Aa
35 days next! I feel "Reincarnated" being Tramadol free!"
Hello everyone.
A lot of people in these forums are aware of my previous plight, but for those who aren't I'll just give a "quick" synopsis,
36 year old, addicted to Tramadol and Codiene Phosphate for 7 years, took 500mg Tramadol every 90 minutes 4-5 times a day plus 360mg Codiene twice on the hour on a night time, 5 seizures which resulted in me being hospitalised on each occasion due to the high level of Tramadol intake, lost my wife of 10 years, my home, my car, a LOT of money over the years as I was buying them off unscrupulous people as well as getting them on prescription for a martial arts injury basically I lost everything due to painkiller addiction.
35 days ago I did a cold turkey detox, (was offered methadone but I basically told my GP to shove it up his arse!)
I went through hell for the 1st 10 days then slowly but surely I got back on the right track.
When I started the detox I weighed a paltry 9st 6lbs and looked like a skinned rat due to the ravages of the evil drug that is Tramadol, I was a zombie physically and mentally, just totally "numb" to the world.
Now I have broken free and through, I feel like a totally reborn person, during the time taking Tramadol I couldn't picture my life without them, but now my life is a beautiful picture without them!!
I now weigh 12st 4lbs, workout up to 3 times a day (sometimes just 30 mins) and my life is fantastic opiate free.
I wake on a morning thinking of food now instead of "where did I hide my 1st 10 tramadols to take before breakfast!)
If anyone reading this has the "evil Tramadol monkey" on their back PLEASE start shaking the evil ba5tard off your back before its too late. (my GP said I will be dead before Xmas if I continue taking the volume I was)
Another point, don't suffer alone, tell your doctor and don't lie to him/her, your road to recovery will be a lot smoother if you don't scrimp on the truth.
If you have no support to speak of then do as I did and lean on the excellent folk in these forums who have been through what people are going through. A friend of mine told me "ex addicts make the best advisors!"
My god is he right.
Thank you for reading and thanks to all you excellent people who helped me get this far!
I owe you guys my life.
Your British mate.
Richard.
A lot of people in these forums are aware of my previous plight, but for those who aren't I'll just give a "quick" synopsis,
36 year old, addicted to Tramadol and Codiene Phosphate for 7 years, took 500mg Tramadol every 90 minutes 4-5 times a day plus 360mg Codiene twice on the hour on a night time, 5 seizures which resulted in me being hospitalised on each occasion due to the high level of Tramadol intake, lost my wife of 10 years, my home, my car, a LOT of money over the years as I was buying them off unscrupulous people as well as getting them on prescription for a martial arts injury basically I lost everything due to painkiller addiction.
35 days ago I did a cold turkey detox, (was offered methadone but I basically told my GP to shove it up his arse!)
I went through hell for the 1st 10 days then slowly but surely I got back on the right track.
When I started the detox I weighed a paltry 9st 6lbs and looked like a skinned rat due to the ravages of the evil drug that is Tramadol, I was a zombie physically and mentally, just totally "numb" to the world.
Now I have broken free and through, I feel like a totally reborn person, during the time taking Tramadol I couldn't picture my life without them, but now my life is a beautiful picture without them!!
I now weigh 12st 4lbs, workout up to 3 times a day (sometimes just 30 mins) and my life is fantastic opiate free.
I wake on a morning thinking of food now instead of "where did I hide my 1st 10 tramadols to take before breakfast!)
If anyone reading this has the "evil Tramadol monkey" on their back PLEASE start shaking the evil ba5tard off your back before its too late. (my GP said I will be dead before Xmas if I continue taking the volume I was)
Another point, don't suffer alone, tell your doctor and don't lie to him/her, your road to recovery will be a lot smoother if you don't scrimp on the truth.
If you have no support to speak of then do as I did and lean on the excellent folk in these forums who have been through what people are going through. A friend of mine told me "ex addicts make the best advisors!"
My god is he right.
Thank you for reading and thanks to all you excellent people who helped me get this far!
I owe you guys my life.
Your British mate.
Richard.
Wow Richard. What an inspiration to many!!!! Congrats!!! U r doing great!!!!!!!
Here's to a new life being clean!!!!!!!
