How to go cold turkey without the help of my dr.'s

[mommyof287]

I am 26 years old. I've had numerous issues as far a medical goes, as well as over a dozen surgeries in the last 2 1/2 years. I have been given pain meds during the duration of the last 2 1/2 years, Hydrocodones being the most prescribed. When I initially began taking them, it was 2-3 a day, a couple of months later, more health issues arose, then 4-5 a day. Before I knew it, I was taking up to 10-12 a day, sometimes more. I just recently reinjured my knee that has already had ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair & will be having surgery on it next month, and had a couple of short prescriptions given to me of Oxycodone. I had used those in conjunction with my Hydrocodone given for my cervical radiculopathy(pinched discs/nerves) and was out. I went to my f/u with my spine specialist and he refused to give any more medication, and told me to consult my PCP. I did just that, and was rejected by him as well. So even though it is the safest way to come off the medication to taper down, I cannot do that because I have no doctor (who have all started me on these meds to begin with), and am on my first full day of no pain medication. I never considered myself an addict, until now. I had all of these medical reasons that required me to take them to keep out of pain so I could live life with my two daughters and husband, but it slowly but surely went overboard. What can I do? Should I seek outpatient help somewhere? I am seeking genuine help. I have had cold sweats, hot sweats, diarrhea, and excessive crying all day today; was forced to have my daughters go to my in-laws so they did not have to see their mother in this state. Looking for any help at all.

[OpenMind24hours]

Hidden blessing here: Your medical professionals have you slowing down on opiates now, and when the time comes, hopefully you'll get some benefit from the medications after the surgery. When you get home from surgery, what really works in your situation is to give the meds to a trusted friend or family member to dole out only as prescribed.  It really works.

I hear you on the pain med abuse. My pill bottles always had the instructions: 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. Soon I got it all mixed and was taking 6 every one hour and washing them down with Miller Light. And by then my pain was tolerable without ANY medication. I had to find other pill sources along with my usual refills at CVS because I needed more and more. Us addicts are addicted to "more". One is too many and a thousand isn't enough. Opiates hit the pleasure center harder than most drugs out there and it's hard to stay stopped. I went thru 3 detoxes. It requires some willingness and work. I had to change my thinking entirely, but I've found it possible to enjoy life living pill free.

Your goal is to end up completely free from opiates when this is all over and get your life back to normal, correct?

[mommyof287]

Yes, I've retorn my meniscus cartilage. So surgery will be within the month. I have several issues that require pain meds, that's why I'm so confused. I can barely walk on my knee, in extreme pain, and am just downright mad and depressed, anxious and sad. Idk how to feel at this point. I know I abused my medication, but none of my providers offered to help ween me down or anything. Just suggested in patient detox which I cannot afford to do with work, my husband, and  being a mother of two. Im searching for outpatient therapies/counseling and short term meds to help my withdrawal process. Praying to Him for his grace and love to help heal me in my time of need

[mommyof287]

Thank you both, I'm glad I found this forum too. I don't feel alone(as much, anyway). I'm having extreme sweats so I did contact my pcp for clonidine. The next moment I'm extremely cold. I just want a pain med so bad. I've been looking into out patient programs. Is this a good idea or no? I've been told by my dr I may need a substitute med (subutex or other) to help curb the craving for a while, but I'm leery as I've seen people on this med before.:,( I just need help.

[Jinxie_W]

Did I read your post correctly?? 'You will be having surgery in a month'?  If so, are they going to help you with post op pain?  whatever happened, it appears they somehow got the feeling you were having addiction issues, which really ***** when you have legitimate pain.  I agree with all of the above advice.  there is are some youtube videos on detoxing at home from pain pills.  knowledge is power and this is a great site with a wealth of great people and advice.  One simple thing I read was 'pretend you are sick with the flu'.  sounds really odd, but many of the w/d symptoms do mimic the flu. take hot baths, take otc medication and stay in bed until most of it passes.  

[clean_in_ks]

Hi and welcome to the forum~

My story is much like yours....just know that you can definitely get off the pain pills and more than likely after some time, your pain will actually be less than while on the pain meds.  After continual use of opiates....as you found out, we build up a tolerance and take more and more.  The first 100 hours are usually the worst part of a detox....so congrats on making it through your first day!  Openmind24 gave you some good advise....the Epsom Salts will help A LOT!  Be sure to drink A LOT of water and stay hydrated...it's very important during w/drawals.  Also, eat some protein or drink some drinks that provide protein, Emergen-C is good and any drink with electrolytes in it.  Bananas or avocados are good for RLS...they are both high in potassium.  A good cal/mag/zinc supplement helps too.
Let us know how you're doing.....we'll all be here for you....we've done it and so can you!  Keep posting...glad you found the forum~

[OpenMind24hours]

Many of us, including me, have gone through what you're about to go through and for the exact same reason. Pain and prescriptions. First, don't feel ashamed! Not for one minute. Pain pills are addicting. It says so right on the med instructions. Take enough of them and you get hooked.

I don't you're going to be able to taper much. From your description above I think you can get through this and out the other side in really good shape. Your doctor can help you out through this process. Indeed call the office. He/she might give you some Clonidine which helps with a few detox issues like BP.

Next, for the detox look below on this page and find the Thomas Recipe. You'll find most of those items at the nearest drug store. Follow the directions. Also pick up some Epsom Salts for hot baths. You'll be taking lots of them as go through this process. Expect some sleep issues for awhile as you detox. We are here to help and support you all the way through the process.

You're going to be fine. Relax the best you can and use the hot bath as much as you can. I wish you the best of luck.