Want to detox from Percocet

[Percforpain]

Hello,

This is my first post.  I have had chronic back, hip, and abdominal pain for over 5 years.  It has progressively gotten worse.  I have had every test imaginable over the last 2 years.  I started on Vic, then, Norco, and now Perc 10/325.  

I just turned 40 yesterday and am a wife and mother.  I know taking 12 percocets a day is not good for me, but I couldn't function in pain.  They allow me to be a somewhat normal mom.  The pain caused major depression and I am on Effexor and Lamictal.  I ran out of my script for Perc's 2 days ago, but I have morphine ER (that was prescribed when my pain was so severe I couldn't walk). So yesterday I started taking them to prevent withdrawals.  I am seeing my dr. today at 1pm to get my refill of Perc's.  I want to get off them, but don't want to be in pain.  I can hardly walk today from the pain.  

The only diagnosis i have is degenerative disk, which they say is mild.  It is all so frustrating.  I have real pain!  If I don't take pain med's (morphine doesn't take the pain away), my pain escalates and I end up in the ER.  

I went to the health food store and got the items suggested for a cold turkey method found here on these boards.  I started taking them yesterday.

Will my withdrawals start if I stop taking the morphine?  I took Benadryl last night to sleep, and I am having mild pain in my legs today.  I am getting the script today, but am contemplating going cold turkey, to lower my tolerance so that a lower dose can get me through.  

I know I am physically dependent and if I have them, I will take them to get through the day without pain.  I am nervous to go through withdrawals!  

Any advice or knowledge would be so appreciated!  

Sorry for the long post!  

[OpenMind24hours]

Yes, the morphine has prolonged the WDs and will continue to do so. It won't make your WDs any less by taking it right now. If and when you stop the morphine you'll then go into withdrawal. Sorry to say, in order to get to freedom we must first travel through the tunnel. Symptoms vary, but going ct is the quickes way to the other side. That's why I wish you could see a doctor who has charts on you. Especially the prescribing doctor.

What some have done is to taper very slowly, but with the addictive traits of opiates it's very hard to do without someone holding for you and dealing out you daily dosage. I wanted no part of a prolonged bout of restless legs and feet. I wanted out ASAP.

Getting off of the pain meds will allow you to judge your pain levels. Hope you get med benefits soon.

You can do this!

[Percforpain]

The reason for my question regarding wd's when I stop taking the morphine, is only because I assume that is what is preventing me from going into wd's already. Is it possible that they will get me through the first few days with mild wd symptoms??  Does that make sense?  Or are the morphine only prolonging the start of the wd's?  

[Percforpain]

Thank you for your response. I take Perc's but ran out (missed my apt with my dr for the refill last week). I had some morphine left over from an old script and only took them to prevent the wd's  

I am hoping that I can manage my pain with non narcotic meds.  I don't have a plan, and that is part if the problem.

You are right, if I have them I will take them. It *****!!!  We don't have medical insurance right now, so I pay cash for all dr's visits and scripts. Mg options are somewhat limited. I am hoping my husband is offered a ft benefited position by next month!!  

[OpenMind24hours]

Glad you  got started on the Thomas Recipe items. Yes, when you stop your opiate (thought it was Perc not Morphine) you will be in full withdrawal within 36 hours if you choose to go cold turkey. If you picked up the script of Percs today chances are you will take them more than not. I had to completely run them out, tell my doctor I wanted off and wanted no more scripts, and cut off my "family" suppliers also.

Question: if your pain is like you describe how do you plan to deal with it? I'm in the same boat. DDD. I did PT and I walk every day. I had a bad herniated disc and got ESI treatments. What is your pain plan? Do you see a doctor who is working with you on the pain and stopping the meds?