Diluadid IV Withdrawl

[Lex1970]

Help

I was hospitalized in the beginning of the year for a severe flare of UC. The flare was so bad they had to remove my colon. I was given Diluadid IV. I have been taking Diluadid IV for 4 months now, about 50mg a day. I decided it was time to stop so this week I started to ween myself off.
I am on Day 2 of no Diluadid and feel terrible. What can I do to help with the withdrawals? How long till I feel normal again?

[lulu747]

Or am I totally wrong and you mean Dilaudid 4 (iv) mg?

[lulu747]

I don't know if it's different for IV use (because of how long it stays in the system) but normal opiate detox is 4-7 days with day 3/4 being the toughest.
Again though, I am concerned about you doing this without a colon and would strongly urge you to speak with your doctor ASAP.
Do they know you are stopping?
Do you do the IV at home or go somewhere to receive it?
I am presuming you've been using IV because your body does not absorb pills due to the lack of colon?
Please give us more info so we can assist you better.
Lu

[Lex1970]

Thank you all for the help. How long does the withdrawal usually last for?

[lulu747]

Hey Lex and welcome-

Just a few questions from one woman who has suffered from Crohn's disease and complicated endometriosis affecting her bowel.  Why cold turkey from the IV Diluadid?  I'm not asking because I DON'T think it's a good idea.  If you are no longer needing pain management and feel you would be better of without then I'm all for it.  Personally, I detoxed off 100 mg of oxy and 30-40 mg of dilaudid nearly 3 years ago.  I had tapered for a long time after surgery (started at 75/mcg fentanyl every 48 hrs and 4 mg dilaudid every 4 hrs for breakthrough.  It was hard, but I lived and felt great afterwards.  I lived without pain meds for nearly 3 years before a reacurrance of my endo and a looming surgery which has required me to go back on the meds for pain management.
Just wondering if your illness is resolved?
Why is your doc not switching you to oral to taper?  I just don't want you to suffer through c/t withdrawals which can be complicated without a colon.  I hope you are being medically supervised.
Clonidine is a bp med commonly rx'd for opiate detox that helps immensely.  You have suffered enough this year.  Please work with your doc to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  Without a colon this could be a shock to your system that is unnecessary suffering IMO.
Let me know...
Lu

[Lex1970]

Thank you so much for the support. I definitely will try that tonight!

[Sonrissa]

Hi Lex,  the RLS can last for a while. There are a few things you can do that will help. Epsom Salt baths can work wonders.  Also, a 3 in 1 vitamin with Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.  Eat some bananas or take some potassium. If you can get yourself outside in the fresh air and take even a short walk that will help you feel better.  Take care, and best wishes. Keep posting with any questions or if you need some support. Lots of great folks here.

[Lex1970]

Thank you so much. The RLS is killing me, when does that go away? Is there anything I can do to help it?

[ActingBrandNew]

Yeah...there are mental withdrawals that vary in degree from individual to individual. Some are harder than others but are nothing compared to the physical. Dont think that far ahead...just get through the now.

And about the suboxone that the above poster mentioned above...that's all fine and good but keep in mind if you decide to go that route you will eventually have to detox from THAT. And if you've been hangin around this forum as long as I have Id say Id go with the Dilaudid withdrawals over the suboxone withdrawals any day. Plus...you dont want to exchange one substance for another. Your already on day 2!...that would be a step back.

[Lex1970]

Thank you so much! Im hanging in there. I heard after the physical symptoms  are gone the mental one start? is that true?

[Jpep20]

I was shooting dilaudid and morphine for 4 months. I started suboxone 5 days ago and honest to God I haven't even thought about the drugs! It's a miracle medication and it's tightly regulated by the Dr. Going cold turkey off the hard stuff can be done but suboxone help you to stay sober long term. Also get therapy to find out why you turn to drug addiction in the first place. Hope this helps!

[ActingBrandNew]

*bust (busy)

[ActingBrandNew]

I came off Dilaudid back in the day....tough. Harder than my heroin CT. BUT...it was faster. I dont know...I remember feeling like real shat for like 3 days. You know...full on flu like. Then on like day 4 and 5 its was the RLS that really got me. Kept me up at night. But it was ok cus I wasn't sweating through the sheets anymore. Look...Im not gonna lie to you. 50 mg of IV Dilaudid is gonna be tough...but its doable! Especially if your already almost through day 2. If you get over the hump...your gonna be alright. Just be prepared for a rough one tomorrow but know the end is in sight!

Check out the Thomas Recipe to help with withdrawals. Heres the link below.

http://www.medhelp.org/tags/health_page/45/Addiction/Thomas-Recipe-Re-Posted?hp_id=16

Drink a ton of water. Try and stay as active as much as possible. I know your shaking your head right now like "check this dude out...if he only knew how bad I felt". Trust me...I know...but moving around and staying bust helps take your mind off how bad you feel. If you can, take a walk arounf the block. Exercise helps.

Kava tea helped me. Others swear by Valerian Root. Magnesium can be helpful too. You just have to find what works for you. Stay plugged into this site...the weekends are slow.

Just keep pushing forward and know that if you use...the first 2 days of suffering were for nothing! Keep your eye on the prize and turn that corner. Im pulling for you.