Needing advice

[ABL4ME]

I've been reading a lot of the posting in this forum on and off all day.  I've started at least 3 questions and was interrupted...I'm hoping to get this one through :)  My situation is very similar to many here.  I started taking prescription pain meds in December 2006.  To date, I take over 15 pills a day because of my tolerance.  Long story short, I had a long talk with my specialist yesterday.  She pulled my pharmacy records, which dated back to 2006.  I was shocked, embarrassed and very defensive.  After sleeping on her advice, I decided she was absolutely right, I need to stop taking the medication NOW...regardless of my pain level.  I've known for quite sometime that I had developed a problem, however, wasn't ready to face it.  The addiction has taken over most of my life.  I can't travel unless I have enough to last for several days, I can't do a lot of things simply because I am worried about running out of my meds.  So, instead of focusing on the real problem, which is my back, I've allowed the vicoden or the vicoprofen or the percocet dictate how I go about my daily life.  I realize I am cheating myself out on so much of my life because the drug has consumed me.  I have never had a problem with alcohol or drugs, therefore, I never believed something like this could happen to me.  My specialist gave me another prescription...to taper me off.  Yea right...someone who takes over 15 pills a day is not going to take 4 a day when there is a bottle in front of them.  My decision is to go cold turkey..starting within the next 24 hrs.  In the past, I've gone 24 hours without the medication in my system...so I have a good idea what the withdrawal is going to feel like...however, I have never made it beyond that time frame.  My husband seems to think it would be a good idea to keep a few pills in the house, in case the "anxiety" from the withdrawal is too much for me to handle.  My opinion, if they are here, I am going to find them, take them and lose my battle.  Does anyone agree?  I'm here because I really appreciated how everyone is so willing to help the other out.  I am hoping someone will be able to hold my hand via Internet (lol) over the next 72+ hrs or so.  I do not "think" it will be a problem for me if I can make it past 72 hrs...simply because I am determined to get my life back...but, I am afraid of caving in because we get soooooooo sick from the withdrawals.

Any advice given is so greatly appreciated!

[K Todd]

Good to hear from you, I was wondering about you.

Have you just started, did you take your last pill yet?

I dont know if you take anti-anxiety medications, but alot of people have found xanax to be real helpful with sleep and anxiety.

You just have to be real careful with benzo's. Xanax is very addictive, however if you can get some from you doc for 1-2 weeks, that will help alot, you just have to stop them before a month hits, because you dont want to get addicted to another drug...

So...how are you feeling right now? Are you sleepy at all.

Just remember why your doing this, and never forget it, even during the worst of the worst...and we'll be here for you thru the 72 hours and the next months to come (-:

God Bless,
Lots of Love to you,
Todd

[ABL4ME]

I took my last pill(s) about 10 hrs ago.  I am used to going this long, however, I am usually sleeping through much of it :)  I'm planning on going to bed in a few minutes as I know what I am in for tomorrow.  As for the Xanax and anti-depressants...I really did not like how I reacted to them.  And, it could be my paranoia, but I swore I felt mild withdrawal symptoms from Xanax after 2 days ...and that was just taking 1 before bed.  And, you are so right, the last thing I need is to get hooked on another pill while defeating another.  I went out earlier and bought Immodium and Tylenol PM.  If that doesn't work...well, we'll see what happens.  I am just going to take each hour as it comes and pray for the best.

I'm off to bed.  Hope you get a good nights sleep and.... YOU keep up the GREAT work!  YOU should be VERY PROUD of YOURSELF!!!

[K Todd]

xanax gave me the same type of feeling.

It's good you got the Immodium...and you might want to try melatonin with over the counter sleep aids. You can get benadryl...it has the same ingredient that tylenol pm has...however the tylenol may help with your pain.

Well, I soooo proud and happy for you, and I still dont get alot of sleep, so I will be here in the morning for you!

Have a good night rest, this will mark the first day, for a healthy and happy life right ahead of you.
Good Bless you, and your in my prayers.
Love,
Todd

[ABL4ME]

Good Morning.  I am sure you already know I am not feeling that great.  No major symptoms yet, but really do not feel like doing much of anything but lay in bed.  I am NOT looking forward to the next few days but know it is what I have to do to get my life back.  The good thing is..I have a dog (a collie) who is demanding I take her on a walk. (Everyone else in the house is sleeping)  Although I look like **** at least I am keeping myself moving in spurts...lol I am sure that will end soon too.

Hope you have a great day and I'll be back on later.
Take care and stay strong.

[wannabefree330]

congrats on your decision! We are all rooting for you.  We all know you have a few rough days ahead, but listen....try not to think about tomorrow okay?  Think only about getting through today.  All you need to worry about is today and deal with the rest when it comes.  Time seems to go by soooooo slow during w/d.  So hang in there!  I remember getting so excited when nightfall came!  Another day under my belt.  Believe in yourself that you can get through this.  4 days of being sick is so much better than a lifetime of misery being a slave to some dammn pill!

[anewbeginning]

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck & let you know that like Todd...I went c/t from the same dosage & same drug. I wanted to be done & get it over with & I survived it just fine. I am clean, sober, & all thanks to this forum. Good luck & keep posting!