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7yr Tramadol addiction cold turkey detox
Hello everyone,
My name is Richard from the UK and I am currently on day 14 of my cold turkey detox after a 7 year Tramadol hydrochloride and codeine phosphate addiction.
I was prescribed the above "evil medication" after a martial art injury, ( I popped my shoulder out of joint after falling incorrectly during a "move") at first I was only prescribed the dreaded Tramadols and they were fantastic, after my shoulder recovered I was able to return to martial arts and life was great for a while...
Then I realised as time went on I couldn't operate properly without them and the prescribed dosages weren't even taking the "edge" off so the recommended 2x50mgs every 4 hours soon escalated to 4 every 4 hours then 4 every 2 hours then 8 every 2 hours finally peaking at 10 every 90 minutes!
Over the years a 2 week prescription was lasting me 2 days and I was even going out sourcing tramadols and codeine phosphates off "friends" and spending tens of thousands of pounds on these pills,
I estimate I have spent between £50000 and £60000 on painkillers alone!!
Within 1 year I have lost not only myself but friends, members of my family's respect and trust, money as mentioned and my 10 year marriage to my soulmate but I do have something left and that is my beautiful gifts from god 2 little boys but if I carried on doing what I was doing I was at risk of losing them.
I was taking so many tramadols at once I actually had 4 seizures in front of my children while we were alone in our home! And still to this day my oldest boy who is 8 but witnessed my 1st seizure when he was only 3 still says to me.."dad you arent going to get knocked out again are you?"
So I took the bull by the horns myself because my GP was about as much use as a chocolate fire guard stating I had to be a Hollywood star or a lottery winner to get any help or rehab.
Anyhow I have given you a brief story about myself but what is important now is the day 14 opiate free because of the cold turkey detox, I am not a tough fella nor am I strong willed but it gets to a point in your life when "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" I desperately wanted that monkey off my back and by god he put up a hell of a fight taking me deep into hell almost daily during the detox, but now he's off I am on the slow road to recovery,
I have been told several times by heroes in these forums.." baby steps " and by god it is so so true.
PLEASE don't go through this alone, if you have any questions and I mean any for me regarding the cold turkey detox experience.. Ask me.
Let's all get through this and start re-living again, the colour of the world has returned to me again!
Love and blessings to you all,
Richard
My name is Richard from the UK and I am currently on day 14 of my cold turkey detox after a 7 year Tramadol hydrochloride and codeine phosphate addiction.
I was prescribed the above "evil medication" after a martial art injury, ( I popped my shoulder out of joint after falling incorrectly during a "move") at first I was only prescribed the dreaded Tramadols and they were fantastic, after my shoulder recovered I was able to return to martial arts and life was great for a while...
Then I realised as time went on I couldn't operate properly without them and the prescribed dosages weren't even taking the "edge" off so the recommended 2x50mgs every 4 hours soon escalated to 4 every 4 hours then 4 every 2 hours then 8 every 2 hours finally peaking at 10 every 90 minutes!
Over the years a 2 week prescription was lasting me 2 days and I was even going out sourcing tramadols and codeine phosphates off "friends" and spending tens of thousands of pounds on these pills,
I estimate I have spent between £50000 and £60000 on painkillers alone!!
Within 1 year I have lost not only myself but friends, members of my family's respect and trust, money as mentioned and my 10 year marriage to my soulmate but I do have something left and that is my beautiful gifts from god 2 little boys but if I carried on doing what I was doing I was at risk of losing them.
I was taking so many tramadols at once I actually had 4 seizures in front of my children while we were alone in our home! And still to this day my oldest boy who is 8 but witnessed my 1st seizure when he was only 3 still says to me.."dad you arent going to get knocked out again are you?"
So I took the bull by the horns myself because my GP was about as much use as a chocolate fire guard stating I had to be a Hollywood star or a lottery winner to get any help or rehab.
Anyhow I have given you a brief story about myself but what is important now is the day 14 opiate free because of the cold turkey detox, I am not a tough fella nor am I strong willed but it gets to a point in your life when "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" I desperately wanted that monkey off my back and by god he put up a hell of a fight taking me deep into hell almost daily during the detox, but now he's off I am on the slow road to recovery,
I have been told several times by heroes in these forums.." baby steps " and by god it is so so true.
