lea Ann you are right people do judge but that is usually due to ignorance. Firefighters are a fraternity of brothers so when one of us are in trouble we band together to help. This is due to the extremely dangerous job we have. I know now with all the support I am getting form this forum and others I will make it. To all the people on this forum I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[LeaAnn807]

Absolutely!  You guys really stick together, and that is WONDERFUL!  I am glad you have some great support there.  Give one of them a call if you get weak and thinking that a pill might help!!

Keep us posted please.  I'm cheering for ya!!!

LA

[dominosarah]

I am really proud of you!!  These next few days will probably be rough so stay close to the ones who are there for you.  I know the bond you speak of.  My dad passed a few years ago and the fire dept lights a luminary for my dad and watch over it all night during the cancer walk they have every year....They also take care of the families.  Use that strength  you possess to get thru this.  I am in your corner rooting you on....sara

[gnarly_1]

HI well I just got done reading this post and you have been given a lot of great advise
you have asked us to pray...I am a man of faith and I will pray for you...I am writing this for you to encourage you if your up and its 3am....I hope and pray you don't read it until tomorrow but I know how the withdrawals go and sleep is usually hard to come by
try not to get discouraged this a battle one or lost in ones own mind....attitude is everything so keep a win win attitude going regardless of how you feel ...use your symptoms to strengthen your resolve to quite...and get comfortable with the saying
"you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile" remember its only temporary.. out of all the things that help a hot soak in the tub did the most to relieve my symptoms don't under estimate this therapy ...from what you said you believe in God...he can help you thew this..prayer is a powerful tool to use when your in withdrawals at 3am he's  all you got..pray that God lessen your withdrawal symptoms ...his word says he will never give us more then we can bear ..trust in him and he will help get you thew this...I couldn't have done it without God...right now your going to be in the midst of the worst of it...stay strong ...take sleep when you can get it ...it might just be cat naps for the next week or so..just know YOU CAN DO THIS and when it is said and done it is so so worth it in the end ...keep posting and reading the posts it will keep your mind bizzy...when your stuck inside laying on the couch with your eyes closed and some soft music playing in the back ground is as close to sleep as your going to get...it helps....tomorrow force yourself to go out for a walk and get some fresh air and sun...keep reaching out for help this is nothing you want to do alone and it sounds like you got a pritty good plan...good luck and God bless.....Gnarly        

[dominosarah]

Good post Gnarly~~~~~

[quitinoxys]

Day 3 Today I feel bad, I've got the sweats and then the chills it really *****. I have been really irritable and unfortunately I am taking it out on my wife yelling at her for stupid things. I told her to go stay with her sister while I am going through this. She flatly refuses to leave me and she told me "she knows its not me be nasty to her its the toxin I am trying to get rid of that's making  that way". She stayed up all night with me last night and we just talked and took some walks. We went down to the ocean an watched the sunrise, my god I haven't done that for years with her. I married a special lady. I wish this was over today but I know I still probably have a week or so of more hell to endure. You know what they say "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. And to knarly_1 thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement  as a matter of fact thank all of you. This forum is like having another shoulder to cry on. The advice I get from you guys has helped me immensely. God bless you all.  

[vicki595]

Hi~ I think the lack of sleep is the worst so do what you can to get some rest. Things look a lot better when we're not tired and hungry.

Pick up some Nyquil without the decongestant.  It really helps the restlessness and may help you to sleep.  Be sure to eat and keep forcing those fluids.  You're doing great...

Vicki

[gnarly_1]

HI well your doing great so far...my wife was also by my side thew out my withdrawal she made sure to keep me bizzy even when I dident want to be bizzy it helped a lot
we would just run errands and then go for short walks went to the park anything to try and get my mind off of how bad I felt...this forum was priceless with all the support I got wile going thew withdrawals so post often and keep reading its good to know your not alone in this struggle..when it gets ruff just tell yourself its only temporary YOU CAN DO THIS
take time to pray ...God will give you some piece about this..in the end he is in control
and although you sit and shake with chills he is by your side taking the brunt of it...things could be a lot worst ...right now you just have to hang in there time is going to start to be on your side here shortly and you will start to emerge on the other side
usualy by day 5 things start to look better for most but your already 1/2 way thew with this thing...keep up the good fight your in my prayers good luck and God bless...Gnarly  

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for your words of encouragement reading other posts here keeps me busy. Although today is my worst day. I feel like I am burning up and my wife is getting concerned. She thinks I may have a fever (although I attribute it to the w/d). She went to the store to get a thermometer so she can check my temp. Is it common to feel like you have a fever during w/d? I can't wait until this is over. I feel so bad for putting her through this, that's why I asked her to go to her sisters house. She has shown me her unconditional love for me and because of that I will forge ahead no matter how much worse it gets.

[quitinoxys]

My wife & bro went out to the store and I was feeling really antsy so I went out to take a walk.  As I was leaving I saw my neighbor and he commented "boy you look like crap". He is aware of the fact that I am correction WAS on oxys so I told him what I was doing. He said your a stronger person than I. I was telling how horrid this process is. He ask me if I wanted to smoke some pot because it might help with the w/d symptoms. I told him no because I don't want to replace one drug for another. He then commented you know that people on chemo therapy get legal pot prescriptions it helps alleviate the adverse symptoms. I still told him thanks but no. I don't want you all to think bad of him as he is a great person and family man. I think he was just having sympathy for me. Right now I really feel like crap and was thinking maybe trying it. I just don't want to go backwards after all I have been through. I don't want to talk to my wife or bro about it because they are working so hard for me through this. Also I think I told my bro he would probably go over his house and punch him out. Please let me know if smoking a joint would help me or just ruin all my hard work as I trust all of your opinions. Thanks for your help.

[vicki595]

Well,you'll get some different answers here but I think it's perfectly fine.  Personally,I don't like pot but I find it to be pretty benign for the most part. I just don't think it's going to help that much. You're almost over the hump here!!  So,it's up to you.  Did you get some Nyquil?  It really helps;probably more than pot...

Vicki

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  I just got on here, and I'm sorry your are having a rough day.  I don't smoke pot, but I have read posts from people saying that it actually made WDs worse.  I would probably not do it, but it will not set you back.  It just may not help much or make a little worse what you already have!  I've heard the same about getting drunk!  No help and may make it worse!

You are ALMOST there!  Just hang on a little longer.  You can do this.  Believe it or not, you are really doing well.  : )

[quitinoxys]

Right now i feel a little better as i took a soak in our jacuzzi for about an hour. When my wife  and bro came back from the store I told them about thinking of smoking a joint. My bro told me "If that's what you really want to do go for it, but you've come so far without drugs why start now" I saw the disappointment in their eyes and decided to decline the offer from my neighbor. I realize I am not only doing this for me but for my wife too. They both hugged me and told me to please talk to them about anything that bothering me, because they are here for me for the long run. That boosted my resolve to beat this problem. As a firefighter it is ingrained in my person  to never give up. I just had a moment of weakness which will not happen again I promise. Thanks for advice, all of you people are a godsend.

[gnarly_1]

HI well you still sound great for what your going thew..and now you should be thew the worst of it but you got a day or 2 more to deal with then you will slowly start to come back
I have herd of people smoking weed to get thew this but non have ever said it helped
I came very close myself the sleep thing was really starting to get to me and I thought if I just smoke a joint I will sleep....at that point I had 4 1/2yrs off of the stuff and was a chronic abuser so I dident want to light that fuse again and decided against it..you will be fine without it + cross addiction is really ez when your detoxing...weed might not be physically addictive but it is physiologly addictive and you dont need that...so just hang in there at this point I dont think the symptoms will get any worst but they will linger around a wile longer keep using that jacuzzi for releaf  remember to pray it helps...you seam to be keeping a really good attitude about you thats so important
you will get thew this just fine keep posting and reading the posts where all here fro you good luck and God bless......Gnarly  

[quitinoxys]

Day 4 Today I feel amazing good (compare to how I felt over the last 3 days) I finally got about 7 hours of full sleep thanks to the NyQuil. Although the nq gave me a bit of a hangover feeling, but I will take that over the way I felt anytime. I still don't have much of an appetite so I just forced down some ensure. I still feel kind of  sick to my stomach and my back pain is increasing. I just hope I can find some non-narc pain relief as I don't want to ever go back on those evil pills. Do you think I need addiction aftercare? I never abused them just took them as prescribed. But alas here I am addicted to them and I do realize I am an addict because of that. So let me know as I have come to value all you opinions. Well thanks everyone for your support I will keep posting.

[laurel453]

glad to see you're feeling better .. :) congrats on your day 4 !

as for your question about aftercare, maybe you'll see it with time ...  i think you may be more dependent on them than addicted because you never abused them to feel high...and took them as prescribed by your doctor. You could also attend some kind of therapy to check how you are doing after detox. now you are well awared of the "dangers" and you can take the right steps if you start feeling like "needing" them..

