Aa
Was I ready!?
I posted yesterday about my w/d and now am on day 4 and REALLY now wondering if was ready for this so fast!? been taking narco for years for chronic pain. I see my Dr. On 18th and terrified on what to say to him. He deosnt know I've stopped! And I'm not sure how to tell him about this or even that I've become dependent,( although I'm sure he's not stupid) anyway I'm scared I will just walk out of there with another script in hand of narco and this hell would be for nothing! So I'm asking how to have this convo since I so need things for pain and I'm not sure if it's the withdrawl talking or what but I almost want to just say screw it and go back due to mostly being scared of talking to my doc about it......
SMART recovery is also free....At least it is here. They also have online meetings. Try them all. See which one fits you best. But try them. You need aftercare. You need to get to a place where you understand WHY you were self-medicating and find new ways to deal with these issues.
I loved SMART because it is all about empowerment and finding balance in your life (something I've always suc*ed at!)
I'm still a work in progress, we all are. But I've come a long way from the victim I'd made myself out to be before I began recovery.
Your life is totally worth it.
xo
Lu
I loved SMART because it is all about empowerment and finding balance in your life (something I've always suc*ed at!)
I'm still a work in progress, we all are. But I've come a long way from the victim I'd made myself out to be before I began recovery.
Your life is totally worth it.
xo
Lu
I don't think your doctor will be anything but happy for you. I didn't tell my doctor when I quit...told him afterwards. Then I had to have total knee replacement surgery and PT and went back on pain meds for a little while. I told my doctor I wanted to quit them again, and the only thing he told me was to not go cold turkey, like I did the first time, but to taper. So, I did that but after a few days, I just quit. I had extensive dental surgery while off the pain meds...8 implants...and didn't take even a tylenol for pain. I told my dentist I had been on Norco for years and had quit and didn't want to go back. He offered to prescribe me some 800 mg Ibuprofin, but I told him I didn't need it...had some at home. I didn't even take that. My dentist confided in me that his son had OD on pain pills a few years ago. He was happy that I didn't take them. I wasn't addicted to the point that I abused my prescription but I was totally dependent on them. For me the withdrawal was one thing....even no more than I was taking, I was sick for a week, but the worst was the lethargy I felt for about a month...but once I got past that, I felt super. Better than I had in years. People here are absolutely right. Your brain will trick you into wanting to take them. There are wonderful people on this forum who will walk with you every step of the way. Good luck to you.
aftercare will cost you zero dollars. just google NA or AA meetings.
very wise decision to stop the vicious circle of trying to get through every month with enough medication.
as time goes on we need more and more because we are so tolerant, but rightly so doctors don't really take that into consideration.
i used to take them for ddd and spinal stenosis. i THOUGHT i was in so much pain until i fell off a roof and broke my back (4 places), hip and pelvis. then i KNEW what pain was, but i already had such a tolerance that it is impossible to get my pain under control. for that reason if i were anyone else i would take into consideration that we don't know what the future holds and if something horrible happens they won't be able to control your pain.
i say stick to it and tell your doctor you want to go off of it to see what your true pain levels are or that you want to avoid building a tolerance.
very wise decision to stop the vicious circle of trying to get through every month with enough medication.
as time goes on we need more and more because we are so tolerant, but rightly so doctors don't really take that into consideration.
i used to take them for ddd and spinal stenosis. i THOUGHT i was in so much pain until i fell off a roof and broke my back (4 places), hip and pelvis. then i KNEW what pain was, but i already had such a tolerance that it is impossible to get my pain under control. for that reason if i were anyone else i would take into consideration that we don't know what the future holds and if something horrible happens they won't be able to control your pain.
i say stick to it and tell your doctor you want to go off of it to see what your true pain levels are or that you want to avoid building a tolerance.
