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How long for symptoms from stopping Fentynal
Hi,
Curious just went thru the horrendous detox quite rapidly from fentynal from 150 mg every 48 hrs for 4 years due to degenerative disc disease and 4 bulging disks down to 25 mg in 2 months, completely off it 6 weeks now, with little to no help from Dr except to lower dosage, he had no clue how to wean me down except offering soboxone and methadone which I declined.
The worst physical experience I've ever gone thru. I lost 29 lbs in 2 & 1/2 weeks, didn't sleep for 11 days straight, rocked and rolled for 16, and went to every fight invited to and still struggle with wanting to eat. I've been totally emaciated in this process.
I'm still unable to regulate body temp and cold sweats, and extreme fatigue and irritability, had thyroid checked and was fine.
When will all symptoms stop ?
I am so depressed, lost my job due to the extreme withdrawl being unable to work, and no detox facility would take me. I just beg to feel somewhat sane again, yet can't seem to find anyone to speak with about my continuing symptoms . I had my first app with a Pain Clinic for alternative pain care today with a Pain Med Specialist who didn't have a clue, yet prescribes patches ?
Any feed back from those off this horrendous drug would be gratefully appreciated.
It was reading this forum that gave me the courage to just do it, so I thank all of you as scared as some had described it would be. I was done being a slave to a drug that just may have mentally changed me forever
Curious just went thru the horrendous detox quite rapidly from fentynal from 150 mg every 48 hrs for 4 years due to degenerative disc disease and 4 bulging disks down to 25 mg in 2 months, completely off it 6 weeks now, with little to no help from Dr except to lower dosage, he had no clue how to wean me down except offering soboxone and methadone which I declined.
The worst physical experience I've ever gone thru. I lost 29 lbs in 2 & 1/2 weeks, didn't sleep for 11 days straight, rocked and rolled for 16, and went to every fight invited to and still struggle with wanting to eat. I've been totally emaciated in this process.
I'm still unable to regulate body temp and cold sweats, and extreme fatigue and irritability, had thyroid checked and was fine.
When will all symptoms stop ?
I am so depressed, lost my job due to the extreme withdrawl being unable to work, and no detox facility would take me. I just beg to feel somewhat sane again, yet can't seem to find anyone to speak with about my continuing symptoms . I had my first app with a Pain Clinic for alternative pain care today with a Pain Med Specialist who didn't have a clue, yet prescribes patches ?
Any feed back from those off this horrendous drug would be gratefully appreciated.
It was reading this forum that gave me the courage to just do it, so I thank all of you as scared as some had described it would be. I was done being a slave to a drug that just may have mentally changed me forever
Lulu747 had ALOT of great advice.
Maybe some of those suggestions could help ?
My guess is the more weight you lose the longer it will take to bounce back.
But I believe we all will, it's just such a draining process.
For me the depression is debilitating.
I read this post I found on FB
Depression is just like drowning, except you can see everyone else breathe !
That's exactly how I feel, on top of the rest.
Maybe some of those suggestions could help ?
My guess is the more weight you lose the longer it will take to bounce back.
But I believe we all will, it's just such a draining process.
For me the depression is debilitating.
I read this post I found on FB
Depression is just like drowning, except you can see everyone else breathe !
That's exactly how I feel, on top of the rest.
Hi Jinx ~
I so hear you, into my 7th week, I thought symptoms would have subsided somewhat by now, but as you read, more things keep popping up due to a low immune system.
Dealing with 3 different infections.
My appetite has gotten a little better, had to force myself to eat since put on anti biotics.
I stopped the protein shakes about week 3 because I needed more nutritional value in me, and the shakes made me feel full.
Yogurt and bananas in the morning. Hard boiled eggs on plain English muffins seemed to be tolerable. I just force it down with juice.
I'm now able to eat turkey and cheese wraps, and had an occasional steak. And will tell you, when I do eat solid food, my energy level is much better the following day.
I never feel hungry to eat either, but I had to start somewhere. I have gained 3 lbs in the last 7 weeks, because I still have digestion issues.
As said before I too lost 27 lbs in 2 weeks.
My energy is on days better, again usually after I've been able to eat.
Maybe even crackers and peanut butter, something to get you used to eating again.
I feel for you, dealing with same issues, but again even if its forced, it's a start.
