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Hydrocodone w/d

Hi Everyone. I am 47 yrs old and had Breast Cancer 4 yrs ago. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. I have been cancer free since then which I am very greatful for. After all my treatments I started experiencing joint pain and doctor started me on 5/500 hydrocodone. I then stopped for about a year with no problems but have had two more surgeries (not BC related) sinced that time and was again put on more vicodin. I want to stop altogether but it has been extremely difficult. I take 3, 3 times a day. My Oncologist just keeps refilling which kind of surprises me. I am on day two of trying to quit once again and am having bad joint pain and low back pain, no energy, very depressed. I am taking advil and drinking lots of fluid. Some days it just seems impossible to stay off of this stuff. Wish me luck folks, and best to you all, many of the stories are inspiring, thanks for your site! :)
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Avatar universal
End of 3rd day.  Just bit my husband and sons head off, I think I better go to bed. Pretty miserable day.  I am hoping I will wake up and feel a little better in the morning.  Just on edge with everyone. :( I keep thinking I know what can make all of this go awaay very quicklyl, but I wont! I have not gone through 3 miserable days to have to start this all over again at another time.  so I will prevail.  Thanks for all the positive words and support. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i+have+been+on+hydrocodone+10%2F500+for+three+years+because+of+my+back+pain.+i+was+up+to+15+to+20+a+day.+the+first+time+i+went+cold+turkey+and+it+was+hell+i+cried+the+pain+was+so+bad.+I+could+not+get+out+of+bed+the+pills+were+the+only+thing+that+made+of+feel+better.+so+now+is+my+second+attempt.+what+has+helped+me+is+taking+only+two+pills+every+six+hours+do+this+for+5+to+7+days+on+the+second+week+go+to+4+pills+a+day+just+enough+for+the+craving+to+go+away.+take+your+vitamins+drink+your+juice+and+take+your+imodium+ad.++when+you+have+taken+your+last+pills+continue+with+all+the+above+you+can+vile+the+got+baths+and+i+take+my+muscle+relaxer+to+help+with+sleep.+this+time+around+has+been+so+much+easier+but+everyone+is+different+tweak+this+to+fit+you.+eat+your+fruits+drink+lots+of+fluids+orange+juice+water+i+like+gatorade+cause+my+lips+would+chap+and+i+got+real+dehydrated.+this+is+mind+owes+matter+also+so+be+strong.+i+am+working+on+myself+its+been+two+weeks+for+me+and+the+mental+craving+has+to+be+controlled+ar+well.+
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Avatar universal
Keep up the great work... Ull b around the bend in no time(:
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417564 tn?1287982827
It is apparent what a strong lady you are to have already overcome so much.  I know that you can do this...but you are right, some days are harder than others.  Keep posting - this place provides you with an excellent outlet for your feelings.  
You are doing awesome already.
Helpful - 0
1402969 tn?1324690560
You are doing great already!!! Good luck to you and I wish you the best!
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Avatar universal
Thanks to all for your support.  Today is day 3.  So I have been off completely two whole days.  Little chilled off and on today, still feel pretty lethargic, but not TOO bad.  Thanks again.  I hope I am posting this reply in the correct place. :)
ziggy
Helpful - 0
1412212 tn?1285599428
Congratulations on being a Cancer Survivor! Also congrats on wanting to stop! The good news about this is you are not on a high dose and you are taking as directed so the WD.'s will hopefully not be as bad. Keep fluids in you and you can also try the "Thomas Recipe" to help you through this! Also let your Dr know what you are doing so he can stop refilling the scripts.
The mental part of this can be challenging but do not give in!
Keep fighting the good fight and keep your Guard up!
Helpful - 0
1148241 tn?1294052796
Please don't give in .... one leads to two to three ... The only way to get through it is to just get through it.  You can do it.  You will feel so much better eventually.  This is no way to live.  Remember the pills don't even make you feel good any more!  They suck!  Don't do it.  We are all here for you.  Please don't do the two today.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ziggy~   Welcome!    So it's 2 days completely off?  That's good and I know it's hard!

This will work if you want it to.  You'll begin to feel a lot better by day 4.  Forcing fluids is good. Be sure to eat some healthy meals. Get yourself on some good vitamins and minerals. Keep taking the Advil.  Hot baths will really help those aches. Take several a day.

You should call the oncologist and explain what you're doing. There are meds ( non narcotic ) that help with withdrawals. Plus,you should cancel any refills and get rid of what you have in the house.  Most oncologists are pretty liberal with pain med so it's up to us to keep a lid on that.

Another thing that helps is getting some exercise. It seems impossible but just getting outdoors and walking to the mailbox is good!!

Good luck!  You can do this!  Just keep your head and focus on the "prize".  You won't believe how great you can feel without the pills!

Post with any questions.  Obviously you're not sleeping well. Get some "Super Snooze Melatonin" at Walmart etc...and,also,some Immodium in case of GI issues!

Stick around...this is a nice place!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am also at day 2 but insomnia is killing me I have not slept at all tonight just tossed and turned with unbearable leg pains....so I think maybe 2 10mg will atleast get me to sleep...stay strong as I hope to pray for me as I will for u
Helpful - 0
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