Ok Guys, It's D-Day I'm done with the patch!!!!

[thmpn8r]

All right guys....
Please, please post on my thread....  I have been having trouble sleeping over the last 2 nights even though I have had a Fentanyl 12 on so I took it off this morning and am as ready as I will ever be to face the BEAST!!!!  My original plan was to try and make it until Sunday cuz I quit taking my Norco 10's 3x a day last Friday....  Was hoping I could hold off till Sunday with the patch to try and give some time to get the Norc's. out of my system.  But, with all the anxiety, RLS, sleepless nights, etc., etc. i'm just decided i'm done....  I am really going to lean on as many of you as I can on  this forum to get me thru it, so please give me your thoughts and encouragement!  I am going to use the Thomas Recipe and would appreciate any and all advise on what others have done to get thru it!!!!

Looking forward to the other side and having my life back....  Keep me in your prayers as I will all of you!!!!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS FORUM AND ALL THAT CAN COME HERE FOR HELP!!!!!

[thmpn8r]

Hey Lissy!
I am glad to hear that you are on your way to a better you!!!!  Stay strong and I think it's great that you are there with your husband as support is SO MUCH a part of getting thru this!!!!  Well, to hopefully give you a little light of hope I have been doing fairly well!!!!  Your right about how hard it is, but you can do it and it will get better!!!!  I am now on Day 9 and today is a little harder than yesterday....  It's really humid here today (roughly 75% humidity) and it really seems to be messing with me cuz I am very anxious and have been a little more uncomfortable due to the humid air.....  I think it's a combination of that and the neighbor's were up late partying last night and I didn't get a whole lot of sleep cuz of listening to them.....  But, I did manage to pull off 3 to 4 hrs. of sleep!!!! I did have use a Lunesta last night and cuz of how anxious I am today I took a .5 mg Klonipin which is the first time I have used one in 4 days and the first of using anything during the day other than my vitamins.....  I would suggest trying the vitamin thing as I really think it's lessening the overall w/d's and malaise.......

Your days will get better as yesterday was my best day yet!!!!  When I went out and walked I actually had a good pace and wasn't having to force myself thru each step!!!!  It felt great and my energy level was up most of the day unlike Days 1 thru 4 as there just wasn't anything there!!!!  I did manage to walk and would suggest that u maybe give it a try.....  It's hard to get yourself going but once your out there it's not too bad....  The baths have helped a lot for me too.....  Not, taking them as often as I think I am most of the way out of the w/d's and am now just dealing with the malaise.....

The great thing is that I am constantly getting goose bumps for no reason at all!!!!  It shows my receptor's are beginning to fire on normal endorpins and I'm feeling again....  It just goes to show how quickly the body will begin to heal....  The real thing that ***** about it is that it just goes to show how bad this cr@p messes with our receptor's!!!!  I am so glad to be away from it and am monitoring and logging my every use of any and all drugs/vitamins I am putting in my body....  I am so afraid of trading one dependency for another....  Anyways, enough about me as I just wanted to let you know there is light and it does come fairly quick!!!!!

I think you should hopefully be in good enough shape after two weeks to go back home....  Just take the bull by the horns girl!!!!!  You can do this and I am so proud of your strength to try and take back as much of your life as you can considering your current medical conditions....  Try and take in as much fluid as possible no matter how hard it is....  I have been averaging 1 1/2 to 2 gallons a day which has been hard but I am just trying to flush my body as quickly as possible....

Just want to say I am here for you Sweet heart and congratulations on 2 Days!!!!!  Your husband has got to be so proud of you as I am many others are and we are here for you anytime!!!!  You go girl!!!!  And feel free to PM me anytime or post on the thread with any questions.....  Your well on your way to a better life and your in my prayers as I am sure I am in yours.....

Dave......

[LissyH]

Hi, it's me, Lissy.  I'm alive...heehee!  I just hit the 48 hour mark (almost exactly) since I ripped off that last patch.  I started having wds the first day.  They were manageable, but uncomfortable.  My doctor had prescribed me Darvocet, so I've taken those for the pain, along with lots and lots of hot baths (the foot/leg/back pain has been excruciating with a feeling like first needles then pickaxes were being jabbed into them!)  The creep-crawlies are pretty bad all over.  I can't sit or lie still for very long...antsy!  I managed some sleep with my regular night meds I take that the doc didn't change (a seizure med I take after suffering a brain aneurysm - and 3-day coma - caused by my lupus and a Clonazepam for a sleep disorder) plus a Xanax.  Needless to say, for someone so young I've had some major health issues and close calls!  Lupus is a demon, in and of itself!

