Help in quitting pain meds

[chuppster019]

I'm a long time user of pain meds from multiple back surgeries over the last six years and knee replacement six weeks ago. I work with a pain a management company but take what they give me quickly than slow down just enough to get the next script.
Also their easy to get from people   I'm tired of the cycle but scared of the withdrawals. I've gone cold turkey before and wouldn't wish that on anybody. I want to quit but like I said the withdrawal is more than I can do. My will power is gone
If anyone can give me some ideas I sure would appreciate it

[Lilly1955]

I too was hooked on pain pills. I suggest you speak with an addiction Dr who can monitor you while you come off the MEDS. If not then a pharmacist. I did not see which MEDS your stopping. Some are harder than others and a doctor might be able to help with withdrawals. Make sure you have a support group of people. I go to NA meetings everyday. It helps to be physically around others who have been there. Good luck on your journey. It's worth getting your life back, no matter what happens.

[NeverAgain127]

You can do this.  Yes, it sux BIG TIME....but its what I call "Pain with a Purpose."  You aren't suffering for no reason at all...you're getting your life back.

What would you do if you caught a really severe case of the stomach flu?  You'd just grind your way through it, and this is no different.  In withdrawals, you truly are sick, so treat yourself with extra-gently loving care.  

Come on here every single day for the first 7 days and we will get you through it.   Let your doctor know you are going off pain meds...if you start getting blinding headaches (which could possible be a symptom of high BP) your MD might prescribe something to help.  

1. Pick a date.
2. Expect to feel like crap, so you aren't blindsided.
3. Water, water, water.  And if you're vomiting or having diarrhea, Gatorade, because you need to replace your electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, etc)
4. The first few days, just rest, and do ANYTHING that distracts you.  Gather up a bunch of funny or uplifting movies to watch.  
5. Don't freak out if you can't sleep.  Just trying to rest helps.
6. Restless legs:  Hot baths, and wrapping your legs with tight diabetic socks helps.  
7. Keep telling yourself that the discomfort is temporary.  

Keep us posted!  You can do this...

Hugs,
R.

[chuppster019]

Your right time to put my big boy pants on and get it over with
Thanks

[motye51]

Depending on what your using and how long you've been using on average it takes roughly 5/6 days.  You should look up the Thomas Taper on this website as I have heard repeatedly that it definately makes the w/d a little more toberable.  There are many things that can be done to make it a little better, but w/d is w/d.  Can't go around it, under it, MUST go through it.  Sometimes I think this is a good thing b/c it forces us to remember!  I'm with David....pick a quit day and just do it!  

[DavidW11]

The best idea I can come up with is pick a time within the next week or sooner and make that your quit day.  You're gonna have to go through the wd's.  They're bad but they're not as bad as our mind makes us believe they're going to be.   That's the addition working on your mind.  

A lot of folks quit on a wednesday or thursday as the worst days of wd's seem to be the 3rd and 4th and this way they don't have work or school during those days.

Obviously if you could take a day or two off of work that'd be even easier.