RECOVERING FROM 12 YRS OF VICODIN

[bigbob18]

I was put on Vicodin for five previous surgeries. Two years ago, it became a major addiction. Two months ago, I tried to quit taking them and my doctor put me on Methadone for 30 days..well, after stopping the methadone I found it was just to hard to quit after going thru the w/d's. I then went back to the same dr. who gave me a prescription for 15 Vicodin. Needless to say, that didn't work either. I decided to go to a detox program for 5 days where they treated me with Suboxone. It's been a struggle but I have been drug-free for 3 weeks. I have been attending NA meetings 3X week. Last Friday, I began to see a counselor who suggested that I might be a candidate for Suboxone treatment to help with my aching legs, feet and back from a previous back surgery. I would just like any input on if this would be a good option? I am currently only craving the vic's a tiny bit. I believe I am through the worst of w'/d's,, but I still have chills and aching legs. I just don't know if going on Sub would be a good idea. Any input would be helpful.

[abel04]

Hi Bob & CONGRATULATIONS!  I'm eaten up with arthritis, got spinal stenosis, hip replacement....the discomfort is a b____ for real..........doc gives me ETODOLAC which is what I call uber aspirin (NSAID) also take lots fish oil (good quality).....it helps; but monstly i think i finally just got used to the pain & also accepted that just gotta do things slower & not trigger the discomfort.

I still take lots of baths like during WD but now for my discomfort; I also have a neck traction device that is heaven.

As our son used to say....keep on just keepin on!
proud for you in texas
annabel

[DayToTry]

The only thing I know about Subs is what I've read on this forum.  Check it out and then make a decision.  I wouldn't touch them ...

Sounds like you are coming to the same decision as me.  Good luck to you.  Now and forever.  I hope your aches get better.  Pain makes it difficult, but vicodin makes your life more difficult.

[bigbob18]

Thanks for responding...I am going to take control of my own body and despite what the dr's think or want me to do, I am not taking anything else. It's been 22 days  already so why go back to taking something?  I think I am thru the worst of w/d's. Now I am just going to continue my NA meetings and live drug free.

[Dannigirl210]

It does not look like anyone has responded to your inquiry.  I do not have any input on suboxone, I've just been using vics, well, it's been almost four days since I've been off them.  From some of the posts I've read, I'm not sure suboxone is best, especially if you are an addict.  I am not a doctor so I'm not sure.  I hope someone will respond to you. But my thoughts are get off any type of painkiller that is addictive. If you had a major addiction before I would think those may be a problem.  There are other options for pain management.  Talk to your doctor about something different for the pain instead of suboxone or vicodin.  The chills and aching legs will go away with time as they are w/d's. If you can get through those, you are almost there, the worst is the mental of wanting a vicodin. That's where I am right now, but I'm staying away.

Take care & I hope this helps!

Danielle