I know I'm only at the two-day mark and the real wds haven't begun.  I was prescribed Clonidine and Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) but have been saving those for the worst...my doctor only prescribed 21 pills (3 a day max, which gives me 7 days total).  My doctor's nurse told me to hang on to all of them if I could until the end because I was going to need them...that scared the bejeebies outta me for her to tell me that.

Since my first post, I got on a plane and flew to be with my husband who is on assignment in another state.  I didn't want to be alone going through this.  So, I've managed to get here, go through two days since he helped me rip off the patch and I'm hanging in there.  I pray that I am through this by the time I'm due to leave (in about two weeks) and can manage to get BACK on a plane to get home.  That's one of the scariest things looming over my head.  I wish I knew how much worse this was going to get so I could prepare.  I'm a bit of a control freak and a planner, so I want to have some sort of plan of action in place.  I guess this is one time I'm going to have to let go and let God because I can't be in total control of everything can I?  

I wish you all well and thank you SOOOO much for your support!  Hope all concerned are hanging in there.  My heart goes out to you in your own personal struggle with addiction/dependency!

Blessings!

Lissy

[thmpn8r]

Hey Guys....  Yeah, I am still here and makin it as good as to be expected....  Yesterday was really a good day and I am so thankful for that....  Today, has been a little bit of a struggle as I feel less energy than I did yesterday....  I'm sure that this is the way it's going to go for awhile....  I just picked myself up (even though I am feelin pretty sick to the stomach and no energy) and went for a walk this morning and just got back from a half hour at the pool and a good 15 minutes in the jacuzzi.....  I am feelin a little better but I just gotta realize that I am only on Day 6.....  Wish this was over.....  The more I think about it, I would have rather dealt with the 8 mo. of pain that I had to endure over how hard it is to try and gain any energy now!!!!!  Probably would have thought about it differently while going thru the pain....

Anyways, know that I am staying strong and will stomp this out of my life!!!!!  Soon, very soon I will be back to the gym and will force this cr@p out of me!!!!

Luv ya all for all ur support and know that I am thinkin of each of you!!!!

I started a new thread and here's the link:  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Social/Ok-Guys--its-Day-5-off-the-Patch-and-feelin-good/show/1029729?personal_page_id=649429

[MMarty]

Still there, friend? Everyday is another day closer to your life back. You have a strong will and a quick mind. You will be fine. Marty

[candothis247]

Day 4  = You are doing fantastic, a couple more days and you will feel better. Keep posting, lots of support here. Lot's of us have done it here helping each other. Good job.

[thmpn8r]

Hi Guys!!!!  Sorry for not posting yesterday....  It was sure he11 as I felt sick to my stomach all day, NO ENERGY, the shakes, sweats, trips to the toilet, etc., etc.....  Anyways, Here we are on Day 4 and I made it through Day 3!!!!!  Going back to Day 3, even though it was miserable I forced myself to get my @ss up and go for 2 walks and I even mowed my lawn....  It was sure he11 mowing my lawn as I had to stop 4 or 5 times and was seeing stars/spots one time that I stopped but I did it!!!!  I am not trying to be superman, but just trying to kick in the natural endorphins that our bodies are missing....  I think this is going to be so vital to the mental part of my recovery is to get up and get moving!!!!  Before my 5 surgeries in 7 mo. which is what put me on the patch and pills I worked out 3x a week minimum and walked everyday at work during both my breaks and my lunch hour!!!!  I always had unlimited energy and really miss that!!!!

Anyways, Day 4 is here and it hasn't been as bad as yesterday....  I actually have a little energy and went for a walk this morning and then went to see my doc....  For those who don't know (especially for you LissyH) I am using the Thomas Recipe and started it before I could get in to see my primary doc.....  It seems to be working well for me personally but I am no doctor and highly suggest that you discuss this method with your doctor prior to using it....  I am still afraid that the worst is yet to come due to the half life on the Fentanyl.....   We will have to see but I do know that I have been experiencing some major w/d's....  Just today seems a little better and my spirits seem a little higher!!!!  Yesterday morning I woke up and within 5 minutes of being up I balled like a baby for about 15 minutes....  That's ok though, cuz crying is healing and that's what we need to do is heal.....

Thanks for all your support and I am making it cuz of all of you!!!!!  LissyH PM me anytime and I will drop you a short note.....  I would love to hear what you are doing to prepare yourself so you can try and combat this as best as you mentally can....  The physical part we just have to allow the storm to pass but the Thomas Recipe is at least helping me get thru the physical w/d's!!!!

