Aa
So far so good...
I went to my pain doctor and told him I must get off the opiates. He didn't ask many questions, didn't judge. Started to come up with different treatment for pain, something that involves various injections (thoradol) and nerve blocks (head). He also gave me Meloxicam for pain, it is an anti-inflammatory. Also, he gave me a tranquilizer and heart blood pressure med for shakes and heart palpitations. This thing works! I was taking 50mg and after taking blood pressure and tranquilizer meds, didn't even finish that, stopped at 40! And today, it's 4:45PM I only took 10mg! And between you and me, probably didn't need to do this... SO tomorrow! Tomorrow will be day one! I am looking forward to it but scared. I know hell is to come, but I feel set up. I have restful legs from Hylands and am ready to go! Wish me luck! Stay with me please! Hold my hand. Tell me I can do this.
And for the rest of you who are tapering off, etc., please go see your pain doctor! They know what to do to make your life less miserable. This will hurt, no doubt. He said: "these will not be happy times"... I know, but what is the alternative?
Love you all brothers and sisters in pain.
Rafal54
And for the rest of you who are tapering off, etc., please go see your pain doctor! They know what to do to make your life less miserable. This will hurt, no doubt. He said: "these will not be happy times"... I know, but what is the alternative?
Love you all brothers and sisters in pain.
Rafal54
Ended up taking the fourth Tramadol at 2:30 am. Just couldn't deal with everything. It is 10:30 I took everything and am waiting for the shakes to go. My younger one wants to play and I cannot. And I cannot tell him why: You see, Michal, your Daddy is a junky and can't play with you right now... He's 5.
Life is hard, nobody said ir was going to be any different. And now this and, once I am clean what is waiting for me on the other side? Divorce? Lose everything I worked for for 20 years? Lose the kids? Because she will do everything possible to take them, using this oxy addiction as a tool...
You guys are sure this is worth going through?
Life is hard, nobody said ir was going to be any different. And now this and, once I am clean what is waiting for me on the other side? Divorce? Lose everything I worked for for 20 years? Lose the kids? Because she will do everything possible to take them, using this oxy addiction as a tool...
You guys are sure this is worth going through?
I know. My dr insisted i go through it though. So I took only three today. Hopefully no more.
The whole thing would have been million times easier if it wasn't for my wife. I bought the Advent Calendars for the kids and the only thing she could say was "But we already have those".
Sorry, I am not yet up on my 12 steps and resentment and anger is rampant...
Well, so far so good: whole day no oxy. At midnight will be 24 hours. I guess I'll go another 24 on Tramadol and start waning off of it.
Thanks TrayCee!
Love -
Rafal
The whole thing would have been million times easier if it wasn't for my wife. I bought the Advent Calendars for the kids and the only thing she could say was "But we already have those".
Sorry, I am not yet up on my 12 steps and resentment and anger is rampant...
Well, so far so good: whole day no oxy. At midnight will be 24 hours. I guess I'll go another 24 on Tramadol and start waning off of it.
Thanks TrayCee!
Love -
Rafal
be very careful with the Tramadol, its VERY addictive and also really hard to come off of
Hi there,
I am alive! What a night! RLS got the better of me and I finally gave in and took 5mg of oxycontin, please don't call me a quitter!
That was at midnight last night. I took more tranquilizer, a couple of sleeping pills ans slept until 7am. Than I got up, took pain, tranquilizer, heart med and a Tramadol, as told by doctor, but no OXY! So technically I am coming up on 14th hour clean. Right now I don't need anything.DOn't want to take too much Tramadol, cause that can get you hooled too, right? So i treat it as a step If I Can last two days without oxy on Tramadol, I am starting to wane of that. ANd that will be real CLAEN. So i have some way to go.
Watched a movie with my older son, that was fun. Unfortunately my wife came back and broke everything up. I cannot understand the woman: first she writes a caring letter to me, that I have a problem, that if I cleaned up, she would TALK. SO I jump on that, start cleaning up as fast as I can, except for detox place, which was scary and depressing, and she turns into a raving bi***. Can't understand it.