[jstntime]

Hi there,

I've been following your story and am very happy for you.  It took a pretty "big set" to throw those pills overboard.

As for addiction Vs. dependance, only YOU can make that call.  If you Google "NA, Am I an addict?".  You will find a pamphlet that may help you answer this question.  If you never abused them, you may very well only be dependant which will make your situation much easier.  You DO NOT need aftercare if you are merely dependant.  

As for the pot.......I never found it helped with wd at all, the only thing it DID do was help with my appetite and make time move slower.   Slowing time is not advisable during wd!!!!! ha ha

Yes the people here are amazing!!!!!  I seriously owe my life to several of them and I have made friends for life.

You sound as though you have some amazing support.  I am very happy you are having a better day, it should begin to get easier now.  You have made it through the worst of the physical stuff.  Many don't make it this far and you should be incredibly proud of your accomplishment!!!!!

Hang in there, we are all pulling for you!!!!

bob

[quitinoxys]

Day 4 my back pain is getting worse and I am getting the shakes. I have soma muscle relaxant if I take it would it help or make things worse? Also what can I do about the shakes? Please let me know is this normal @ day 4?

Thanks for your encouragement, I took your advice and went to the NA website and took the test they have there. Fore the most part  I answered no (and I was being truly honest) but on some questions I answered yes. For instance "Do you take drugs from morning to bedtime" well of course I do I'm on oxy (correction WAS on oxy) 3x/day. Also "Do you do drug everyday" again same answer. So I guess I should go talk to an addiction specialist to help me decide what my next steps should be. I am going to go and soak in the jacuzzi  to see if it helps the pain.

[IBKleen]

Hi!

Yes, that is normal for day 4. You were on rather high amounts and everything you are feeling is again, "normal". Also know that the pain is heightened during this period and could be sending you false signals. It is your body and mind's way of saying "Take a pill!!".

Try and hang in there and know that day 5 is normally the turning point and my guess is you will feel better tomorrow.

As far as the Soma: It is not a narcotic but I do know people who got addicted to it. Personally, it does just about nothing for me and I don't like the way it makes me feel so I don't go near it.

The jacuzzi is a great idea. I have one on my back porch and in my bathroom. I use both quite a bit and it does relax the muscles. If you can sleep with a heating pad on low it may help you through the night.

Hang in there and look into the addiction specialist. You may discover some things that you did not even know were there. It can't hurt.

[mellie4]

I think you're doing fantastic!  I'm glad you didn't smoke the pot.  I think more than disappointing your wife and brother, you may have ended up disappointed in yourself.  (Though I personally think it's benign but it's not my thing.  I do know a few people psychologically addicted though.)

I'm not an addict though I'm definitely dependent.  (I have one more surgery and then I'm going to get off these.  I hate them.)  Only you know if you're addicted or dependent.  And it can be a hard call to make.  I talk this over with the pain clinic all the time.  I also talk to my friend who is a nurse practitioner in orthopedics (none of them think I have any signs that I am addicted but I am still fearful of it.)  What makes me worry, though, is that even though I don't search for a high or take more than I should or run out or any of those things, there is a part of me that likes taking them.  (The part of me that likes that a lot of my pain is gone.)  But I think that is something that can change really quickly.  There are a lot of addicts who started taking pills for legitimate reasons.

As for Soma, I would stay far away from that.  I've heard it is very addictive.  I'm not sure about Flexeril and how addictive that is.  My boyfriend takes one a night for neck pain and finds it helpful.  The doctor didn't mention anything about it being addictive, and she usually does.

For your back, are you taking 800 mg. ibuprofen (though make sure you protect your stomach with Prilosec or something.)  Also, ThermaCare back patches are great.  If you haven't already tried them, give it a shot and see if it helps.

[laurel453]

i don't think soma will make things worse, some people have taken muscle relaxants during wd's ( i took them a couple of nights) ...so if you feel really bad, you could try one( be careful because as ibkleen has told you, it can be addictive).

....and be ready tonight cause i see you could be hit with the "jumping jacks" RLS...take your magnesium suplemment and hylands remedy and...bananas. RLS is one of the most annoying things i went through...and it's one of the last physical wds to go ... grrrr :)

i've seen you are reading and answering posts ( well done,btw ) and i remember there is a recent thread about it  with a lot of people sharing their "jumping jacks" nights  ( i gonna look for it and "bump" it so you and  the new people can see it )

[jstntime]

Hey Again,

Are the shakes from being chilled and freezing cold???  Those were the only shakes I endured and they only came at night after getting soaked from night sweats.  The jacuzzi may be very helpful for this.

I've never done soma and had never even heard of it until coming to mh therefore I can't help you with that one.

As for the NA questions, those that you've answered "yes" to could be answered that way by ANY chronic pain patient taking opiates.  Don't base your decision on those questions alone.  

The fact that you answered "no" to most of them would likely point to you being dependent and not addicted.  The pamphlet is meant as a guideline only.  Talking to an addiction specialist would be helpful for you to make this decision if you are really questioning it.

Hang in there, you ARE doing this.

bob

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for your advise. I have talked to my PM doc about becoming an addict and he has told me that I don't show any signs of it. As I always took my oxys as prescribed (and even cut my self back for a while which my PM doc told me I shouldn't do). The doc told me he wished all his patients were like me. As I stated in my previous posts, my doc was fervently opposed to me doing cold turkey but I told him I was going to do it anyway. My doc is developing another plan of PM for me (kinda wish the first PM would of done that). What can I do for these horrible shakes? Thanks to all for your support you have help me with your advice and it keeps me busy reading all the posts. God bless you all.  

[quitinoxys]

The shakes feel like I have had to much coffee (caffeine)  it not really a chills type shake. I haven't been eating much that maybe attributing to it. Thanks for you post.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  The shakes are probably just from the WDs in general.  Other than getting some food in your stomach and staying warm, I don't know what to tell you.  Hot bath, maybe?  It's caused by the same thing as RLS.  It's the pits!  It's like something in your brain and body is firing too fast??  Like you took sinus medicine?

[quitinoxys]

I woke up this morning feel ok, but now I feel like hell again. When is this rollercoaster going to stop and let me off. I went for a walk before to get some fresh air and my back and shaking forced me to sit on the curb because I couldn't walk anymore. Actually a cop came by and look at me and ask are you all right. I told him I was okay and was just resting from jogging (yea rigth jogging I cant even walk) he believed me and he left. I thought when I got up this morning great I made it through and then reality hit me in the face again. I been trying really hard but I cant take much more of this. I called my PM doc today and he really give me a big vote of confidence. He said "see I told you tapering is have been a better option for you" He told me to come in tomorrow and we could talk about a plan. I know he is only concerned about my health but I told him if I wanted to taper I would have done that in the first place I am not a masochist. I am going back into the jacuzzi to try and deaden some of this back pain. Please ask God to give me more strength as I can only take so much. Thank you all for helping through this you are all great human beings.  

[vicki595]

Hi~  Sorry you're feeling so badly.  Try to be patient. You're 3 1/2 days so things should begin to improve.  The shakes are from 1) not enough food and 2) not enough calcium.

Try to beef up on vitamins;even a multivit. Get some protein in. Go ahead and take the soma on a schedule with motrin 800mg 3xper day. That should help until you speak with the doctor tomorrow.

Hang in there. This is tough for everyone but it gets so much better. Keep posting~

Vicki

[deo1974]

Hey there - I'm with ya on the horrible day. Its day 1 for me! I count the minutes on the clock (always a good idea), I'm snapping at my co-workers and everyone who calls on the phone. I can't wait to get home and lay on the couch where I'll still be miserable. BUT, you are giving me strength to keep pushing thru! Keep working at it. I hope I'm not far behind you.

[rue10]

I'm so moved by this thread.  I so glad you're still trying.  Don't quit before it gets better.  It's just around the corner believe me.  In a few days, maybe even tomorrow, you'll have turned the corner and begin to feel really good.

All the best....Rue

[jstntime]

Yes, it $ucks for sure!!!!

You are wise to avoid the taper.  Getting back on the oxys will prolong your agony. You are soooo close to starting to feel better.

Keep busy, I know it's tough but distracting yourself will be a huge help.  Keep going back into the jacuzzi if it helps.  Watch a funny movie, get with some friends, ANYTHING that gets your mind elsewhere.

There are many reading right now who are gaining the strength and courage to do what you are now doing simply because you have shown them it's possible.

Keep pushing, you CAN get through this and it DOES get better.

