where can I go for support????

[oldcoger]

After 12 yrs on chronic pain opiates {never abused] decided to take myself off 650 mgs per day of dr. prescribed opiates, wanted my life back. I have been to many forums an constantly get told to go somewhere else, how cruel!!! Just because I didn't abuse the meds an want off no one seems to care cause I'm not NA material an after 18 long months of being at home in SEVERE EVERYDAY WITHDRAWALS, as of  7/22/10 I'M FREE of EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!  Xanax, sleepers,m valium, muscle relaxers,gabapentin, cymbalta etc. I have MS/Fibro, DDD/DJD, COPD, Asthma, emphezema an many other problems, BUT the worst part was I almost lost my mind. Luckily with the help of MY GOD I lived thru the doctor induced OVERDOSE, clinically dead for 7 days.. Now being off all the meds I'm in the 4th day of acute withdrawals an counting down. Would love to find others who have done the same or thin king of doing the same. God Bless an thanks for listening!!!!!  ANYONE OUT THERE?????????

Dawn

[Lindsay_T]

So glad to hear that you were encouraged by others on this forum. I too find great strength from people here. I've been off vicodin for 24 days. In some ways it seems like 24 years in other way it seems like 24 minutes.
I can think crazy things very easily - like why I need to have vicodin.
So being able to post on this website is like gold. I can tell the truth, not be judged and expect to receive genuine, honest feedback.
I KNOW if I hadn't found this forum, my crazy thinking would have led me back to the pills.
Be still and know that God knows what you are going through! He loves you very much!!

[oldcoger]

Thank you all SO MUCH for your kind an conserning words. It made me cry, its been the first time in almost 18mo that people I don't even know have given me more support an caring words then even my own family an so called friends. I know my body an brain became addicted to those stupid meds but if GOD hadn't intervened I'd be DEAD today, so trhank u all for all the great words an experiences. My heart goes out to those who do have the problems of having each day with the craving to use, I'm very very very thankful I'm not in that frame of mind and pray everyday for those in need. These last days of the post acute withdrawals are the pits an the fatique is awful as the pain but PRAYER has helped an now with you guys I at least have an outlet to share.... THANK YOU

[jyv]

Hi, I am 82 yers old and off my opiates, cold turkey since June22. I am on Hospice and I told my nurse yesterday.  She was up set. LOL  I write poetry and it was fogging my mind.  I found I can make it with reg. asprin and tylenol and rolaids with the asprin.  I have  scoliosis,COPD and heart irreg.  I use mantras and different philosophies. Like one day at a time, this too shall pass and different positive thinking ideas.  I also have a higher power--not religion.  Creator, help me--that sort of thing.  Your choice.  You can do this and make some evaluation as to you pain needs and how to manage by using pain management  suggestios.  Stick close to this group of people and when you get better, contribute you experience when you can.  May you do well and walk free. jyv

[Tuckamore]

Hello Dawn,

I am from the Pain Mangement Forum. Someone sent me the link to your thread. I live with daily, sometimes consuming chronic pain. It is somewhat manged with small doses of opiates. I am SO SORRY to hear about what has happened to you. It's more than terrible.  

I don't have any answers for you. And I don't have personal experience with what you are currently facing. Why some physicians prescribe an over abundance of opiates and others will rarely prescribe a Tylenol #3 is beyond me. It may be their zest to help in both cases!!

Whatever the reason, it is very unfortunate that this happened to you. My heart goes out to you also. You are a very brave and strong woman. I admire you. You still have a tough road ahead but I have a feeling that you will make it. Continue your brave fight. God is my source of strength also and I am pleased to hear that the same is true for you. He will not forsake you.

Once you are through the withdrawal process you'll have some decisions to make. How will you make this challenging journey through chronic pain without something to help ease it? The fact that you did not abuse your opiates and were not addicted will be a plus. Although I know that no one chooses addiction. Our bodies don't know the differance and unfortunately anyone on long term opiate therapy that ceases that therapy will experience withdrawals. I do know other chronic pain patients have gone through very similar situations to yours. They have been successful in finding alternative treatments.

The SA Forum has many fine, informational and supportive ppl. They are much more informed about the withdrawal process, what helps and what hinders. So for now you may be right just where you need to be. However if you would like, you may also join us at the PM Forum. You would be more than welcome. I am horrified that you were treated cruelly at other forums. I sincerely hope none that none of them were in the MedHelp site. That is not MedHelp's goal.  

I wish you the very best and again please know that our door is always open to you at any time.  You'll be in my thought and prayers.

God's Blessings to You,
~Tuck

[recoveredfromamonster]

I do know this forum has many great people on it but I will speak for myself. Many folks become addicted not by choice but literally by accident, at least when it come to prescription meds. That was me for opiates and many other prescribed meds. Although I did severely abuse them. However the things we go through when we stop taking them, no matter the reason we were on them, is no different. I have to say that I do hope you are working very close with your doctor. Some of the meds you are taking can, but not always, have some majors adverse effects such as seizures. That being said I took many of the meds you listed for a great many years and I know where you are. It gets better. 12 years is a bit of time on pain killers. It may be a few weeks before you get back to how you were again. Do not be discouraged. sleeplessness,nightmares,loss of appetite, temporary depression, aggression, spurts of crying for no reason, pain and a few other things you may experience as well. Indeed let GOD be your guide. If you need to talk sometime or just have a question don't hesitate to send me a message.  I'll be praying for you. You sound like you been through a lot. My heart goes out to you. GOD bless.