Anyhow, thanks for your love and prayers Brian, and NoMo. They help a lot.
Rafal
I am alive! What a night! RLS got the better of me and I finally gave in and took 5mg of oxycontin, please don't call me a quitter!
That was at midnight last night. I took more tranquilizer, a couple of sleeping pills ans slept until 7am. Than I got up, took pain, tranquilizer, heart med and a Tramadol, as told by doctor, but no OXY! So technically I am coming up on 14th hour clean. Right now I don't need anything.DOn't want to take too much Tramadol, cause that can get you hooled too, right? So i treat it as a step If I Can last two days without oxy on Tramadol, I am starting to wane of that. ANd that will be real CLAEN. So i have some way to go.
Watched a movie with my older son, that was fun. Unfortunately my wife came back and broke everything up. I cannot understand the woman: first she writes a caring letter to me, that I have a problem, that if I cleaned up, she would TALK. SO I jump on that, start cleaning up as fast as I can, except for detox place, which was scary and depressing, and she turns into a raving bi***. Can't understand it.
Anyhow, thanks for your love and prayers Brian, and NoMo. They help a lot.
Rafal
I injured my back while in the Marine Corps serving in Iraq. I had a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level. I also had a lumbar laminectomy. All that was done was that the neurosurgeon cut off the disc that was protruding out. I waited about a year before having the surgery as the doctor recommended a more conservative approach. I tried the physical therapy and steroid injections but they didn't help. I was actually pain free for about a year and then I started getting the shooting pain down my butt and leg again. It feels the same as when I had the herniated disc. The pain there does come and go though. I also have spinal stenosis and some arthritis in my back. As of recently it feels like my 2 vertebrates are rubbing together. I can feel pressure right where the surgery was performed. I did have foot drop awhile back but have regained its use. I do get a lot of cramping of the muscles that run along my shin which I'm guessing it's from the nerve being damaged. It just still doesn't feel right but not that big of a deal. I'm anxious to see the neurosurgeon here in a few weeks just to see what he has to say. I will be getting a 2nd and maybe even a 3rd opinion if he recommends surgery. I have a friend who had a artificial disc put in and is doing wonderful. That was a little less than 2 years ago. Have you heard anything about the artificial discs? The fusion kinda scares me and as of now I won't go that route. If my pain gets bad enough to where I'm bed ridden than I may consider. Since my newest symptom has started I need to talk to the doctor to really see what is going on before I even think about what to do next. We will see here soon!
I am currently working. Well, I have been off for about a month. I'm a union boilermaker and we go from one power plant to another. We usually have some time off in between jobs. When we are working we usually work 10-12 hour days 6 to 7 days a week so it's nice to have some time off in between! We usually have most the summer off also. It works out well since my wife is a teacher. I also have a 9 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. We get to spend the whole summer together doing whatever we please which is wonderful!
My job isn't super labor intensive but isn't the easiest on the body either. I do have a associates degree and have considered going back for my ba. I'm 33 now but just wonder if my back will hold up in my line of work when I'm 50. I enjoy the work and my coworkers know my back issues so they look out for me. We all take care of each other. I'd have to say the worse part is just some of the positions we are in while welding. There are times our bodies are twisted in odd ways for a extended period of time. That can take a toll on my back. I think I may take classes over the summer when I know I can make it to class. I have taken some online so I guess that is a option also. I figure even if it takes me 8 years to get that ba at least it is there if I ever need it due to my back. I'm just not the type of person to be working in a office all day. I like hands on and enjoy physical work. But I want to be able to run around with grandkids one day! Maybe I'll be lucky and they will have a quick fix for my back. You never know how you are going to heal up so maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones!
