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5 days off Hydrocodone

Today is day 5 of not taking Hydrocodone 10/325. I was on them for about 5 years from multiple shoulder
surgeries ranging anywhere from 1-6/day.  Day 2 of withdrawals was the worst for me. Day 3 I tried to do yoga and my body was trembling. I barely got through it.You name it, I experienced it. My whole body physically ached. Day 4 was pretty rough too. I was exhausted an irritable. However, as I am on Day 5, things are becoming more clear. So many times this week, I have wanted to just take a pill, as I have over 100 just laying in my bottle. I feel as though I cant flush them, as it would make me anxious, and is my security blanket. I know everyone reading this is probably thinking I should flush and get rid of it, but my brain doesn't work that way. You know the anxious feeling you get when you are running out, or not sure of where to get your next batch, well thats what flushing them would do to me. If anything, I feel as though that anxiety would make me relapse. Having them close makes me feel stronger. For all those going through withdrawals, hang in there. I promise things will get better, as them are for me!  This is my first time to quit cold turkey, and I am amazed that my headno longer hurts every morning like it used to. Its surprising what being off the drug can do. Hang in there guys !!!! We can all do this:)
Best Answer
Avatar universal
Welcome to Day 6 and congrats!!!  Yes I have several things I do and it's really important you start researching and educating yourself to what is out there - different things work for different people.

I have been doing Kundalini Yoga for over a year now (its gentle and you just do what you can which is perfect for me) I have all kinds of hot packs, cold packs, TENS unit, I recently bought the "back knobber II" and do trigger point therapy on myself, I google various Physical Therapy exercises for my conditions and do them religiously, Motrin, Tylenol, Aspercreme, Tiger Balm, I'm going to look into Flector patches which another member mentioned to me so will talk to doctor about that at some point, I get massage regularly, chiro when I can or it is appropriate, I've seen a doctor of oriental medicine and I've had cupping done, accupuncture. I meditate and use visualization.

I've also really tried to make my health more of a priority, I'm trying to eat better and more consistently and just try to keep a positive attitude.  Nothing will drag you down into depression faster than chronic pain and I was really struggling with neck pain several weeks ago - on some days I seriously couldn't imagine living my life with this pain.  The physical therapy exercises I've been doing really helped with it, I also got a new bed and made some overall life decisions and I am feeling better.

During these early days you can keep yourself busy by coming up with a plan for yourself on learning to live without pills but feeling proactive about your health.  We were on pills because of pain so you will need to find some alternate ways to get relief.

