insomnia and restless legs

[jyv]

I am trying to get off Morphine and Vicodin prescribed for COPD and back pain. It's the 6th day now and I have had a heck of a time at night.  Any suggestions?  I have benzos, 5mg and took about 5 last night over several hours, feel like heck this AM. I need help. Hospice prescribed these meds and I can't abide them any more, they put me nodding all day. thanks Joyce

[ang_811]

I'm a week clean and I think what helped me sleep was I took 2 valerian root and 1 mentonin 5 mg. They r both vitamins that promote sleep. They work when everything in the n ur bedroom is dark and quite. They really helped me!! U can get em at wal-mart..

[jyv]

it's going on day 11 and I am still sticking to my guns.  I try to go back to the vicodin and was teribly miserable. My nurse said to take one--Right now I am doing vitas and fruit--no *****--drink lots of fluid.  aches and pains etc seem to be somewhat alleviated. Am not through this yet--No--I shouldn't have to be having to go through this--but there is no help for it--not here--I have gotten more from you folks on line that any place--thanks,  one has to work with what one has.  jyv (Joyce)

[laurel453]

Hi Joyce :)

just wanted to welcome you here..


raisins, nuts, spinach ... are also good sources of potassium and magnessium.

[vicki595]

Okay...I understand.  How are you today?   Do you have family near to you?  

I'd stick with the Vicodin,as I said. It will keep you more comfortable. There's no need to put yourself in to withdrawals. And,by the way,Benadryl won't help with that.  Keep up on your fluid intake as you may be experiencing diarrhea,which is not good for you!!
Be sure you're eating well.
Stay in touch~
Vicki

[jyv]

am on hospice--they really don't listen.  They tried to put me on  double the morph doage, but I never took that much--read some of the coments on hospice care.  They are good to a certain extent.  I have been put on some dangerus stuff and got off it on my own--lorazapam for o4 montha of it--was getting big holes in my memory and KNEW it!  I was given antihistamines to counteract withdrawal--the doc never comes by--I live on an indian reseration.  thanks for your help.  Joyce

[vicki595]

Yes...they are recommended BUT it also says to consult your doctor.  I just don't see benzos as the answer for YOU.  At the age of 82,there's no need to suffer with these withdrawals. I'd go back to the Vicodin only until you can speak with the doctor/nurse.

Also,it doesn't say to take 5 benzos.  Be careful, dear.

Vicki

[jyv]

arn't benzos recommened in thomas's recipe?  i was following that.  there is little use talking to hospice,  i live on an indian res that has poor care.  will get potass thru fruits.
i hot shower my legs sitting on shower chair w hand held  shower,   tnx, joyce

[vicki595]

Joyce~   Benzos are not the answer here. Just try to cut back on the opiates. Maybe take the vicodin and leave out the morphine.  You won't nod off on the vicodin. And don't mix that with benzos.
Speak with the hospice folks.  You do not need to suffer like this...there's a better way to handle the meds.
For the RLS : drink orange juice for the potassium and try warm baths. Very soothing.
Also,a heating pad set on "low" applied to your legs.

Stay in touch~

Vicki