It has been nice talking to you! Are you able to work? If so, what do you do? It's nice knowing there are others than can relate to cp and give advice on similar injuries. I'm sure after my appointment I'll be asking you all kinds of stuff!! There is no better person to ask than someone who has been through it. I'd take your word over a doctors. They learn from reading and from surgery but never feel the effects. We learn from reading and research but learn from the aftermath of the surgery!
I wish you the best and pray that one day your pain does subside, even if it is just a little bit at a time. Our bodies are a amazing piece of equipment so you never know. You could wake up one morning feeling great! Wouldn't that be nice!
Take care Brian and it has been nice talking with you. Please keep in touch!
Brian
I am currently working. Well, I have been off for about a month. I'm a union boilermaker and we go from one power plant to another. We usually have some time off in between jobs. When we are working we usually work 10-12 hour days 6 to 7 days a week so it's nice to have some time off in between! We usually have most the summer off also. It works out well since my wife is a teacher. I also have a 9 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. We get to spend the whole summer together doing whatever we please which is wonderful!
My job isn't super labor intensive but isn't the easiest on the body either. I do have a associates degree and have considered going back for my ba. I'm 33 now but just wonder if my back will hold up in my line of work when I'm 50. I enjoy the work and my coworkers know my back issues so they look out for me. We all take care of each other. I'd have to say the worse part is just some of the positions we are in while welding. There are times our bodies are twisted in odd ways for a extended period of time. That can take a toll on my back. I think I may take classes over the summer when I know I can make it to class. I have taken some online so I guess that is a option also. I figure even if it takes me 8 years to get that ba at least it is there if I ever need it due to my back. I'm just not the type of person to be working in a office all day. I like hands on and enjoy physical work. But I want to be able to run around with grandkids one day! Maybe I'll be lucky and they will have a quick fix for my back. You never know how you are going to heal up so maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones!
It has been nice talking to you! Are you able to work? If so, what do you do? It's nice knowing there are others than can relate to cp and give advice on similar injuries. I'm sure after my appointment I'll be asking you all kinds of stuff!! There is no better person to ask than someone who has been through it. I'd take your word over a doctors. They learn from reading and from surgery but never feel the effects. We learn from reading and research but learn from the aftermath of the surgery!
I wish you the best and pray that one day your pain does subside, even if it is just a little bit at a time. Our bodies are a amazing piece of equipment so you never know. You could wake up one morning feeling great! Wouldn't that be nice!
Take care Brian and it has been nice talking with you. Please keep in touch!
Brian
Thanks for the quick reply,
To date I have had 3 spine surgeries the worst one being a two level fusion at L4-5- S1, my back was NEVER the same after the fusion, I have NOT had one day pain free since undergoing this fusion back in December 2007. Because of the persistant intolerable pain I experienced after the fusion for over a year my ortho surgeon ordered a bone scan.
They found some abnormalities on this scan and they went in again for exploratory surgery of the fusion as he suspected it hadn't fused properly or that perhaps some of the screws had come loose and were causing the pain. Well of course I always have known I had screws loose..ha ha pardon the pun!!!
Thankfully the fusion was found to be solid but some of the screws were loose. They removed all the hardware, titanium rods and pedicle crews and stitched me back up. They normally leave the hardware in for the rest of your life.
I was happy they didn't have to attempt re-fusion because that has poor outcomes, still, they have cut you wide open just the same as if they were fusing you so it's still a big surgery.
I had a posterior Lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5 S1, what are you having if you don't mind me asking? The best advice I'd give anyone is to get as much info as you can and get a 2nd opinion if they say you need a fusion. I also know it's easier said than done, as when I had mine I was so miserable in pain, I would have been willing to try anything. After having painful EMG's, lumbar injections, diagnostic injections and finally an excrutiatingly painful discogram, the Dr said I needed the fusion. I have now developed chronic pain along with SIJD. I also had two large left shoulder surgeries after a serious MVA in 2005. My first back surgery was in 1997 for a herniated disc from a workplace injury and it was called a lumbar disectomy/laminectomy. So I already had a bad back before being hit by a semi on the freeway in 2005.
