Help !!! Please read......

[hopefully2013]

hello all, today is day 1 of my going cold turkey off of about 220 mg of oxy. I have been on this amount for quite some time and am constantly running out early, having to try and find some, making early doctor's appointments...
I am an addict. I am tired of them running my life. I swear I'm counting them EVERY day...  always obsessing.

BUT...I'm scared. I know it's not just my going through these first sick days but also taking care after and getting help to stay clean but right at this moment so scared of how it's going to be.  

I unfortunately didn't have the money or a way of getting a lot of the things (from the thomas recipe) before I decided to do this. I know I should get my doc's okay and I will let him know but I was afraid I would beg for more pills so I wanted to start today. I know because I had a delay release of 40mg for my last pill late last night that other than a bit of jumpiness and and anxiety it hasn't hit yet.

I know others have done it an succeeded and I just really please need to hear that.

I just couldn't taper...it never worked. I always took more and it was making me crazy if I didn't. Tired of always knowing what it is.

I don't have a lot of over the counter stuff though I have a little immodium and zantac? but I don't know if that will help anything. I do have clonazapam which is prescribed and is what I'd like to get off next. I had tapered down on that and it didn't seem to bother me and I have stuck to it but couldn't with oxys...

I think I read others have gone off higher doses cold turkey and yes you suffer but you will live through it but why am i so damn scared. It's going to hit whether I panic or not but this is terrifying to me.

I need to know there's others in chronic pain who get off this junk and survive.

please i appreciate any words....

thank you

[Icare4you]

I believe my 24 year old son is addicted to blues.
He gets defensive,isolates himself and just wont talk openly about this. He puts it back on you like your being judgemental and all.
I believe hes been doing this for 4 years now. How does one realize what theyre doing to themselves. Is it a good idea to just put it out thete ......
He

[Pat1956100]

Hi and welcome
Fear is the worst part of this.  Most of us are terrified when we find this forum but it is never as bad as we think.  Withdrawals usually peak on days 3 or 4 and then subside to a much tolerable level.  Everyone is different though and yours may not be that bad so don't expect the worst, just be prepared for it.
I found that just when I was ready to give up, they were almost over.
You can do this.  Many of us have gone cold turkey.  I wasn't prepared my first attempt either with items from the Thomas Recipe.  I also didn't know that Day 3 was my worst and I caved my first attempt.  
Just stay strong and know that it doesn't last forever and when you are feeling really bad, it will pass soon.  
Like toothfairie said, it's really important to stay hydrated.  You don't want to suffer dehydration too.  Eat what you can and sleep when you can.

Don't hesitate to ask any question or just simply post when you need support.
We all care and want you to succeed.

[hopefully2013]

thank you all for the support. hearing your stories and suggestions all help. I do have a few of the things you mentioned on hand. I also have the support of my mother who will help with my child. My child is not very young however she is going through a lot of anxiety. I'm afraid that this will increase her anxiety but I have to get this done now.
my mom will be here for her to help her for any concerns. But I know that would be anxiety that I'm sick.

thank u all

[BarbRTR]

Hi there. Everyone has given you such good advice. I can't stress enough the hydrating. Force yourself to drink, gatoraid or water.

What do you have on hand for easy foods? Crackers, soup, whatever you can tolerate. Upset stomach isn't always a symptom though. I didn't really have it. My habit was similar to yours. I was however, too energy less those first few days to cook. So easy to prepare foods is a must.

Also, many found whey protein shakes to help with brain healing. Regardless, they are so very good for you. Or even carnation or ensure.

If you do talk to your Dr, the RX Clonidine helps with many wd symptoms. It's a BP med, and most any good dr will prescribe if you tell him your plans.
Stay posting for support, and ask anything that may come up that concerns you. Having this forum has helped me immensely.

Good luck to you! The hours pass slowly at first, seems never ending, but before you know it, time flies.

[marycarmel]

What type of pain do you have?  How will you manage it?  I have chronic pain from several things (fibromyalgia, rsd, & bad arthritis in most joints.)  I was physically dependent rather than addicted but the physical symptoms were the same.  I tapered because of other health issues.  Lots of people (myself included) find that they are able to manage their pain with OTC or non-narcotic  medications.

You'll get lots of support here & try not to anticipate about the withdrawals.  Keep yourself well hydrated with juice, water, sports drinks, soups, etc.  Popsicles helped me when I a tough time keeping anything down.  The Imodium helps many symptoms, not just stomach issues.

I know it's hard to tell your physician but if you can it will really help you.  You'll need him to help manage your pain & he will help you with your taper

[craftygirl2013]

wow. I am besides myself.  I posted something very similar just now so I know how you feel .  I wish you luck.  It really stinks counting pills and having them run your life.  I can't wait to feel better and normal.  I look at other people and think to myself that they are lucky that they don't have the same demons I do, terrorizing my life.

[toothfairie]

welcome!  and congrats on wanting to take your life back!  this site is a great source of info and support....it has helped me get to 90+ days clean off hydros, which i was taking for alot of years.  Just remember that each day you are clean is another day toward freedom.....just take one hour, one day at a time....rest when you can but also get up and move around as much as you can as well...that will help....and stay hydrated!!  that's very important...you might not feel like eating much at first, but you have to drink water, gatorade or just less sugary drinks.  Keep posting for support and we can help you with the symptoms...and i was SO scared when i first posted back in Nov....but once you start it, you won't be scared anymore...will just feel like the flu for a few days to a week....hang in there and let us know how we can help!  

[Leaveurfearsbehind]

Welcome to this great forum! You will find lots of support and advice on here. I came off 120mg of oxy daily almost 4 months ago. I know that you are scared but that's ok, I was too! You know this has to stop and that's the first step. You will feel bad for a few days with flu like symptoms. No sleep and tummy troubles.  The imodium does help but let your body cleanse itself for the first day or so. I took 10mg at a time and it really helped! Keep posting and I'm sure others will offer there support. Wishing you the best!

[ricart70]

Hey great job on getting clean.I couldn't taper and also did not have any supplies when I got clean once.You can do it!  just keep pushing through and know you are healing with every day that goes by.It can be done and life will always get better after some time off of these pills.   Hang in there