I hope some of this helps or at the very least will spur you on to find your own methods of managing your pain.  Take care of yourself!
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1970885 tn?1435860428
Another congrats...And a suggestion - you really should flush the pills. If you take a moment and consider; you're using the meds as a "security blanket". Think about how crazy that sounds. My personal opinion - your head is talking to you, telling you that what you're doing is the right thing. As stated in one of the above posts, you've made it through the worst of the physical detox, now comes the mental crap. You will be tempted, we all are, every single day. At this point in your recovery I have to wonder if you're strong enough to have meds nearby. I'm 81 days clean, and I'm not strong enough yet, may never be.
Just an opinion. I've been through it, and I know that I would not have stayed clean if meds were around. The first "bad" day, i.e., I run out of milk, my car is low on gas, and I would have headed for the pills.
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Avatar universal
Just wanted to thank everyone for responding. I really enjoyed and learned a lot from what people were telling me. Day 6 baby!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
IwillDoThis- Wow, I never thought about a plan for pain management. Now I lay here in bed, wondering if this ibuprofen is going to be enough? Do you have any recomendations?
Helpful - 0
1767882 tn?1331409169
Carrier - Congrats on 5 days. It's a major accomplishment, and as you know, a hard-won achievement. It's usually when the worst of the physical WD's begin to ease up and we begin to feel the emotions of the absence of the drug in our bodies. You may not be an addict. Many people come to this forum simply to quit taking pain meds because they are having negative consequences on their lives, or they simply don't want to be dependent on a drug anymore. Their problem is physical dependence, and they suffer from detoxing just like an addict would. If you're not an addict, then flushing the pills is completely unnecessary. Only you can decide whether or not you are an addict. Addiction is a disease that involves more than the use of drugs. Usually a person will know the answer to this question. If you think you are an addict, then I would suggest removing the pills from your control, however you choose to, and seek some kind of aftercare. Good luck and keep posting.
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Avatar universal
I could never understand why my dad couldnt quit smoking,,even after getting throat and lung cancer...now i know how addiction feels,,and i wish i handled things different..id just yell and get mad....just had to post that after reading..im little emotional still..day 14  out of my addiction..good job on quitting 2 life threatn demons....
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Avatar universal
I actually understand. When I quit smoking I kept a carton in my cabinet for six months. I told myself each day that I chose not to smoke that day. The pills were different though. I quit taking them and never got any more. Everyone is different, but for me, the temptation would have been too great. I am not one to criticize what works, but for me, having no more meds was best. Like I said, though, I did that with cigarettes and it worked. I guess it all boils down to what works for each person.
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Avatar universal
Carrie - Great job on 5 days - I was on hydros also 10/325 for several years, pain mgmt also - I'm 52 days (i think give or take) today and I remember being where you are and thinking 60 days would be a big milestone for me - now I'm almost there.

I would tell you to flush them but I too still have some in my bottle and I totally understand about them being your security blanket - that is what I refer to them as and I think the hardest hurdle to overcome when you are in pain management.  I do crave out of habit but I did not abuse my script so I think over time I'll be better, my body was physically addicted and that messed with my head.  Taking hydros is just not an option for me especially given the nasty withdrawal and I do feel I can handle having them in the house.  Yeah I know it isn't probably the smartest thing but I do believe there are some people who can do it.  I'm sure I'll catch flack for saying that but in life we must each move ahead on our own path and I don't judge anyone.  If you find that you cannot resist then obviously you will have to flush them.

You are doing great, keep breathing and get back into yoga as soon as you feel better next week - Kundalini yoga has been a life saver for me and one of the reasons I feel so mentally strong.  Now do I have bad days at this point in my recovery?  Abso freak in lutely!  I am up and down but this week I actually do feel much better and have had a pretty great consistent patch of days - this is huge.  I feel like I've cleared a hurdle for sure at this point.

How do you plan to manage your pain moving forward?  I think that is really important and not to wait until you have pain - get a plan, some alternative treatment methods.  This is really crucial.

Keep it up!
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Avatar universal
wow,,im not crazy..i feel same way,still have 59 n my bottle hid away...first few days i didnt want that extra anxiety of being out...but....everyone on here says flush em....i mean everyone...their right,,im on day 14 today and still dont want to take one...i know one day they need to go..but its that security blanket of insanity..lol..not really.....
Helpful - 0
1866508 tn?1333984613
Glad to hear you are getting off the hydro....i am day 3 into getting off Oxy Kadian....Norco and Soma....still not feeling very good but making it....I had a sort of "Ceremonial" flushing this time and feel as though it empowered me as well strengthened my resolve....a "Potty Party" of sorts...I know the anxious feeling all too well.......do what you feel is right for you ....but my vote says "Flush 'Em"......Good luck and peace to you no matter your choice.....peace....

n8tiv_ndn
Helpful - 0
2025470 tn?1334015391
Congrats on getting to day 5.....   You know what is coming next im sure...


FLUSH THEM!  You have passed through the worst of the physical part and now comes the mental.  IMO if you flush them you will experience empowerment not anxiety..  You are going to have to get rid of them at some point.. Its just the truth. If they are a point of strength for you now they will become the complete opposite at some point..

You are doing great and again congrats on your accomplishment....

FLUSH THEM!!  =)
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