I had two very rough weeks in April when I finally stopped taking Methadone for good at the third attempt and was opiate free for a period of about 6 weeks. The no sleep for about 2 weeks straight was the most difficult to deal with and the RLS was tough too. It's funny the mind games our brain plays on us when we take a drug away from it in this manner. It is so DO-ABLE though but it is work, and I'm aware of medicines that can be taken to assist in this transistion period, I can say if I did this again I'd definately be asking my Dr for something to help through the first two weeks.
I just wanted to caution you to expect a good result but not to just expect your pain to be gone after having a fusion, if it is, then that's a bonus. I thought FOR SURE my pain would be gone, how wrong I was. I think anytime our spines are damaged and surgical intervention is required they are never quite the same as they were and some of amount of pain should probably be expected.
Are you both working currently? If so, what do you both do? I'd really like to hear more about you both and you pain journeys.
Thanks again for making me smile and laugh today, it does a body good!
Best regards.
-Brian.
To date I have had 3 spine surgeries the worst one being a two level fusion at L4-5- S1, my back was NEVER the same after the fusion, I have NOT had one day pain free since undergoing this fusion back in December 2007. Because of the persistant intolerable pain I experienced after the fusion for over a year my ortho surgeon ordered a bone scan.
They found some abnormalities on this scan and they went in again for exploratory surgery of the fusion as he suspected it hadn't fused properly or that perhaps some of the screws had come loose and were causing the pain. Well of course I always have known I had screws loose..ha ha pardon the pun!!!
Thankfully the fusion was found to be solid but some of the screws were loose. They removed all the hardware, titanium rods and pedicle crews and stitched me back up. They normally leave the hardware in for the rest of your life.
I was happy they didn't have to attempt re-fusion because that has poor outcomes, still, they have cut you wide open just the same as if they were fusing you so it's still a big surgery.
I had a posterior Lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5 S1, what are you having if you don't mind me asking? The best advice I'd give anyone is to get as much info as you can and get a 2nd opinion if they say you need a fusion. I also know it's easier said than done, as when I had mine I was so miserable in pain, I would have been willing to try anything. After having painful EMG's, lumbar injections, diagnostic injections and finally an excrutiatingly painful discogram, the Dr said I needed the fusion. I have now developed chronic pain along with SIJD. I also had two large left shoulder surgeries after a serious MVA in 2005. My first back surgery was in 1997 for a herniated disc from a workplace injury and it was called a lumbar disectomy/laminectomy. So I already had a bad back before being hit by a semi on the freeway in 2005.
I had two very rough weeks in April when I finally stopped taking Methadone for good at the third attempt and was opiate free for a period of about 6 weeks. The no sleep for about 2 weeks straight was the most difficult to deal with and the RLS was tough too. It's funny the mind games our brain plays on us when we take a drug away from it in this manner. It is so DO-ABLE though but it is work, and I'm aware of medicines that can be taken to assist in this transistion period, I can say if I did this again I'd definately be asking my Dr for something to help through the first two weeks.
I just wanted to caution you to expect a good result but not to just expect your pain to be gone after having a fusion, if it is, then that's a bonus. I thought FOR SURE my pain would be gone, how wrong I was. I think anytime our spines are damaged and surgical intervention is required they are never quite the same as they were and some of amount of pain should probably be expected.
Are you both working currently? If so, what do you both do? I'd really like to hear more about you both and you pain journeys.
Thanks again for making me smile and laugh today, it does a body good!
Best regards.
-Brian.
I agree with the good laughs! I know that when suffering from pain a good laugh can make a world of difference!
