Withdrawal Symptoms of Percocet and Dilaudid

[pookey42]

My husband had Laminectomy Decomp 3 wks ago.He has never liked to take pain meds. Says they do not work for him.He is a big guy. Has alot of muscle mass,age has brought on a "spare tire" other wise is still in fair shape.About 5wks before op Docs started him on Vicodin,no help,went to Darvocet,no help..finally surgery, Percocet and Dilaudid THAT worked. Then home with Percocet only. Worked for a few days..back to ER Doc there gave Dilaudid Pills.Has had good recovery untill now, he has stopped Percocet cut down on Dilaudid....and  is quite sick ,nauseated,weak,no appetite,loose stool.....are these withdrawal signs, is it to soon to stop meds?

[ChronicPain1]

You might want to ask in the Substance Abuse forum. That being said, it's normal for him to undergo these symptoms. I wouldn't say it's too soon to stop, you usually should taper down by 10% every ten days or so (that's what I've read from Dr. Junig on these forums) or thereabouts.

I'm not a doctor, so I'd consult with his doctor about it. However he should be over the symptoms soon enough if all goes well.

[pookey42]

Thank you for reply... But it turns out he has a Staph infection. He got very sick after i posted question. He has spent 5 days in hosp and now has PICC Line and CADD Pump w/antibiotics for at least 6 more wks..so withdrawal symptoms and infection symptoms are very similar but  one difference is elevated temp with infection. Has anyone else had one of these?

[Mollyrae]

Hello:

I had a Staph infection ( MRSA)  back in 2008 and was extremely ill. Yes, it can produce w/d like symptoms but the difference is the extreme fever associated with the infection.

I had the form where I had " spider bite" like spots on my arm, leg and abdomen which eventually broke open and started oozing with infection. While in the Hospital, I was eventually diagnosed with the flesh eating bacteria and had to undergo surgery to remove the infection. I have NEVER been so sick. In fact, I could have lost my life.

I was treated with Clinomyacin which is one of the only antibiotics out there that will fight the infection. Your Husband most likely acquired this from the surgery and the Hospital surroundings. Open wounds are an open invitation for the nasty infection.

it may take your Husband quite a while to recover from this. It took me at least a month to recover. The Hospital stay was 9 days, 7 of them on the antibiotic.

I wish you and your Husband well. He is facing a serious battle.

Please take care,
Mollyrae

[pookey42]

Glad to hear from you..He is on Nafcillan for now, we go to infusion center once aweek for blood check and general observation. I change Med Cartridge every 24 hrs will do this for six wks. But he is feeling better. So you have surgery? Or did this just appear on your skin??

pookey42