Here's to a new life being clean!!!!!!!
wow that's not cool at all....but life is like that i'm afraid....good and bad...poor lost souls....they had the help right there and didn't take advantage of it...
Prison shirt?? ahahaha funny!!
you are doing great Richard!! keep it up!!
Prison shirt?? ahahaha funny!!
you are doing great Richard!! keep it up!!
Hello there.
Thank you for the congratulations.
I was asked by my GP on Monday if I would attend a meeting at an addiction help centre on the Thursday to talk about my battle with opiates, I agreed and turned up.
Sitting in the waiting room with 4 other young men I was disturbed by the banter between them, they were actually talking about making excuses to come away from the meeting early because a local dealer was due back from getting "resupplied" or whatever you call it and they were all off to get "smashed!" at this dealers house!
I spoke to the advisor and told her I don't think myself as a "case study" would be of any use at that session, those guys must of been on some kind of 6-12 month programme and were only there to keep people off their backs and keep their welfare benefits going!
I will help anyone providing they really want the help but these guys truly were lost causes and were enjoying the life they have chosen!
One guy even commented on my shirt saying it looked like a prison shirt and said prison is like a holiday camp! And drugs are just as easy to get in there!
I've always got Medhelp to fall back on if anyone needs help.
Thank you again.
Richard.
Thank you for the congratulations.
I was asked by my GP on Monday if I would attend a meeting at an addiction help centre on the Thursday to talk about my battle with opiates, I agreed and turned up.
Sitting in the waiting room with 4 other young men I was disturbed by the banter between them, they were actually talking about making excuses to come away from the meeting early because a local dealer was due back from getting "resupplied" or whatever you call it and they were all off to get "smashed!" at this dealers house!
I spoke to the advisor and told her I don't think myself as a "case study" would be of any use at that session, those guys must of been on some kind of 6-12 month programme and were only there to keep people off their backs and keep their welfare benefits going!
I will help anyone providing they really want the help but these guys truly were lost causes and were enjoying the life they have chosen!
One guy even commented on my shirt saying it looked like a prison shirt and said prison is like a holiday camp! And drugs are just as easy to get in there!
I've always got Medhelp to fall back on if anyone needs help.
Thank you again.
Richard.
Thank you for your kind words buddy.
Jeez! If you airbrushed a strip of 10 Tramadols over the banana the monkey is holding then you have the "evil monkey's" mugshot right there mate!
Cheers for the giggle Bub!
Richard
Jeez! If you airbrushed a strip of 10 Tramadols over the banana the monkey is holding then you have the "evil monkey's" mugshot right there mate!
Cheers for the giggle Bub!
Richard
Good job and congratulations on being clean. It really is a blessing to live life being clean and sober. It does just get better and better as time goes on. We cannot do anything about the past, but we can certainly do something about our present and future life. Staying clean and sober one day at a time. Go to meetings for support, AA and N/A, you will find people who will be very supportive and understanding. It is great to have other clean and sober people who you can visit and talk with for your support.
You missed your calling as a motivational speaker...lol
You sayed so much in just those few paragraphs. It was the nutshell version of an amazing story of recovery but what it lacked in encompassing your entire road to sobriety it made up for with an increasingly enthusiastic message that has the ability to inspire all addicts in all stages of recovery. There were parts to relate to those starting out. Parts to inspire those who wonder if life will ever get better and it ends with a grateful appreciation for those who helped you through this.
Well wrote bud,
The only thing it was missing was an illustration of the "Tramadol Monkey"
As luck would have it I was able to obtain such a picture and I have posted it in my photos....have a look :) It is a very scary monkey indeed.
You sayed so much in just those few paragraphs. It was the nutshell version of an amazing story of recovery but what it lacked in encompassing your entire road to sobriety it made up for with an increasingly enthusiastic message that has the ability to inspire all addicts in all stages of recovery. There were parts to relate to those starting out. Parts to inspire those who wonder if life will ever get better and it ends with a grateful appreciation for those who helped you through this.
Well wrote bud,
The only thing it was missing was an illustration of the "Tramadol Monkey"
As luck would have it I was able to obtain such a picture and I have posted it in my photos....have a look :) It is a very scary monkey indeed.
Good morning Jimi,
Thank you for your kind congratulations buddy.
