Must wean off Tramadol ASAP - help!

[cottonrichards]

I'm getting a tonsillectomy on the 28th (in 19 days) and have been taking 50mg of Tramadol 2x a day (every 12 hours) for about 6 years for anxiety.  Once I get my tonsils out I won't be able to swallow pills for a couple of weeks though, so I need to get off the Tramadol before the surgery.  Is this feasible?  Is this a doable schedule of taper:
9-11th:
50 MG AM / 25 MG PM
12-14:
25 MG AM / 25 MG PM
15-18:
25 MG AM / 12.5 MG PM
19-22:
12.5 MG AM / 12.5 MG PM
23-25:
12.5 MG AM only
26-27:
6.25 MG AM only
28:
Off

This is the only way I can imagine getting off without suffering miserably.  Any advice?

[PromisedLand]

IBKleen has a VERY good point..I gave mine to my wife to hand out to me according to the schedule and that worked very well..


Jim

[cottonrichards]

I don't...but I don't think it's the thing of whether or not I'm going to give in and take more than I should.  I'm very aware of my deadline because once I get my tonsils out I'm screwed if I'm not off of them and I don't want to go through withdrawls after a big surgery.  I'm just sharing my experience because I need an anonymous place to do so and have a little contact and encouragement through it.

I do have a question for you guys though...I've seen lots of people talk about how hard it was to get off (many who went cold turkey, which sounds horrible), but then how much better they felt once their bodies adjusted.  I haven't really seen much about how people fare psychologically though.  I know a lot of people got hooked because of the sense of well being and reduction of anxiety or depression.  How did you feel psychologically after your body normalized post-tramadol?  

Thanks guys, I appreciate the support!
Cotton

[PromisedLand]

That's what aftercare is about....NA or a therapist..a necessity to get your head back where it belongs..you're going to feel anxiety, you're going to feel agoraphobia...one time after kicking vicodin I was in the mall with my wife and HAD HAD HAD to get out of there and HOME....NOW...look up NA meetings in your area..find one that you like..there are likely bunches of them near your home or in the area....it is a necessity.  I'd be lost without my therapist...and my son (RIP) was helped tremendously by NA a couple of years before he died.

[PromisedLand]

That's what aftercare is about....NA or a therapist..a necessity to get your head back where it belongs..you're going to feel anxiety, you're going to feel agoraphobia...one time after kicking vicodin I was in the mall with my wife and HAD HAD HAD to get out of there and HOME....NOW...look up NA meetings in your area..find one that you like..there are likely bunches of them near your home or in the area....it is a necessity.  I'd be lost without my therapist...and my son (RIP) was helped tremendously by NA a couple of years before he died.

[cottonrichards]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your son.  I cannot imagine what it has been like for you, a father, to lose his son.

[vicki595]

Hi~  This concerns me a little. You will be fresh off the Tramadol at the time of your surgery. You will still have some withdrawals. The anesthesiologist is going to want to know what you've been taking or just stopped taking. It's very important to be honest.
Also,why is it you won't be able to take them post op? Were you told that?  You will have a painful throat but it won't close up. You'll have ice chips and popsicles etc...and be able to swollow that. You should be able to swallow a pill in some ice cream or applesauce.  I'm not trying to keep you hooked on the tram at all but I just don't think
quitting with such a fast taper is a good thing right before surgery.
This is my own opinion and I personally wouldn't do it. Also,I'd get with a doctor,tell the absolute truth and discuss your anxiety and depression.  You may need an antidepressant as folks often do after taking tram for a period of time.  Tramadol contains an antidepressant and synthetic opiate.
Please don't keep this a secret from the anesthesiologist.
Good luck~
Vicki