Determined and afraid.

[Funnythghap2Me]

Hi Everyone. I've gone through four surgeries in the last 18 months. Each time I started to ween myself off, came another surgery. Oxycoden and Vicodin has been my pain management. Last week was my fourth surgery and I am panning my detox. I know it's soon but I'm done! This last surgery was so painful I gave in and too the oxy and I just know it's going to be hell.
I'm hoping for advice from someone who has a similar story and the best way to get started without hurting my body. Aside from the broken bones and other stuff my health is good for my age.

[Funnythghap2Me]

I have decided and started today to cut back 3 Vicodin a day for a week, 2 a day for the week after, the third week Stop all and take on withdraws. I'm on LOA for six weeks and there's no better time then now. Started journaling. I know I'll be sick, already sweating and a runny nose, not looking forward to flu like symptoms, RLC and crying jags.

I'd appreciate your prayers.
Thanks everyone and I'll be posting updates.

[jifmoc]

2 things: BigDaddy RULES!!! Listen to him...he is wise. And, if broken bones are your only health issue, go cold turkey. Many many have tried to taper but us addicts have a helluva a time w/ that, not to mention you'll have detox symptoms anyway so you might as well jump (as Van Halen would say!)

[Cricketk92]

Morning and welcome to the forum!  You got some good advice above!  So you want to know whether to go cold turkey or not....how much are you taking now?  If you are on a high dose and can wean off that would be ideal!  But a lot of people cant do that...sometimes weaning is harder than just jumping!  Its just too tempting to take more than you should while weaning!  So it really does depend how much you are taking!  We can help you when you get ready to quit with some suggestions on how to make it more comfortable during detox!  I know what its like to want to be free from them!!!  Keep posting and let us know how much you are taking and how you are getting on!!

[Funnythghap2Me]

Thank you for your honesty. I want my old life back, before I fracures both wrist bones, hardware tore thru ligaments, and two knee surgeries. From what I've been reading - Detox will be all those rolled up into one.

I have another question. Cold turkey or not?

[Bigdaddy1313]

Funny, without writing a book I started taking oxy cotton after having back surgery. When it was time to stop the meds because my pain level got better I didn't stop taking the meds. I actually started taking more. This led to more and more pills. Time flies when you think your having fun. Before I realized I was trapped I was taking anywhere from 400 to 700 mg of oxy a day. I went from being a really good husband and a really good father to the biggest piece of crap in the world. I stopped doing things for my wife like dating and just being dependable. I stopped coaching my kids in all their sport activities. It got so bad I honestly didn't think I could ever stop, I tried a million times but when the WD's hit I would run back to the pills. I really can't explain how addicted and how utterly helpless I was. After many failed attempts I finally checked into a detox center. On March 13th of this year it will be 2 years since the day I check in and I can honestly tell you that I am so grateful that I made that choice. My life is so sweet now and I'm truly happy.
Our bodies can do wondrous things if we give them a chance. Many people find myself included that I really didn't need all that medication. My body healed itself when I started exercising and eating right. There is not a person alive that can take pain meds long term without becoming dependent or addicted. You said in your post that your scared but Determined. Let the scared part be a blessing because continuing down the path of pills only has one outcome. That outcome in unhappiness. Good luck and God Bless.

[Funnythghap2Me]

Thank you for you response. My body isn't cooperating with what the doctors want it to do but I feel so much pressure and like a crybaby when I ask for a refil. With all the new laws put on physicians and pharmacies they can careless about the patient.

[luvdolphins58]

Hello. I too have had few surgeries. What I have always been told when body trying to heal you need take meds to help heal. Is this valid or not I can't say. I guess it depends on type of surgeries. Also depends on health issues.  I'm not sure this helpful or not especially if trying to detox. I'm sure others will respond with more knowledge shortly. Take care.