fentanyl withdrawal

[Bobh2983]

I been on the patch(100mlg)  for about 5 years my pain management Dr. had me taper down to 0 in 2 weeks. I just put on my last 25mlg patch yesterday. I have had the night sweats and leg cramps for about a week. How best can I prepare myself for whats to come?

[TheMadMan]

Bob, I know this is a lot to go through. I have experienced the loss of two wives over the years and I can only tell you the tears stop over time. My first marriage was 13 years but was rocky. She needed my help after we separated and I did all I could.Her condition was too serious and I had to put her on a morphine drip. Her family wanted no part and I kept her ashes for over 5 years before letting go.
My second marriage was only 5 years but she was diagnosed with lung cancer after our first two years, My second wife was a godsend for me and a great marriage. I have many fond memories that I still remember to this day but those are the memories I cherish.
I have been through a lot of hell myself. I lost all my family and have been to grief counseling more than once and it did help.
Getting hit with more medical problems and surgeries almost did me in but with the help of the caregiver I have now, he helped me to stay strong and has never given up on finding treatment for me. I am very fortunate to have someone so caring. That has been my backbone and with help, I gave up the Fentanyl cold turkey because I had NO OTHER CHOICE. Stay strong and what ever it takes to get you though this. You have your faith and that is one road to be thankful for so keep up the fight and you will soon see a difference in your thinking once your body cleans itself out.
Don't worry about things getting worse before they get better, just know that you are going to get through this and that is where you should be strong.
Day three is coming and more to follow....

[Bobh2983]

Thanks for the info TMM, sounds like good advice. I have notice a little more depression and anxiety,Then again I'm also dealing with the loss of my dear wife Kathy. I do keep up with my daily walks with my bichon Frodo. I make sure I drink enough during the day and keep up on my other meds. Since this is only day 2 without the patch I expect things to get worse before they get better. But I'm committed to staying off the patch! I know I will prevail in this fight with help from friends and family, and concerned people like yourself. Also with the help of our Lord God. Again thank you for your advice, good to know there are still caring people out there! :)  

[TheMadMan]

Glad to see you are trying to help yourself. I know it took a lot of determination to get me off this drug but I did it and it can be done. I looked in the mirror one day ans saw what this drug was doing to my body. it scared the HELL out of me. I was down to 108 lbs from 145lbs and had no idea.
Stay on top of your hydration, keep up a vitamin intake and take some anxiety medication prescribed by your doctor but let your doctor KNOW WHY you need anxiety medication. Only use the medication AS NEEDED! Keep an exercise regime if you can to help release endorphins which will help the body focus on healing. Give the rest time and you WILL see a difference especially in your thinking capacity. Remember, this drug works on the minds perception of pain so once your body starts cleaning itself out, you will be able to see things more clearly and this will help build determination to get off this drug.
Stay strong and good luck.