Norco

[captainkirk22]

I had neck surgery back in January and have been on Norco since.  Today is day 6 of quitting cold turkey.  The doctor prescribed me gabapentin to combat the nerve pain.  I am still having no energy and some pretty heavy anxiety issues.  I used to be a fireman and am not generally afraid of things like this so it is really bugging me.  Does anybody have any advice?

[captainkirk22]

Today I seemed to have a little bit more energy then yesterday.  But I still get anxious at just about everything, it doesn't take much to set it off.  I have been staying pretty active this week and eating quite a bit, and drinking lots of water.  Does anybody know how to squash this anxiety thing?!??!!?!?  Is it something that will do away over time and if so how much time?  The doctor put me on the Gabapentin for nerve pain, so is that going to be a pain in the *** to get off of as well?  Any answers would be appreciated!! Thank you.

[captainkirk22]

Thank you for the support Bubulous Sonrissa.  Today at work was a drag again with very little energy.  I have been eating pretty well and it just amazes me that I still don't have a lot of energy.  I took some anxiety medicine this evening to hopefully help with that.  Reading some of the other posts I feel the same way and that is I don't want to be controlled by pills.  Even though I haven't been on them as strong or as long as some folks, that's the way I want it.  I'm just going to keep on looking toward the future and try to keep that on my mind. Tomorrow at about 10 am will be 7 full days so that's something to think positively about!  I hope some others can find comfort in talking about this as I have.

[Bubulous]

Your story is pretty common.  I know it is unfortunate and there is often a division between people who got dependent and persons who became addicted.  It is a very complex explanation to explain why this happens but I will say that you were lucky not to become addicted.  It is a very challenging and painful disease to overcome.
That being said anyone (including you based on new studies) have the ability to become addicts.  It did not happen to you and I hope that you never have to experience addiction because it isn't just drugs that become our dark passenger.
Thank you for coming to this site and I wish you the best as you go through this.

[captainkirk22]

I really enjoyed the fact that I could do my job again without any pain after my neck surgery.  I always took the medication dose properly but I was just to stupid to realize that I was masking my pain and tearing my body up even worse.  I do have an addictive personality but all my bad vices in the past I have quit cold turkey and never had an issue with it like this.  I've learned that this journey is not so easy!

[captainkirk22]

Thank you for the advice, I currently work 10 hour days and the fatigue is wearing on me.  But I do have to say that the anxiety is what is really bothering me.  Sometimes I feel o.k. and then sometimes especially right about 5 to 6 in the evening I feel really overwhelmed by it and not comfortable at all with myself.  I see my doctor again in September and I am already planning on seeing if I can get away from the gabapentin as well.  I really don't want to be on any meds at all and just deal with the pain in my shoulder and neck if I can.  It's amazing cause I only took the Norco as prescribed by my doctor and for legitimate pain!  I can't believe something like this has that big of an effect on the human body.

[Bubulous]

It is strictly biologic.  Your neurotransmitters have been used to getting that artificial dopamine.  I think, perhaps, that you were dependent rather than addicted.  Are you against taking some anti-depressants short time to try to deliver some extra serotonin which helps your brain repair some of the pathways that were damaged (not critically) by the introduction of the pills.  Either way if you are not an addict going back to the pills is not something you are going to do.  So you will have to try to work on putting some healthy habits into your routine.  Exercise, eating and hydrating properly are key along with some exercise to start releasing natural dopamine into your brain.  You can do this and I hope you find a lot of support here.  I am just speculating based on past experiences as to your situation.  Do you consider yourself an addict?  Did you abuse the pills by any means?

[Sonrissa]

Hi Captain and welcome to the forum.  Congratulations on your 6 days. Fatigue and anxiety are quite common at this phase. There are a few things you can do which will help.  Make sure you are staying well hydrated.  Eat healthy foods, fruits vegetables, lean protein.  Take vitamins and supplements, especially Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc (a 3 in 1). Keep active and get some exercise preferably outside in the fresh air. Also, take Epsom Salt baths, they feel wonderful and will really help.  The more you can do, the better you will feel. Hang in there and stay strong. Things should improve a bit each day.  Feel free to keep posting with any questions or if you need support. Take care!