My experience with the sex issue (well, not a issue!) was after my back surgery. I was actually pain free for almost a year. I was on pain meds for a little over a year before that. I then had scar tissue that grew and put pressure on my sciatic nerve. I did come off the meds after surgery and that's when the urges hit me and it was nice. My wife loved it too!!...lol
I have been on and off the pain meds over the last few years but mainly on them. I am currently getting by with only taking a couple norcos a day. I do go see a neurosurgeon Dec. 4th as it now feels like 2 of my vertebrates are rubbing together. When I had my surgery for my herniated disc they didn't do a fusion. I'm pretty sure the feeling of the vertebrates is from lack of the disc. Hopefully they will be able to do something about it such as a fusion or a artificial disc. I just hope there is a easy fix so I no longer have to deal with the pain.
So as of now I am currently on pain meds so I don't yet have a plan on how to deal with the pain without them. I do not want to be on the meds forever but if I need them I will continue with them. Hopefully one day we can all find a resolve to our pain issues. I wish you and everyone the best!
Rafal....one thing that helps quite a bit for the legs is taking hot baths. Get that water as hot as you can stand. Take 10 a day if you have too. Also wrapping your legs in ace bandages can help. Try heating pads on your legs. Have you talked to your doctor about a prescription med for the restless legs? I've never used one but may be worth a try. Also be sure to exercise. I know it can be hard to muster up the energy while going through withdrawals but even a short walk around the block can help. If you can wear yourself out with exercise it may help you sleep a bit better. If you check out the substance abuse forum there is a link to what is called the "amino acid protocol". It lists some vitamins and supplements that can be very useful while coming off of pain meds If you can't find it let me know and I will post the link. Be sure to eat healthy and push the fluids. It will help flush your system faster. You may have some rough nights ahead of you but know after about 5 days or so you will start to feel better. The rls should be gone soon. Sometimes the sleep issue can be one of the last symptoms to leave although everyone is different. Just hang in there and you'll be feeling better before you know it! Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Brian
My experience with the sex issue (well, not a issue!) was after my back surgery. I was actually pain free for almost a year. I was on pain meds for a little over a year before that. I then had scar tissue that grew and put pressure on my sciatic nerve. I did come off the meds after surgery and that's when the urges hit me and it was nice. My wife loved it too!!...lol
I have been on and off the pain meds over the last few years but mainly on them. I am currently getting by with only taking a couple norcos a day. I do go see a neurosurgeon Dec. 4th as it now feels like 2 of my vertebrates are rubbing together. When I had my surgery for my herniated disc they didn't do a fusion. I'm pretty sure the feeling of the vertebrates is from lack of the disc. Hopefully they will be able to do something about it such as a fusion or a artificial disc. I just hope there is a easy fix so I no longer have to deal with the pain.
So as of now I am currently on pain meds so I don't yet have a plan on how to deal with the pain without them. I do not want to be on the meds forever but if I need them I will continue with them. Hopefully one day we can all find a resolve to our pain issues. I wish you and everyone the best!
Rafal....one thing that helps quite a bit for the legs is taking hot baths. Get that water as hot as you can stand. Take 10 a day if you have too. Also wrapping your legs in ace bandages can help. Try heating pads on your legs. Have you talked to your doctor about a prescription med for the restless legs? I've never used one but may be worth a try. Also be sure to exercise. I know it can be hard to muster up the energy while going through withdrawals but even a short walk around the block can help. If you can wear yourself out with exercise it may help you sleep a bit better. If you check out the substance abuse forum there is a link to what is called the "amino acid protocol". It lists some vitamins and supplements that can be very useful while coming off of pain meds If you can't find it let me know and I will post the link. Be sure to eat healthy and push the fluids. It will help flush your system faster. You may have some rough nights ahead of you but know after about 5 days or so you will start to feel better. The rls should be gone soon. Sometimes the sleep issue can be one of the last symptoms to leave although everyone is different. Just hang in there and you'll be feeling better before you know it! Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Brian
The worse is rls. I cann't stand it! Iam up and walking around. MAybe this will help.
What si CP, Brian?
What si CP, Brian?
