Can WD's prompt illness??

[SFgirll853]

Hi all, yes I am back A G A I N !!  Yes I am embarrassed, ashamed and everything.  For those that do not know me I began taking vicodin for back and neck pain 5 years ago and 18 months ago was bumped up to norcos.  Six months later I was hooked on 8 to 10 10mgs a day and have been trying to quit since March '08.  I have three (or is it 4) failed attempts under my belt... yay for me... and I am here fighting again and on 8 days clean.  

Here is my question... can withdrawls lower your immune system?  I cannot believe it but in the middle of my battle with nasty WD's I somehow contracted a really bad respiratory infection!  So here I am with body aches, chills, fever and stomach cramps and then day 6 I am coughing and throat hurting and I am wondering when in the hell is this going to stop?  Is God putting me through extra tough times for I finally learn my lesson?  I went to the doctor today and she says... oh you have to go on anti-biotics right away.  You have an infection.

Has this happened to anyone?  Do you think the weakened state of WD's can make us susceptible to illness?  

I cant tell what is the wds and what is the infection.  I just know I am miserable.  I would love to hear any ideas!  thanks

[justclean]

WD's can make you feel all kind's of symptoms are you under a doctors care. Cold symptoms are part of WD for some. You may have had sweats and chills your immune system and baSCILY YOUR WHOLE SYSTEM TAKES A BEATING. The best Idea is to stay clean. Beat it dont let it beat you. Call all of your doctors and tell them that your an addict, tell your pharmacy. I started taking VIC 5 years ago and was up to 20   750ES's a day. Im clean 6 weeks this thursday. TRUST ME YOU CAN DO IT@@@@@

[avisg]

yes it can lower you immune system I would bet abusing lowers it as well. Are you taking any other meds ? Are you going to look into aftercare this time or have you already started something.

[SFgirll853]

I am taking lots of supplements and ambien for sleep... thats it!  (well i am on antibiotics now too.)  I emptied my medicine cabinet and the only way I am getting more pain pills is if I go to the pain dr. but I dont think he will refill anyway as I told him I am pain free.  

I told my primary when I saw her today that I have sleep issues (which I do... all related , i know, I know) and she referred me to a psychologist.  I thought I would start there.  

I live in a very nosy community and am very involved in PTA, classroom parent etc. etc. so privacy is very important.  I am thinking if I start with the psychologist then she can point me in the right direction.  I cant just pop in and out of NA meetings unfortunately.

[avisg]

SF , honestly you need something not having recovery care is not working .see if you can find a therapist with substance abuse training .Thats what I did na was not working with my work schedule and my therapist was willing to work me in.

[SFgirll853]

Where can I find a substance abuse counselor that is NOT at a rehab?  I have looked on line and all i get is rehab centers.  I would LOVE to find a therapist that has substance abuse training.  As a stay home Mom I have VERY little time to get away and would really love to find something close to home.  I totally agree with you 100%.  Can you suggest a website or anonymous way I can research?  I called NA one time looking for this information and the woman used caller ID and began calling my house to check up on me!  That is not very anonymous.  Just because I am trying to get help doesnt mean that the entire world needs to know about it.  So yes, I agree and would LOVE some ideas!

[SFgirll853]

thank you for your kind words and congratulations on six weeks!  

[Mandapanda17]

hi hun! just wanted to tell you that I messed up too. took 2 pills...now I feel like an idiot and don't know if I should change my tracker... I'm going to go to NA tomorrow with my friend. obviously I need too... hope you feel better soon! we both need to stay strong! :) xoxo

[lisa983]

Congrats. on 8 days clean!!!  I know from my experance I have been addicted for 3 yrs. (i know---to long) Well I tried quiting cold turkey in jan. of 08 lasted 29 days then relapsed.  Tryed again and was so sick i ended up in the hospital.  Now, about 2 months ago i went from  taking 20 hydros a day to 3 a day. I can't tell you how many times i have gotten a little agravating sickneses. and got over them. Today for example, my throat was killing me, went to the doc, and ended up haveing strep-thoat......Goog-Luck right..... Long story short, i think it does, just from my experance. Just don't give up.. your doing great.. the main thing is to let your body rest...goodluck

lisa

[justclean]

Dont give up. I found this forum and have gotten so much support here. I am also fortunate to have a husband and a 17 year old daughter who have helped me and supported me. I have 2 other daughters both younger and they dont know. I have a lot of guilt for spending the past 5 years high and not being a good mom. But each day I work to be a better and healthy mom. Dont give in, we are all here for you. And in your heart you have to be there for yourself. You know inside you can beat this illness. So KICK ITS ***!!!!!! And stay on this forum they are some great people here!

[worried878]

I got sick 3 times during the first 2 months after detox...C is important..all ur vitamins and eat healthy..lots of water....EmergenC from walmart is great for this

[liscamdave]

I am pretty sure it can. when I was severly addicted to Oxy's, I was never sick. I mean never. And when I would try to quit, and got past about 2-3 days, I would always catch a cold, or sore throat. Always. SO, yes I am pretty sure it does.

[Kova]

i agree with liscamdave. also, my husband who was using heroin for 6 years told me that during that entire time he never got sick, or if he did he didn't actually feel it.  i have also had the experience several times of getting a cold during WDs.  and as well i have noticed that my allergied (i have them pretty badly in the fall) are virtually non existent when i am using.  i just don't get them, no runny nose or sneezing, ever when i am on any opiate!  i guess it may have to do with the pain killers blocking the body's histamine.  just a guess, seems to make sense.
anyway, good job on 8 days!  keep it up.

(sneezing right now!) Kova

[justclean]

Hello again....Just checking in to see if your feeling better....Your in  my thoughts

[HelpinUtah]

Since I've stopped the Lortab, I've been sneazing like crazy every day!  It's driving me crazy, but someone told me it's normal.  Good luck hun!!!

[SFgirll853]

Feeling much better FINALLY!  Thank you so much for checking in on me!  I am on day 15 and am feeling fairly healthy for the first time today!!!!  I am staying strong and staying busy!