PLEASE don't go through this alone, if you have any questions and I mean any for me regarding the cold turkey detox experience.. Ask me.
Let's all get through this and start re-living again, the colour of the world has returned to me again!
Love and blessings to you all,
Richard
I am coming of tramadol in tge uk what can I take to stop me from waking at night
I am going out at 10am, my mums house has been chockablock with my brothers and sister (3 younger brothers and sister) and grandkids absolutely inundating my mum with the usual mothers day gifts and I am off to do it again at my "old" marital home to spoil the mother of my wonderful heaven sent little boys!
May be away most of the day again so please don't be disheartened if you post me and receive no reply straight away, I promise as soon as I am back I will reply to all.
Ding ding round 2 here we go again!!
Speak to you guys soon & have a great Sunday,
Richard.
May be away most of the day again so please don't be disheartened if you post me and receive no reply straight away, I promise as soon as I am back I will reply to all.
Ding ding round 2 here we go again!!
Speak to you guys soon & have a great Sunday,
Richard.
Just an update for all you guys,
It's 8 am day 15 and I had a 6 hour undisturbed nights sleep last night!
Woke at 6am on the button, did my light weights even though my "baby" brother was over yesterday and trained with me so I have pains in muscles I didn't even realised I had!!, had my bath with plain old Epsom bath salts and muscle soak and I've just finished my breakfast of baked beans, sausage and omelette, 2 slices of toast with honey, 2 boiled eggs without the yokes and for the 1st time in years a cup of coffee!
The last time I had a breakfast like that was the first time I was in a "ponderosa" in Florida back in 1997!
Feel "sneezy" quite a lot still and these brain zaps are subsiding a little day by day,
These 15 days really have flown over, looking back to day 1 I thought even day 2 was miles away and would never come.
Again friends if I can get this far after the length of time I was using and abusing Tramadol and codeine and also the absolutely insane volume I was taking daily, YOU REALLY REALLY CAN ALSO!
If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact me, you have taken 2 big steps already by just being in these forums,
Let's all lean on each other in here, I was alone for the 1st few days of detox then I discovered the wonderful people within these forums,
We are just like one big family looking out for each other!
Godspeed with your journey.
Richard
It's 8 am day 15 and I had a 6 hour undisturbed nights sleep last night!
Woke at 6am on the button, did my light weights even though my "baby" brother was over yesterday and trained with me so I have pains in muscles I didn't even realised I had!!, had my bath with plain old Epsom bath salts and muscle soak and I've just finished my breakfast of baked beans, sausage and omelette, 2 slices of toast with honey, 2 boiled eggs without the yokes and for the 1st time in years a cup of coffee!
The last time I had a breakfast like that was the first time I was in a "ponderosa" in Florida back in 1997!
Feel "sneezy" quite a lot still and these brain zaps are subsiding a little day by day,
These 15 days really have flown over, looking back to day 1 I thought even day 2 was miles away and would never come.
Again friends if I can get this far after the length of time I was using and abusing Tramadol and codeine and also the absolutely insane volume I was taking daily, YOU REALLY REALLY CAN ALSO!
If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact me, you have taken 2 big steps already by just being in these forums,
Let's all lean on each other in here, I was alone for the 1st few days of detox then I discovered the wonderful people within these forums,
We are just like one big family looking out for each other!
Godspeed with your journey.
Richard
Good morning vvic
Thank you for your post, it was my younger brother I got a visit from yesterday to cook some good hearty food and organise a fitness regime for me, the boy has certainly turned into a man as he has just returned from his second tour of Afghanistan.
He prepared some fantastic soups and broths packed with everything I need during recovery and treats like puddings and homemade fruit sweets?!
Where I am from in the UK I am fortunate enough to be away from the smog and bright lights of towns and city's and live near national parks and moorlands so me and my "baby" brother put a rucksack on our backs, a few supplies and off we went for 2 hours only though,
What burst your bubble? Or was it just one of those crappy days vvic?
I wish I had meetings to go to and vent, no take that back I don't coz this site and the angels within it are all I need at the moment!!
My happy heart is beating for your happiness today vvic. Richard
Thank you for your post, it was my younger brother I got a visit from yesterday to cook some good hearty food and organise a fitness regime for me, the boy has certainly turned into a man as he has just returned from his second tour of Afghanistan.