I'm not a whole dairy fan, but definitely need something for bone strength, these flare ups I'm having are extremely painful, hopefully this new Ortho specialist I'm seeing on the 30th for my knee can recommend something to prevent this from happening.
Thanks for updating me on your progress, sorry to hear its going so slow. I know the frustration of just wanting to feel normal again.
Surprised to hear after a fentynal detox your Dr put you on OxyContin , I'm on low doses of left over Vicodine which I think is triggering my symptoms, but had to start them again due to pain, plus they do give me a little more energy to a least function and to get out of the house.
Have no clue what these Dr's are thinking either
I so hear you, into my 7th week, I thought symptoms would have subsided somewhat by now, but as you read, more things keep popping up due to a low immune system.
Dealing with 3 different infections.
My appetite has gotten a little better, had to force myself to eat since put on anti biotics.
I stopped the protein shakes about week 3 because I needed more nutritional value in me, and the shakes made me feel full.
Yogurt and bananas in the morning. Hard boiled eggs on plain English muffins seemed to be tolerable. I just force it down with juice.
I'm now able to eat turkey and cheese wraps, and had an occasional steak. And will tell you, when I do eat solid food, my energy level is much better the following day.
I never feel hungry to eat either, but I had to start somewhere. I have gained 3 lbs in the last 7 weeks, because I still have digestion issues.
As said before I too lost 27 lbs in 2 weeks.
My energy is on days better, again usually after I've been able to eat.
Maybe even crackers and peanut butter, something to get you used to eating again.
I feel for you, dealing with same issues, but again even if its forced, it's a start.
I'm not a whole dairy fan, but definitely need something for bone strength, these flare ups I'm having are extremely painful, hopefully this new Ortho specialist I'm seeing on the 30th for my knee can recommend something to prevent this from happening.
Thanks for updating me on your progress, sorry to hear its going so slow. I know the frustration of just wanting to feel normal again.
Surprised to hear after a fentynal detox your Dr put you on OxyContin , I'm on low doses of left over Vicodine which I think is triggering my symptoms, but had to start them again due to pain, plus they do give me a little more energy to a least function and to get out of the house.
Have no clue what these Dr's are thinking either
well, i can help with 1 issue - i still have my uterus and ovaries and i have the SAME issues as both of you. i also had my thyroid checked because of all the symptoms PLUS hair loss (lots and lots of hair loss) of course they said that is fine.
funny how doctors prescribe fentanyl so easily, yet are totally unaware of how it can effect some people and even more naive how to get you off of it.
my dr actually thinks she is putting me back on it after the summer because my pulse and blood pressure caused by pain and not helped by blood pressure meds. after just stopping the 50 mcg patch and putting me on 10 mg oxycontin there is no way i am going through that again.
i am having weight loss and muscle atrophy too. the only thing i can eat/drink that even helps with that is muscle milk or boost with carnation instant breakfast. i have not been able to get it this past week and lost 7 lbs. that is how much it helps.
also going to start creatine soon to build my muscles back.
about 65 days (july 11) and STILL no energy, extreme chronic fatigue, personality changes, etc. there has to be something to kick this into gear.
funny how doctors prescribe fentanyl so easily, yet are totally unaware of how it can effect some people and even more naive how to get you off of it.
my dr actually thinks she is putting me back on it after the summer because my pulse and blood pressure caused by pain and not helped by blood pressure meds. after just stopping the 50 mcg patch and putting me on 10 mg oxycontin there is no way i am going through that again.
i am having weight loss and muscle atrophy too. the only thing i can eat/drink that even helps with that is muscle milk or boost with carnation instant breakfast. i have not been able to get it this past week and lost 7 lbs. that is how much it helps.
also going to start creatine soon to build my muscles back.
about 65 days (july 11) and STILL no energy, extreme chronic fatigue, personality changes, etc. there has to be something to kick this into gear.
Re read that thread. My mistake.
When I read your son OD'ed I didn't absorb the rest.
I do know of the battle of trying to save each and everyone of them as a recovering person myself, struggled with the fear vs tough love in dealing with their addictions that were unknown to me for many years.
Grateful to hear you were able to save your son.
Sorry for the confusion ( ¥ )
When I read your son OD'ed I didn't absorb the rest.
I do know of the battle of trying to save each and everyone of them as a recovering person myself, struggled with the fear vs tough love in dealing with their addictions that were unknown to me for many years.
Grateful to hear you were able to save your son.
