Trying to get off vicodin...could use all the support I can get

[Abby_916]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum but so glad I stumbled across it. I've read some of the other stories and I can say I know exactly what you all are going thru. I'm trying to get off my addiction to vicodin. I got addicted to it 6 years ago, after I had two surgeries back to back within 3 months, at the age of 24. Before that time I never smoked, drank any alcohol or used any other kind of drug whatsoever. Now it seems all I can think about is this addiction. I keep telling myself this is the last time and I won't get any more scrips. Each time I succumb to the pain of WD and find a way to get more. I was taking 7.5mg of the vicodin 6 times a day. I'm down to 5mg about 5 times a day. Even the tapering is so uncomfortable. It's better than cold turkey, which I tried last week, only to go to the ER in the end. Still, I'm almost out and it's the weekend and I'm so worried. Last week I went to an urgent care center and paid $100 just to see a doc. Told them I didn't have insurance so my doc wouldn't find out. I see 2 docs regularly, who don't know about each other. One I have thru my insurance and the other I pay out of pocket. That still isn't enough. My mom has a back problem and I get more from both her primary doc and back specialist. She doesn't take a single pill cuz she's on gabapentin and that helps her. I'm so tired of lying and seeing different docs and using different pharmacies. Not to mention how much money it costs. I've tried my moms gabapentin before and it helps a little but I still can't sleep. I can get thru all the other symptoms except the leg crawling. That is what makes me want to scream.  If anyone has any information to deal with that, it would be much appreciated. Good luck to everyone on their battle to freedom from this poison. 

[Abby_916]

Hey everyone,
I found something to help with WD. As you all know, I'm into my second night of CT. I felt like I was going to go crazy cuz of the WD symptoms. Well, my doc prescribed me desyrel and zoloft for depression. I stopped taking the desyrel after a couple of days cuz it made me really groggy during the day. Desperate for any relief or to just be able to sleep, I took one pill. I'd remembered that it put me to sleep in ten minutes. Well, guess what? My WD symptoms are 70% gone! My legs feel better and I'm not so agitated. I'm not saying I'm cured, but at least the pain is tolerable right now. I don't feel like ripping off my skin anymore. I must say, if any of you can get a combination of gabapentin and desyrel, getting clean will be at least 50% easier. I know everyone is different but just wanted to share that this is working for me. Second day of CT and I know I can do it now. BTW, neither of these meds are narcotic or habit forming. Good luck to
us all. Will keep you all posted.

[Abby_916]

I've finally got the full blown WD symptoms! Day 2 and I feel like I'm going to die. Oh God, when is this going to be over?!! I feel like pulling out my hair and ripping off my skin!

[Pat1956100]

Yay and good for you. You have things figured out.
Glad you can eat.  It will really help with energy.
Keep us posted.  You are doing so well.

[Abby_916]

Ok guys, I think I can do this. I got thru my first night. It was awful. I took the gabapentin plus requip for the RLS. I used a heating pad on my legs all night. The gabapentin helped me to sleep.  I was still feeling it but the gabapentin took the edge off. Right now my legs and lower back are aching. Thankfully I don't have the other flu like symptoms. I'm telling myself that I've been thru worse pain.

Pat, thanks for all the support. Honestly, it's you guys that are stopping me from calling in a refill.  Going to try to eat something now. Will keep you guys posted.

[Pat1956100]

Hi Abby
Did you try the Hyland's Restless Legs?  How are you feeling now?

[dominosarah]

If you cant sleep dont go back to bed.  It only causes frustration.  Turn on the tv or music, read, look at a magazine, do crossword puzzles etc.  Soaking in a hot bath will help.  Eat some bananas also.  This could go on for a bit but you can and will get thru this.  Stay positive!

[Abby_916]

Agh!! Can't sleep! Legs are driving me crazy!! When is this going to be over?!

[Abby_916]

Almost time for bed and I know I won't be able to sleep. The gabapentin is helping with the sudden chills and heat. It's the legs that won't stop aching. Feel like cutting them off! I think a hot shower might help. I've tried so many times to quit and each time around day 2 or 3 I succumb to the weakness. I'm really praying this time will be different. Thanks to all of you for the support. I can't tell my hubby or my family because I won't be able to bear there disappointment. You guys feel like family too so just bear with me here. I know I'll be ranting soon as the WD gets worse. Good luck to all of us.

