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My wife and hydrocodone?? What can I do?
Nov 23, 2007 10:37AM
- 5 comments
Five or so months age my wife started taking hydrocodone for pain. She was fairly guarded with me about when she took it and how much. If I attempted to "pry" she would get very deffensive and accuse me of trying to step in on her better judgements, this offended her greatly. Over the past few months she seems to go in and out of using the drug for episodes of pain and possibly at times for feeling better overall. I admit there is a lot that I don't know about the details of what she is or has been doing in her attempts to manage a therapy that works. Don't get me wrong she is a very brilliant woman and has a mind to tackle a lot if she is converted to a cause. Anyway, I wondered if the pain she was experiencing when the drug "wore off" was related to the drug and if so how much could it be?? She believed, as did I, that the pain was due to some undiagnosed syndrome or disease. After seeing her go on a rollercoaster ride for months with this I have become more and more concerned. Sometimes a streatch of days would go by when I would come home every day to find her in bed sleeping off medication. She would be up into the night and then down for big "naps" three to four hours in the middle of day or late evening. I have to admite I selfishly want her with me doing family stuff and spending time with me, I miss her, I mean I ache to have her be gentle to me and initate interaction between us (and I don't mean sex) just walking talking, hug, touch, shareing stuff. She is so distant to me and seems to have a world of her own. She believes I have brought this upon myself due to a critical nature with her, I admit my short coming and am trying hard, hard, hard, to suite her. Anyway thats another topic.
But, here is where I am at today. She went through prescription of 50 pills Lortab 5/500 in 7 or 8 days. The day before Thanksgiving she is on the phone desperatly trying to get throught to her primary to get a refill. The office won't accomidate her and she ends up without meds. I believe with each perscription she hopes to have the underlying illness maybe get better so when the drug wears off she will be done, but it never happens. She starts getting flu like muscle aches and headaches and terrible sense of well being and goes back for another prescrip. her primary wants her to get further testing as does she. I don't know? am I in denial, is she in denial? Is she experiencing withdrawal and dosen't know it. She has been about a day and a half without. Hot baths, lots of Ibuprofin yesterday and last night, she really feels bad, like an illness. I don't know what to do? I am afraid she is going through W/D but will go in today and get a new prescript and be back to square one. I am also afraid she may have some genuine underlying pain and needs some relief from it, but how much is one or the other?? How long does one need to go without the drug to know if its W/D they are experiencing? If it is W/D she has experienced this several time and dosen't want to go throught it, she just cried and cried when she foung out she couldn't get a refill for the weekend. Please any advice would comfort me a lot - John
But, here is where I am at today. She went through prescription of 50 pills Lortab 5/500 in 7 or 8 days. The day before Thanksgiving she is on the phone desperatly trying to get throught to her primary to get a refill. The office won't accomidate her and she ends up without meds. I believe with each perscription she hopes to have the underlying illness maybe get better so when the drug wears off she will be done, but it never happens. She starts getting flu like muscle aches and headaches and terrible sense of well being and goes back for another prescrip. her primary wants her to get further testing as does she. I don't know? am I in denial, is she in denial? Is she experiencing withdrawal and dosen't know it. She has been about a day and a half without. Hot baths, lots of Ibuprofin yesterday and last night, she really feels bad, like an illness. I don't know what to do? I am afraid she is going through W/D but will go in today and get a new prescript and be back to square one. I am also afraid she may have some genuine underlying pain and needs some relief from it, but how much is one or the other?? How long does one need to go without the drug to know if its W/D they are experiencing? If it is W/D she has experienced this several time and dosen't want to go throught it, she just cried and cried when she foung out she couldn't get a refill for the weekend. Please any advice would comfort me a lot - John
God I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your wife...I know it is hard to watch a loved one go through something like this. It sounds like she could very well be suffering from withdrawal..I have chronic pain issues and am on a Fentanyl pain patch..I ran out once and was without one for 3 days. I thought it would be okay, but I felt very achy and just horrible. I think that part of that was withdrawal as well has having genuine pain. I believe that your wife has become tolerant to her Lortab..if she went through 50 pills in a week's time, she is taking 7 pills a day, which is a fair amount. She is taking quite a bit of tylenol too, so she should be careful regarding her liver. It is good that she is persuing further testing to determine the etiology of her pain, it is frustrating to not have a cause written in black and white. Unfortunately, medicine can fall in the grey area..where things can't be as easily explained..I pray that your wife doesn't fall in this area, it is just that much harder to get doctors to listen if her pain can't be explained. I also have to ask, is your wife suffering from depression? It isn't uncommon with chronic pain, it can make things that much worse if she feels like she is spiraling downwards. She is also excessively sleeping most likely due to the meds, but depression can do this too. When your wife goes to the doctor, do you go in with her as well? If not, that might be a good idea so that you can broach your concerns and hopefully the doc can come up with a plan to help your wife. I really do feel for you..I pray that this can be worked out, Sunny
Sunny
