After talking to many of you I have decide to CT this weekend

[D30]

I have been struggling with tapering, and now it is time to stop the ******** and hammer it home. I have made arrangements to have Friday--Monday. I hope I can get back up for work on Tuesday.

I have been taking about 6-7/day ES Vicodin for about 2.5-3 years

I just need encouragement and help please. I am doing this alone, my wife thinks I am silly worrying so much. I don't know if she understands what I am about to do.

Hell with tapering it is time to be a man and step up to the plate and take my life and thoughts back this weekend.

Please tell me I am not CRAZY and I CAN DO THIS

[worried878]

saw my typo..lol...sleep med otc (over the counter) or from ur doctor

[worried878]

Tyrosine agrees with me and i was on lexapro just for detox..no probs...immediated detox period i would take it easy on those as i dont see that u have anything listed in ur care pack for anxiety or sleep...can cause anxiety for some..like if u r anxiety ridden or high strung...i am kinda laid back and love the tyrosine as it peps me up a bit...theanine is good for anxiety and i would have it on haand...a sleep med short term in case u need it be ot or from ur doctor may be a good idea....a good B complex wth all the Bs is good like Big 50 from bnc...a calcium/magnesium supp at night is good too to relax...EmergenC from walmart has alot of vitamins and loads of C to help keep ur immune system in check as many get sick alot after detox...it is a powder and u can mix it with a big gladd of water and take ur other vitamins with it....good luck and hang in there...tapering can be a bit(h and at ur dose u can jump off....would be good to take a little less if u can between now and friday but dont bust ur brain over it...just get it done friday

[sadinmichigan]

You should not take aminos (L-tryosine or any others) with anti-depressants..it can cause seratonin poisoning..check it out with your dr..I know people that haven't had to go through this have no idea how hard it can be..It seems so easy to just say..quit!! and that is what needs to happen..but it's easier said than done..but it can be done . Don't look back..just keep thinking of the goal..take care,
also get a really good multi-vitamin ...potassium can help with rls..or eat bananas if you like them

[Mike_B_]

Having pain like that is a real bummer.  I know how you feel, even at the low dose I am taking it is so hard not to just take one to make the pain go away.  I have not been myself since I have been trying to cut back.  My sleep is no good my energy is just not what it was and my family is so worried about me.  I have not worked like I should either in the past few weeks as i got off the stronger stuff the doctor had me on.

I like you was a big golfer and I have not played since last year just because i don't want to have to deal with the pain in my back.  Looks like you and I are both dealing with pain and hate the pills and what they do to us.  Hang in there.

[D30]

I have arthritis in my knees and lower back hurts constantly. I am on my legs all day ever day moving furniture climbing steps. Can I live a lifetime without them, probably not. However I want to control them like you are doing and not let them control me. I get a continuous script myself, I just don't want to deal with them anymore. I think after this weekend and the pain and suffering I am going to go through, i will not want another pill.

about 2.5 years ago I was playing very competitive sports and was going into third base and dislocated both knees at the same time. I want to play sports so bad it kills me and sometimes depresses me. The similarities I am trying to get at is I never stepped foot back on a competitive field again because I knew the pain level of two dislocated knees. I have deformed knees that can only be fixed with surgical replacements. I am to young yet for that.

[Mike_B_]

My thoughts are with you,  If they have never had to deal with this they have no idea how hard it is to just stop.  Are you in pain?  Is that why you have been taking them?

I only took 1 1/2 again yesterday and had kind of a rough day but I have cut back and that's a good thing.  I have an appointment with the dr this morning for a refill.  I have to travel the next 2 weeks and I just don't think I can do it without having the pills to keep my back from hurting and i can't make all those trips to the bathroom like i have over the last few days.  Good luck to you.

[D30]

Thank you guys, both my kids(girls) know not to bring anyone around this weekend and I told them it is going to get ugly around here. I have been open with my wife and daughters and they know.

They just think that it is so easy. JUST QUIT taking them they say. I always say stop drinking any fluids for about 4-5 days and tell me how you feel.

So far this is the list I have compiled
1. Immodium
2. Vitamin B-12
3. Water
4. Bubble Bath
5. L-Tyrosine ( this seems to be iffy with the anti-depressants i am on)

[sadinmichigan]

As coconuts said..You are NOT crazy...go for it..I agree with you about the tapering..it does work for some but imo it just prolongs everything and doesn't really take off any extra days..(depending what your tapering from)..I have gone cold turkey off 14 a day and 5 a day..really hadn't noticed much of a difference..Just get it over with and then you can start to get things back under control..The really hard part is staying off them..The physical w/ds are definately crappy but staying off the stuff is key..Keep posting as this can be a tremendous help to you and others readingthinking about to taking the w/d plunge..Try and get a bit of exercise,drink lots of water etc..you are going to find that sleep will escape you for a bit..try melatonin for that.(in your vitamin isle) hot baths for muscle aches and RLS..you will be fine..generally you will feel the worst on days 3-5..but then it will physically get better..I think you will be suprised..I was when I did it..i was so scared of the w/ds but really..it was over with more quickly then I thought it would be..I went off of about 14 vics a day..Good luck..You can do it..

[coconuts27]

YOU ARE NOT CRAZY and YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I think its wonderful that you've decided to go cold turkey. It isnt easy, but tapering is even harder. Dont think that 5 or 6 pills a day doesnt make it an addiction or that it will make it easy. I was on 2-3 a day and bumped up to 4-5 in the last couple weeks, it is not easy. I think I'm about 36 hours with no pills. Today wasnt so bad. I just really felt like I was missing something. The wd's have really kicked in in the last few hours. Now my body aches all over, especially my stomach and back. I cant sleep, headaches off and on, and my body feels really heavy. I hear that day two will be worse and day three the worst. After that it starts getting better.
You need to remember that 5 or 6 is bad, but it could be worse. And if you dont do it now it will get worse. Set yourself up for success. Look at the Thomas Recipe and talk to your wife about what you're facing. It happens to all kinds of people everyday. But everyday, people break free from this addiction. You can do it. Keep posting and let us know how youre doing.