My plan in action tomorrow

[GACarol]

Well, I picked my day September 22nd as my last day of meds. Nothing special about that day (yet) except it is a Wednesday and I want the weekend for what I think will be the worst days 3&4. I am such a nerd but I printed out a taper schedule and I start tomorrow. Today I started taking a multi vitamin, potasium suppliment (I get bad cramps), and Zoloft since I hear depression is bad and I use to take it so I have a good 30 day supply. I am planning on taking a 1/4 of immodium starting the day before the 22nd and slowly upping it. Immodium usually stops me up completely and I get terrible stomach cramps so I am hoping a 1/4 to start will work for me.
I'm just sharing because this place is a good outlet and annoymous. I plan on posting my tapering feelings and then my WD's. It has helped me to read about what others have gone through and I hope one day I can return that even if it is just to one person.
I had the unfortunate experience to see a very good friend make it to day 12 today after a vicodin 10 mg - 20 a day, 3 year habit and I must say I am scared to death. She had such a hard time. My intake is 3-5 of the 10 mg and almost 1 year. I hope its not as bad as she experienced but at least I know what to expect. I have the support of my boyfriend and my teenage children know as well. They know that I have had multiple back surgeries and just don't want to take the meds anymore. I explained to them that they don't work well for my pain and my body is addicted to them. I felt that I wanted them to know so that they would understand what was happending and hopefully for some education as well. Others may disagree with me doing this but I am comfortable with it.
Good luck to all fighting this and thanks to all that have helped without even knowing.

[GACarol]

I just love this place, thank you to all of you for the support. Started my first day of the taper which isn't hard as it is only 1/2 of a 10 mg less than I am use to. About the zoloft, I can get those so I will be sure to contact my family doctor and it shouldn't be a problem getting back on them. I took them for years and one day just decided to stop, I don't remember any problems with WD but there could have been some slight WD. I'm really looking forward to feeling my 1st symptoms which sounds crazy but it will let me know I am on my way to being rid of this crazyness!

[Tigerlily922]

Wow, I think its amazing that your planning everything out so precisly!  I think I'll take this tip from you and do the same when my time comes!  I think its a good idea that you were truthful with your children and I agree with what Lindsay said about them already knowing.  I think if your not being honest or your keeping secrets from them, it causes more problems.  Its a difficult thing for children to deal with but I've always strongly believed in good communication and having an open relationship....my parents did not do that with me and I know how that made me feel.  I also agree with what Goingtomakeit said about taking the Zoloft.  If you only have a 30 day supply you could be setting yourself up for a real setback when you run out.  I too have recently started taking my Zoloft again and the first thing I did was make sure that I had plenty of refills so that I don't run out any time soon.  Good luck to you, it really sounds like you've got a great plan here!

[ladylisa109]

I am 27 days off of Tramadol and the BEST thing I did when I stopped was explain what was going on to my fiance and my 13 yr old daughter.  I give them a ton of the credit for helping get through the WDs and getting to where I am today.  I have a 4 yr old son and my 13 yr old was incredible with him those first horrible few days.  She has always been great with him and he thinks of her as Mom the Second, but she was even more exceptional while I was at my worst.  Told my fiance we are gonna owe her a really nice car in a few years lol.  What I am trying to say though is one of the best things you did in your preparation for this is to let the ones that love you most know.  Not only will their support and understanding be invaluable but they will help to keep you accountable.  Also, keep posting and updating here because this web site is what kept me going those first rough days and the people here are wonderful.  I wish you the very best and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Blessings, Lisa

[Lindsay_T]

Work your plan. You are not a nerd, just thoughtful and deliberate. And I agree about coming cleaning with your kids. Like my 13 yo daughter told me "mom, come on. If a parent is addicted... the kids ALREADY know."

[GoingToMakeIt]

Sounds like someone who is going to be successful. Way to go! The only thing I would say is to be careful using an anti-depressant on an as needed basis, or for just a month. They aren't designed to be taken that way.
Good luck, and keep us posted.

[Icntkickit]

WOW! Thanks for sharing your story! It sounds like a plan ;)!!! Good luck and I'm pulling for you