He prepared some fantastic soups and broths packed with everything I need during recovery and treats like puddings and homemade fruit sweets?!
Where I am from in the UK I am fortunate enough to be away from the smog and bright lights of towns and city's and live near national parks and moorlands so me and my "baby" brother put a rucksack on our backs, a few supplies and off we went for 2 hours only though,
What burst your bubble? Or was it just one of those crappy days vvic?
I wish I had meetings to go to and vent, no take that back I don't coz this site and the angels within it are all I need at the moment!!
My happy heart is beating for your happiness today vvic. Richard
Hi I see you stared a new post.....Did u get some good food that is not too much cooking from your son ? What is some of the exercises he has you doing ? Are you not in the weak stage ? I guess that last post got sooo long. I found your new post because of your name..Hang in it is not easy sometimes...I bet your son is so proud of you....
I am running near the sixth month and today was kind of a funkie day for me....Bust my lil ol Happy Bubble I have been on. I usually jump in the truck and run to any meeting it lifts me up and slaps me back in to the focus mode..Great Job keep on truckin forward....
God Bless vickie
I am running near the sixth month and today was kind of a funkie day for me....Bust my lil ol Happy Bubble I have been on. I usually jump in the truck and run to any meeting it lifts me up and slaps me back in to the focus mode..Great Job keep on truckin forward....
God Bless vickie
Hi Richard, glad you are doing so well! the no sleep thing is a real bugger to get over but it does get better! Be proud of yourself for being clean 15-16 days! that's so great! Just keep pushing forward...and i'm glad your family is helping you to re-coup....these pills take a really big toll on our bodies and it takes time to "reset" everything....i'm not a patient person either and i wanted my energy and sleep back "right now!!'' lol but of course that didn't happen but just when i thought i'd lose my mind...it got better!
keep posting for support....we are here for you.
keep posting for support....we are here for you.
My end of day 15 and I feel good today as no "walls" have jumped out from nowhere and stopped me in my tracks,
It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow with it being mothers day so hopefully a repeat of today will blossom,
I am going to try to get a little head start with my sleep even though I will be up way before 6am as usual anyway!
I leave my iPad on all through the night as I am up and down with my sleep pattern anyhow so I will keep checking for any posts through the night/morning when I am disturbed as usual,
Premature short lived goodnight everyone.
Richard.
It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow with it being mothers day so hopefully a repeat of today will blossom,
I am going to try to get a little head start with my sleep even though I will be up way before 6am as usual anyway!
I leave my iPad on all through the night as I am up and down with my sleep pattern anyhow so I will keep checking for any posts through the night/morning when I am disturbed as usual,
Premature short lived goodnight everyone.
Richard.
Hello Pat thank you truly for your advice,
I'm unsure if my brain zaps are so bad because of the vast quantity of Tramadol I was taking but I am eating so much fish at the moment my family have nicknamed me " Flipper!!"
Bloody families! Lol
Have a fantastic day Pat. Richard
I'm unsure if my brain zaps are so bad because of the vast quantity of Tramadol I was taking but I am eating so much fish at the moment my family have nicknamed me " Flipper!!"
Bloody families! Lol
Have a fantastic day Pat. Richard
Hello and glad you started posting. I hear Tramadol is a beast to come off of and you have done very well.
I had brain zaps when I tried coming off Effexor and Omega 3 really helped.
I took about 6 a day.
Keep fighting and posting for support.
I had brain zaps when I tried coming off Effexor and Omega 3 really helped.
I took about 6 a day.
Keep fighting and posting for support.
Day 15 and still going strong - yay!!! I knew you could do this . . . I love the how you have opened up to everyone here and gotten so much positive response. It is good to hear about your brother's visit - sounds like he will not only feed you well but get you moving (probably more than you want to at the moment, but all good in the long run:). Sounds like you have gotten lots of good advice about ways to help with energy, sleeping, etc. I know the sleeping thing is really a bummer, but it will return - and without that icky sweating too. I hated that! I kept stacks of extra towels, tshirts, anything comfy & cotton and changed a lot in those early days. It always made me feel better & I would go back to bed for another hour or so until I woke up sweaty again. It will go soon - with the high amounts of crap we put in our bodies it just takes a little extra time to get it all out. The sweating, sneezing, coughing and any other "output" are just all the toxic stuff leaving your body. It's been over 3 months and I still get the sneezing and runny nose thing sometimes. So weird, isn't it?
