SUGGESTIONS TO STOP TAKING HYDROS

[pinkflowers43]

Hello -

After 3 neck surgeries I have been taking hydros daily for 3-4 years.   It's time for me to stop this terrible addiction but I'm scared and have no idea where to begin.   Suggestions?  

I'm 43 year old female, mother of two amazing kids.  Work full time in a very high-profile job so taking time off work is not an option.  I take approximately 40-50 mg daily of hydros so not a real high does but enough that I MUST take them or I feel terrible and freak out of the thought of not having my hydros.   I want to feel FREE again and stop this terrible addiction.  

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I am so scared!!!  

Thanks so much everyone!  

[pinkflowers43]

To All -

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions - I have made an apt with my primary physician to discuss the taper approach.  

It feels good to know I'm not alone - the support on this forum is great!  

I'm tired of letting this run my life, counting pills, stressing over running out and the physical affects this has on my body.

Thanks Again -

[gnarly_1]

Hi....well tapering seems to be your best option take your time  you still will feel the drops in dose but the withdrawal is manageable ...this is  a race one by the tortus not the hare  slow and steady wins the race  we cannot give taper advise on the forum it is agents the rules  it would be really helpful if you got your doctor involved  most can work out a safe taper plan  for you  keep posting for support and read the other posts we can help you threw this.........Gnarly

[NeverAgain127]

Hi honey:

I'm a female in a high stress, demanding job, and about 5 1/2 months ago, I was in the same spot as you.  Taking 40 mgs of oxycodone (stronger than what you are on, but still an opiate) every single day.

I wanted OFF the merry-go-round.  It CAN be done, but it will not be pleasant.   I agree with the others here; talk to your physician about tapering down, and then JUMP off.    You will have withdrawal symptoms, you can read about them here.  There is no way around them, but they wont' kill you.    

If you have any personal time or sick days, I'd take 2 before or after a weekend, so you have 4 days of solid time to just lay in bed and feel icky.  It gets better after that.

Good luck sweetie.   You're on the right track; get OFF these nasty meds...

Hugs,
-Robin

[Junip]

Hi, you sound a lot like me. I, too, have a demanding, high profile job and I have 5 year old twin boys. If you can't take time off I would recommend either tapering down or taking a long weekend to get through the worst of withdrawals.  It is not easy but you CAN do this and will feel free! I am almost 41.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I suggest that you speak with your prescribing physician and ask for help with a good taper plan. You say you don't have time from work..you NEED to make time to do this. Once you taper down and get off you will be free from the pills. This is the most important thing in your life right now. Do you think your doctor will work with you on a taper plan?

[Frogger76]

Hi!! Is it possible for you to maybe take off work for at least the first few days of detox? I only ask cuz it sounds like you've got a pretty demanding job, and it's gonna be hard to focus on work for a few days. There is something called the Thomas Recipe, some say it helps ease the withdrawal symptoms. Regardless, you're still gonna have withdrawal symptoms (flu-like symptoms, but feels nothing like the flu), you're sleep will also be affected for a while, as well as some anxiety. All are normal when detoxing. It's gonna be rough, but you'll be feeling better in a week or so. Hang in there!!!  I wish you the very best. ~Sherry