How are you doing?
Richard.
Thank you for your kind congratulations buddy.
How are you doing?
Richard.
Sorry Vickie, if you were the night hawk I was the knackered funky chicken last night as I fell asleep listening to the music on my iPod on near full blast volume!!
But of course it's the weekend and I woke at bloody 5.10am!! Sneaking around my parents house like a burglar just to make a cup of tea or "3" and some toast.
The lack of sleep at the start of detox was also a killer for me, luckily tho my sleep pattern has returned but I've always been an early riser because of my current job and jobs in the past, I think I'm going to become one of those blokes who goes to the shop at 530am just to get his newspaper! Sad eh?
Like you I didn't realise the volume of vulnerable people reaching out for help in these forums, then there will be the ones who read posts and don't post themselves like I did for a few days at the start of my detox.
I hope that when you wake the sun is shining and the birds are singing!
Love, peace and utmost respect to you Vickie.
Richard
But of course it's the weekend and I woke at bloody 5.10am!! Sneaking around my parents house like a burglar just to make a cup of tea or "3" and some toast.
The lack of sleep at the start of detox was also a killer for me, luckily tho my sleep pattern has returned but I've always been an early riser because of my current job and jobs in the past, I think I'm going to become one of those blokes who goes to the shop at 530am just to get his newspaper! Sad eh?
Like you I didn't realise the volume of vulnerable people reaching out for help in these forums, then there will be the ones who read posts and don't post themselves like I did for a few days at the start of my detox.
I hope that when you wake the sun is shining and the birds are singing!
Love, peace and utmost respect to you Vickie.
Richard
OHhhhh Richard that just gave me a Tear..But a happy one...You have also had some influence on us too!!! You have made our days happy when we talk to you..You are such a delight to have here...I was looking for you last night...The night hawk was calling you...Ha!! Now it seems like all I want to do is sleep..But that is good..I welcome it..I did not sleep a wink for 30 days and then it was sooooo Wacked out..for the last 6m..Now I have turned the corner...You just hang on..There are a lot of trams people on here...I had no clue how bad it was until I got here...Wow the things we learn on here....Smart Addicts I must say....lol
vickie
vickie
Either you see everything as a miracle or nothing as a miracle. (Einstein paraphrased.) If he says you're a miracle you're a miracle!! Have a great Easter weekend. Talked to a Moderator re: you and a couple of others missing their PM's this morning. Hope they fix it!! All the best -- Annie
i know what you mean...i'm a comedy lover too...it makes me feel better and get out of my own head for awhile...lol
yes it was a beautiful day today...counseling then a meeting then home and took a walk...just had to get out on this pretty day and feel the sun on my face....i love laying by the pool and the beach but past 2 summers i didn't do any of that..i plan to change that this year!! i will have a tan again! (sunscreen of course)....hope you enjoy your Easter weekend with your 2 little ones! i will relax and enjoy this wkend as i will be working the next 2 wkends in a row
yes it was a beautiful day today...counseling then a meeting then home and took a walk...just had to get out on this pretty day and feel the sun on my face....i love laying by the pool and the beach but past 2 summers i didn't do any of that..i plan to change that this year!! i will have a tan again! (sunscreen of course)....hope you enjoy your Easter weekend with your 2 little ones! i will relax and enjoy this wkend as i will be working the next 2 wkends in a row
Good evening Lisa.
Thank you for that coz when I type, obviously it is from the heart, and I realise laughter is the best medicine but I really fear someone reading and needing help thinking "who is this knobhead? Is he just taking the mick here?!"
Part of my detox involved watching things like Only fools and Horses (a classic British comedy), Family Guy and Scrubs just to turn my frown upside down and it did help significantly!
How is your day up to now Lisa? Is the Florida sun beating down hot on you today?
Richard
Thank you for that coz when I type, obviously it is from the heart, and I realise laughter is the best medicine but I really fear someone reading and needing help thinking "who is this knobhead? Is he just taking the mick here?!"
Part of my detox involved watching things like Only fools and Horses (a classic British comedy), Family Guy and Scrubs just to turn my frown upside down and it did help significantly!
How is your day up to now Lisa? Is the Florida sun beating down hot on you today?
