New here, 3rd day off Oxycontin...still no sleep

[Xandria]

Hello everyone, I am very happy to have found this forum.  See, I actually HAD to go cold turkey off oxy as my prescriptions are lasting for shorter as I take more and more...I have been on 80-160mg per day for several years, as well as tylenol #4 for severe pain.  My initial plan was to just suffer until I get my re-fill next week, but after reading so many stories here I am determined to stay off (I REALLY hope I can resist, this drug is evil).
I'm on day three, and did manage to sleep for an hour this afternoon but sadly irritable leg syndrome, twitching and kicking is making sleep impossible though I have to admit, it is less than yesterday.  It's also really fun when the diarrhea kicks in, as I live in a big old farmhouse with only one bathroom on the main floor so scared to even go to the bedroom on the opposite end or risk having an accident on the race down to the toilet.  
My main symptoms have been the leg restlessness, impossible insomnia, rapid heart-rate, really high blood pressure, dry/cracked lips, HIGH anxiety, sensitive to anything touching my skin, complete body weakness, all this leading to not being able to function properly...even bathing is an exhausting chore.
Last time I went through this I REALLY screwed myself up, and ended up in emergency.  I strongly caution anyone trying to substitute alcohol, in order to help through withdrawal is DON"T!!!!!!  It makes withdrawal MUCH MORE SEVERE (sorry for the caps, but I can't stress enough).  It won't help you pass-out, sleep, or curb the symptoms, it really just makes you more crazy as you still can't sleep, now you can't even think straight, and increases the blood pressure and heart-rate.  Then to add fuel to the nightmare, a hangover along with the symptoms.  
A few things that have helped a bit this time; Gravol (Dimenhydrate tablets), meant for motion sickness.  Not sure why, but eases up on the anxiety and after taking 3 tablets I managed to sleep a precious hour.  I stopped drinking anything with caffeine or other stimulates, and downing a lot of water and chamomile tea instead.  A hot bath also eased up some symptoms (but getting motivated to get into it is a bit tricky).  Reading has also kept me sane this time, as it distracts me from focusing on the things I am unable to do, and not stress so much about it.  Reading all the posts here...I guess misery does love company.  It's nice to know there are people going through this crazy time, and also hearing from people who are clean and never have to suffer like this again.  Because last time I ended up in emergency, they prescribed Altace (Ramipril) to get my blood pressure under control.  I had some left, and I began taking them again (5mg once a day).  These really help when you feel your heart is going to explode!
Hope anything I've written manages to help somebody, and thank you to all you other posters who've helped keep me sane and on the road to recovery.

[Xandria]

Thank you, you all are so wonderful....I truly am amazed at the compassion shown by so many people.  Willing to guide a stranger like me and others through this horrible experience and offer so much support.  I called my neighbor, so added those to the list.  Hoping they have that at our local pharmacy...I'm over an hour to the nearest city, so stuck using the town pharmacy that doesn't carry too many extras.

[Xandria]

LOL!  I bet that hurt like crazy, so I shouldn't chuckle, but I did!  I'm not so accomplished a rider either, and because of my knee surgeries I have to be really careful.  I certainly wouldn't try and tempt fate by going bareback at full speed....you are an animal!!!  I just like a nice, slow trail ride with her, nothing strenuous or brave like jumping or galloping around!
That's a great idea about the Boost...I haven't been able to keep anything in...goes out just as quick from both ends.  Probably isn't helping the weak, shaky feeling.  Last time I was withdrawing, I tried high caffeine drinks thinking they would give me a little pick-me-up...was almost as big a mistake as the drinking I mentioned earlier.  All the "Red Bull" and assorted caffeine drinks left me shakier, more anxious, faster heart rate and much more alert and aware of my physical symptoms.  
I'm lucky today...my air is getting fixed as I type :)  Mine wasn't working at all this year, but lucky it's still under warranty.  Hope the cool environment will help a bit too.

[worried878]

Lots use melatonin or valerian root for sleep....if u feel anxious..i would avoid caffeine as well....altho greent tea is full of theanine and can be calming..exercise helps if u can mange just a few minutes a day and try and build up...good luck and hang on..the sleep comes back with time

[sadinmichigan]

hey girl! I was thinking maybe you could try some energy drinks..Like boost or something. I don't know how your appetite is but I know mine has always been pretty weak anyway and when I went through all this I had to force feed myself. I suffered from anorexia all through my teen years so i have some left over problems from it, but try to get something in you. I hear you loud and clear about this dang heat and humidity. My a/c broke a month ago and I am not liken it..lol..
I know your feeling guilty about the animals..a good thing about them is they will still love you! Maybe you could get the sweet girl that helps you out to maybe spend a little extra time this week..tell her you have the flu. (thats what most of us say)
I wanted to tell you I LOVE to ride horses. My in-laws have 2 gigant clydesdales (belgium) oh are they beautiful.Also a quarter horse,palomino,and applalousa(spelling). Infact I had a "accident" on a horse while riding bareback and messed my shoulder up forever!  I am not an accomplished rider by any means and shouldn't have been allowed on a horse bareback..LOL. She was running down a hill and I started to slide,my natural instincts was to grab a fence post!! LOL..didn't stop the horse but I'll tell you what..It sure stopped me! That wasn't one of my brighter moments..

[Xandria]

Thanks for the encouragement...I'll add nyquil to my neighbors list...I have so much I have to do, that the lack of sleep is probably the worst symptom for me.  Feel very weak with no energy.  The animals don't deserve to suffer just because I am struggling.  They are not getting 100% of my attention so I feel guilty as well as physically ill.  
What kind of horses do you have?  I love my girl, she's a 7 year old standardbred.  Can't wait to feel good enough to go out on a ride with her again.
I agree about feeling bad about stereotyping....it's amazing how no one is safe from the drug demons.

[wanttobeclean]

Hi Xandria!  I'm so glad you are using this opportunity to get off them completely.  It's amzing how the addiction creeps up on you and takes hold.  When I finally woke up and realized how much I was taking, how I was getting them and what I was risking, I was ready to vomit.  I'm similar to you....not what (in the past) I had thought of as someone who abused drugs (awful sterotyping which I regret!) Yet here I am just as much of an addict as anyone else.  I'm on my 10th day, and it does get better.  I had a lot of trouble sleeping too.  I've used Nyquil about 30 minutes before bedtime and that really has done the trick for me.  I'll live with "needing" the Nyquil for a bit if it gives me that precious sleep.  Stay strong and hang in there!

BTW...I live on little farm too...just 2 horses, 3 dogs and a cat...but they keep me busy too!