One down, two to go!

[Joanetta234]

I managed to quit the norco.  Next is the fentynal patches,  I''ve been taking 50's for years and the Dr. wrote me a script for 25's.  Does anyone know with the new style of patches, can you cut them in half?  I know you're not supposed to....but it sure would make my life easier!  After the patches, I need to quite the ambien.  I think that will be the hardest.  Thanks everyone for the support I have received so far.

[Joanetta234]

Doing okay.  I need to be out of town for a short time, but when I get back, I have the 25s and I'll start the switch.  The norco is completely out of my system, so no more wd symptoms.  The migraines are worse than ever.  I have an appointment at the end of August with a new dr. for a non-narcotic treatment.  I'm hoping the time goes by quickly and that when it is here that the new treatment helps.  
I want to thank everyone for the words of encouragement and support in my struggle to be opiate free.  Believe me it helps.

[atthebeach]

Hey Joan how are you doing?

[selfinduced]

Debbie is SO right. I too had migraines and couldn't understand it. I dodn't have them growing up and was on hydro's for another ailment. They were so bad I couldn't eat, sleep or move. My dr. put me on amitriptyline at the same time I was detoxing and  WAHLA, headaches were gone. I decided to see if it was the new med helping or being off the opiates and guess what. I stop amitri. after 2 months use and never had a migraine again. It's been a year and a half. I swear those pills cause rebound headaches. Ice on the back of the neck does wonders as do massages if you can get one when you feel it coming on.

[Joanetta234]

Thank you Debbie for the good advice.  I have migraines.  I get them almost every day to the point that I am nauseated and vomiting,  The usual migraine medicines don't help,  There is a newer Botox injection treatment that my dr wants me to try,  All I know is that my head hurts so bad...

[atthebeach]

great job getting off the Norco. you stated you didn't have many withdrawal symptoms that is wonderful. the patch step down is 50%, please look at the bottom right side of this page for the Thomas recipe and amino acid protocol. build your body up as much as possible, drink protein shakes, ensure, boost also really helps.
try to move as much as possible, try to get in some exercise each day it really is important to help your brain reproduce the natural chemicals again.
taking walks, getting some sunshine will also help with your isolation. staying isolated will only make you feel worse. get out and walk around at the stores.
what type of pain do you have? many times the pain gets worse from the opiates. it is called hyperalgesia, opiate induced pain. once your are off them for 2 to 3 months you can re-evaluate the pain. alternate methods of pain management could be exercise, swimming, physical therapy, acupuncture, hydro therapy, massage, chiropractor.
you are doing awesome. keep moving forward.
sending prayers and encouragement,
debbie

[stayathomemom75]

Coming from someone who took Ambien for 10 years and is now tapering off Tramadol - take it from me, Ambien is SUPER easy to kick. In fact, I quit it CT and don't recall a single discomfort.
Of course, everyone is different but I imagine the Ambien would be quite helpful to you right now so don't quit until you're done with the patches.

[Joanetta234]

Thank you for the advice.  It helps to talk to someone who may have been through something similar and that seems to care.

[selfinduced]

Ok, so your  not abusing it at all. Thats great! I wouldn't stress or even think about the ambien now. You will have about 4 sleepless nights, but when your strong and healthy from being opiate free, you'll be better equipt to deal. Just be careful not to up your dose (ambien) while detoxing from the patch or you will get into a rebound anxiety situation. It may very well be your Doc is not educated with w/d's or just may not want mop up duty. Don't be afraid to go to an addiction specialist if your able and get support.

[Joanetta234]

This place seems to have the most help of the kind I feel I need.  And I appreciate all the support all of you are giving me.  
I have not addressed the fact that I am still (and even more so now) in alot of pain.  I am looking in to a different treatment, but it won't happen until August.
(the new dr/s first available appointment.

[Joanetta234]

I've been taking ambien for about 5 years.  I started with 5 mg and went up to 10 (where I've been the last 3 years).  I go right to sleep when taking it, but I'm awake off and on all night, and then I wake up early in the morning.

[VICourageous]

Oh No! I would try to go to another Dr..You can stay on here for Support..We do have some people that did use the patches like Selfinduced said.Just keep checking your post..They zoom in & out..Stay with us you can do this.
Bless

[Joanetta234]

My dr seems to be distancing himself from my decision to cut out the opiates.  Yes he did give me the scrip for the 25 patches, but his idea is for me to check in to the hospital for a while to kick this stuff. (without his help).  I'm angry about this and I'm angry that he helped get me in this position, and now I feel like he is bailing.

[selfinduced]

How many ambien do you take a night and what mg and for how long? I just text my friend who is probably still snoozing, but will hit you back soon. On your home page you will see something saying inbox. Click on that and you'll see private messages from other members if they are sent. I'll send you a test now.

[Joanetta234]

Thank you for the encouragement!  No I do not know about PM's.
After the fentnyal is gone and I start to get red of the ambien, Its not so much wds as not sleeping.  I already don't sleep well with the ambien.  I have found that I have to sleep or my depression kicks in and that brings on even more problems. I just have to be able to sleep.
Yes, I would appreciate more advice on the patches please....

[addict3]

I have to agree with VICourageous, Work with your Dr.
50% seems like a pretty hefty cut anyway.
Have you and the Dr. made provisions for  handling your pain?
Congrats on your decision to get off of the opiates.
You should consider some type of aftercare or support for when you are free.
Again,congrats and good luck!

[selfinduced]

Hi Jonetta and welcome, I will PM my friend on here that has much experience with Fentynal patches and ask her to PM you. Do you know how to retrieve your Private messages? I think the order of drug you are eliminating is very wise. As for me (and I abused ambien), it was not hard at all to come off of, although I have read on here others that had trouble. Either way, you will do this and as VI said above, getting your life back is worth every edgy moment. Price of freedom and a small price at that.

[VICourageous]

Alright! Looks like you have a good positive out look. I have heard that you are not to cut them patches either. Can you ask the Dr to take you down some on the mgs? Other wise just keep up what you have been doing..Each step is going toward a whole new life.Your head will get clearer & clearer as you take each one away.
Hang Tight!
vickie