Pulling hard for you,

bob

[quitinoxys]

Please Please keep going this forum is giving me strength and I am glad I can pass it on to you. And if I can do it you can to so keep going.

jstntime thanks for the encouragement, I do not want to taper!!! I want off of this poison. I would not have started this process if only to go back to square one. I have been researching rebound pain from detox and it has given me some hope. Thanks to all who are helping me through this. reading posts on this forum actually distracts me from thinking about it as my heart go out to all who have to go through this. God bless you all.  

[jstntime]

You are very welcome,

I too suffer from chronic pain and I vow to you that I hurt like heII during detox but truly became surprised at how well I coped once my body had returned to normal.  Yes I still hurt and when I do, I find a few tylenol work wonders.  This has been explained to me as rebound pain and it makes a lot of sense.  So I am glad you HAVE gained some hope for your pain based on your research.  I will be testament to how much better things have gotten for me for my usual pain.   I also don't get the headaches anymore that I got while taking the oxys.

I received a lot of help to get through my detox too.  When it got real bad for me I had a lot of people checking on me and begging me not to use.

I seriously got to a point where I said...."bring it on", it doesn't matter.  I just knew I was going to get through it no matter how bad it got.  When I reached that point in thinking, I looked at detox in a whole new light.  I refused to do it as a broken spirit and tried to laugh every chance I could.  I looked at the symptoms as a predictable and normal reaction to being cut off from pills.  Everyone here kept saying they had been there and that it got better.  I clung to that and their experiences and just got it done.  

I now can pass the torch and say yes!!!!!!!  Sleep will return, you will get HUNGRY again, you will feel like having sex again, you will stop worrying about when you can take your next pill......and your pain will be more tolerable than you now believe it can.  There are also many other options that may be beneficial to you for pain management.

May your tomorrow see you more comfortable and 1 more day clean.
Goodluck and Godspeed,

bob

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the encouragement, I haven't come this far to give it all up for a moment of weakness. I bring my mind back to when I was first injured 7 years ago. I was in the hospital for 2 month and couldn't even walk for the first couple of weeks. The surgeons said I may never be able to walk again, I told them that was unacceptable to me. Through a lot of very painful physical therapy I walked out of the hospital. As I know think of that I give my self that same drive again to persevere once again. I will make it I just feel like hell right now. Thanks again to all you people are my strength.  

[LeaAnn807]

How are you feeling tonight?  Still bad?  I just logged on again for a little bit and wanted to see how you're doing????

[quitinoxys]

Yeah my back is hurting pretty bad right now but the shakes seem to have subsided. I just noticed before that the Nyquil my wife got for me last night had an antihistamine in it. Do you think that could have caused the shakes? Thanks for checking on me.

[LeaAnn807]

Hmm......It can definitely cause RLS.  I don't know exactly what your shakes felt like.  It should not have caused them today if you took it last night and didn't take anymore.  The decongestant is the one that will speed you up if you aren't careful to make sure it doesn't have one in it!

Use a heating pad on your back when you get in bed.  That really helped me.  REMEMBER.....your pain will seem worse for a while, but it will let up some.  Talk with your doc tomorrow about an alternative med.  Watch out and don't let them talk you into tramadol!  It's worse to come off of than a true opiate!  I've done both!!!!  

Good luck with sleep!  I know it's hard to come by and wonderful to get!!! : )

[gnarly_1]

Hey dude I just wanted to check on you and see how your progress was coming
im glad the shakes went away...I had them bad when I went thew withdrawals there no fun
the main thing I want to do is to keep encouraging you to hang in there....I have been praying for your success and you do seam to be handling the withdrawals well
if you cant sleep tonight sit up and pray...thank God for getting you this far your doing so well this could be a lot worst...I hope sleep comes for you ezer then it came for me
it took quit a wile b/4 I got any more then just cat naps ...try a hot soak right b/4 you jump in bed that seamed to help me the most...again good luck and God bless....Gnarly  

[quitinoxys]

Day 5 I didn't get much sleep last night I watched tv to keep my mind busy. My back is really killing me today. I still don't have much of an appetite. I am going to the Pain doc today to talk a plan of action for my back pain. I hope he can give me something non-narc that will work. Someone mentioned toroidal has any one heard of this drug? I don't want to go on another addictive drug. Well I'm off to the doc I will check in when I get back.

[mellie4]

I think Toradol only comes in a shot.  I may be wrong about this.  And I don't think it's a narcotic.  A nurse friend told me it was like ibuprofen in a shot but that it works fantastic, way better than the ibuprofen pills.  I have had Toradol shots in the ER years ago when I pulled my back out and it worked great.  Also when I was in labor I got a shot of Toradol and it also worked great.  No "high" feeling.  I'm sure if that's what it is, the doc could give you a shot for your back, but you need something for after.  I'm not sure how long they work for.

Wondering if you've ever had epidural injections?  I've had several and some worked and some didn't.  But I noticed that after each of my kids (4) when I had an epidural for the labor, my back would be great for weeks or months.  More pain relief than the planned epidurals I go specifically for the back pain.

Keep up the great job you're doing.  Even though I don't know you or any of the others on here, I can say I am genuinely proud and in awe of all you are doing and going through!!  You are all so inspiring.

[pharma9]

Do not let him order tramadol...it is a synthetic narcotic that is not classed as a narcotic.
It is very addicting even if the literature says it is not.
Toradol is an antiinflammatory and should help a lot.
It can be very hard on the stomach and kidneys.
It often takes rebound pain a couple of weeks or more to subside.
Even excedrin will help the pain.

[IBKleen]

I agree, do not use Trams or Ultracet, same thing. They are addicting. Toradol is used for short-term pain relief, usually following surgery and is not recommended for long-term pain. Seeing your history, you will more likely build up a tolerance to it easily. It was only available by injection until a short time ago, it is now available in pill form.

Have you considered accupuncture? It did help relieve my pain considerably many moons ago. You may want to look into it.

Let us know how you make out at the doctor.

[norcohell]

You are doing so great, and this site has been a relief to me that I'm not alone. I'm on day 2 off norco after a 3 yr run, and I'm miserable. One crazy thing happening to me is I'm sneezing non-stop. Is this normal?

[quitinoxys]

Yes, I've been sneezing for 5 days now but nothing I can really do for it cause ya should not take antihistamines they may cause RLS (restless leg syndrome). Hang in their It will get better.


I just got back fro the pain doc and he gave me a B12 shot mixed with some other stuff which he told me should help my energy and mood. He promised me no narc in it. I told him about how much pain I am having and he said unfortunately its to be expected. He gave me 800mg 4x/day for pain and said I hope it helps.  He wants to do a procedure using a PET scan to inject a nerve block. Has anyone heard of this procedure? He also gave me the name of a neurologist that does acupuncture and told me I should try it as it could hurt. Since he gave me that shot I feel somewhat ok but my back is still hurting like hell.

[norcohell]

Good to know about the sneezing and the antihistamines. I was up until 3:30 last night and exhausted today. BUT, I took benadryl thinking it would help me relax, and only got worse. Now I know why! Thanks!

Hopefully the doctor will support you in the right direction and find what works for you. This is very frustrating, and I ask myself daily how I got here. But, here we are, and there are many people here to help when we need it. Keep on keeping on, and find inspiration wherever we can!  

[pharma9]

Your doctor did well.You may be able to control the pain with 800mg ibuprofen 3 times a deay alternating with 1000mg tylenol 4 times a day for a while till the rebound pain goes away.
You may be able to use hot packs or cold packs or whatever helps as well.
Epsom salt soaks in hot water help the pain and RLS.
Keep toughing it out and soon you will be over the hump.
Melatonon in at least double the recommended doses(its OK) helps sleep.
Take the melatonon in a dark room.
Congrats for getting so far and keep posting

[quitinoxys]

Sorry in last post I forgot to tell you all what med my doc gave me it was Naproxen 800mg 4x/day Thanks for all your support. You know what I am getting addicted to recover which beats drugs any day. Thank you all for your support over this brutal experience. And to all of you out there that think it hopeless I hope you find your way to this forum and listen to all of these wonderful human beings as they don't have to be here to listen to my wining and rants but they are because they completely unselfish and want to help. Remember God loves you and has probably sent you here.

[student1986]

1000mg of acetaminophen is TOO MUCH!!! Depending on what medical journal your looking at, the upper limit as far as dosing in concerned should be between 5000mg-7000mg.  But everyone's different.

Im doing my residency and your doctor was right in giving you naproxen 800mg 4x daily...Because it is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) it usually causes abdominal pain and stomach cramps, maybe not at first but within a few days (but not everyone experiences this).  If this applies to you, go see your doctor again.  He/she will probably suggest a protein-pump inhibitor, which isn't addicting.  

Just an FYI,

Your progress is inspiring,

CH

[vicki595]

Hi~  1000mg 4x a day is not too much Tylenol. It's 4000mg which is within limits.  :)

V.