Thanks so much for the understanding. Yes she has been on several meds for depression for several years. That therapy was started after some post partum blues, about five years ago, no pain then. The pain she is experiencing as of late she believes is from side affects due to a series of acutane (near toxic doses of vitamine A)? earlier this year. She has read that some unlucky acutane patients have joint and muscle complications that cann last for years. I believe that scares her to death, she wants so desperatly to feel "normal" hence the pain meds. And of course this all hasen't helped in the depression areas. I haven't gone to the doctor with her, she dosen't want me to, (I believe) but I will approach her about it. I think she is afraid I will judge her and think she is fabricating stuff. The truth is, there was a time that I was inclined to act that way but that is passed. I have reached a new understanding of people, sounds a little corney maybe but its true. I would like to be on the inside to offer any help or support for her, I would do anything for her. The challenge is that I don't know what to do, lets say if she wants to refill her meds on monday now that she has been off. The first day was very hard for her, shakes, flu pain, headaches, etc. the second day similar but not as bad; and we are heading into the third day. I can only judge by her sleeping at night and better activity during the day that she is feeling better little by little. I wonder are there flare ups of withdrawal symptoms after a few pretty good days ? does a real bad one come along and knock you for a loop? I am afraid she will go for a week, have a bad day and start back on the pain meds. She is only about 120 lb. girl so drugs should hit her with firm affect, but often don't, so she takes a larger dose. We have benn very concerned about the liver issues, a few weeks ago she was having a bad day and admitted to taking a LOT of stuff according to her. She felt poisoned, very ill, and it scared her tremendously. Hopefully things will go in a positive direction the next two days, I am praying to. Life can be so beautiful and have great purpose for us all if we can learn to let it in. John
Thanks so much for the understanding. Yes she has been on several meds for depression for several years. That therapy was started after some post partum blues, about five years ago, no pain then. The pain she is experiencing as of late she believes is from side affects due to a series of acutane (near toxic doses of vitamine A)? earlier this year. She has read that some unlucky acutane patients have joint and muscle complications that cann last for years. I believe that scares her to death, she wants so desperatly to feel "normal" hence the pain meds. And of course this all hasen't helped in the depression areas. I haven't gone to the doctor with her, she dosen't want me to, (I believe) but I will approach her about it. I think she is afraid I will judge her and think she is fabricating stuff. The truth is, there was a time that I was inclined to act that way but that is passed. I have reached a new understanding of people, sounds a little corney maybe but its true. I would like to be on the inside to offer any help or support for her, I would do anything for her. The challenge is that I don't know what to do, lets say if she wants to refill her meds on monday now that she has been off. The first day was very hard for her, shakes, flu pain, headaches, etc. the second day similar but not as bad; and we are heading into the third day. I can only judge by her sleeping at night and better activity during the day that she is feeling better little by little. I wonder are there flare ups of withdrawal symptoms after a few pretty good days ? does a real bad one come along and knock you for a loop? I am afraid she will go for a week, have a bad day and start back on the pain meds. She is only about 120 lb. girl so drugs should hit her with firm affect, but often don't, so she takes a larger dose. We have benn very concerned about the liver issues, a few weeks ago she was having a bad day and admitted to taking a LOT of stuff according to her. She felt poisoned, very ill, and it scared her tremendously. Hopefully things will go in a positive direction the next two days, I am praying to. Life can be so beautiful and have great purpose for us all if we can learn to let it in. John
John, you're one in a million..there should be more men on this planet like you! You are so supportive of your wife, that is wonderful! Definitely approach her about going with her next time to the doc, just reassure her that you aren't going to judge her, you are there for support and to try and offer any ideas to the doctor. Is her doctor very supportive of her as well? That is so important too, having a doc that will understand her pain and that it isn't in her head. There is nothing like having a doc look at you and say, "I think that this is psychogenic" or a "fabricated illness"..because they can't explain what is the problem, I have been in that position before and know how frustrating and upset it is. I am constantly on guard because of my past experiences and trust is a huge issue as far as the medical community goes.
I did google Accutane and am amazed by the list of side effects one can have while on or off that stuff. What does the doc think about her theory? I was reading a few articles about some patients who had side effects that seem similar to what your wife is experiencing...these cases are rare, but they are out there from what I gather. I pray that she gets some answers...Have the docs considered rheumatological problems such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia as well as other disorders? These can give your wife the symptoms you describe. Just a thought...
As far as withdrawal, I researched more about that...specifically hydrocodone and came up with this:
"If a regular hydrocodone user stops taking hydrocodone, he or she will experience hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms within six to twelve hours but, the withdrawal symptoms are usually not life-threatening. The intensity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on the degree of the addiction. For example, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days. The duration of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms varies greatly from person to person"
So, maybe your wife has gotten over the physical dependency part...the psychological aspect might be harder though. The fact that she is feeling better after three days is a good thing.
