Thank you for the responses. And yes, fourjays in fact yesterday I had ZERO ZERO ZERO fioricet! Yay!!!! I put a single pill in my wallet just in case I get a very bad headache because they really do help with my tension headaches. My issue was that I got used to taking the max dose, always being refilled no problem and that amount if APAP causes rebound headaches.
As for tramadol, what's great is that my doc is very understanding, not wanting to make this more stressful that needed. It's the staff, his NPs that make it stressful. I am frustrated because like you said, with each drop I'm gonna feel w/d symptoms and I keep thinking "if I would've just c/t a week ago I'd be done by now". But how do I do that with a kid and work? Work, I could take sick days & have the flu but being a mom doesn't go on hold like that. I didn't have any emotional/depression issues last time when I did this when I was pregnant 4 years ago. I had gotten to only taking like 2 tabs a day. I kinda unintentionally lowered myself over months before....not sure why, but I did....so slowly I never really noticed. So I kinda wonder if jumping off at 4 would be ok? Would it be worse? I had my pregnancy to push me last time, I gave my husband my pills and sucked it up for a few days. I recall walking circles in my living room. Taking a sleeping pill that was "safe" for pregnant women. Other than that, I don't recall it being so so bad but I also had 1/2 a million other changes going on with being 6-8 weeks pregnant that who knows!
I think my biggest frustration with a taper is that the w/d effects feel prolonged. It's an inner battle taper vs c/t. I just don't know.
Hi there. I feel so sorry for you but proud at the same time. You have faced the fact that you're addicted. Now you need help. I would call the nurses and calmly but firmly explain that you have faced the fact that you need to cut down The Tramadol, how well you've done with the others but you must speak to the doctor before your apt date to get some help.Tell them this is urgent, you don't want your kids to see you popping these tabs and you need something to help you withdraw now, not in mid-June.Be assertive and make it clear that you are a sick person who needs urgent help; you thought that was what doctors were supposed to do, not judge and. put people in categories .
Also, in the UK we have charities we can call for most things. If you have them in the US, maybe they might have some good ideas, plus it will be good to have someone to talk to who understands.
This doesn't sound like words of wisdom but it's the best I can do! The only other thing might be to change your doc. You need someone who's sympathetic, not a judgemental *****.
Hope you find help soon. Don't give up. It's your body and you have kids to raise. Love x
Hello - first off congrats on tapering down the Fioricet; that is great and you should be proud of yourself! I know that you have wanted this for a long time (as we've communicated on the tramadol thread), and I commend your sticking with it; it surely has not been easy. As far as the Tramadol, you are not on that high of a dose now (4 - 50mg per day, correct)? Unfortunately each time you reduce, even by a 1/2 pill (sometimes even less), you are going to start feeling the withdrawal symptoms set in; I don't think there is really any way to avoid this. You could ask your Dr. about meds that may help ease these symptoms (Clonidine - a BP med that is used often in detox, for example). But I know you have had problems when calling the office. In my opinion, you may want to try again - explain WHY - your are not looking for MORE pills, just some help with reducing them. Maybe try to speak with the Dr. directly if you are having trouble with the NP or staff.
It is frustrating I know; especially with Tramadol - it is so hard to w/d from - as you are essentially dealing with detoxing from 2 meds at once; an opiate AND an anti-depressant. Have you considered or tried just doing a cold turkey quit at this point? If you are only taking 4 of these a day (and the considered "safe" max per day is 8); and your are in good overall health (i.e., no diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), you should be just fine. The withdrawal is not fun but it is temporary, and within a week or so the physical part would be over with. In any case, the way you choose to do this is completely up to you. It is a personal decision; I just know that you have been dealing with this for awhile (having trouble getting through to your doctor and getting help with tapering, withdrawal aids, etc); and all the while still having to suffer with symptoms as you are decreasing. No matter what you decide, I wish you the best and know you will always find support here. Keep posting and hang in there ok? You WILL do this - we are here for you :))