Sorry for the confusion ( ¥ )
Hey was just checking in on the "Kork " thread.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son ?
Sadly, another thing we have in common. If you choose to want to talk about it.
I lost 3, first two stepsons 24 and 26, one a drunk driving accident, the other a suicide in a cocaine paranoia. Then 7 years ago my own son 21, also an auto accident. A passenger in a car with his best friend driving wasted on crack.
As I know there are no words that help anyone who has lost a child, trust me I have been seeking them out for years. But knowing of others losses for me takes away that unique feeling of being alone in grief
Just wanted to share that with you. .
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son ?
Sadly, another thing we have in common. If you choose to want to talk about it.
I lost 3, first two stepsons 24 and 26, one a drunk driving accident, the other a suicide in a cocaine paranoia. Then 7 years ago my own son 21, also an auto accident. A passenger in a car with his best friend driving wasted on crack.
As I know there are no words that help anyone who has lost a child, trust me I have been seeking them out for years. But knowing of others losses for me takes away that unique feeling of being alone in grief
Just wanted to share that with you. .
Good day to you Kathy,
Happy to report that today is a good day, I slept well last night. Got a good 7 hrs. Was able to eat well twice already. We'll see, for some reason my funky times are in the afternoons till bedtime, and the wake up hour, as its getting colder waking up sweaty leaves me freezing. and I haven't been able to sleep with the windows open since detox, even during the hot summer, the draft feels like razors blades on my skin. So now I open up the house regardless, and try not to bundle up too much to adjust to temps after coffee. And always have my space heater on.
I did go for a walk this am because its only 72 lol, which feels in the 40's, also Trying to work out my knee. I have an app on the 30th to see an Ortho to find out what's going on. This happened 7 days into my detox, my muscles were contracting so bad, the strain of that agitated my nerve endings it blew up to the point I had to use crutches. Which was a *****. This time between the weight loss and muscle mass loss was literally was just getting out of a bath, aggravated something and again fluid on the knee, and warm to the touch, from the inflammation in which my Dr refuses to return my call to get some anti inflamitories, I think he feels the pain clinic is handling this ?.
But because of that I could not get my first round of cortisone injections Wednesday. Because of existing infections.
I don't know. At 50 I just feel like I'm falling apart piece by piece, I found it interesting how similar our stories are. I was also told I had endometroises and that quite possibly was causing my back pain. So I choose to have a hysterectomy not only because I thought it would help, I too had a total hysterectomy due to losing both parents to cancer. My Dad had colon cancer, my Mother breast cancer and Grandmother ovarian cancer. So I made that decision out of pure fear. I Remember waking up from surgery in full blown menopause, tried hormone replacement, but had several side effects, and the studies I read about the link to cancer and I stopped, but so did my symptoms after a several months. Until my detox.
I don't know if on top of everything else, I'm probably reacting to not producing estrogen. No one seems to know anything it seems. That's another thing on " The List " ... At least it's not my thyroid, was tested last week.
I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your mis diagnosis . That's scary. I never thought to ask to see my records. And the pain never went away.
I've never had injections before, I know many who do get them and find relief.
I'm a bit nervous about spinal injections. But want to be off the Vicodine, I was off it for a few days. But with the pain and no energy starting taking them again only take 5mgs twice a day. But I know if I don't stop, soon it won't be enough.
As far soboxone, I see so many people on or coming off it in meetings, and its not pretty, plus many were relapsing, from abusing it. For me it just felt like switching from one sinking ship to another. But also didn't trust my Dr that he knew how and how much to prescribe, even offering me methadone which no way was I going to be able to go everyday to a clinic due to how sick I was.
So with most things in my life, I take the dark paths, lol
That was just a personal choice, had I known the hell that awaited me, yea I would have. Was thinking after messaging last night, I remember the first day off patch and saying, oh hell this is doable. Day two, holy crap !
And how are you today Kathy ?
Again it's nice to have found someone I can relate with thru this mess.
Chat soon, Denise
Happy to report that today is a good day, I slept well last night. Got a good 7 hrs. Was able to eat well twice already. We'll see, for some reason my funky times are in the afternoons till bedtime, and the wake up hour, as its getting colder waking up sweaty leaves me freezing. and I haven't been able to sleep with the windows open since detox, even during the hot summer, the draft feels like razors blades on my skin. So now I open up the house regardless, and try not to bundle up too much to adjust to temps after coffee. And always have my space heater on.
