Am I even really a whole person right now?

[cant_think]

I've been taking pain meds for years off and on. At one time they were very available for me. I could take them and stop with out any issues. Then in 2010 I was injured (2 shoulder surgery's and 2 physical therapy's) and was prescribed Fentanyl and Oxy;s for pain management. For 3 years I was on a daily regiment. A 50mcg transdermal fentanyl patch and 4 -10-625 Oxycodones. It got to the point I really didn't need the meds anymore but didn't stop cause they continued to be prescribed.
Now I just want free of it all so I'm on day 7 of withdrawl. I saw on a different site there were some OTC meds I could take to ease the wd's but I worry about becoming addicted to that...and F**K that!! Your thoughts?
How long is this gonna continue? I'm a computer tech and I've lost most my memory and will to go on. I cant sleep for long, feel tired all the time, have awful dreams, cannot focus on anything and I'm worried about losing my job.
What happens next?

[OxyTired]

I am a math professor who went ct from oxycodone July 3, 2013. I was foggy for a while and worried I would be too scrambled to teach.
Putting one foot infront of the other I taught just 3 classes Fall 2013 parttime.
Then I switched jobs for an equipment technician on a lab-lower pay, way less stress.
If I can clear up my thinking so can you, you gotta believe that. It takes time, good diet, exercise, and most importantly, faith in the new CLEAN you

[petsrule]

Hi there.  I am a past fentanyl user, along with hydrocodone.  I am on day 44 and you will get through this.  After about a week I really felt better but the sluggishness stayed.  You are younger and could possibly do better.  Drugs don't effect just the body.  They are big on the brain.  Stay strong.  sometimes the only thing that kept me going was remembering how bad it was.  Follow the suggestions and go day by day.  While going through it you think that you are alone and the only one...you are not alone in this battle... I would read this forum over and over about others experiences and know if I just hung on... and time goes... and you hang on.  You will be back to your computer at full 100 % one day.  Good luck.  

[motye51]

I believe the noodle brain feeling is totally normal and it won't stay! I am on day 25 and had to go back to work last monday and i felt like an idiot! It wa like i forgot how to do anything, but it comes back relatively quick. Everything your feeling is totally normal and is the drug trying to **** with your head! Don't let them!  7 days your already in the thick, don't go backwards cause you'll just have to start all over and i know u don't want that! U can do this.....push through the ****!

[Amandag78]

Hi, IM sorry your feeling this way. My brother also was prescribed oxy  codone for pain from 2 shoulder reconstructions due to surfing. He has been on oxy's everyday for 4 years, and never been an addict before that. I believe oxy's took my brothers life away and his will to live. He can go through withdrawal, which for him normally takes 7 days to hit him, but he can't stay stopped. I agree with everything Phoenix has told you. Also, I gave my brother my left over clonidine from my withdrawls and he said it helped immensely. Again he can't stay stopped. I really wish you all the best and prey you can kick through your withdrawal and come out on top.

[ThePhoenix75]

Hello and welcome.  I just want you to know I am in the same situation as you.  I have crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis and have been on chronic pain managment for about 20 years.  I am on the same meds as you, originally 200 mcg of fentanyl patch and 240 mg/day or oxycodone (after all that time I really built up a tolerance)

I know what you mean about the memory loss, fentany is notorious for that.  it is also known for killing peoples drive and motivation--as you stay on the drug your brain stops producing its own neurotransmitters because they are getting it from somewhere else.  so basically your brain is zapped out temporarily until you've been clean for a while and allowed those neurotransmitters to rebuild.

there are a few things you can do to help you. I would never recommend anything addicting and most are supplements.

If you look at the bottom of the page you will see a link to the Thomas Recipe.  Click on that and you will find some great tips.

if you get a chance to go to the store I would pick up:
Immodium--helps with bathroom issues as well as helps the wd symptoms a bit

Emergen C--gives your body a boost of vitamins esp. C

Calcium/ magnesium/ zine--helps with the achy bones and restless legs

melatonin / valerian--sleep is important and hard to get!

gatorade, protein shakes, easy on the stomach foods like soup and crackers--it is important to stay hydrated, if you become dehydrated you will feel much worse

epsom salt--dump a cup or two into the bath and the magnesium soaks through the skin and relaxes the muscles, etc similar to the way it is recommeded in the calcium/mg/zinc tablets.  Plus you will find the hot water very soothing.


Just to consider--Clonidine is an old blood pressure medication available only through prescription.  It is non addictive most importantly.  The way it works is by controlling your bodies sympathetic nervous system (aka fight or flight) which goes into overdrive when you are withdrawing from opiates.  The sympathetic nervous system causes your body to sweat, eyes to tear, sneezing, pupils to dilate, etc.  Clonidine doesn't make everything 100% better, but it does take the edge off of the symptoms. It also has sedating properties to help your relax because in withdrawal you become extremely antsy and although you are exhausted you have a hard time keeping still. The important thing is to only use it short term.

this is just a few ideas, if you want to talk more, feel free to message me!  I am in the same boat!!

Please keep posting and I wish you the best,
Phoenix

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