Tapering Schedule from Hydros 7.5/18-20 per day plus Fentanyl patches

[Whitney421]

I am taking the pills for degenerative disc disease, severe back pain post surgery and now I take them to get high. To even write that is a difficult admission for me but it's time I am honest with myself and my husband.  My marriage has begun to suffer and we have 3 children.  I won't allow this to tear my family apart. I discussed this with my husband and he has taken my pills and agreed to help me in tapering.   All that being said, I do not know a healthy schedule to taper.  I have started today with 14, going from 20 pills yesterday.  I feel depressed already.  But again, I have to do this.  Can anyone advise me of a good schedule with the least amount of withdrawl symptoms as possible?  Oh, and I was also recently prescribed Fentanyl by my doctor, aka drug dealer.  I have only used the patches for about a month and a half.  I don't have any patches left at the moment and can't refill for a few days.  Should I continue to use the patches to help me get off of the tablets or stop using the patches now?  I'm so confused and my doctor doesn't seem to be much help.  Sorry to babble, but please help.  Thank you!

[Whitney421]

I'm here, and thank you very much for your input.  I agree a new doctor is in order going forward but I think I may make an appointment with my current doctor to get a safe schedule in order.  We had discussed it before and he brought the strength down from 10s to 7.5s and then I stopped trying to come off of them and have been stuck here for a while.  With the help of my husband, I think I can do it.  One of the hardest parts is giving up control, which I've already done by giving him my pills   It's just so difficult and I don't know if I'm ready...still.  I keep thinking of reasons to give to my husband to get my pills back.  Hopefully he will stay strong and I will continue to come back to this forum and get support.  Thank you both for caring enough to comment and even checking back in with me.  Makes me feel very supported.  I'll be on here more often as the days and weeks go by.  : )

[scaredmommy2005]

Are you out here hun? Just want to know if your ok.

[Francyna]

Hello my darling hang n there. Promise you it gets greater later in a only the best way. Scaredmommy2005 hit  it on the nose....come off the pills, get advice about how to come off safely from gues what?  A NEW DR!!! ....lol

Please tell the NEW dr. Of your addiction to allow yourself a chance to live a new way of life.... Love and respect

[scaredmommy2005]

Hi there! In the past I was on the patches too. I can't tell you the best way for you to do this but I did one at a time starting with the pills first. Having the patch on helped my brain by thinking you are still getting the drug so your withdrawal are not as bad. I stopped cold turkey with the hydro and after a week of no pills I then had my doctor every 2 weeks lower my patch. I went from 100 to 75 then 50 to 25 and then 12.5 after I was on the 12.5 I would leave them on a few extra days and after 3 weeks I came off of them. This is not medical advise this is only what worked for me. I hope this helps you and I know you can do it. I was put on the patch at 15 years old and got off at 18. I was told by my doctor he was amazed that I got off of them. The patch was made for people who are terminally ill so people are meant to stay on them until death. Have you talked to your doctor about your addiction? He can help you with a taper plan as well as assist you in finding other ways to deal with your chronic pain. I also have chronic pain some days are better then others but everyday is better then worring about if you have enough pills! Good luck and please keep posting!

[Whitney421]

Bumping this post.  Please help me : (