My prayers go out to all as I know they are coming my way with the strength I feel....

thmpn8r

[MMarty]

How are you today? Looking for our update....God speed, you have this and you know it! Marty

[MMarty]

You can do it too Lissy. Perhaps it wont be as bad as you have it in your head but steady for the worst and keep us updated. I really feel for you as I am in the same boat, different med. I hope to never see another pill in my life! Marty

[LissyH]

I will be anxiously waiting for each and every one of your posts.  I am about to do the same thing as you.  I never wanted to be on this nightmare medication called Fentanyl...I actually fought my doctor against it.  My pain management doctor started me on it in the hospital following surgery.  Wish I had been stronger at the time and just flat-out stuck to my guns and told him, "NO!"  But, he double-talked me into using it, saying that I wasn't an addictive type person, it was just for pain management, yada, yada, yada.  Well, whether you are addicted or dependent (addicted = got on in for the euphoria, "high", etc. and dependent = needed pain relief due to chronic pain/illness and used it long enough for body to depend on it) it has the same effect on those trying to come off of it...withdrawals!  Tuesday of next week is my last patch and then...well, I know it's going to be rough.  I, too, read the horror stories of coming off Fentanyl and I'm not ashamed to say I'm really, really scared.  I know that my mental state is going to be my worst enemy because I'm scared and easily distressed when I feel like I don't have control of a situation...I know, not a good recipe!


I will be praying for you.  I have been praying that God will get me through this with my sanity intact.  I will follow your progress...just hang in there.  God bless and keep you.

Lissy

[thmpn8r]

Just woke up and day 2 is done....  Hello day 3....  doing ok except for "NO ENERGY AT ALL".....  It's so weird how it just take the life out of us.....  After the first half hour of being up I feel like I just go into neutral or even worse, reverse!!!!  Had to take a valium to sleep last night and I am so worried about the Fent's. half life....  Like I have said, the first time of being off the patch I made it for 9 to 10 days before the w/d's hit me...  I was still using the Norc's. and am hoping that was the reason why....  I am looking forward to the other side of this....  Am using the Thomas Recipe and it seems to be helping (I think).....  Just don't know as this is a first for me and most certainly the LAST!!!!!!

I know what you mean about how everyone is doing????  Within minutes of me waking up I was on the comp. looking around to see how it's going....  Please PM me and tell me your story..... I want to be your support as much as you are mine!!!!

Thanks for looking in on me and I will stay strong....  Everyday is going to look brighter as I am closer to having my life back!!!!!

[MMarty]

Today? How are you? It's funny how you wake up worried about your fellow friends on group. I am hanging on my taper very well...NOT going there again. If I can keep my vanity in check then I should be good. I hope all are well on their way out of hell as well. Please update when you can and know we are all sending positive energy. I know it hurts and if it helps I just tell myself "You wanted to play and now you pay"....sort of my "punishment" for doing the wrong thing. GL, Marty

[thmpn8r]

Thanks for the insite on the otc med called hylands....  Going to take a look at it....  Just have to wait to do anything else as far as meds go whether they are otc or prescribed....  I am so weak I wouldn't trust myself driving....  I'm sure any of you who have gone thru this know what I mean....  On a positive note, I FORCED MYSELF TO GO FOR A WALK!!!!!  It was hell getting started but wasn't that bad once I got going....  It was definitely a slow walk and only around the block....  But hey, baby steps and it did help me to feel a little better if only for a short period....  I know it's only day 1 but I am determined to beat the cr@p out of the mental part of it as quickly as I can...

Thanks for all the advise, support and please keep on following my journey....  I hope it inspires others to be strong cuz that's what we need.....

[corey411]

I have heard others who had the restless arms as well as legs. There is an otc medicine called hylands that has helped many. Also make sure you are getting enough potassium. Bananas and sports drinks are a good way to get this. You have a real good outlook. It is good to be careful of the Valium. It is not an opiate but belongs to a group of drugs called benzos(has a longer name) these are narcotics and you can become addicted to them as well. They actually give you these to detox in rehab but you are not in a controlled environment so be careful. Anxiety and lack of sleep is also a reason many give up. Keep looking forward. You can do this. Corey

[thmpn8r]

Oh, one other thing...  Please follow this thread cuz I don't want to flood the forum with new threads daily....  I figure I am going to re-post new threads about every 5 days or so....  I think that's only fair to everyone out there that is in my same position....  Let me know if that's to often for the regulars that are here helping everyone.....