You are doing fabulous! I am so happy for you and so proud of you; taking this head on as you have. Keep up the posting and keep pushing that wall down and keeping the monkey away. Thank you for the kind notes too - I really appreciate it!
Julie
You are doing fabulous! I am so happy for you and so proud of you; taking this head on as you have. Keep up the posting and keep pushing that wall down and keeping the monkey away. Thank you for the kind notes too - I really appreciate it!
Julie
Just an update everyone,
My British army soldier younger brother has been helping me with a diet/exercise regime today,
Beginning with eating correctly he has made me some fantastic soups packed with loads of things I need during my recovery, puddings for sugars and extras incase I do indeed hit the "wall" unexpectedly for an instant pick me up!
His exercise regime was a little over the top though to which I commented "I just want and need enough energy for release for my body to re-calibrate itself, I am not wanting to train for selection for the SAS!!
Had my pick me ups an hour ago now off for a "little trek"with GI Jane here lol.
Speak to you all soon!
My British army soldier younger brother has been helping me with a diet/exercise regime today,
Beginning with eating correctly he has made me some fantastic soups packed with loads of things I need during my recovery, puddings for sugars and extras incase I do indeed hit the "wall" unexpectedly for an instant pick me up!
His exercise regime was a little over the top though to which I commented "I just want and need enough energy for release for my body to re-calibrate itself, I am not wanting to train for selection for the SAS!!
Had my pick me ups an hour ago now off for a "little trek"with GI Jane here lol.
Speak to you all soon!
Good morning toothfairie
It's 6am I'm wide awake and despite being soaked head to toe in sweat I feel good, Come on day 15,, let's have you!!
Thank you for your time posting to me, Richard.
It's 6am I'm wide awake and despite being soaked head to toe in sweat I feel good, Come on day 15,, let's have you!!
Thank you for your time posting to me, Richard.
just wanted to say congrats on getting your life back!! you have done a wonderful thing for yourself and your children! just take each day as it comes....it really does get so much better! just keep posting for support and vent when you need to....we are all here to help each other....take care and you are doing great! hang in there!
I just read your story and wanted to tell you that you can do this take it one day at a time and those days turn into weeks and then months. Stay positive and I am glad to see you posting and telling your story.
I really felt your When anxiety starts to set in take walks stay busy thats what I did and Many hot baths and the exercise is very good for you also :)
Just keep pushing and when you start to feel overwhelmed just remember it does pass and learn to ride the waves it really does get better and you aare doing great By taking your life back You cant change the past or the things you have done but you can change the future and it is all yours to change Good luck to you and I am pulling for you!
I really felt your When anxiety starts to set in take walks stay busy thats what I did and Many hot baths and the exercise is very good for you also :)
Just keep pushing and when you start to feel overwhelmed just remember it does pass and learn to ride the waves it really does get better and you aare doing great By taking your life back You cant change the past or the things you have done but you can change the future and it is all yours to change Good luck to you and I am pulling for you!
I fully appreciate the baby step regime but I hope to get a little better before Tuesday as that is whenI am back to work,
I currently feel 60-70% back human again, I still have the "brain zaps" when I not only move my head but my eyes also!, I'm tring to source all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients all from food as the thought of taking even vitamins in tablet form orally make me feel sick!
I exercise daily...40 mins light weights then 30 minute minimum light cardio but I seem to be having a problem releasing endorphins during and after!
What the hell has Tramadol and Codeine done to my body over the years?
I shudder to think friends!!!
Loads a love folks, Richard.
I currently feel 60-70% back human again, I still have the "brain zaps" when I not only move my head but my eyes also!, I'm tring to source all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients all from food as the thought of taking even vitamins in tablet form orally make me feel sick!
I exercise daily...40 mins light weights then 30 minute minimum light cardio but I seem to be having a problem releasing endorphins during and after!
What the hell has Tramadol and Codeine done to my body over the years?
I shudder to think friends!!!
Loads a love folks, Richard.
