Detoxing from Fentanyl

[Toooldforthisstuff]

Okay, to make a long story short, I got a bug up my butt a few weeks ago and decided that for my 54th b-day, I was gonna get myself off this stuff.  Doc put me on it 5 years ago for a bad back and Fibromyalgia.  I'm sick of being a slave to it.  I also took 60 percocets/mo.  Anyway, I found myself toying with my medication. NOT GOOD!!!!  Anyhow, I cut back from 75mcg to 25 in a few weeks.  The insomnia and hamstring cramps woke me a dozen times at night when i could catnap.  that lasted 4 days.  I had been sucking on my last 25mcg patch to ease the withdrawals.  I doubt there was much left in it when I put it on last Thursday.  I stopped by my (new) docs office and told them what I was doing.  The anxiety is what drove me up the wall.  She gave me her blessing and Wellbutrin for it and it works well. Plus I've cut way back on my smoking!  Yay, me!   All weekend i was like a dead person in the recliner, the weakness shocked me!  And i felt mildly nauseated, but I found if I keep something in my stomach, i feel better.  I have spells where it feels like someone chucked a spear thru my back  between my spine and shoulder blade and it came out the front.  I'm gonna keep this patch on for a few more days, maybe it'll help ease things along slowly. I think I'm doing pretty well.  But after reading about what horrible withdrawals it gives even people who taper down, it scares me to remove it completely, even if it couldn't possibly have much in it after the beating it took.  Anyhow, is the withdrawal gonna get worse once it's out of my system, or is the worse over?

[Toooldforthisstuff]

But dang, how long does it take before the motivation comes back?  I've always been a git 'er dun type of person, and I ain't gittin' it..lol  I haven't picked the manure up in the momma and baby donkey field for over a week, and it keeps piling up.  Can't seem to get to it.  It's wet and rainy today, when i planned to do it this morning, that's when i have the most energy.  I can't win..lol

Christy

[vicki595]

Christy!   That's great!  The energy does come back but you need to go after it! Just keep pushing!

[Toooldforthisstuff]

Just an update to let everyone know that I'm doing great!  I still get that damned spear thru my chest, usually in the afternoons for some reason.  But I'm getting my energy back more every day.  I just wish the motivation would hurry and come back.  I have to kick myself in the a$$ to do anything, but when i make myself get up and do it, I feel much better about myself.  And I don't miss the drugs at ALL, I am so happy to finally be FREE!
: )
Christy

[Toooldforthisstuff]

My daughter offered the use of her shower and bath today, but she lives a 36 mile round trip.  It's bad enough that I have to drive nearly 60 miles/day to work and back for a few hours.  I've never missed a day thru all this, either.  But I have an easy job and understanding client.   I know my heart is good cos I just had it all checked out thoroughly a month ago! ; )  Breathing is fine.  I took 800mg of Ibuprofen a few hours ago and took a hot shower (Hubby wasn't home yet to *****, so I luxuriated for a few..lol) and the spear is gone, but my right rib cage aches.  I'll take it!  That spear has been a *****.
Thanks for asking! : )

[vicki595]

Hey...good job!   Yeah...a hot bath feels great!  Does that friend who has the weed have a bathtub??    I'd be calling everywhere!!      In the meantime,a heating pad or an electric blanket feels pretty good wrapped around your legs...

Have you tried Motrin or anything for the back pain?  Do you have any cardiac problems???  Breathing okay??   ( just checking )

Keep in touch~~

[Toooldforthisstuff]

Okay, I removed that last worn out patch and gave it burial with some funky trash!  It's a new feeling of freedom!  I just wish our well wasn't almost dry, I would die for a long, hot shower or,...Ah, heaven...the tub!  We're getting county water put in as soon as my husband can take the time from work to go sign up for it.  I won't NEED it by then.  I still have that damned spear stuck thru my back and out the chest, most annoying.  I have a little more energy each day, but nowhere near what i usually have.  I've been on a vitamin, super B complex, and magnesium regimen for years to help with my Fibromyalgia.  I crave orange juice like nobody's business in the past week!  Must need the potassium.  A friend talked me into smoking a little pot, too.  I never cared for it cos it killed my motivation and I HATE that.  But WOW, what a world of difference it makes for withdrawals!  Made it FAR more bearable, at least for me.  It might not work as well for someone who smokes it often, in which case, it's a problem, too!
Anyway, just checking in to tell you that the patch is gone (damn thing was nothing but symbolic by this time, anyhoo)   One day at a time....

[IBKleen]

If it was working at all that patch stopped working 3 days ago. It sounds like you have gone through the worst of it and I wouldn't worry about what is to come. That will make you nuts.

Get on with your life and take care of the animals. It sounds very therapeutic.

[vicki595]

Okay...thanks...I just don't want to say the wrong thing here.  Yes,I think it's time to let go of the patch. I,also,think the worst of the withdrawal may be over.The decision is ultimately yours but there can't be much left in the patch.

Keep doing what your doing on the property and stay busy. Make sure you eat and get fluids. Get with your doctor for anything unusual.

Keep posting~

[Toooldforthisstuff]

Okay, let me see if I can remain lucid enough to answer your questions.  The percocets were gone nearly a month ago.  Three weeks ago, I cut myself down from 75mcg to 25mcg of Fentanyl in two weeks time.  Not fun (see original post ).  I had cut down the patches and flushed the rest so there was no backing out.  I had one 25mcg patch left and I'd suck on it for 15 minutes at a time when it got really bad.  Then I put that patch on 5 days ago.  There couldn't possibly have been more than 10mcg left in that patch and it's been on for 5 days now.  Do you think the drug is gone out of it by now and the worst is over?  Or am I going to go thru a 2nd wave of withdrawal getting that last bit out?  With help from God and my family, my spirits are good and there hasn't been anything i can't handle.  I have a mini farm and animals to care for, so they keep me busy and my mind off myself (very important, I've found.  It's too easy to wallow in self pity).

[livngr8ful]

Good choice coming off of the patch.  I was on it for a year after my first fusion.  I stopped taking it because I didnt like how they worked for me.  I tapered and all.  The wd's were the worse thing I've been through.  I have came off oxycontin for pain management and that was a cake walk compared to the patch.  I cant really offer any advice other than dont rush it. If your doc will switch to a med that will be easier to taper may work better.  I found that once I got to the 25mcg patch I had to find ways to keep half off my skin. So I just went cold turkey and it's rough.  It sounds like you doc will work with you.  Dont eat them, it will make it WAY worse. Keep your doc online.  If you are having issues they should help.

[vicki595]

Hi~~  Okay...you're sucking on a patch,you have a patch on,and are you taking the percocet,also?   I'm a bit confused. You're not clean but you're having withdrawals. So,that's to be expected when cuttting down. Did the doctor tell you when to take the patch off?  Do you think,at this point it's psychological?  How long have you been having withdrawals?

Sorry for all the questions...