Need advice/help/prayers

[loserlupie]

Hi everyone-first time here and honestly, the first time I have admitted to having a problem. Since 1998, I have been dealing with chronic pain, headaches, back aches and migraines. I have lupus along with other diseases, and the pain becomes too much. I have been on a list of pain medicines for so long and when I don't have a pill to help dull the pain, I can't sit still, my heart races, and my legs and knees hurt so much. In May, I was on dilaudid, pain patch (50), and methadone (trying to get off dilaudid). I began having breathing problems, developed pneumonia, and was put in a medically induced sleep for ten days and taken off of all pain meds. I was sent to physical rehab after that and have been trying to bounce back. In July I developed hidradenitis and had to have surgery which reintroduced pain medicine. Today is the last day I have any pills left of my hydrocodone and I am so scared of the pain and withdrawal. Any advice/help/prayers would be so appreciated.(I don't have the money for rehab-fixed income and my family thinks I am off of all pain meds. I have never felt so down or alone.)

[ricart70]

How are you today  ?

[BearsFan1966]

The first few days will be the hardest. Take ricarts advise on the epsom salt baths they really help. I am 28 days C/T and every day is better and better and best of all my pain level is so much lower off the pain meds!!!
Keep reading on here this site and the people saved life! They are the best
and so encouraging it keeps me going! My prayers are with you  

[ricart70]

did you get all of the supplies ?

[ricart70]

Hi Lupie   How long has it been since your last dose ?  Try taking a hot bath in epsom salts and eating something fattening .

[loserlupie]

Needing some support. I am getting very anxious, rapid heart rate and joints are killing me. Thank you in advance.

[spider6]

Hi and welcome,
wow, don't ya just love these people.......I really can't add anything new to their comments and advice as it is all pretty much what I would say too.
But what I can say is good for you for getting your life back.  I will be
rooting for you as well!  Just remind yourself constantly how it will be
so much better tomorrow and tomorrow after that and before you will
know it, you will be giving some other soul support, advice and empathy.
peace prayers and hope for you lupie,

[hopseen]

I am on day 4 today from Loratabs. It ***** but like everyone on here is saying, It is getting a little bit easier. I too was worried sick to my stomough knowing that I had 1 pill left. But u know what? When it was gone it was gone and sucked it up and now it's day 4 and things are getting slightly better. Good luck to you my friend...You got this.

[HappyDays2Come]

You're probably already helping the lurkers out there. Try to stay as positive as you can...a good attitude / mentality will go a long way. Think about wanting this and being ready to take your life back! You're going to feel great in no time!

[loserlupie]

Thank you all so much for the advice, encouragement and personal stories. So, as soon as I am out of here I will go shopping, not forgetting Imodium! I hope that I can either help you all out in the future or help someone else. Prayers and thanks-and if anyone has any other advice/personal stories, I would appreciate everything.

[ricart70]

Yes the patches will work but they take a day to kick in usually. Do not use more patch than is prescribed though . I think you will be ok .  You are a good person and don't worry just take it hour by hour and then day by day and before you know it you will be feeling better !!  

[HappyDays2Come]

Eventually you'll want to tell your secret:). Get clean for YOU and, in the process, it will reveal to your family a new and improved person. Don't worry what everyone thinks and just focus on you for now and getting yourself better.

[loserlupie]

One other thing-my Dad is a doctor so all of my doctors talk to him so I don't know what Is secret and what isn't. If I complain about them talking, I feel like it shows how much of an addict I am (God, that was so hard to type).

[Bubbleguppie100]

Aww, hi darling! I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Relying on hydrocodone *****! I broke my entire back 8 years ago... I've been hooked on pain pills ever since. Started abusing them etc. I'm 3 days clean. If I can get clean so can you. Come on here as much as u can. We will get u through this. People on here are amazing. Look up Thomas recipe. It's been a life saver for me. I'm detoxing in my home. I didn't have money for rehAb either. Ask a bunch of questions and pray! We r here for u. Xoxi

[HappyDays2Come]

Being scared is okay and we've all been there. Taking the first step is huge and you posting on here and reaching out is so brave. I promise that it will be okay and your fear of w/ds is actually much worse than the actual w/ds themselves:). You're going to have 2 days of the flu (and while the flu is no fun we survive it:). Stock up on everything you need and buckle down and post on here often. We're all here to encourage and lift you up. I promise you'll be okay and that we're here for you.

