CFS After Detox

[Robin6298]

Hi everyone.  It's been a long time since I have actually posted, but I come here often and read everyone's stories.  It's my form of aftercare.  I just wanted to give an update, and a word or two of advice.  I was on high doses of opiates for 10 years for back pain.  I went through a long, 14 day, brutal detox in Dec 07.  This was after a two month taper. Fast forward three years of constant exhaustion & other symptoms.  Yesterday, at the conclusion of years of tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  CFS usually begins after a trauma, severe illness, or other issue that stresses your system.  The doctor believes that detox was my trigger, as my symptoms started then, and never went away.

For some people, CFS will go into remission.  For others, it will be a lifelong struggle.  So, to those struggling to get or stay clean, add my story to list of the many reasons to quit your DOC.  Drugs do immense damage to our bodies and minds.  Most cases, it is reversable, however, not everyone will be that lucky.  Quit, the sooner, the better for your lifelong health.  Dont end up like me.  I'm only 39, but feel like 89 most days.

I have been prescribed opiates, short term, several times, since detox but only for acute issues (ex-dental problem).  I only took them as prescribed or less. Chucked them as soon as the pain was tolerable.  Since CFS, they no longer give you a high or 'energy rush'.  Which is a good thing.  It's a fatigue that nothing can penetrate.

For those detoxing now, hang on & don't give up!  Easy it isn't, but your future is so worth the hell of getting there.  The vitamins & aminos are great.  Also, Immodium..and if you can get it, Phenegran.  Phenegran is a prescription med, (not habbit forming) used mostly for nausea/vomiting.  But it was a Godsend for me  as it also eases the horrible stomach cramps of detox.  It causes fatigue, so you may also catch a few precious winks of sleep.

Take care & keep fighting...

[vicki595]

Good to have that info...you were smart to share it...

I wish you the best!!

[Robin6298]

Thanks for your response, Vicki. Yeah, my doctor is sure CFS was not present while on the pain med.  She said that if the fatigue was present then, the opiates would have made it worse, not hidden it. Plus, being prescribed and using opiates since did not hide my symptoms. I got pain relief, but no euphoria and definitely no extra energy.

My plan is special exercises and occasional physical therapy for my back problem. Been doing this a while & so far, it works.  As for the CFS, just a good diet, what exercise I can tolerate, reduce stress, rest.  She recommended talking to a therapist for coping strategies.  Do know if I'm  going to do that or not, as trips out of the house is tiring.  



This may still go into remission, but the longer you have it, the less likely that becomes. You can also relapse with it after remission.

[vicki595]

Robin--

Can they be sure the CSF was NOT present years before and then just masked by the pills?

What's the plan now and prognosis?

Three years is great;wish you felt better!