[student1986]

Yes, technically you are right Vicki. But, as I said, there is considerable debate on this by medical professionals...One emergency room physician I know said that 4000mg is generally safe, but at such a high doses, abdominal cramps are more likely to occur, and taking this dosage consistently is risky.  Moreover, taking tylenol will increase liver toxicity in the long run. This is especially bad if taken with alcohol.  

So take home message, use at own risk. I safe bet would be to use the naproxen as directed and take the tylenol as needed or as a "rescue" when your pain spikes.

Anyways, off topic, but thought I'd give you the heads up.  Nothing wrong with being careful and knowing the risks.

CH

[quitinoxys]

Now now guys I now you are trying to help but I am not taking Tylenol any way. And as far as a drink oh boy I bet my neurons would just love creating that pain.

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the info and encouragement. You are absolutely right oxys are evil. But there are some people that have so much pain that it helps their quality of life. The only thing is they need to be prepared to be dependent on them for the rest of their lives. For me it didn't give me a better quality of life just it actually suked it out of me. I wish one of these pharmaceutical companies would try to invent a better mouse trap but alas there is no money in doing that.

[aw2849]

I have been following this thread for the last couple days and must say I am very inspired. The amount of strength you have is great and I wish you the best of luck. I tried to quit last week and only made it 3 days. I hope someday I have  the strength you do, and can stop for good. It's the start of a new chapter for you. Enjoy it

[quitinoxys]

You do have the strenght and when you feel like you don't come here and post. Believe me there were times I was going to go to the my PM doc and do the taper route. Even with the support of my lady and bro as most of these feeling occurred late night and they were sleeping as normal (whatever normal is) people would do. So I turned to my great friends here at this forum. They have guided through this hell and they will do the same for you so DON'T GIVE UP you can do it. I will pray to God that he will give you inner strength and when you get weak come here.

[LeaAnn807]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!  I'm so glad you didn't come home with an opiate.  I know how bad you are feeling, and it probably would have been tempting.  BUT....we don't want to have to start this all over another time, do we?? : D

Big smiles and hugs for you!  YAAAAAAY!

[quitinoxys]

Absolutely not, I'm in day 5 1/2 and I have now stop counting the time in hours and looking forward to weeks then months then years well you get the idea. I still have alot of pain and I talked to the doc about rebound pain and he said it will happen. He told me once I get thru this in about a week. He will re-evaluated my pain situation as it is tough for him to gage. right now. tramahater I really appreciate your support thru all this.  

[jstntime]

Very happy also that you came home without opiates.  Five and a half days already!!!!  Imagine that!!!

I know time crawls during wd but you are so close to getting that first week over with.  Do you know how many are being inspired to begin this journey by your story alone???

Keep keeping, you should be incredibly proud of yourself as we all are of YOU.

bob

[pharma9]

You are quite right..4000mg tylenol in 24 hrs is the stated safe dose,but only for short periods of time and not for long.
I did state to quitinoxys that the combination of tylenol and ibuprofen was only till rebound pain decreased.
I would not combine these drugs in that high dose for a long time because of possible liver and/or kidney damage.
Short term is usually ok.

[LeaAnn807]

Ditto, Bob....he should be SO proud of this accomplishment.  Sadly, not every addict or dependent person ever quits!!!

And you are very welcome.  I love success stories, and I believe can be one!!!

Hugs.....

Lea Ann

[pharma9]

Also I have never seen naproxyn 800mg in canada.I thought the maximum daily dose is 1500mg and only for very short periods at this dose.
napsroxyn 800mg 4 times a day seems hefty to me.
I am glad your doctor only prescribed NSAID and not tramadol or opiates

[quitinoxys]

Sorry it is 500mg 4x/day as needed. Just read the bottle. Also my doc told me not to take it for more that a few days and only use it when I really need it. Unfortunately I really need it now. My back pain is terrible right now which is making just lay around on the couch and watch the NFL channel unless a Dallas game comes on then I have to change it hahah  NY Giant fan.

[pharma9]

Thanks for clearing that dose up for me.
I thought that 800mg naproxyn 4 times a day was a lot.
Even 500mg 4 times a day is high and should be used at this dose only short term
I am sure your rebound pain will subside very soon and you will be able to use otc pain meds.
When I quit opiates and the rebound pain went away,I was able to control my rheumatoid arthritis pain with otc meds and even take very little of them now.
You are one brave fireman to quit opiates and tough out the withdrawals.

[vicki595]

Ha!   You're not watching the Celtics and the Lakers ???  Celtics are losing.   :(

Hope you sleep better tonight~

V.

[quitinoxys]

Not much of a basketball fan rather keep watching reruns of the Giants beat the Patriots in the Superbowl.

[vicki595]

Get out!!!!   LOL       ( That was a great game,though )

Are you a Mets fan or a Yankees fan?

[quitinoxys]

It is illegal in the NYC area to be a Giant fan and a Mets fan haha no of course Yankees I only like winners.

[quitinoxys]

My back is killing me right now. I took the Nyquil about 2 hrs ago but this pain just won't let me sleep. Is there anything else I can take to help me sleep?

[StillLost21]

I just read this post and wow, I admire all the strength you have, and how you've stopped it all cold turkey and are fighting through the WD. I am addicted to oxycontin as well, and I feel hopeless and completely unable to stop. I am shocked by anyone that gets through these withdrawals it is soo hard. I used to be able to do it, and now I feel like i've lost all my motivation, I hope I can get it back, because I really really need to stop. Just a little while ago I had been sober for a few months, waking up feeling good, living life, not craving, and then I slipped, and now I am RIGHT back where I was, my whole day and life is consumed by getting oxy, making sure I have enough, how much I am spending, avoiding WD. It's hell. Stories like yours though really help and are inspiring, congrats on 5 days and the fight you are putting up!

[gizmolove]

Hello and congrats on getting your life back.

I just wanted to share an experience of mine when I was using (and coming off) oxy's.

I did between 6-10 80mg oxys a day for about a year. When I came off it was like the worst case of the flu that I could imagine. I thought I was dying. So I went on suboxone for a month long peroid,.. and I felt GREAT. I did a larger dose for the first week, took less the next week and so on, until about 4 days before I decided to enter a rehab facility, and by that time I was taking about 2mgs of suboxone a day.

When I got to rehab, they put me on blood pressure medicine (catapres) and it helped alot to relax me and helped me sleep. I really didn't have that bad withdrawals from the Suboxone either. At least, not compared to what it felt like coming off oxycontin.
The only things I could suggest to you would be to look into short term suboxone for a week or 2.. see how you feel... and taper down to about 1mg and then stop. This would mask the oxy withdrawals, and if you only stay on the suboxone for a short while I don't see you having much of a problem coming off it. At least in MY experience, I didn't.

Or another option would be to talk to your doctor about the sleeping problems,. and maybe ask him what he thinks about catapres. I know they gave me a couple other medications, but I'm sorry I don't know what they were or what they were for.

You could always google opiate detox medications and see what they are and how they help, then talk to your doctor about them.

If you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to msg me. I was a using addict for many years, so I know quite a bit about detoxing, and the pain that comes along with it.. I know I still take sub's,.. so I am not totally "clean", but they are perscribed and I'm court ordered to take them, so I'm doing a small dose until I have the choice to stop.

Good luck!

[quitinoxys]

Hey if I can do it so can you. As a matter of fact why don't you stop right now. You said you did it once before and felt your life once again. If you do you again you may be surprised how strong you can be and if you get weak just come back to the forum read and post. Believe me it is great therapy. Please try again I am praying for you.

[aw2849]

thanks for the pep talk. Congrats on 5 days. I hope your pain gets better soon. I have decided I am going to try to quit again. Your story has really helped me, and has given me hope that I can do this also. Though I am deff. not as strong as you are. Take care, keep fighting the fight.

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the info, as far as taking sub aah no I was offered tapering off oxys by my PM doc but I declined and yes he told me I would be sorry. But now he sees I really want to get off this poison now. He is behind me 100%. I look at it this way since it not going to kill me it will only make me stronger. I wish you well with your sobriety and God bless you.