Congrats on day 5. that is amazing! I truly believe that aftercare is a must. This is a "WE" thing, not a "I" thing. You don't need money for aftercare. there are Church groups that have meetings for addicts. Also, NA is free and there you will find people just like yourself who will help you through this and teach you to live life without drugs. It is a big step to walk into a meeting and say "My name is ___ and I'm an addict" but it also is a huge relief to finally say it but know that you will be with other addicts who understand you. Here is the link to find a meeting near you. Please consider it and let us know how it was. I'll say a prayer for you hun. Hang in there.
http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/
http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/
Lulu, you've been amazing! And yes I'm on day 5 of no narco just taking vitamine b12, fish oil naproxen for the pain and Imodium for tummy. I'm starting to feel a little better physically but mentally struggling like crazy. One of the hardest parts is basicly doing this alone and have no access to after care due to financial issues!
That's exactly why I stopped. I'd had the surgery that 'fixed' me and I realized I was self medicating. I'd been through huge medical trauma and a violent marriage which I ended. I knew deep inside myself I was still taking pills because I was afraid to feel. I also felt they were adding to my anxiety and depression and after being clean only a short while I found out I was right. I also found I was in 90% less pain. I realized I'd dodged a bullet and I had stopped before I'd lost everything. I'd already lost so much already.
What I needed, what we all need, is aftercare.
Counselling, CBT, EMDR, Smart Recovery. This was what I did. I realized that the answers to my problems could not be found in a pill bottle. I had to work really, really hard but I can honestly tell you it was the BEST thing that ever happened to me. Prior to this last set back with the return of my endo, my life was the most joyous it had ever been. I achieved things I never thought possible and most importantly, I found acceptance and contentment with myself. Something I hadn't had since I was a little girl.
The journey is so worth it and so are you.
Day 4/5 are really hard for most and it is normal to question. You are addicted and you are going to need to find a healthy replacement for the pills.
If you commit yourself 100% to recovery then you will be AMAZED at the gifts that it brings you.
I promise.
Lu
What I needed, what we all need, is aftercare.
Counselling, CBT, EMDR, Smart Recovery. This was what I did. I realized that the answers to my problems could not be found in a pill bottle. I had to work really, really hard but I can honestly tell you it was the BEST thing that ever happened to me. Prior to this last set back with the return of my endo, my life was the most joyous it had ever been. I achieved things I never thought possible and most importantly, I found acceptance and contentment with myself. Something I hadn't had since I was a little girl.
The journey is so worth it and so are you.
Day 4/5 are really hard for most and it is normal to question. You are addicted and you are going to need to find a healthy replacement for the pills.
If you commit yourself 100% to recovery then you will be AMAZED at the gifts that it brings you.
I promise.
Lu
Well I wanted to stop because I though and still think they were adding to my anxiety and depression even though I would run to them every time I had a overwhelming bad though , stress or feeling. I would end up taking MUCH MORE than I should have and run short every month! I am getting sick of counting pills and depending on them and counting down the days till I got more. So in addition to the pain I was def self medicating in many more ways with them!
I forgot to mention...I used both the Lidoderm patches (main medication is Lidocaine ... like the stuff they use to numb your mouth at the dentist) AND I also have Voltaren Gel (a gel based anti-inflammatory). I am so greatful the doctor prescribed those to me. Without them I would not be able to work...I have major issues in both shoulders (need surgery at some point) and without something to alleviate the pain I would NOT be able to work. With the use of the patches, gel and I also have an awesome shoulder heating pad (it actually fits perfectly on the shoulders and neck) I am able to work and earn my badly needed bill money :-)
Well I just had to do the same thing...I saw my doctor on Thursday. How serious are you about staying clean? If you are dead serious then tell your doctor. I mean the doctors already know that if anything else that we are what they call medically addicted and they all know what a short step it is to go from medically addicted to dependent. If you have a good doctor he'll be able to help you...especially with some of the CT withdrawal side effects. Mine gave me a prescription to take instead of Immodium...it also has a side benefit by helping reduce my anxiety and stress. That would have been SO handy during the first 5 days of CT...now I'm getting the med because of my tummy flu or exhaustion/stress reaction (I still think it is tummy flu or why else would the antibiotic shot he gave me have helped with the fever?)
I had my doctor draw up a contract that states that I don't want him to give me any kind of narcotics/opiates UNLESS I'm going to have surgery or something happens where I'm in extreme pain. Under those circumstances he is to only give me enough to get me through and stop me as soon as possible. We also added to the contract that I'm to never get any type of opiate or narcotic drug from any other doctor. He's turned out to be a wonderful medical support for me!
