234 days without Hydrocodone but not out of the woods

[atx1969]

Hello All,

First I would like to say that this website has provided me with a ton if information and encouragement. This is my first post but I have visiting this forum for a couple of years.

My story is not unusual in any shape or form. I have a low back issue that has given me problems for several years. I have had the sterioid injections and taken handfuls of steroids but nothing seemed to help. About three years ago I started self medicating with hydrocodone.  I started taking the 5 milligrams pills but soon moved to the 10 miligrams.  At my max I was taking about 8 10/325's a day.  I did this for about three years but knew it was a losing battle with a drug that you can never have enough of.  I thought that taking the drug and being numb was the answer.   That was a bad decision and I beat myself up daily about being an addict.

About 8 months ago I decided to quit taking the hydrocodone because I knew I couldnt control how many I took and was always looking for more.  I went through a horrible detox but having this site and reading about how others had made the journey gave me faith that I could also slay this dragon.  The first two weeks were sheer hell.  I did my detox at home and told my wife that she was married to an addict.  What I found that was awesome was when I opened up to my wife and other family members there was a ton of support and no judging.  Its real easy to armchair quarterback a pill addiction but nobody did.  I had to take two weeks off from work and thank God I work for a great manager and an amazing company.

So here I am 8 months later feeling like crap.  About a month into my detox I started to start feeling again.  My back hurts like crazy but my weight loss program that was kicked off with my detox has really helped a lot.  I have lost about 55 pounds since last June.  I should feel great right, but I dont.

In August I had an episode where I blacked out or fainted when I got up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.  My wife found me laying on the floor next to the toilet and I dont remember it happening.  I should tell you that I dont drink alcohol and dont take anything stronger than an Advil or Tylenol anymore.  After this episode I noticed that feet were starting to burn and my hands were frigid cold and I could feel my heartbeat pounding in my chest.  I had a few more episodes where I balcked out but thankfuly didnt hit my head or cause any damage to my body.

On December 16th I left work and drove myself to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack.  I arrive at the hospital and the doctor thinks I am having or had a heart episdoe.  They started an IV and took what seemed like a gallon of blood.  The doctor came back and said your heart is fine but your blood pressure is really low.  He took my blood pressure laying down and then standing up.  As soon as I stand my blood pressure drops big time and my pulse increases.  I told the doctor about my hydrocodone addiction and he thought that what I was going through was related to a long term detox.  

Prior to my visit to ER i had seen a neurologist who did an EEG, nerve study and an MRI of the brain and spine with contrast.  Eveything came back normal except it was noted that I had small neuropthy in one of my feet and the start of carpal tunnel in my right hand.  He also ordered a ton of blood work which should normal levels.  After my ER visit I went to see the cardiologist I met in the ER and he ordered a stress echo, nuclear stress, carotid artery study and additional blood work.  All of the tests were normal in fact he said my nuclear test was one of the most normal he had seen in a while.

So to wrap this up.  Here I am 8 months post hydrocodone and dealing with fatigue, light headedness and low blood pressure.  Do you think there is any connection with the hydrocodone I took still causing me problems today?  I cant tell you how frustrated I am but I would love to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I found that I was second guessing myself about giving up the hydrocodone.  After all when I was taking it I felt great and had tons of energy.

Any advice or input would be most appreciated.

atx1969

[atx1969]

I have been looking for a solution why I feel like this but it seems like there arent any definitive answers.  I'm still glad I was able to slay the dragon but I know I can never take my eyes off the ball or the dragon may get up again.  

I'm hopeful that body will get back to a normal feeling and I have to think that or I will go crazy.

I do sincerely appreciate your input.

[pharma9]

Sometimes a spinal chord injury can cause low blood pressure.I wonder if the repeated cortisone injections did something to cause the low BP.

[pharma9]

You are a puzzle.I have read about people who have low blood pressure for no explained reason.They often take fludrocortisone or another drug called mitodrine which raises the blood pressure and eat extra salt.I find it hard to believe the drugs had anything to do with your current condition.

[atx1969]

Hi Pharma9,

I appreciate you responding to my post.  I really dont much advil or tylenol maybe once or twice a week.  I haven't had the prednisone in about 5 months.  I am taking .1 milligram of fludrocortisone under the advice of the cardiologist to help my blood pressure.  The doc said it would help my body retain salt and that would cause my pressure to rise.  

I have had my blood sugar checked and even did the two hour glucoset test.  My sugars fall into the normal category on both tests.  My iron and B12 levels are normal as well.

This is so frustrating.  I never had any of these symptoms while i was taking the hydrocodone.

Thanks again

[pharma9]

I don't think the hydros have anything to do with your problem.Are you taking advil even some.It can cause bleeding in the stomach or elsewhere and cause dizziness and low blood pressure.Also low cortisone can cause dizziness and low BP.I hope these have been checked out.How are your iron levels or testosterone levels.Has your blood sugar been checked out.All these should be checked out.Have your B12 levels been checked.