Hydro WD--paranoid or guaranteed?

[Debbie814]

This is my first post, although I've read all the posts I think. I am looking to see fi anyone has opinions, suggestions or any thoughts on what type of taper would be best for me, or if I'll need one in the first place.

First a little background would help I guess huh?  I'm almost 50 about 115lbs - I had a neck & shoulder injury back in dec of last year with nerve damage. In March neuro doc put me on neurontin and hydro 7.5/750 every 8-12 hrs (severe-no sooner than 5-6hrs.)  I have a healthy respect for meds, working in health-care for over 30 yrs I have seen many a friend & colleagues go down because of it and it scares the life out of me. I never ever take more than prescribed, usually less, I take it only when brought to tears from pain. well, I can deal with the neck & shoulder pain, the arm is numb and tingling to the fingertips so some pain but tolerable.  I have a pretty high pain threshold, neurontin was for the nerve damage and I only got up to 400mgs before I started having problems-affected side swelled and started having indescribable pain in both legs and lower back- wished I could cut them off type pain, ended up being serious reportable side effect, along with weight loss and hair loss-by the handfuls, he told me to wean down too 100mgs and stop, well I did that took the last one last week-NEVER again for the neurontin- thats supposed to be safe??? Really? and the leg/back pain (deep bonal ache and burn) is even worse-been reading in that forum this could last several weeks to months? so I have been taking the max hydro of 3/day recently-my usual 90/month would last well into the next month. I still have a little more than a third of Julys and a full of Aug.& my next appt is in about 2 weeks. I'm scared to think of going through physical WD with this-I've never experienced it but have seen it through my yrs in healthcare. I have never gotten the "high" or "buzz" nor cravings I am reading about so I guess thats a good thing?  I hate the thought of even taking it when I need it, but it does help and I can get my college work done (looks like I may have to change careers) and take care of my family.  I will lay on the couch crying with the leg pain hoping if I just put them up for awhile it will help that way I don't have to take the hydro, my family will tell me take one thats why you have it.

Oh, I should probably include the fact that I am 3 yrs recovery from alcohol- saw the problem, did what I needed to do (make my meeting several times a week, call my sponsor faithfully) and NEVER looked back, absolutely the best feeling in the world! Do I still wish I could have a glass of wine out to dinner? you betcha! Do I know I can't? absolutely! So my family knows the hell this creates-believe me I put them through hell.  I have a solid support system-my family rocks! and we have discussed this because I'm so afraid, I think I drive them crazy with this fear.  I  love my life now that I have it back- medicine is sometimes a necessary evil-and this is one of those times. So is it a healthy respect knowledge is power type thing or am I being just a little more than paranoid?

Any and all suggestions would be so very welcome- Thank you all so much for any help sent my way. I truly appreciate it and this forum, Everyone has already helped by posting more than you guys realize! Huge kudos & congratulations & immense respect to all those who do large doses with CT and continue to fight the battle.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend too!

[Debbie814]

Thanks IB  I've been looking into alternatives already I agree with you, about getting ahead of myself but at the same time dodged a huge bullet with the alcohol, no permanent damage, liver & heart issue that cleared up slowly over the course of a year after I cleaned  up. whew.  Good to know I can ask if I need too. Thanks for your kindness. :)

[IBKleen]

And yes, you are being very smart about the addiction thing. Many people switch addictions--I am no stranger to it. Good thinking on your part.

[IBKleen]

Hi Debbie,

Being a holiday today it is quiet so you are stuck with me again.

The tapering thing---first, I don't know how you would taper off of one pill. At that point, just stop. For that matter, at 3 pills a day, just stop. Unless you have underlying health problems there is no risk in detoxing off of opiates. Tapering is tricky and it will only prolong the process. If you do stop and begin experiencing mild withdrawal we can help you with some home remedies to help make you comfortable during that time.

But you are getting ahead of yourself. When the doctor says it is time or you find an alternative, talk with him about stopping the Hydrocodone.

Hang in there.

[Debbie814]

Thanks- I've seen first hand the hell it creates-I already have one addiction (alcohol) under my belt and would rather not add a second to it. Not wanting to assume it wouldn't happen, I've seen it happen way too many times.  Thanks again.

[Debbie814]

Thanks for your input- I am taking it even tho I'm petrified because I know the longer I wait the less it helps. this is such a double edged sword in my mind. I've seen compliant patients become physically dependent and thats my fear.  Although I'm only taking what I need right now the need for relief more often than not supercedes rational thought. (Kinda feeling stupid about even asking at all now) Although I really appreciate the input I have gotten,  I don't want to "wait & see" or "don't worry about it now, worry about it if/when the time comes" (which I've been told privately)  

I guess I worded my post wrong, the basic question would be..... is there a chance I would  need to taper when it's time to stop and if so any ideas on how would I go about it?  it's been 9 mths on a daily basis-whether it be one or 3 (min- 7.5/750--max 7.5/750x3).

[pillfree21]

Leftover pills for addicts is like leftover money for gamblers, just does not happen...but you are very smart for being proactive.

[vicki595]

Deb~  I read your post and really appreciate what your fears are. It truly doesn't sound like your behavior is addictive. As IBK said,there's no such thing as left over pills for an addict. Those would be so gone!!!

Take the med for your pain and don't let that pain get out of control! It's harder to cover it!

Vicki

[Debbie814]

Thank you- my fear I guess is the physical addiction, since taking meds even as prescribed doesn't mean it won't happen, especially with addiction tendencies- doesn't mean it will either. that's just me and my fear.... Thanks again and I'm very glad for your thoughts and your success.  

[susansuno]

I respect the fact that you're concerned but I agree with IB,I am a nurse and was addicted to hydrocodone.90 pills lasted me a week,well 5 days to be exact.
Idk that you're being paranoid.it's good that you're aware of what could turn into a problem esp.since you're in aa.I don't think you have a problem now,though.
Hoping you feel better soon.

[Debbie814]

First thank you for the link, I will go check it out. should have thought of that myself. I guess I'm being more than a little paranoid then?  Because of the alcohol addiction I guess it ramped up my fear of adding another...that was hell on earth and that was in finally in a detox/rehab after many, many home detoxes.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I don't know any addict that has a bottle of pills in their house left over from July---trust me, I don't think any member of this community could do that.

I don't know how you managed not t take them but it is wonderful and I commend you.

With all of that I think you may get better responses from the pain mngt community. They are a great group of members who are knowledgeable and supportive. They could probably give you some good advise. I provided the link for you below and hope that you talk with them.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Pain-Management/show/53

I wish you the best and hope that you and your doctor can work to get the pain under control.