Opiate WD

[fixingmylife]

Anyone have advice for a long term small dose opiate user. I had heart surgery for a congential defect 10 years ago at the age of 20. I was prescribed opiates to deal with the pain from the cutting of my chest muscles and repairs to my heart. I stopped after my script ran out and under 6 months later I ended up back in the hospital with a new heart issue related to the scar tissue from my first surgery and underwent a second procedure. I again was prescribed meds and this time I re-upped my script for a second and third time. After the first year I found I was getting/taking them from anywhere I could get them. I have never used any other drug and do not drink but I would take anywhere from 1-3 pain killers daily. Never more than 3 ( In my mind it made it less of a problem) 10 years later and I have taken breaks for period of time but still use constantly. I made the decision last week to taper and stop. I am at the end of my first 36 hrs. without. I feel like hell and would appreciate any advice or help out there. Thank you.

[marycarmel]

I agree with the others.  Even though your dosage wasn't that high, you were on them a long time.  How did you taper?  Definitely bring your doctor on board.  He may want you to do more of a taper.  (Some people tapering from methadone or suboxone taper down to the the last milligram.)  Or he may give you Clonidine to help with the withdrawals.  It's an old medication that was used for high blood pressure.  It helps ease the withdrawal symotoms.  Your BP will most likely elevate during withdrawal.  While it helps with that, it somehow also helps with the other symptoms as well.  (I was prescribed it for nerve pain.)

You'll get great support here no matter what way you do it.  The supplements in the Thomas recipe will also help manage the withdrawals.

In general, it's safe to do a fast taper or cold turkey, unless you have any underlying health issues.

[katmandu516]

I definitely agree with ViCourageous.  Due to your history of heart issues and operations, I also would suggest you consult with your Dr. on this one.  Please keep posting on here and let us know how you are doing. Good Luck and God Bless. We are always here for you if you need to talk. I wouldn't wait too long on calling your Dr. because you said you stopped taking these pills 36 hours ago. Tomorrow will be 2 days without. I would call your doctor tomorrow and try and get in asap!

[VICourageous]

Hi & Welcome..It seems to be slow right now..We can assist you and hold your hand all the way on here..BUT I would be talking to the DR becasue of your Heart Issues. When we go through w/ds it plays havoc on the Heart and or the BP..I would like you to be Safe. Other then that you did not take High Doses and you would stop & start..From my experience your detox will not be as bad as some..BUT like I said PLEASE get the DR involved OK?? You can stick around here too..GREAT CARING SOULS OUT HERE.
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