[dimethyltryptamine]

just from my experience i would say that you are in a very good position. at 25mg/day the physical dependency should be in a killable state.

[Pat1956100]

Okay, I have been thinking about you.  I love my walks now.  I find them so refreshing and I swear it's what is helping me sleep.
I am also taking a ton of vitamins and keep nourished for strength.
Lots and lots of fluids.  I prefer gatorade but water is good too.
Let us know how you are feeling and don't hesitate to ask any question you have.

[Abby_916]

It seems the final pill is calling out to me! Thanks to the gabapentin it's mostly just my legs that are killing me. Gotta keep my mind off of it. 14 hrs and it is only going to get worse. Going to try the walk like you, Pat. Luckily, we have really nice weather today in California. Better get myself out the door. Will keep you posted.

[Pat1956100]

Hi Abby,
Glad you are going to stock up on the things mentioned. It will help.
None of us would have kept taking these damn pills if we knew what would happen.  We didn't set out to become addicts but it happened and the great thing is we are getting clean and taking our lives back.
Please let us know how you are feeling.
You are half way thru day 1 already.
Keep going girl, you've got this.

[Abby_916]

Hi guys. 10 hrs without vicodin. Took one gabapentin. On my way to Walmart to pick up the stuff Pat suggested before symptoms get too bad. Already starting to feel it in my legs. If only I'd known how addictive this stuff was at the time of my surgery I'd have just gone thru the pain and never taken it. Thx for the support guys. Nobody in my family knows about my problem so it's really good to have a place where I can just say the truth. Will keep you posted as the day proceeds.

[Pat1956100]

Keep posting and let us know how you are feeling.  You don't have to do this alone.  We will be happy to help you through it.
Lots of great people here to offer you help and little tips to get through.
Make sure you are drinking lots of fluids and eat as much as you can.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hugs
Pat

[Abby_916]

Thanks to both Pat and Teresa! I appreciate the advice and support so much! I know I have a serious problem. It's only getting worse with time. I haven't increased the dosage for a long time now and can feel my body has built up the tolerance. I didn't feel "normal" anymore even when I took the 7.5mg. I have only two 5/500 pills left and no refills. I know for certain that none of the doctors will give me a refill so soon. I'm hoping that this will be the time for me to get
clean. I want to be free of this so badly! I feel the addiction is taking over my life. I've told myself that I just have to do it. I'm going to take the gabapentin to help with some of the WD symptoms. Thank you Pat, I'll be going to Walmart first thing in the morning. Thank you Teresa for the encouragement. It's so good to finally be able to say the truth and know others really understand. Thank you for the support and will keep you guys posted. Take Care

[Teresa1717]

Hi Abby and Welcome. You sound like so many of us here when we first came here in that we have guilt, shame and just complete loss at what to do! So your not alone! The first thing yoiu have to recognize is YOU made the first step and thats by saying you want help! But now that you have said you want help, are you willing to put in the work it takes? W/D's are no fun, im not going to lie. BUT the worst of it last only 3-5 days. It will be like a bad case of the flu. Do you have anyone that can help you through them? Pat gave some great tips on how to help with some of them, and you can also check out the Tomas Recipe which is very helpful too!

I can tell you the life your living (Dr. Shopping ) is not where you want to stay on for much longer honey. It leads to nowhere VERY fast! This forum is a great place to start and many people have beaten this disease just by staying close to here and posting lots and often. The support here is immense!

Keep posting, keep asking question, keep talking! Were here for you!!

[Pat1956100]

You can pick up Hylands Restless Legs at any Walmart or drugstore and it really helps.  Make sure you get some imdodium, gatorade, bananas, light foods, a good b vitamin, b12 vitamin and some epsom salts for hot baths whih also will really help your legs.
You can do this,  Many of us have.
Just think of it has having the flu for a few days.
Good luck to you and keep posting.