I had my doctor draw up a contract that states that I don't want him to give me any kind of narcotics/opiates UNLESS I'm going to have surgery or something happens where I'm in extreme pain. Under those circumstances he is to only give me enough to get me through and stop me as soon as possible. We also added to the contract that I'm to never get any type of opiate or narcotic drug from any other doctor. He's turned out to be a wonderful medical support for me!
WHY do you want to quit? I think that's the biggest question. I personally - as I'm sure is the case with most addicts - would love nothing more than to have a continuous script from a doctor and just be legit. So if you need them and you have access to them, what is your motivation for quitting?
By no means saying you shouldn't want to quit - Just would be easier to advise if I/we knew your motivation!
By no means saying you shouldn't want to quit - Just would be easier to advise if I/we knew your motivation!
hey there-
I'd went cold turkey without telling my doctor. I'd been tapering for a long while but she'd said I'd probably always need pain meds for my 4 chronic painful illnesses. When I saw her two weeks clean and happy she was amazed and happy for me! After a month I was in 90 % less pain than I was ON the opiates. Last fall when I had a bad flare of my worst painful illness (stage 4 endo) she kept offering to prescribe me pain meds. I kept refusing as I was scared to go back and wanted to see if I could deal in other ways. Unfortunately, my pain just got worse and worse and it became clear I would need another surgery (which I am to have Oct.3) In April I finally relented and went back on a low dose which I've had to increase as my symptoms increase. It su*ks but it's my only option as NSAIDS are a no no for Crohn's patients and they wouldn't touch this pain.
I truly believe that opiates have their time and place. I don't think I would be able to take them in good conscience unless I absolutely had to, and I do. But I've also worked a strong recovery program for the past 3 years and know the ins and outs of how to deal.
I would say to be honest with the doc and say the pills aren't working for you and you want to try alternative meds.
Beware of Celebrex. It has many side effects and is difficult to stop also. I have a volunteer friend who has had a nightmarish time with Celebrex. But that's just one story, so do your research and make sure it's what you want. As with any medication, the need for it must outweigh the side effects and it's always your choice.
My Mom has hard core back issues, her spine is completely disintegrating. She does chiro/physio, stretches, naproxen, and voltaren prescription strength rub.
Opiates are not good options for chronic pain. They create more pain. They are only good to use in conjunction with other medical procedures in acute or emergent situations.
My doc was proud and in awe of me.
I'm guessing yours will be too.
Give yourself a chance to heal and see where you're at.
It's SO worth it.
BTW congrats on 4 days....
Lu
I'd went cold turkey without telling my doctor. I'd been tapering for a long while but she'd said I'd probably always need pain meds for my 4 chronic painful illnesses. When I saw her two weeks clean and happy she was amazed and happy for me! After a month I was in 90 % less pain than I was ON the opiates. Last fall when I had a bad flare of my worst painful illness (stage 4 endo) she kept offering to prescribe me pain meds. I kept refusing as I was scared to go back and wanted to see if I could deal in other ways. Unfortunately, my pain just got worse and worse and it became clear I would need another surgery (which I am to have Oct.3) In April I finally relented and went back on a low dose which I've had to increase as my symptoms increase. It su*ks but it's my only option as NSAIDS are a no no for Crohn's patients and they wouldn't touch this pain.
I truly believe that opiates have their time and place. I don't think I would be able to take them in good conscience unless I absolutely had to, and I do. But I've also worked a strong recovery program for the past 3 years and know the ins and outs of how to deal.
I would say to be honest with the doc and say the pills aren't working for you and you want to try alternative meds.
Beware of Celebrex. It has many side effects and is difficult to stop also. I have a volunteer friend who has had a nightmarish time with Celebrex. But that's just one story, so do your research and make sure it's what you want. As with any medication, the need for it must outweigh the side effects and it's always your choice.
My Mom has hard core back issues, her spine is completely disintegrating. She does chiro/physio, stretches, naproxen, and voltaren prescription strength rub.
Opiates are not good options for chronic pain. They create more pain. They are only good to use in conjunction with other medical procedures in acute or emergent situations.
My doc was proud and in awe of me.