[quitinoxys]

Don't underestimate yourself, your here and ready to stop so that takes a lot of courage in it self. I hope you can fight the good fight also just keep thinking I can do this. I will pray for you

[gnarly_1]

Hey dude im sorry to here about your back pain i suffer to have a couple of bad disks in my back as well as a few deteriorating ...it does get better after your off the narcotics a wile right now your suffering with rebound pain once this subsides your pain should be a lot more manageable mine is....right now jump in that hot tub of yours and just soak
its probably the best therapy you can get right now I hope you sleep tonight but for me sleep was hard to come by for quit some time good luck and God bless.....Gnarly  

[quitinoxys]

Day 6 --- I didn't get much sleep last night (actually I didn't get any) due to the back pain. I couldn't sleep so I went down to the beach and was down there from 2 am till 7 am. The sounds ou the waves crashing on the beach has a soothing effect for me. Its funny the little things that make you happy huh. On day 6 most of the w/d nasties are gone I have my appetite back and my energy is ok but I bet it would be better if I could sleep. I am going to research some natural sleeping remedies today. I am going to try an stay up all day so by night time I may be tired enough to sleep. Whats killing me is taking the cat naps and not getting full sleep. I heard melatonin is good for sleep as this is what our body produces to make use sleepy when it gets dark. One thing about this journey I am certainly learning a lot about my body and how it functions. I am going to take a soak in the jacuzzi as that helps to bad I can't stay in it all day. If anyone has info on melatonin see post it for me. Thanks and God bless you all.

[mellie4]

A lot of people get relief with Melatonin.  Some have to take more than the recommended dosage, though, I think.  I've taken it before (just the one) and found it helpful.  I also take Ambien from time to time if needed, though I can understand if you'd look for something more natural.  I've heard Ambien can be addicting though I've been on and off it for years and haven't run into that.

Also, if you can tolerate it, good old-fashioned warm milk really does work.  Or a turkey sandwich ... that L-tryptophan really kicks in and works.

Great to hear how well you're doing.   I wish I had a beach near here,, but the closest (nice) one is about 45 minutes away.  And you sure are lucky you have a jacuzzi!  I had one in my old house but not in this one.  Maybe when I can redo one of the bathrooms here I can put in a jetted tub.

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the info. You know I didn't even think about Turkey, I have a 12 lb in my freezer. I thing I am ( actually my wife will cook unless I want blacken turkey) going to cook it this evening and make Thanksgiving early as I am so thankful today. Thanks to you all and God bless.

[aw2849]

I picked up a bottle of Melatonin last week and it has seemed to help. I think you have to take it somewhere dark. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. That was the way I understood it to work best. Also I understand you have made it this far with no drugs but you mentioned you had some Soma's that I think may help you. I take one at bedtime and it puts me right out. They can be addictive if used for a long time but 1) you would just use them once or twice 2) you are a strong enough person to take as needed.

[laurel453]

you can also try valerian root, it has sedative and anxiolitic effects. I used both, melatonin and valerian root for the first months cause i had a lot of trouble with my sleep but they are not addictive and with time my sleep came naturally and didn't need them at all....

[gnarly_1]

HI im sorry to here your not sleeping the pain probably isent helping but its the withdrawals thats really keeping you awake melatonine helps some the room has to be completely dark for it to work though also the vlaraian root will help relax you..there are several sleepy time teas out there ...theres something soothing about the teas thats helpful...as far as the cat naps go it might be the only sleep you get for a wile dont fight it
if you can ketch an hour here and and hour there it will at lest be some rest sleep is one of the last things to retun to normal first it will be 2 to 3 hrs a night but then as time goes on it will increase time and God will heal you good luck and God bless....Gnarly  

[quitinoxys]

How long does w/d last I thought I'd feel somewhat better by Day 6. As I took the week off from work to do this and have to return by Monday as I used all my Vacation time (nice vacation huh). Well at least I have an appetite and don't hav to run the bowl every minute I guess I should be grateful for that.

[quitinoxys]

I am starting feel like I did Day 3-4 the brain fog is coming back and I feel completely drained. I can understand the feeling drained as I am not sleeping but why bad the flu like symptoms again. Is this normal? I hoped by day 6 I would feel markedly better. Am I just being too impatient?

[laurel453]

no, you are not being impatient,quitin,  this is new for you so when you start feeling better, everyone would imagine it will keep that way.

Well, i would say that the improvement is not straight ahead, there are peaks and downs, but  there is a real improvement from day one and  it is more like waves, we just have to learn to ride those waves, they come and go  for the first two weeks .  even if we're feeling better and then we feel a set back, we must keep being positive that this too shall pass...and each time one of those waves come, they will last less in time and intensity

you'll see it, don't worry :)

[quitinoxys]

I think I am just getting anxious, I wanted to do this without taking any other drugs just try some natural remedies. I don't want the mindset that every time I don't feel well I will just pop a pill, that's what got me into this predicament in the first please albeit it was for a legit reason. Oh buy taking other drugs I am NOT talking about opiates I was referring to taking a xanax.      

[laurel453]

oh, i see ...



hey, try the anti anxiety natural remedy first : your jacuzzi :)

[jstntime]

I am going to agree 100% with Gnarly on this one, your sleeplessness is being caused by wd.  It does get better but you need to be patient.

Though it's different for everyone I was sleeping around 3 to 4 hours per night by my 2nd week.  I never seemed to have a problem falling asleep but I could never stay asleep long, especially in the beginning.  My point is that it is VERY normal to go without sleep during detox.

It is also normal to have periods when wd symptoms go in the opposite direction for a few days.  I have heard MANY speak of this and I experienced it myself numerous times.  Be prepared for these days, they WON'T be as bad as your first few days of detox but they can be discouraging.  Push through them as you have done up to now and you WILL feel better eventually.

I'd be LIVING in that jacuzzi!!!!

Hang tough, you have shown incredible resilience thus far.  The worst part of the physical wd is over for you and it only gets better!!!!

Still pulling for you,

bob

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for the encouragement all of you people have been a great inspiration to me through this crazy time in my life. I just got out of the jacuzzi and feel a little better. I know its my body getting pissed off at me and its saying I WANT THE OXY OR I WILL MAKE YOU FEEL HORRIBLE. So I will have to grin and bear it. God bless all of you.

[quitinoxys]

DAY 7 Wow 1 week seems like soooo long ago I stated this journey. Last night I was determined to get some sleep some I took some valerian root & melatonin. I laid in completely dark room closed my eyes and before I knew it I was waking up @ 0630 this morn, sorry that 6:30 am. I went to sleep @ 11:30 so I got 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep woo who. My back still hurts some but not as much as yesterday. I am going to take a walk and see how I feel then. I hope I don't go down hill like I did yesterday because I felt like crap. But I am going to be positive and just get on with it. Its supposed to be a nice day today so I think I am going to hit the beach and soak up some rays. Thank all of you for your help and God Bless

[jstntime]

So happy to hear you are doing better.  Serious congratulations on the week!!!!!  The fact you were able to sleep is a great sign.  7 hours is amazing.  

Don't worry about later.....enjoy the now.  You are free of this stuff.  You battled through everything and your reward is your life back.

Congrats again on getting that first week out of the way,
Very very happy for you,

bob

[mellie4]

So glad you got some good sleep.  I've tried melatonin in the past but never valerian root.   I need to look into that for all the insomniacs in my house!

[ahhhhhh76]

Made it to the game ,cant stand talking to people today . please let it be tomorrow.

[quitinoxys]

Just read you post actually I posted you in your post. Just got back from the beach couldn't stay there too long I now what you mean about talking to people today. I am just to irritable plus now I have a sunburn. Well keep on keepin on it will get better I promise.

[quitinoxys]

I feel so bad for my wife she has been cooped up in this house for a week helping me go through this. I decided to muster up some energy and go and get an early dinner with at a place on the boardwalk we use to always go. We had a good time talking and people watching although for some reason my appetite has decreased. I didn't really eat anything but I soaked up some ray's. She wanted to take a walk on the beach but I just didn't have the energy so we came home. It's weird I get these pulses of energy and then feel drained. I know I keep asking but as I am new to all of this I'd like to know is this normal. My wife is getting nervous as she thinks I might have something else going on. I try to assure her that's not the case it's the w/d's. If someone could tell me I can let her know it's w/d's.

[mellie4]

I can understand why your wife is nervous about you having something else.  Have her read here and she'll understand how long it takes.

You are a very lucky man that she is so dedicated to you.  (I was, too, to my ex.  Even he admits I was way too good to him.)  But remember, you are giving her THE GREATEST GIFT EVER, better than any diamond, restaurant, or trip.  You have the rest of your life to make it up to her.  For now, focus on getting well, and just remember to hug her and tell her how important she is to you.  I'll be that's all she needs.

[laurel453]

well said, mellie :)  it's so true


quitin, from my experience, yes, it is like this .... i still remember well those "sudden waves" of feeling exhausted sometimes, feeling with no motivation at all sometimes, feeling anxious sometimes, feeling depressed sometimes and some moments all of them alltogether....what for a ride! i started picturing myself like a professional surfer in everyday's clothes! don't lose the sense of humor in the middle of this emotional and physical ride ;) and most of all, keep your faith that all this will pass, this phrase was like a sort of mantra and my surfboard to ride the waves: this too shall pass and i gonna beat them  (  i confess too that sometimes i asked myself : BUT WHEN the h*** is it going to pass? ;).