Symptoms of withdrawal:
Hydrocodone Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
intense cravings for the drug
irritability
nausea or vomiting
muscle aches
runny nose or eyes
dilated pupils
sweating
diarrhea
yawning
fevers
chills
inability to sleep
depression
As far as taking too much Tylenol...I am glad that she recognized the potential for liver toxicity.. It is scarey to think that something that is over the counter can be so damaging if taken in high amounts. I have seen people who have OD'd on that stuff as a nurse and have seen first hand what it does to the liver.
I will be keeping you both in my thoughts..Sunny :)
I did google Accutane and am amazed by the list of side effects one can have while on or off that stuff. What does the doc think about her theory? I was reading a few articles about some patients who had side effects that seem similar to what your wife is experiencing...these cases are rare, but they are out there from what I gather. I pray that she gets some answers...Have the docs considered rheumatological problems such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia as well as other disorders? These can give your wife the symptoms you describe. Just a thought...
As far as withdrawal, I researched more about that...specifically hydrocodone and came up with this:
"If a regular hydrocodone user stops taking hydrocodone, he or she will experience hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms within six to twelve hours but, the withdrawal symptoms are usually not life-threatening. The intensity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on the degree of the addiction. For example, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days. The duration of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms varies greatly from person to person"
So, maybe your wife has gotten over the physical dependency part...the psychological aspect might be harder though. The fact that she is feeling better after three days is a good thing.
Symptoms of withdrawal:
Hydrocodone Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
intense cravings for the drug
irritability
nausea or vomiting
muscle aches
runny nose or eyes
dilated pupils
sweating
diarrhea
yawning
fevers
chills
inability to sleep
depression
As far as taking too much Tylenol...I am glad that she recognized the potential for liver toxicity.. It is scarey to think that something that is over the counter can be so damaging if taken in high amounts. I have seen people who have OD'd on that stuff as a nurse and have seen first hand what it does to the liver.
I will be keeping you both in my thoughts..Sunny :)
I will tell you my story and maybe it will relate, maybe not.
First of all, I am not trying to gloss over your wife’s problem but it may not be as quite as bad as it looks. If I am not mistaken 5/500 is Vicoden (which is still Hydrochodone). Lortab comes in 7.50 and 10.0 If she was taking 10.0 it would be equivalent to about 3 a day. Which is enough to cause addiction.
I was put on and still am taking the 7.5 now for a couple of years. I have to be very careful about my intake because I have all of the signs of addiction. I have found that when I feel the need when I am not in pain (irritable and fatigue), I break one in half and it seems to help.
I was put on them due to severe muscle and joint pain. A lot of this was caused be 2 things. I was taking Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Meds. The side effects were severe muscle/ joint pain, and fatigue. The other is, after routine blood work I was diagnosed with HepC. The symptoms are muscle/joint pain, and fatigue. HepB. Have the same symptoms. Between the Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Meds. Lortab, Alcohol, IB Profrin and Hepc, I was destroying my Liver. Since I quit taking all meds and almost all alcohol consumption (still working on that), the pain has decreased quite a lot. After curbing my Alcohol Intake, my Blood Pressure and Cholesterol lowered. Both are still a little high but not enough to convince me to go through that hell again. I hope this was helpful in some way. If not please disregard it.
First of all, I am not trying to gloss over your wife’s problem but it may not be as quite as bad as it looks. If I am not mistaken 5/500 is Vicoden (which is still Hydrochodone). Lortab comes in 7.50 and 10.0 If she was taking 10.0 it would be equivalent to about 3 a day. Which is enough to cause addiction.
I was put on and still am taking the 7.5 now for a couple of years. I have to be very careful about my intake because I have all of the signs of addiction. I have found that when I feel the need when I am not in pain (irritable and fatigue), I break one in half and it seems to help.
I was put on them due to severe muscle and joint pain. A lot of this was caused be 2 things. I was taking Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Meds. The side effects were severe muscle/ joint pain, and fatigue. The other is, after routine blood work I was diagnosed with HepC. The symptoms are muscle/joint pain, and fatigue. HepB. Have the same symptoms. Between the Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Meds. Lortab, Alcohol, IB Profrin and Hepc, I was destroying my Liver. Since I quit taking all meds and almost all alcohol consumption (still working on that), the pain has decreased quite a lot. After curbing my Alcohol Intake, my Blood Pressure and Cholesterol lowered. Both are still a little high but not enough to convince me to go through that hell again. I hope this was helpful in some way. If not please disregard it.
Of course I'm not trying to downplay your wife's illness. I'm here to tell you that anxiety and depression hurts!!! a Lot!! But for me I can tell you that the act of taking Vicoden makes me (personally) sick. I call it the Vicoden hangover. I joke that my pain better be worse than the Vicoden hangover. The day after while I'm still feeling the meds I will be nauseous, dizzy, muscle aches,tremulous, and joint aches. I do take it sometimes for the migraines that leave me laying on the bathroom floor, but the side effects are hellacious!!!
Good luck to you!! You'll be in my prayers! Love..
Good luck to you!! You'll be in my prayers! Love..
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