Richard
Congrats on 35 days free Richard! you have inspired us all to work hard on our sobriety....you make us laugh and laughter is one of the best "medicines"....thank you from the bottom of my heart for the humor and the support you give here....now on to the next month pill free!
Lisa
Lisa
Hello there.
Thank you very much for your kind post.
I am going to enjoy this ride as it is non stop!
Peace and respect.
Richard
Thank you very much for your kind post.
I am going to enjoy this ride as it is non stop!
Peace and respect.
Richard
Good evening Julie.
Yes I agree, I think we really should be 6ft under because of what we have put ourselves through, you suffering for 15 years makes you just over twice the person I am for overcoming your affliction!
You shouldn't have much skin left on your back after all the patting you should of being doing on it achieving what you have.
Yes the seizures are not nice things to experience, especially when they all occur in front of your young children!
My oldest boy still asks me to this day "you aren't going to get knocked out again are you dad?"
What a selfish b4stard I used to be, hearing that before and still taking them!
It still breaks my heart.
But now I'm a different person and dad and proud of it.
My brother and sister in law wanted a meeting with me yesterday and I told them to pi55 off and don't contact me again.
Ive had a great day today with my 2 "cherubs" and the weekend starts now!,
I hope your weekend is as full of fun, love and excitement as my planned weekend Julie.
Love, peace and utmost respect to you.
Richard
Yes I agree, I think we really should be 6ft under because of what we have put ourselves through, you suffering for 15 years makes you just over twice the person I am for overcoming your affliction!
You shouldn't have much skin left on your back after all the patting you should of being doing on it achieving what you have.
Yes the seizures are not nice things to experience, especially when they all occur in front of your young children!
My oldest boy still asks me to this day "you aren't going to get knocked out again are you dad?"
What a selfish b4stard I used to be, hearing that before and still taking them!
It still breaks my heart.
But now I'm a different person and dad and proud of it.
My brother and sister in law wanted a meeting with me yesterday and I told them to pi55 off and don't contact me again.
Ive had a great day today with my 2 "cherubs" and the weekend starts now!,
I hope your weekend is as full of fun, love and excitement as my planned weekend Julie.
Love, peace and utmost respect to you.
Richard
Hello Evolver.
Thank you for the congrats really.
I feel incredible and reborn, my life is tiring but I don't care as I am in such a happy place.
I'm no miracle, everyone here is a miracle one way or the other.
Love and peace.
Richard
Thank you for the congrats really.
I feel incredible and reborn, my life is tiring but I don't care as I am in such a happy place.
I'm no miracle, everyone here is a miracle one way or the other.
Love and peace.
Richard
Hey there Karen.
Thank you very much for your reply.
The main thing is your still here in these forums! You could be "trammed up" on "Facefreak" talking to your mates but you chose to stay on Medhelp!
I know you will beat this Karen.
Peace, love and hope to you.
Richard
Thank you very much for your reply.
The main thing is your still here in these forums! You could be "trammed up" on "Facefreak" talking to your mates but you chose to stay on Medhelp!
I know you will beat this Karen.
Peace, love and hope to you.
Richard
What an excellent and inspiring post! I am so happy for you Richard; you sound fabulous!!! And isn't it just great to feel the freedom; heck just to "feel" anything again? I start to get down about the 15 years I "lost" but then stop and think - I will NOT lose or mourn even one more second to the evil Tramadol. NO more regrets; forward progress only. WE are lucky to be alive - both of us. I never realized you had the seizures too! Thank God we broke free when we did because I was definitely headed in the same direction you were; and it wasn't a good one.
Thank you for all of your inspiration and humor - it's such a good thing; you are helping so many people here. I hope things with the family settle down soon and you have a wonderful weekend with your boys.
And a HUGE congrats on 35 days!
Julie
Thank you for all of your inspiration and humor - it's such a good thing; you are helping so many people here. I hope things with the family settle down soon and you have a wonderful weekend with your boys.
And a HUGE congrats on 35 days!
Julie
Great post, Richard. Hope your well & congrats on your hard-won 35. You're a miracle!
HEY inspiration! I'm still struggling with tramadol. It's currently not even working this week for my pain! UGH....Anyway I love your recovery story.Thanks as always Karen
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
