Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I have actually posted, but I come here often and read everyone's stories. It's my form of aftercare. I just wanted to give an update, and a word or two of advice. I was on high doses of opiates for 10 years for back pain. I went through a long, 14 day, brutal detox in Dec 07. This was after a two month taper. Fast forward three years of constant exhaustion & other symptoms. Yesterday, at the conclusion of years of tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. CFS usually begins after a trauma, severe illness, or other issue that stresses your system. The doctor believes that detox was my trigger, as my symptoms started then, and never went away.
For some people, CFS will go into remission. For others, it will be a lifelong struggle. So, to those struggling to get or stay clean, add my story to list of the many reasons to quit your DOC. Drugs do immense damage to our bodies and minds. Most cases, it is reversable, however, not everyone will be that lucky. Quit, the sooner, the better for your lifelong health. Dont end up like me. I'm only 39, but feel like 89 most days.
I have been prescribed opiates, short term, several times, since detox but only for acute issues (ex-dental problem). I only took them as prescribed or less. Chucked them as soon as the pain was tolerable. Since CFS, they no longer give you a high or 'energy rush'. Which is a good thing. It's a fatigue that nothing can penetrate.
For those detoxing now, hang on & don't give up! Easy it isn't, but your future is so worth the hell of getting there. The vitamins & aminos are great. Also, Immodium..and if you can get it, Phenegran. Phenegran is a prescription med, (not habbit forming) used mostly for nausea/vomiting. But it was a Godsend for me as it also eases the horrible stomach cramps of detox. It causes fatigue, so you may also catch a few precious winks of sleep.
Take care & keep fighting...