How Long Does The Withdrawls/Pain Last

[secretsout]

Hi everybody!
I have been taking Tylenol 3s for I think about 8 years now.  I used to take over 100 a day and I have been able to bring that down to about 49 or so, depending on how bad a day I am having.  I take 7 at a time, and try to keep it to no more than 7 times a day (7 tylenols at a time 7 times a day)  I originally started taking them because of this surgery I had on my mouth, and during the surgery, they nicked a nerve, so I am in pain 24/7.  The degree of pain every day is different, but I am always in pain.  I did get a 2nd and a 3rd opinion, and I was told by all 3 that the only way to fix this would be to have brain surgery!  And even then there is no guarantee the pain will stop.  I also have chronic pain in my back and my joints due to 3 car accidents I had in 2007 as well as having rumetoid arthritis (Not sure how to spell that).  I have tried one time quitting, and the pain and the withdrawls were just a little too much for me to handle, but I am not a believer in programs as I have gone trough many for alcohol addiction and ended up quitting on my own.  I have not had a drink since March 11th, 1999.  This howeve is a whole new type of pain for me and as much as I would love to be free of tylenol 3s, I just don't know if I can do it.
So, my question is, has anybody out there gone cold turkey and exactly how long and what are the withdrawls?  Is there an easier way of getting off of them?  I realize from being an alcoholic and drug addict that nothing comes easy. but am I going to be in worst pain then I am in now?  I take the 3s to take some of the pain away, I do not take them to get high.
Thanks for listening!
"secretsout"

[secretsout]

Ok!  Now you are freaking me out!  I am now as surprised as you are that my doctor would allow me to go on taking this medication, and he has been my doctor for over 5 years.  He actually has never once mentioned liver damage to me, and I have been hearing more and more about how tylenol can really hurt my liver and I am very worried about it.  Is there anything anyone could suggest I start taking in order to save my liver?  I do not want to die!
This is actually weird, because I was doing a search on the web looking for the damage 3s can do to you and this is the first site that popped up!  Go figure, a site with a bunch of addicts on it! Lol!  Just kidding, it's just what the doctor should have ordered!  Thanks!

[vicki595]

Glad to hear your liver and kidney function tests are normal. Hard to believe...you are very lucky.  Are there any other organs affected?  Well,yes,your precious brain.

Well,you've gotten some opinions here and they're good ones.  You're taking too damn much T3 and cutting back won't do much for your pain.  So,the issue is coming down to pain management.  I agree,with nerve damage you need something...

It seems apparent that although you're addicted you don't take these to get high.
Have you thought about a pain management doctor?  You might look for one.  You really need to get squared away here. And,I'd have another set of lab work done.

Also,that nerve that got nicked...I know that's painful but in time a nerve will heal. Try to see an oral surgeon.

Whew!  You've got a plateful to deal with...Start making some calls tomorrow...

Vicki

[kc156]

Hello. I was taking about 20 T'3's a day plus 2 codeine contin (200's) ,which are like 7 T3's. This went on for about 12 years or so.It was for an injury that stopped hurting about 11 years ago, taking only for a buz
  Went to a methadone clinic 4 years ago and never took a T3 again.Big mistake cause now got a meth habit that's real hard to quit.Am tapering off the meth now and will be clean in May.
If I had a choice I would do cold turkey from T3,withdraw is about 5 days, and that is the end of it.Taper down first,that will help.
                                                                                all the best karl

[secretsout]

Well, I don't want to kick you, nor should anybody else want to.  My reason for not wanting to take something stronger is simple!  I do not want to get addicted to that as well!  Taking less or more, would end up the same for me.  I have a VERY addictive personality, and know I would easily get addicted to another drug.  I never have done anything half way, and I am terrified of getting off 3s let alone Oxy or something even stronger.  I will take what you said into consideration and see what there is out there I could take that would not do as much damage as the 3s!
Thanks for you input!  Not too mention scaring the crap out of me! BIG SMILE!  I know it's dangerous, that is why I am reaching out!
Any information I can get will help me in the long run!
  

[jstntime]

As has been mentioned, that's a toxic level of tylenol on your liver.  The morphine would quite frankly be a SAFER alternative.  I can't believe a doctor would be aware of that level of misuse and allow it to continue.

I seriously thought you made a typo when you stated you took 100 per day.  You are going to die if you keep doing this, please figure this out.

I agree with cleanmom, get something stronger without tylenol and give your liver a break first and foremost, then plan a taper from your new drug.  The tylenol has to stop, I can't stress this enough.

Your time to act is now.  Do it fast.

Godspeed,

bob

[secretsout]

I appreciate your opinion and your honesty!  I actually just went to the doctors about 2 weeks ago and had my blood work done, and as far as I know my liver & my kidneys are still OK!  Is that the only organs it effects?  Keep in mind that the doctor I go to, as far as I am concerned got his license in a cracker jacks box!  I am not saying all doctors are bad, he is just one of the exceptions.  I actually started going to see him when my mother was alive to get her off all the drugs she was on.  I told him the first day I met him I was addicted to 3s and that day I walked out with a prescription for them.  I know, people will say why don't I go to another Dr?  I go to him because I need the 3s and he gives them to me.  I do not believe Dr's are not aware of what they are doing to their patients!  I am a firm believer that if there is even a remote possiblility someone can become addicted they should do everything in their power to help you be aware of that as well as the choices you have once you are addicted.  Not throw you away, cut you off, and give you no choice but to go to the streets for your drug of choice.  My doctor offered me Moriphine to get off the 3s.  Meanwhile, that is the last drug he gave my mother 3 days before she died.  I don't mean to go all dramatic about it, but I am tired of Dr's getting away with the stuff that they do.  Yes I made the choices I did, but I honestly preferred drinking!  Then I was introduced to tylenol 3s after my surgery, and here I am today!  I blame myself for continuing to take them, but I would never have tried them on my own!
As for what you said about feeling crappy, and having the willpower to do it?  I have quit everything on my own, cold turkey, including coke, alcohol, and acid/mushrooms, nothing even comes close to the pain I was in when I tried to quit 3s.  So, I guess all I can do is start cutting down even more and I will keep you posted.  You really seem like a nice person!  I appreciate anything you can help me with, and your words of encouragement mean a lot!  Thanks for caring!