I have been using this forum for support as I approached my detachment from the evils of Vicodin. Last Sunday I started my cold-turkey detox.
Just a little background: For the past 3 years I was using 3-4 Vicodins (7.5/750) per day (up to 30 mg) to manage pain associated with occipital neuralgia. I was prescribed Vic for the constant pain (along with anti-convulsant meds such as Tegretol), and it did alleviate it somewhat -- but it controlled my life for the last year or so... I just felt like my whole day revolved around the doses, down to the hour.
This past Saturday I just got sick of the ups/downs of Vicodin. For 3 years, the Vicodin buzz just masked the reality of my life; I had given up, content with my life on painkillers.
Going forward I will be focusing on improving my quality of life (while living with this condition) via he aforementioned anti-convulsants (Tegretol, etc). I also plan to start a total lifestyle change with exercise and diet. As opposed to wasting away with the no-worry buzz of Vicodin.
I didn't do the Thomas recipe but did incorporate some stuff like hot baths, electrolytes, and a good diet – lots of whole foods like fruit, veggies, nuts, chicken, and cheese.
The first couple of days were the most difficult, but not too bad. I had the typical symptoms like body aches, sneezing (which is weird), tired, depression, absolutely no energy, etc. Sleep was not a huge problem as I do take tegretol which is supposed to help with rls. Day 3 and Day 4 were much better than the first two days. A little bit more energy but still very groggy and hard to get motivated. I just didn't do much of anything but veg out. Withdrawal symptoms were limited to slight body aches and just a bit unsteady (just out of it).
Finally on Day 5 I felt just about back to normal. The sun in the morning was beautiful for the first time in a long time! The light was becoming clearer at the end of the dark tunnel I was living in... And today (Day 6) is even better. I am just so pumped for living again. Instead of worrying about which hour I was going to take my next dose of Vicodin, I went for a walk, hit some golf balls... and just enjoyed the day. It was awesome.
I want to thank this board very much. So many people were an inspiration.
Also, I am here to help others. Keep strong; you can do it!