[loserlupie]

I am making my shopping list for when I get out of here today. I do have chlonodine patches for when my BP is too high- would those work?

[loserlupie]

I have been getting the scripts from the doctor who performed my surgery and skin graft. In fact, I am typing this from my hospital room which I am set to be released from today. My nephrologist has left a note to the surgeon to not send me home with pain medicine which sent my mind into a whirlwind. Those of you who have replied seem so upbeat, yet I can only imagine the work you all had to do to get there; I just want to have that strength and courage but I am crying as I type this. I know I did this to myself-I am honestly in pain and am so scared to feel. Thank you for the support. I can't tell you all how much it is needed.

[ricart70]

Not having a pill to take will help a bunch with not concentrating on taking one.   And yes ,speaking with your doctor would be optimal . That is not too high of an amount to be on as far as hydrocodone goes so that is a huge plus.   Your doctor could also prescribe clonidine which would also help greatlt reduce the withdrawals. Also get Imodium!!!  it is a must .Take it as much as you need. Imodium!!   get it      ;)

[HappyDays2Come]

Have you talked to your doctor about coming off the pain medication? Are you getting them from a doctor? We just want to make sure that, with your medical issues, you detox safely and with a doctor's consent.

Check out the Thomas Recipe and pick up the vitamins / supplements (minus the valium, which you can substitute with valerian root). Gatorade / ensure, epsom salt (for hot baths), and bananas (for RLS) are all good to have onhand during w/ds.

You can do this and typically the first 48 hrs are the worst. Congrats to you for being ready to take your life back...you can do it and this forum is the place to be:). Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

[loserlupie]

Thank you for the encouragement-every little bit helps. The hydrocodone is the only thing I am on for pain, but I take two at a time at least 2-3 times a day. I agree that I am so thankful that I am not trying to get off dilaudid, pain patches and methadone-but I almost wish I would get pneumonia again and be put to sleep so I didn't have to endure the next two weeks. I used to teach which helped keep me busy but can't anymore because of the complications due to lupus. How do ou keep from concentrating so hard on the fact that you can't take a pill and that you don't have a pill to take? How do you keep from feeling like an absolute loser?

[ricart70]

You are welcome and yes we do understand .;)    Just try to take the symptoms as they come and try not to get too worked up over what could happen. Sometimes we overthink this and it is not good to do that. Get you some movies or watch a series .It helps to distract ourselves .If you can take some short walks and that will help too. Try to make your surroundings comfortable and make sure you have some ready to eat or easily prepared foods around. You can also take over the counter pain relievers and get some valerian or chamomile tea to relax you some.

[loserlupie]

Thank you so much for the hydration advice. Just trying to get myself ready mentally. It is so nice to talk to people who truly understand.

[ROSYouralright]

Good morning to you! Getting off the meds is a great decision!! It will not be easy but it is very do able! I'm sorry about all the pain you have suffered. You will probably have to find alternative forms of therapy to manage the pain once you are off the meds. As Ricart stated its extremely important to STAY HYDRATED!! LOTS OF LIQUIDS!! What meds are u on exactly right now?? The hydro codeine?? The first step, admitting the problem is the toughest... I never realized I had one either until I came to this site... WD's don't last forever and in a few days you will begin feeling better and better. People with tons of knowledge will be here soon to help you. I just wanted to drop in and let you know that you are not alone in this... We are here fighting the battle beside you!! I am so glad you posted and I am here if you need to talk! Hang in there!

[ricart70]

Hi I am sorry you are gong through this . You can do this though !!  ;))
We have all been there to a greater or lesser degree . Are you staying hydrated. Get some gatorade or pedialyte and drink it throughout the day.
That will help a bunch . So are you only on hydrocodone now ?  That will be much easier (although I know still hard)  than the meds that you were on before.  The forum is kind of slow right now but stick around and there will be many here to help you. You are not alone  .Hang in there  ;))   glad you are here and welcome