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135222 tn?1210432488

Losing my mind!

I have been weaning down from a seven year 50mg methadone habit (for chronic pain) for a few months now. Going down 2.5mg every two weeks seems to have been working out. Once in awhile I would get mild withdrawals that would last a day or two. The worst seemed to be insomnia, shaky and bowel problems. Two days ago I hit 35mg. Ever since then my whole body (except my arms) aches. And I woke up with a headache that will not go away. The pain in my back and legs is familiar to me as that is why I started Methadone. I just dont know if it is withdrawal or because my dose has been lowered and the old pains are returning? And now (just as Murphys law dictates) just as I am weaning I got a letter from disability that they are reviewing my case. I know it is standard for them to do that but I am worried they will yank my disability if they see I am coming off pain meds. I am now considering going back up to 40mg until they decide my case. All this while my mom is ill, I have to move on 8/1 and fly to CA a week later which will kill my back! I am really starting to lose it.
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Avatar universal
id slow down on the taper, reduce by 1 milligram every 2 weeks.better to win in the end than fail by going too fast
Helpful - 0
135222 tn?1210432488
Thank you everyone for commenting. One of the crazy things about  weaning off methadone is that you can never be sure what is withdrawal and what is something else? It turns out I jumped the gun on this one. It was the flu!! The body aches turned into a throbbing headache which turned into a 103 degree fever! Today I am weak but on the mend. My other problems however remain.
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Avatar universal
I think that you are just teasing yourself with this 2.5 mg weaning nonsense. It doesn't really make sense, but if it's working for you, which it doesn't seem to be too great since you are still experiencing withdrawl symptoms, I would advise just try to hold out as long as possible without it. Then take it if you absolutely need it. Either wait until they are done reviewing or stop it altogether. And yes, the back pain is probably mostly from withdrawl symptoms., I had the same thing, I was thinking wait a minute, I actually need these pills! Or else my back will hurt like this 24.7! And then I realized it was bad w/d symptoms and a couple days later they subsided but in the mean time use a lot of aleve or something similar.
Helpful - 0
556373 tn?1216488337
I know where you are I've been there a few years ago. I went to the methadone clince to get off of Hydro and Perc's and that was the worst mistake. First, take deep breaths your really not going to die I thought it was the end. Get to about 30mg and either find a doctor to get you on a short Suboxon program I mean 2 weeks short or check in. Get away from metadone as soon as possible. I wish you hope and strenght
Helpful - 0
371980 tn?1276740809
when it rains it pours. Sometimes when we r coming off the pain meds our body producees more pain. sounds crazy but it is true. Keep doing what you are doing. you are off to a good start. Look in the health pages here at the ammino protocols and the Thomas recipe. it has help many. as far as your disability goes...im not familiar wih any off that but i dont see how they could take it from you cuz u are weaning off your meds. tell them your reasoning behind it. stay strong and keep posting. it really does help! good luck to you!!
Helpful - 0
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