[thmpn8r]

Hi Guys!!!
Well, day 1 is over and so far I am making it ok.....  I know the worst is yet to come especially with the fent. half life.....  Last night I had problems sleeping so I did use the flexeril and 5mg of valium....  Really trying hard to keep away from the valium cuz it's an opiate and I don't want to trade on pile of dung for another!!!!!  I am hanging in there though... Day by day as they say, or in this case hour by hour and sometimes minute by minute....  Really trying hard to stop my legs from RLSing while i'm awake....  I think this is just mind over matter and it's part of combating the anxiety!!!!  I am using the Thomas recipe and everything it offers.....  I have a question, does anyone experience RESTLESS ARM SYNDROME?????  At night that's what seems to get me!!!!  My arms just seem to want to straighten out and close up into the fetal position!!!!  That is what seems to keep me awake more so than the RLS I think....  Just really tryin to keep my head around it and I know with all your support I will make it!!!!

Just know, I SO MUCH APPRECIATE ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND SUGGESTIONS!!!!

WITHOUT YOU I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO....

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!  UR ALL SAINTS WHETHER UR ON DAY 1 OR DAY 1,000!!!! I know I have said this before but I really mean it....  It takes a lot to share ur stories to the rest of the world!!!!

I love myself too much to allow this to hold me down!!!!  I will make with all your support....

thnx again!!!!

[MMarty]

Just checking in to see how you are doing? I am on the east coast so not sure if we are in the same time zone. Give us an update when you can. I am praying for you. Marty

[daisy699]

Hey just read your post again from yes! Wondering how it's going for you,or are you knocked out from the T.rec.??? Keep us up to date!!

[corey411]

Hey, You can do this. It will be hard but in anywhere from 4-7 days you will begin to feel better from the physical part. Day 4 was always the turning point for me. Fentenel does take a bit longer to regain your sleep and the rls hung around a bit longer the time I detoxed from it. Do you have time off from work? That is a plus. It will be like a severe flu/ Time will go very slowly and you will not have any energy. It's good to get some movies...make a plan to have something to keep your mind busy. Post here a lot. You didn't mention Immodium. You will need this. The Thomas Recipe under Health Pages is to help with withdrawals...the amino acid proticol will help with energy and helps some with their mood in a natural way. Many of these symptoms get better slowly. After the physical wd comes the mental battle with many emotions popping in and switching on you out of the blue. You still need to be careful after the physical part is over. I never wanted to go through this again either. I relapsed a number of times with the last one just having 300 days. It is good to get as much help as possible. NA or counseling. This is very tough. We will help all we can. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know how you are doing. GBU, Corey

[Kevin_Bacon]

Hey -- we're with you on this. I'm going to send a PM in a few minutes, so check your Inbox.

Hope I can provide some information you find useful.


-- KB

[thmpn8r]

Hi Lisa54!!!  Did you read my original thread????  Yes, I am an addict cuz I enjoy the euphoric high off them....  Did not abuse them very much and never was out before it was time to re-up....  But the bottom line is sometimes I would hold out on using the Norc's so I could do 3 or 4 at a time to get a boost/high out of them.....  All addictive behavior and I knew immediately!!!!  I have combated many different forms of addiction in my life and I will have to say that this takes the cake!!!!  I know i have a battle and have done nothing but read and lean on you guys during my waking hours....  Which i'm sure are goin to be a lot in the next few weeks....  hehehe.....  Gotta smile when the times seem the worse....  That's what will get us thru this!!!!!

Thanks again soooo.... much!!!!!

[thmpn8r]

Yeah, but they are gone now!!!!!  All is out of my life as far as I am concerned...  Just a few of the valium (which are under lock and key) to keep me accountable and some flexeril....  I know I can do this...  Already feel relief that I am not going to worry about my next patch...  hehehe.....  At least once I get past the w/d's and the mental part....  The big thing is THAT I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!!!!! AND WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!!!!  I know I say this now, and when i'm goin out of my mind I might look at it different but that's why i'm here!!!!  I need all of you for me to be strong....  

[MMarty]

Congrats! Another story that makes me know this is possible. There is a light at the end of the tunnel....keep moving. Marty

[Florida_Guy737]

Hey...I also detoxed from the patch and percs.  IMHO, I would have used the Norcos to wean from the patch because the patch is a very strong med and has a longer half life than the Fentanyl.

Do you have any Norcos left?

[refusingbondage]

Agree wiht Fengirl.  Its a lot mental.  You will feel sick no doubt, but the mental can really exacerbate that.  NO matter how bad it gets, remember it will NOT last forever and you will get through it.  The feeling you will have on that first day when you wake up NOT in withdrawal is the most beautiful feeling - words cannot describe it.  Well worth the pain.  Hang in there.