[quitinoxys]

laurel--mellie Thanks for your encouragement I need it now as I am getting to be an little emotional I guess its all part of the process. mellie I want to especially thank you for your post as my wife hasn't read anything I was posting as I (I don't know why) haven't shown her. I didn't want to scare her. But I thought it was time for her to see it and she sat her and read the whole saga from day 1. After she finished reading she just got up without saying a word and hugged and kissed me. Then she said how touched she was by ALL of the people hear that helped guide me through all of this. With tears coming down my eyes I told her she was one too. She was especially touched by what you wrote mellie. I appreciate ALL of you on this forum God Bless you all

[pharma9]

You guys are making me cry.You are so right ...we all care very deeply for everyone and want the best for each person trying to quit theses stupid drugs
It really warms my heart when I learn that some people have spouses and partners that support them and feel for every little pain that they feel.
Addiction always involves the whole family and the sooner we realize that the sooner the healing starts.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  You are truly lucky to have a wife who is so devoted to you and seeing that you are healthy!  I think it is wonderful that she read all of this, and I want you to know that you are doing really great.....even if it doesn't feel that way all the time.

You are very brave to do this!  It's the right decision!!! : D

[quitinoxys]

Day 8 I didn't sleep much last night, thought the insomnia would subside by now. Also I have a wicked headache. My energy this morning seems ok but I have found that it wanes throughout the day. One thing though my back pain has lessened which gives me more hope. There is another great benefit and that is not waking up and going to my pill bottle before I would even get out of bed. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I hope I can make it through. I guess I shouldn't think about that right now and just enjoy today. God Bless all of you out there.  

[mellie4]

I just read what you wrote about your wife reading all your posts and the comments and her reaction.  It really touched me.  It makes me happy to think that this terrible disease isn't going to claim another marriage or family.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me.  No matter how supportive I was, he kept going back.  Today our oldest daughter graduates.  Last night they had the baccalaureate mass and awards.  He came and he had been drinking and using (not sure what.)  She was upset and I don't blame her.  But despite all his addictions have cost me and my kids, we all still love him and want him to get well.  If he were to try again, we would all support him again.  I hate this disease stole my marriage and my kids' dad.

So when I hear your story, quitinoxys, it makes my heart happy!  Keep up the hard work, and keep loving and appreciating that wife of yours.

Good luck with work tomorrow!!  (And you're right; enjoy today, right now.  Monday will come when it comes.)

[quitinoxys]

mellie I'm sorry to here about your husband, but as you already know he can only stop if he wants to. I feel sorry your daughter has to feel sad on a day when she should be feeling a great sense of accomplishment. I hope you and she has a great day. Have you ever tried doing an intervention for your husband? If you get the right addiction specialist it could work. I will pray that God guides him to seeing the hurt that using creates. God Bless you and your family.

[mellie4]

Thanks for the kind words.  We're all pretty much adjusted to it now.  Sort of "Hate the sin but love the sinner" kind of thing.  

During our 18 yeas together, I put him in 12 rehabs.  One worked to the point where he had nearly 5 years sober.  Who knows what  got him going again.  I think it was when he started backing off the aftercare.  

Truthfully, at this point, I feel very sorry for him.  He does not have the relationship he should with his kids.  We have 4 really beautiful, fantastic kids.  He knows very little about them other than the surface stuff. He lost a very good job he had due to testing positive for alcohol and percocets after crashing and totaling a work truck (on their property.)  Luckily no one was injured.  And because it was on work property and they are self-insured, he wasn't charged criminally.  But he has many OUIs and if he gets another one, he will end up in jail.

It's sad to see a man who was so attractive, funny, smart and all over wonderful turn into someone you don't even know.  Even though there's a part of me that will always love him, I just couldn't stay and have my kids live like that.

I'm happy for you that you are beating this.  I hope you'll find a way to treat your back pain.  Chronic pain is so difficult to deal with.  You've given me a lot of inspiration for when I get off these meds.

Plus, I see in your comments how much you're supporting others on here.  I think that's the key to recovery, aftercare and giving back.

God Bless you and your wonderful wife.

[quitinoxys]

You are sooo welcome if it wasn't for you and all of the wonderful people on this forum I don't know if I could have made it. As far as your husband, I hate saying this but maybe a little time in jail ( the ultimate intervention) may make him realize he has hit bottom and gets clean again for good. He is lucky to have you and his family in his life as unfortunately most spouses can't deal with the pain so they just walk and leave the addict to just completely self-destruct. I will pray for him and your family.  

[LeaAnn807]

Hey.  Try an Excedrin Migraine or Excedrin something or another.  Anyway, it has acet, asp, and caffeine.  It helps the morning headaches for me, and I take 2 more if it comes back in the afternoon.  

Don't have much time.  Going to church.  Just wanted to check on ya!!!!  I'm proud of your progress.  You should be too!

[quitinoxys]

Thanks I appreciate and I will try it. my head is pounding and I going out for a walk and get some fresh air maybe it will help.

[quitinoxys]

I see in alot of threads people talking about craving their DOC. As of right now I have none, will that come later? At this point of this horrible process I hope not. I just keep remembering the last 8 days and don't even have that poison on my mind. I was just wondering.

[jstntime]

Glad to hear you are still hanging in there.  I hope the headache has subsided.

You are most certainly past the worst of this.  You have inspired many by your daily writings and updates.  

Keep updating us, we could sure use a few more success stories around here.

Congrats on such a great job, I knew you had it in you!!!!

Hang in there!!!!

bob

[mellie4]

Hope the headache is easing up.  If not, have you tried lying down in a dark room with an ice pack?  That usually helps migraine-type headaches.

I agree that you should keep posting.  Even through the worst of your withdrawals, you had such a positive way of putting things that I think you do bring a lot of comfort and inspiration to others.

Keep on keeping on :)

[jstntime]

Our last messages posted at the same time so I wasn't able to see your newest question.

If you are merely dependent as opposed to addicted, you should not get cravings.  I believe from all you have written that addiction does not accurately describe your situation.  Hopefully that is truly the case.

You are doing fine, don't worry about that which will likely not appear.

You rock and have proven to be as steady as one!!!!

bob

[quitinoxys]

Thanks for you input It has come to mean so much to me. Well tomorrow I am going back to work and I hope I can push through the day. After this ordeal I am drained emotionally  physically. Thanks again.

[mellie4]

Good point that it does appear you're dependent rather than addicted.  (Like myself.  And personally I believe neither one is a bargain.  And though I am truly grateful I don't have cravings, I worry that one day that will change, which is why I read things here, to sort of have another place to keep things in check.)

But since you do have the chronic back pain, you may find some help on the pain management forum.  I use that as well as this and have found a lot of help and support there.  You might as well.

Good luck tomorrow.

[jstntime]

I think going to work will be great therapy for you.  It will be a great way to burn up some time and stay distracted.  Despite probably feeling totally like not wanting to go, once you get there you will be happy you went.

You will forever have this thread as a reminder of your "ordeal".  If you stop taking opiates, you thankfully won't have to repeat it.

You have helped many in posting to their threads.  Your advice has been encouraging and accurate.  Your knowledge of your recent progress is fresh and very helpful to those starting out.

Still very happy to see you winning,

bob

[quitinoxys]

OHHH believe me I done with opy. If I had known the hell I was going to got through I would NEVER went on oxy. There gotta be a better way.

[quitinoxys]

Day 9 Didn't get much restful  sleep last night I would sleep 1 hour wake up fo about 15 mins and then back to sleep for an hour. I guess I should be grateful that I am getting any. I have been having these bizarre dreams though, I would be walking and I hear a rattling noise and I reach down into my pocket and pull out a prescription bottle full oxys. I go to open the bottle and it turns into a vitamin bottle full of B6. Weird huh the things your brain can do. I hope this isn't "craving" I often here people talking about on this forum. Well off to work I go wish be luck.

[ahhhhhh76]

Have a great day pal, and good for u day 9 u soo did it . now all we need is energy and we will  be fine.

[LeaAnn807]

I hope today goes well for you!  Maybe you will sleep better tonight after you work today.  The dreams are normal.  Don't worry about it.  Just about everyone has them.  They are not the same as craving! : )

Have a good day, and let us know how you feel tonight!

[IBKleen]

Quitinoxys,

Congratulations on day 9!

Those "drug dreams" are very common. I know each time I detoxed I had intense dreams. The good news is, and I think most will agree, I always woke up before I actually used. It is like a falling dream. You always wake up before you hit the pavement.

I want to mention that topic that makes a whole of folks head for the hills: Aftercare. Pain patients especially have a hard time with it because they feel that since they have not gone to the streets for drugs, they don't need any sort of aftercare. I don't believe that is true.

