hydrocodone withdrawal question

[jcgreg]

I have been on hydrocodone for back pain and fracture for 2 months.  Initially I went through 90 pills in 2 weeks right after my fall.  I have been on less since then - maybe taking 1-3 Norco tabs per day.  Two days ago, my pain was good enough that I didn't take any pills.  The next day I started feeling ill and by that night I felt like I had the flu with nausea and diarrhea.  I woke today and don't feel much better.  I also have had periods of feeling hot then cold,  runny nose, loss of appetite, dizziness, and tingling in my arms and legs.  It occurred to me today that maybe I don't have a   bug but maybe withdrawal from the hydrocodone. Anyone have any thoughts?  My back pain started to increase tonight so I decided to take 1/2 of a pill and see if that helps with the pain and maybe improves how I feel if it is because I stopped taking the pills without tapering them.  I would love any advice.  Although my consumption was high for the first 2 weeks, it has been much lower for the last 2-3 weeks - could I still have gotten dependent on them. I do admit they didn't seem to work for the pain as well anymore.

My other concern is that I am heading into back surgery in 2 weeks and will be back on them for pain from that, so what is my best course of action?

Thanks.

[Ella789]

A month is long enough to start the dependence esp. since you were taking high amts. to begin with.  I would say yes, your body is dependent on them, I would wait until after your other surgery to get off of them.  You will no doubt need to take them awhile.  When you are ready just tapper down with them and then start your quit.  
  You will then know what to expect during detox so ask your Dr. to help you.  He/She can prescribe Clonidine or something to help you with your quit.

Best wishes

Ella

[Cabingirl2]

first things first you probably are dependent on them even though you took less in the last 2 weeks. In my experience if you take pain pills over 2 weeks and then taper you will still have some flu problems.
If your having surgery in 2 weeks. Why put yourself through the dope sickness only to start back at square one a few weeks after your next surgery. Tapering is a wonderful
way to come off pain pills, but you may still have some flu problems in the end. Nothing like compared to cold turkey.
         Good Luck either way.

P.S. there is alot different expierences, and alot of help here