Please pardon my ignorance but I must say I was entertained and got a good laugh while reading this thread especially the sex talk!! We all need to laugh more right???
Anyway, I am assuming you both battle CP in some shape or form right? Reason I ask is what is your plan for pain control once you are tapered all the way off the opiates?
I was on Methadone/Oxy and jumped off Methadone at 10mg and had nothing for the W/Ds, it was a very uncomfortable 2 weeks to say the least but I made it so YES it can be done. However, people asked me what my plan was for when I eventually returned to work....... I did a month later and realized quickly that I couldn't work without the meds.
I'm now on Fentanyl 100mcg and Endocet 10/325mg 60per month for B/T but feel good about it as I'm able to work 50-65 hours a week that I could NEVER have done without the meds.
All the best.
-Brian.
Anyway, I am assuming you both battle CP in some shape or form right? Reason I ask is what is your plan for pain control once you are tapered all the way off the opiates?
I was on Methadone/Oxy and jumped off Methadone at 10mg and had nothing for the W/Ds, it was a very uncomfortable 2 weeks to say the least but I made it so YES it can be done. However, people asked me what my plan was for when I eventually returned to work....... I did a month later and realized quickly that I couldn't work without the meds.
I'm now on Fentanyl 100mcg and Endocet 10/325mg 60per month for B/T but feel good about it as I'm able to work 50-65 hours a week that I could NEVER have done without the meds.
All the best.
-Brian.
That's great, Briana, that's what I thought, the num,bing goes away and I feel everything: and how many beautiful Autumnal women on the streets?! I have to go for a walk tommorow to see them again...
But first this night. Hang in there Rafal!
But first this night. Hang in there Rafal!
2PM was my last one... Iam not feeling good. I am anxious and have horrible rls. The tranqualizer maybe not kick in yet. MAybe later I will take sleeping pill and try get some sleep. If I can last a few more hours, if I can build up th ehours, I'll be OK. Right now it's only6 hours... I need 12, 20, 24!
It'll get there right Brian, right sandee?
Keep loving those kids, wives husbands. I am about to lose it all in divorce. But I need to be clean to keep fighting for the boys: Antoni: 11 and Michal 5. Best kids in the world, the best! (No offence, OK?)...
I'll go through Hell and back for them!
I yeah! While on the pills our sex drive is barely even there. Once off the pills it comes back with a vengeance! I know I jumped on my wife about 5 times a day. Granted, I didn't last long but eventually everything gets back to normal. The pain meds numb our bodies and once off all sorts of good feelings return. For about a month my sex drive was like a 20 year old in a porn studio!!!!! If the wind blew right it would........well, you get the picture!
Congrats on being able and wanting to get off the pills. Stay mentally strong and know that you may have a tough few days ahead but it is only temporary. You will start feeling better in no time. Usually after about 5 days or so you will be feeling just fine. Best of luck!
Brian
Congrats on being able and wanting to get off the pills. Stay mentally strong and know that you may have a tough few days ahead but it is only temporary. You will start feeling better in no time. Usually after about 5 days or so you will be feeling just fine. Best of luck!
Brian
I might need you all the time. I just fought a little battle with my head to take just a tiny bit... I won!
Hey, sorry if this is weird, but did anyone feel horny when coming off the pain pills? It seems that every time I cut a dose I get so horny I can lick my own eyebrows... Anybody had similar observations?
R
Hey, sorry if this is weird, but did anyone feel horny when coming off the pain pills? It seems that every time I cut a dose I get so horny I can lick my own eyebrows... Anybody had similar observations?
R
I am so glad this is working out for you.
We are here for you anytime you need us:)
We are here for you anytime you need us:)
I tapered off and am in hour 52 and feel great! Had a couple bad ones earlier but feel good again! Excited for tomorrow and Sunday! First weekend pill free in ages! Be strong you can do it! Find something to motivate you! I use my children...too much love and pride to ruin everything!!!!!!
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