Husband in intensive care

[KAG71]

This is not so much a question  as just letting you guys know the latest.    I have just returned from hospital, my hubby (Gixerboy) was taken by ambulance there about midnight.

He was on Oxycontin 8 80mgs a day for almost 3 years due to a severe back problem.   Anyway, he has been tapering over two months (got down to about half that) due to pressure from the doc and the fact that it was beginning to affect him badly etc

When the doc and pain clinic started telling him that rapid detox and drug rehab were options he got really scared.  He didn’t want to leave our daughter and me, instead he wanted to stay here.   Hence the decision to go cold turkey on Wednesday night (his last dose).  

It all started at around 5pm Friday night when he lost the ability to speak verbally, and instead we were communicating on paper.  He told me that he kept going into massive spasms, hot, cold etc.   He was in soooo much pain and just wanted it to end.  But he didn’t want a tablet, and kept telling me not to panic and not to call an ambulance, he would be fine!

This went on and on for hours, until about 9ish when I went to get our daughter from youth club.  He wanted me to get tablets downstairs that we had that would help him to sleep, and hence combat the withdrawals.  I did this and had to dash off for our daughter….   When I came home he was suddenly speaking again and told me that he taken several sleeping tablets as he needed to ensure sleep.       About half hour after this, he started having massive involuntary movement in his arms and legs.   These got worse and worse, and we now had no communication at all, as he could not speak and could not write as his arms wouldn’t stay still.     I tried for about 2 more hours to help him but it did not stop and just got worse….. he kept falling off the bed, banged his head etc…. It got to a stage where he was endangering himself and everyone around him.  At this point, despite his wishes, I had no choice, I called an ambulance.

Sorry for the ramblings guys, I just need to talk to someone, I am so scared, keep thinking that I am going to lose the guy that I love sooooo much.   Been so strong all night so our daughter didn’t get any more upset than she already was, now I can’t help it.   I am supposed to be getting a few hours sleep as they have sedated him now and will let him sleep until 9ish when they intend to wake him up and see how he is.   Daughter is asleep but I just can’t.  The hospital seems to think that this has been caused, not by withdrawals, but an overdose of sleeping pills.   Will not really know anything else  until later this morning but will keep u posted.

Thanks for listening guys.

Karen (Gixerboy’s wife)

[Ronnie152]

Thats great! Glad to hear he is doing good. He will be home making you crazy soon!  LMAO.. Glad you got some rest to. got to run ttyl

[KAG71]

Further to my earlier post, just been doing some research and Lofexidine is very similiar to Clonidine that I've heard mentioned a lot on here.   I think Clonidine is used is the states a lot as Lofexidine isn't so widely available there.

[KAG71]

Thank u totallost and Freebird.  I don't know what else to say except thank u.  I am totally overwhelmed by how many people have responded to and kept track of this post.  I know my hubby will be too when he comes home and reads all this!!  He just can't wait to get home now, he keeps asking the nurses!    As much as I want him home, I tell him not to rush it or he'll end up straight back there again!

[freebird227]

I kid you not...I have been trying to post all day and couldn't get a word in edgewise. But now that I'm here I want you to know I have been praying for a great healing for your husband also praying for you and your daughter. Know that God has his hand on this and sends special angles for little children and as for you ....Well.....I am woman watch me roar.You really stepped up with super natural strength.  Much love and happiness for your husband  may he continue to heal

[SophieShine]

So happy for you that your hubby is better. he seems to be in good hands concerning the pain and the addiction. I really wish you all the best. Thanx for keeping us informed.

[KAG71]

Thank u so much Stevo, so good to have so much support with this.   I just phoned the hospital and he has now been moved to the high dependency unit, and out of intensive care.  When and if they get a bed he will be moved onto a ward.