I'm guessing yours will be too.
Give yourself a chance to heal and see where you're at.
It's SO worth it.
BTW congrats on 4 days....
Lu
Thank you Sweethness91 you answer the questions thank you not leaving her hanging and waiting for me answer her questions.So Cjord get them a try and dont worrie about what your Doc says its your life and you want it back so just go for it you be better off!!!! NO MORE NORCOS
Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory med. It does help, although some ppl can't take it due to stomach issues such as ulcers etc. The patch is Lidoderm. It's lidocaine based and does work pretty well from what I've heard. I say give them a try! Can't hurt right? Good luck :)
I am on day 4 as well and I know what you are going through!! Stay strong! You really want to do this or you would not have suffered through the worst of it the way you have! Stick with it! Tell your doc to prescribe something non narcotic and enjoy having your Life BACK!
well, I sure wouldn't want to give up those hard fought four days for some doctor ... it was very hard for me to tell my doctor and he actually would not relinquish the "right to prescribe" or however he put it. but he did note what I said on my chart and now I can't just call up and get a refill which has helped my recovery tremendously. you know your chronic pain issues but I think there are others on the site who have dealt with it in alternative ways. I think you're doing great! hope all goes well.
These pills have a way of making us live in more pain than we were actually in before we started taking them. That's how they trick you into believing that you "need" them and "can't live life without" them. You owe it to yourself to discover how wonderful life really is and how Free your mind, body and soul WILL become once you cross this bridge. YOU have the strength to do this without turning back. Day 4 is a MAJOR achievement. Why would you start all over from the beginning when you KNOW that you will just keep facing this over and over again until you tackle it head-on? Eventually you will HAVE to deal with it, so why not be DONE with it now and forever. You are nearly there already. I promise you will feel soooo much better in just a few short days. You ARE doing this! Great job, friend.
The hard part is over. First four days are the worst, you got this.. Keep fighting your almost done with this mess
What you need to due is ask yourself if those pills are worth it??? After 2 1/2 years of taking those norcos I realized how much they were controlling my life and making me miserable. I said that was it!!! So 26 days ago I quit ct and yes I was scared to death didn't know if I could do it. 26 days later here I am doing it :-) :-) so if you want it and really want it you can do this.now about your Doc just go in and tell him you dont like the way they are starting to control you he will understand if he's cares about you. Tell him to give you something else for the pain that's non narcotic and not tramadol way worst to wd from I went to my doc on the 6th and told him the same thing and ask for something else he was glad to give me something to try he gave me the patches and some cellabreks and it works.try it and dont go backwards it's time to go forward!!!!! ONLY MY OPINION!!!!!!
Well you made it four days, so you definitely can do this. No doubt about it now.
When I gave up my pain management, I did not just call like my wife told me to do. I kept my regular appointment, waited in the office for awhile after I paid for the visit. Then I told the dr I had been free of oxycodone for a couple of weeks and why. it felt so good to leave that office for the last time and without a script.
It takes several months to see what your natural pain levels are without opiods. I am a chronic pain patient too. Totally messed up back. But now use Advil once in a while, tens, hydro therapy, anything but pain meds. These medications actually sensitize the pain receptors in the brain-hyperalgesia. My pain levels are way lower now. And I am not intimidated by pain anymore. So if I am too active and overdo it, I will hurt, and SO what, that is natural.
Anyhow you are making great progress, you just might not think so now. Keep up the good work becoming and staying clean.
When I gave up my pain management, I did not just call like my wife told me to do. I kept my regular appointment, waited in the office for awhile after I paid for the visit. Then I told the dr I had been free of oxycodone for a couple of weeks and why. it felt so good to leave that office for the last time and without a script.
It takes several months to see what your natural pain levels are without opiods. I am a chronic pain patient too. Totally messed up back. But now use Advil once in a while, tens, hydro therapy, anything but pain meds. These medications actually sensitize the pain receptors in the brain-hyperalgesia. My pain levels are way lower now. And I am not intimidated by pain anymore. So if I am too active and overdo it, I will hurt, and SO what, that is natural.
Anyhow you are making great progress, you just might not think so now. Keep up the good work becoming and staying clean.
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