The reason why I think it is important for pain patients is the high risk of relapse. Our brains and our bodies are telling us that we are in pain and we know how to fix that. And, to top it all off, it is legal! If I remember correctly, you stopped because you no longer wanted to be a slave to the pills.

Now that you made that decision to stop, how do you stay stopped? How do you re-wire your brain so that you don't reach for that pill at the first sign of pain?

I live with chronic back pain and the only thing that helps me is having a support group who teaches me how to deal with those insane thoughts. I have had major back reconstruction surgery, acupuncture, physical therapy, aqua therapy, several series of injections and pain medication. I got relief from those procedures but it was short-lived. It got to the point where I was over medicating to get relief and knew it was time to stop. It took me a few go rounds before getting clean but what did work was outside support. I am learning how to deal with the pain today and also learning that there are times when my pain is really not that bad and is manageable. My brain tricks me into thinking I am in a whole lot more pain than I really am and I now can identify (a good percentage of the time) when my brain is messing with me.

Meetings are the most helpful for me. Just being around people face to face who understand is so important for my continued recovery.

I see that you are still having trouble sleeping and there may be other things lingering for you. My fear is that you will lose the fight and go back to the pills.

If nothing else I hope that you consider it. I would hate to see you lose what you have fought so hard for.

[laurel453]

hey, quitin  i wanted to wish a good  first work day to you too !!!!

i agree 100% with what justntime has written to u  in his last post. You are an example of fighting  those damn wd's and encouraing also the people and helping and supporting them !!

about this dreams and cravings, nahh... i just think that during wd's we are going through so much and our days, even minutes and hours are spent only on this matter that or brains while sleeping ( if we sleep !! ) can only release what's going on inside us and that's: opiates, wd's, etc...

we, the addicted people have cravings because we are used to live with the pills and do everything with them.. and when we are clean of them...well, we switch to the old behaviour as the first response ... if we are going to work " wow, i need them", if we are going to talk to the boss " i need them ", if we are having a good time with our friends..zasss  the thought " i need them" and sometimes we start with one thought and can't  stop thinking more and more about the pills and even becoming obsessive if we don't take the right steps, it's a red zone for us because we can relapse so easily  at those moments :(......that's why among others that   we go to therapy or na...) we need help to learn how to cope with them, how to stop them when having them.. and so on. I confess that i haven't had one in some months for now but at the beginning  i had a lot of them but they can be beaten, sure, we can !!

i don't see you having these cravings for the pills, honestly. but just in case and for your peace of mind, i have told you all this. And in any case, maybe during these first weeks, once in a while,  you'll feel pain and think about them because this is how you were used to acting when using them for the pain, it's just an automatic response, don't let your thoughts go farther than this first automatic thought, go for you jacuzzi, watch a movie, go for a walk with your wife.... keep your mind busy with other stuff and you'll break this cycle easily, imo ( it's not easy for us , the addicts, but again, it can be done, we all have HOPE, yes ).

another thing, the first weeks the lack of energy was there for me quite a lot of days...don't forget the vitamins, the suplemments, the B's, the protein rich diet and that of exercising when you can. I also took this amino, L-tyrosine for the energy ( feeling tired and working can be exhausting for us so soon after wd's ) and i believed it worked for me :)

good luck !!!

[laurel453]

i have just read what IBkleen has told you and i think she is so right in what she is telling you...she is much wiser than me in dealing with pain .  i would follow her advices , sure.

[quitinoxys]

I just got home from work and urrrr it was rough. I felt completely drained and really couldn't concentrate so I just read and answered all my email from last week. That took up a good part of the day. In the afternoon one of my engineers was suppose to do a briefing for the senior leadership but my director told me due to the audience and am the project manager he should do it. I told the director that I wanted the engineer to get some exposure and experience in doing such things, but he insisted (stupid politics). It was very rough as I have a very technical position and was in no shape to do a briefing...but i did. So enough ranting, I do have a question. I noticed over the last couple of days I am having a problem remembering things (they actually come to me eventually) and feel like I have a "brain fog" does this happen from detox?  Pleas let me know as I value all of your opinions.

IBkleen in the dreams I've had when I open the oxy bottle I do it to pour them in a garbage and they turn into vitamin B6 (which is printed on the pills). Weird huh!!! I spoke to the psychologist (she a addiction/dependence counselor)  at my PM's office today she told me you should be glad your getting sleep and don't worry about the dreams. I have an appointment to see her tomorrow. Thank all of you for all your help and guidance God bless you all.

[quitinoxys]

Day 10 whay hoo i'm in double digits. I,m off to work right now. Didn't get much sleep last night toss & turned all night again. Back pain don't want to let up but I just got to fight through it. Wish me luck on a new day. sorrry for the broken english i am typing this on blackberry.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  You are doing great.  10 days is awesome!  The brain fog is normal.  You will probably notice it letting up a little at a time until it's gone completely.  Like everything else, it takes patience!!!

Have a great day!

[mellie4]

Glad to see you made it through work, even though it was rough.  Sorry about the sleeping.  Not sleeping makes everything more difficult, doesn't it?  I don't get much sleep because of my pain, even with the pain meds.  I'll get a few hours maybe, then I'm up for a while and then it's 20 minutes here, 30 there, 10 here.  I find it difficult to cope with a lot of things, and my patience level drops to about zero after a few weeks of it.  Then somehow, usually with an Ambien and melatonin, I'll get one pretty good night's sleep and things will be pretty good.  Then the cycle repeats itself.

I'm sure brain fog is related to detox but also to lack of sleep.  I know my brain fog is due to both lack of sleep and being on the narcotics.  I'm fairly sure being on oxycodone and oxycontin affects your REM sleep.  But since I won't be off them for a while, I'll just keep dealing with it.  Hopefully, as your sleep is restored, the brain fog will lift.

I look forward to your posts and hearing how it's going for you.  I hope when I get off them, I'll do as well as you.  I am so looking forward to it.  I find I have no motivation at all being on the meds.  I've gone from being super organized to being in total chaos.

Keep up the good work!!  You have a lot of people that you're inspiring on your journey, me included.

[quitinoxys]

Well I made it through another day of work (barely) and will do it all again tomorrow. I probably should start a new thread as this one is getting huge. Anyway, I went to see the addiction/dependence counselor today and we talked about addicted vs. dependent. She asked me if I would take oxy if a pill was in front of me and I gave her a resounding no. Then she asked what if you where in terrible pain would you do it then? I had to tell her honestly I don't think so but it's easy to say no to a scenario but if a real life situation came up I don't know. She told me that she does not believe I have addictive tendencies, but as you said real life would be the test. I have a copy of this thread printed out and in moments of weakness I will pull it out and read the pain I am going through and nerver want to feel again. So I think I am going to make it.  On to day 11. Thank you all for your support and God bless you all.    

[jstntime]

That was a great move to discuss the addiction/dependence issue with a counselor.  

You are still doing an amazing job.  Be sure to re-read your first few days of detox to see how far you've come.

I think you're going to make it too and I couldn't be happier about it.

Hang in there!!!!

bob

[wifeneedshelp]

How did you make it to 11 days without sub or something. That must have been brutal. Do you sill feel the affects of withdrawals?

[quitinoxys]

Day 12 I am not feeling to great today the back pain is now going down my sciatic nerve and I killing me.

[AZKathy]

hang in there... we're in similar (sorta) circumstances.... I was on 210mg of oxys & 40 mg of percs/day and went cold turkey 10 days ago....

it's nice to have a different perspective on life isn't it?

i'm with you though on the pain... I need to find some other form of pain management pretty quick... I was in a car accident about 10 years ago and suffered head/neck injuries

took a hot bath earlier (something I've never ever done in the morning before) that helped a lot...and just had some nice warm comfort food

if we can all hang in here together, we'll make it!

[jstntime]

Hey again,

I've been out of touch for a few days but was very happy to see you are still doing this.  

The back problems are tough.  I am dealing with sciatica as we speak.  I had a day last week where it was excrutiating and debilitating and I didn't know what to do.  I got through it but still cannot feel my right foot which has been "asleep" since then.

Day 12 is amazing though!!!!  Truly.  Here's hoping that tomorrow is better for you.

You are still inspiring many and should be very proud of you progress.

bob

[quitinoxys]

To Everyone:
Today is day 18 I woke up this morning feeling crappy. I feel like I have the flu again, my whole body aches and I just don't feel well. Could it be that I actually have a cold, flu or something. Is it still part of the w/d syndrome? I guess I shouldn't complain at least I am getting sleep. When I am feeling down I just go back and read this thread and see how much I went through and how much help that all of you have given me. One great thing is that my back pain has subsided and I am happy about that. I will just have to deal with the feeling sick and go on to day 19. God bless all the people on this forum and thanks.

