Need your help

[whipper]

I have recently had back surgery for my second spinal cord stimulator which is a huge success.  Due to health insurance garbage after using the fentanyl patch for over 8 years my monthly cost has risen from $7 a month to approx $500 a  month starting May. I am now on a detox program through my Dr.  Now due to the cost of cigarettes I am trying to quit smoking.  This is so unbelieveable that all of this is happening at once to me.  I have become fairly depressed but don't want to let it show to my wife who is a big worry wort.  Any guidance would be appreciated.  I need to gain some strength from somewhere and fast.

Whipper

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I never had a cigarette problem, but have worked with many that have .....I am qualified in fentanyl though.  I have to agree that with the two you picked it may be wiser to stop one at at a time.  You may need to allow six weeks for the fentanyl to feel right and it is a constant battle. But winning the war is a huge and positive thing. Same with the cig's - but some frinends have had strong cravings for several months....and they didnt think that it was easy - although they did get it done with lots of friends that didnt smoke but supported them fully ........... they also thought that the patches and the gum worked nicely toward the end to taper...............

[refusingbondage]

Just want to send some prayers and support your way also.  I've also heard how fentanyl is a really hard detox..  You are going off just cold turkey?  Kudos to you for doing this.. as far as the smoking.. Yeah.. Im right there with you.. when I detoxed off suboxone, cigarettes were the only thing I had and boy did I cling to them.. I dont think the thought to quit them at the same time would have even sounded like english to me .. but now im 7 months past that and having a hard time quitting the cigs.. Im down to roughly 3-5 per day so Im making progress but as the days go on the numbers keep rising.. You have incredible, and admirable strength.  Stay strong and best of luck!

[meandhimoff]

They say to try not to quit too many things at once fentanyl patchs are rough but you can do it I came off oxys and I used everything I could get my hands on just so i wouldn't be dope sick and I messed with those alot as long as you are on protocal and take baths With epsom salts and keep your Mind Strong cuz its a battle but you can do it!!!

[whipper]

I appreciate your reply so much.  I have tried and have been very strong over these last 8 years but with the detox and the cigarettes of which I have smoked for over 40 years appears to be a little to much to handle.  Your kind reply is giving me a lift today and that is just what I need.  I also will pray very hard for you to finally get the strength to get rid of this rotten habit that has controlled us for so long.  We will do it and be so happy when we are not totally dependant on the sticks from hell.  Have a strong day my good friend and lets do it.  Thank you again for the help you have given me today.

Whipper

[kim715]

I'm lifting you up in prayer and sending tons of strength your way my friend.I don't know anything about fentanyl,but I can relate to the depression that comes with detox and I can also relate to the need to quit smoking.I have been clean from vicodin for over 2 years,clean from methadone for over a year and now it's time to quit the smoking.Which I am having a huge problem doing.In the last 2 months I've tried twice and failed,working on my third attempt now.Keep posting and all the best to you.....Kim