Hiya JordonNYC
I just want to share my experience with other people wanting to beat this evil drug because before I started my detox I did a lot of research and actually stumbled across this website and these forums,
Needless to say after reading just a few of the problems by lost souls I almost threw the towel in before I even started but thankfully alas I soldiered on and here I am at day 14 but before, during and after my cold turkey detox I had NO help whatsoever, my GPs answer was "taper down or go onto Methadone" at day 3 I "found" this site and just sat back not posting, just reading people's ideas and experiences so I basically owe my life to this site and the wonderful people within it.
Hope you are ok, Richard.
I just want to share my experience with other people wanting to beat this evil drug because before I started my detox I did a lot of research and actually stumbled across this website and these forums,
Needless to say after reading just a few of the problems by lost souls I almost threw the towel in before I even started but thankfully alas I soldiered on and here I am at day 14 but before, during and after my cold turkey detox I had NO help whatsoever, my GPs answer was "taper down or go onto Methadone" at day 3 I "found" this site and just sat back not posting, just reading people's ideas and experiences so I basically owe my life to this site and the wonderful people within it.
Hope you are ok, Richard.
Hello again Julie,
Thank you with every beat of my heart for your lovely words and support,
I started today feeling a little groggy but still refreshed enough to take what the world had to throw at me but 8hours ago at lunchtime..."WHAM!!"
That "wall" came from nowhere and stopped me dead in my tracks,
I had a good breakfast and was well hydrated but I forgot the "baby steps" as I have spent much of the morning getting dragged around our local "mall" getting stocked up on winter clothes for our children by my ex wife and chasing my 2 year old around the shops!
Naughty naughty not a good idea I know but it's been 2 weeks since I experienced anything "human" like walking around a shopping complex pretending to be interested in women's clothing!
It's 8pm here as I type this and I'm listening to therapeutic sounds on my iPod and feel ok.
Thank you again Julie, Richard.
Thank you with every beat of my heart for your lovely words and support,
I started today feeling a little groggy but still refreshed enough to take what the world had to throw at me but 8hours ago at lunchtime..."WHAM!!"
That "wall" came from nowhere and stopped me dead in my tracks,
I had a good breakfast and was well hydrated but I forgot the "baby steps" as I have spent much of the morning getting dragged around our local "mall" getting stocked up on winter clothes for our children by my ex wife and chasing my 2 year old around the shops!
Naughty naughty not a good idea I know but it's been 2 weeks since I experienced anything "human" like walking around a shopping complex pretending to be interested in women's clothing!
It's 8pm here as I type this and I'm listening to therapeutic sounds on my iPod and feel ok.
Thank you again Julie, Richard.
Thanks for sharing your detailed, heartfelt account, it was gripping.
Journeying into the abyss, battling the entrenched demons, victoriously crawling out, forging on to get things sorted, and then offer help to strangers on the Net... what's to say? I dunno, but a tip o' the hat to you. Battle on.
Journeying into the abyss, battling the entrenched demons, victoriously crawling out, forging on to get things sorted, and then offer help to strangers on the Net... what's to say? I dunno, but a tip o' the hat to you. Battle on.
Richard-
Another day down!!! Another day closer to recovery and getting your old self back. The monkey has definitely "left the building". Now, you just need to make sure and keep him out, because he will try HARD to get back in - especially when your defenses are down. And - I really think you should give yourself a little more credit on the "tough guy" thing. What you have succeeded in doing the last 14 days is absolutely amazing - considering the dosage you were on, the quitting cold and doing all of this with really no support to speak of (until you found us ofcorse :) , is something that takes a heck of a lot of will power and strength. Guess your just gonna have to face it - you are quite a bit tougher that you thought! Congratulations . . . keep it up; one step,, one hour, one day at a time! Very proud of you!
Julie
Another day down!!! Another day closer to recovery and getting your old self back. The monkey has definitely "left the building". Now, you just need to make sure and keep him out, because he will try HARD to get back in - especially when your defenses are down. And - I really think you should give yourself a little more credit on the "tough guy" thing. What you have succeeded in doing the last 14 days is absolutely amazing - considering the dosage you were on, the quitting cold and doing all of this with really no support to speak of (until you found us ofcorse :) , is something that takes a heck of a lot of will power and strength. Guess your just gonna have to face it - you are quite a bit tougher that you thought! Congratulations . . . keep it up; one step,, one hour, one day at a time! Very proud of you!
Julie
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