[gnarly_1]

Hey dude....well it could be a couple of things...we have found that detoxing is hard on the body and runs down your resistance to colds and other viruses so you may very well have contracted something it seams fairly common for people after detoxing...also what your feeling is quit normal for just being 18 days clean....a lot of times narcotic withdrawal is very cyclic you get better for a wile then your back down for a few days...this can go on a wile..its a good idea to take the amino acids they help prevent PAWS symptoms...theres no garetee but it does help...I drink whey protein shakes....2 a day...there loaded with vitamins as well as amino acids along with the protein all of witch the brain need to heal...you can pic up a 2lb can at walmart for 15 bucks the chocolate flavor is good alll you do is mix it with milk...im sorry it took me so long to find this it really helps...try not to get discouraged early on your body and brain is going to go thew a lot of changes some are uncomfortable...you have come this far you will make it thew till the end....now is a good time to check into some aftercare...both N/A anaA/A offer great programs you will be around people that understand what your going thew and can help if this is not a good fit for you there are substance abuse conslors as well as addiction therapist that can help you thew these tuff times...aftercare is not optional to long term sobriety it is a vital part of recovery it will help you deal with stuff like your going thew now and teach you the skills and give you the tools to succeed so plug in....anyways hang in there your doing great I will check back later on to see how your feeling good luck and God bless....Gnarly          

[laurel453]

hi, quittin

congrats because you are doing great. yeah, i know that today is not a day you feel like doing great but you are taking all the rights steps each time... taking each day at a time, keeping your spirit high, talking with the doctors, counselors, asking for help and also giving support to all the people here, you deserve a big hug... keep on walking :)

as for the symptons you're feeling today... you could have the flu, sure ( our inmune system is not at their best after detoxing ) but check on how you are feeling along the day cause from my experience, it could be one of those days when we have to surf all the waves together for a while ( remember i compared some days with some symptons like if they were like waves ? :) ) and they could last maybe some hours. As far as i know you shouldn't be feeling like one of those wd's days at worst  but maybe some other people will come and tell you about their experiences too.

good that you are not feeling so much back pain  now :)

[quitinoxys]

I am feeling a little better this evening and you guys are right its just part of this roller-coaster of w/d. I was just getting a little down because I was feeling so much better the last few days.

gnarly---Yes your right aftercare is key, I have been talking to an addiction specialist since early on in this process. She has helped me see things about myself I didn't even realize were going on. The question addiction vs. dependence doesn't really matter as I will go through the same trails and tribulations no matter what I call it.

laurel---Thanks for the big hug and right back at you. Asking and giving help on this forum has been very therapeutic for me through all of this and it is amazing to see people at all stations in life going through the same things. It just proves that we are all human. God bless and much love to all of you great people. Now on to DAY 19.

[jstntime]

Hey,

I found in the early days of detox that it was not uncommon to have days where symptoms seemed to be going in the other direction.  The good news is that they become less frequent AND severe as time goes on.

It's nice to see someone become another success story here.

Great job, hang in there,

bob

[LeaAnn807]

WOW.....19 days!  Seems quick to me but probably not to you.  You are doing so well.  Not all of every day is going to be good, but you can make a big part of it good by having a positive attitude.  You will notice that you will feel better and better.  Try not to measure your progress by the day.  Try to see that you feel better than you did, say, last week.  Measure weekly instead of daily.  You won't get discouraged that way.  

Good job!  Proud of you!

Hugs!

Lea Ann

[quitinoxys]

Day 20 and I am feeling much better I have gotten energy back and even went on a bike ride with some friends tis evening. AAAAH it feels great to feel again. Thanks and God bless all of you.

[gnarly_1]

Hey dude glad your feeling better....it can get discouraging to go thew the up and down cycle but its a fact of life you just have to learn to cope with...wile on the narcotics we where on an artificial '"good day"" all the time...life is not like that it has its blessings as well as its pitfalls ...that coupled to the emotional roller coaster of coming off oxy and it can be pritty challenging....Im so happy to here your getting aftercare...so many think it is optional and so many are back here in a month or even a few months doing it again
there is nothing better for your recovery then some sort of aftercare you have more then doubled your chance of success ...I have watched a lot of people go thew this and my hat is off to you ....you have done an excellent job of detoxing and now working on your recovery...you have keep a great attitude and have taken good advise without fighting it...you will be successful in your recovery...you even have been helping others ...witch in itself helps you ...keep up the good work stand strong in your recovery and never drop your guard ....addiction is cunning and baffling if given the chance it will run you over....good luck to you and my god bless you abundantly
.......Gnarly      

[jstntime]

20 days is awesome!!!!

You have come a long way and should be very proud.  I hope you find some aftercare too.  

Aftercare is doing for me NOW what this site did for me during detox.

Keep inspiring and encouraging others, you have helped many,

bob

[quitinoxys]

Thanks guys and I have been seeing an addiction specialist since day 10 and have been doing great.

[need2stop245]

i have been taking oxycontin for 5 years due to an auto accident and read your story about going cold turkey to get off this drug. i have been wanting to do it for years but my doctor keeps telling me that because of my spinal injury i will be on it for life. i read that you also have a spinal injury an wanted to know how you are doing since you quit. i am afraid to quit because i don't want to suffer in pain. your story has given me inspiration and i think i am going to try it. i read you took some supplements to get you through it did they really help? i want to stop living in a drug stupor and will try anything at this point. you also spoke about a taper what is that and will it help me. i hope you or someone can answer my questions because i really want to stop taking these drugs i take 80 miligrams 2 times a day for the last five years. so please give me some answers if you can i would really appreciate it.

[quitinoxys]

I know exactly how you feel I was there about a month ago. You need to decide whether you want to exist on the oxys or live a real life. I don't know your exact condition with your injury, are you still going through surgeries to fix you injury? As far as tapering off of oxys that can be an option but it takes a lot of patience as it can take up to 6 months. The advice I can give you about going CT is you have to be dedicated and have a great support system. You also need to talk to your PM and explain to him/her that you really want to do this. Most PM docs are reluctant to tell you to do CT because they know how difficult it can be. If you get your PM behind you through this process it make a world of difference. You asked about how I am doing I am assuming you are asking about pain, honestly it has been a struggle but I am constantly looking for non-narcotic pain relief methods. I am getting acupuncture right now and it seems to work for me but everyone is different. I hope I helped answer your questions and didn't scare you to much. I hope you will try to quit as you will see there is life after the pills. I hope you talk to your PM and maybe work out some kind of plan. I will be praying for you and hope and good luck on what ever you decide.---quitin

[scared2stop]

I googled quiting oxycontin and found your postings and wonder if you could give me advice on how to get off of these pills. I have been taking oxycontin for two years and now want to stop taking them. my doctor told me i need to take suboxne if i wanted to stop. I have been taking oxycontin 40 milligrams twice a day for two years and I want to stop because it is making my life miserable. I am just afraid to do it because of what my doctor told me about how bad it is to just stop. Would it be wise to just stop? I read you did and hope you can give me some advice.

[bmdad]

The original poster is still around but you should post your own thread so you have one dedicated to you. At the top of the page click on the green box that says "post a question". Either copy and paste your original post or type a new one. There are some wonderful people here that will bend over backwards to help you.
It may be kinda slow for the next few days due to Christmas and with it being a weekend so be sure to hang around. There are many of us here that have been where you are at now and fought through it. You don't need suboxone to quit. Some go that route and it can be helpful but you have to realize you will also have withdrawals from the sub. Sub isn't just a pill but a program to help get your life back on track while working on recovery.
Hang in there. You will make it through this! Check out the health pages which can be found in the upper right hand side of the page. There is a lot of great info in there. There are some things that can help such as the "amino acid protocol", exercise, and pushing the fluids. The amino acid protocol is a list of vitamins and supplement that will help your body recover faster. Also be sure to check into some NA meetings. Getting clean is the easy part, staying clean is where the work comes in.
Best of luck to you!

Brian

[quitinoxys]

If you read my posts and all of the replies then you know that I am going to tell you to quit CT. I understand why your doctor is telling you that it is better to take subs but that will only prolong the agony. I know its a scary thing to start but as youread in my posts it can be done. Brian gave you great advise on supplements and remedies that can help you through this. But you need to know they are not magic bullets, you will feel like you have the flu for about 3-7 days and then you should start feeling better. Don't be scared just do it, I know you want to or you would not have posted. I will pray for you that God gives you the wisdom to make the good choice to get your life back. If you want you can send me a message and I will help you through this as much as I can. Also you should start your own thread so other people on this forum can give you advice as this is an old post. God Bless you and Merry Christmas---Rick