I did go for a walk this am because its only 72 lol, which feels in the 40's, also Trying to work out my knee. I have an app on the 30th to see an Ortho to find out what's going on. This happened 7 days into my detox, my muscles were contracting so bad, the strain of that agitated my nerve endings it blew up to the point I had to use crutches. Which was a *****. This time between the weight loss and muscle mass loss was literally was just getting out of a bath, aggravated something and again fluid on the knee, and warm to the touch, from the inflammation in which my Dr refuses to return my call to get some anti inflamitories, I think he feels the pain clinic is handling this ?.
But because of that I could not get my first round of cortisone injections Wednesday. Because of existing infections.
I don't know. At 50 I just feel like I'm falling apart piece by piece, I found it interesting how similar our stories are. I was also told I had endometroises and that quite possibly was causing my back pain. So I choose to have a hysterectomy not only because I thought it would help, I too had a total hysterectomy due to losing both parents to cancer. My Dad had colon cancer, my Mother breast cancer and Grandmother ovarian cancer. So I made that decision out of pure fear. I Remember waking up from surgery in full blown menopause, tried hormone replacement, but had several side effects, and the studies I read about the link to cancer and I stopped, but so did my symptoms after a several months. Until my detox.
I don't know if on top of everything else, I'm probably reacting to not producing estrogen. No one seems to know anything it seems. That's another thing on " The List " ... At least it's not my thyroid, was tested last week.
I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your mis diagnosis . That's scary. I never thought to ask to see my records. And the pain never went away.
I've never had injections before, I know many who do get them and find relief.
I'm a bit nervous about spinal injections. But want to be off the Vicodine, I was off it for a few days. But with the pain and no energy starting taking them again only take 5mgs twice a day. But I know if I don't stop, soon it won't be enough.
As far soboxone, I see so many people on or coming off it in meetings, and its not pretty, plus many were relapsing, from abusing it. For me it just felt like switching from one sinking ship to another. But also didn't trust my Dr that he knew how and how much to prescribe, even offering me methadone which no way was I going to be able to go everyday to a clinic due to how sick I was.
So with most things in my life, I take the dark paths, lol
That was just a personal choice, had I known the hell that awaited me, yea I would have. Was thinking after messaging last night, I remember the first day off patch and saying, oh hell this is doable. Day two, holy crap !
And how are you today Kathy ?
Again it's nice to have found someone I can relate with thru this mess.
Chat soon, Denise
Lol! Yes, no illegal terrible marijuana! Tee hee! You poor thing! When this damn back pain started 15 years ago, they also sent me to gyno who thought maybe endometriosis...long story, supposed to be doing explorative laparoscopy to see...did complete, total, ovaries too hysterectomy. Guess what? Got my own records years later and saw pathology report, "no endometriosis noted"! Why? Why? It wasn't bad enough being in terrible pain all the time, but put me into menopause, that helped! Then I can have viscous painful hot flashes to go along with everything else!
Also saw what they wrote about me. Wow, is that hurtful to see that they think I'm either mental or drug seeking! It's never that they just can't figure it out! If they had found my clogged aorta, when I first went there, my back wouldn't be so ruined!
I didn't get your part about the injections: you did, or did not get them? Why did your leg swell up? The injections are the only things keeping me from going back on narcotics! Injections + ablation. Have they tried that on you? Because when the spinal column is damaged, the thousands of little nerves fire away telling your body, "this hurts!" So even after they give you the fills, your nerves don't know how to stop firing! (This is all done through pain clinic) They use radioactive dye while looking at the nerves microscopically, and stick needles into them...when the needle activates your direct pain, (you really know!) they kill that nerve. Now, other nerves tend to take over, but if the ablation lasts over 8 months, it is deemed a success and they will ablate another nerve. The corticosteroid injections work as well, but can only be done 1-2 a year. My sciatic nerve is one of the worse, and they are iffy about ablating it as it could cause some paralysis in the leg...but my injection has worn off and I'm afraid to even tell them because when they did them in my spine, it only worked for 4 months so they refuse to do anymore there!
I know how the docs feel about mixing Suboxon with benzos...but they got so sick and tired of me calling the Waaambulance they finally sent me to a real psychiatrist that diagnosed me with GAD and prescribed Valium and told my physician not to worry about the combo. I cannot imagine how you could possibly detox from that fentynal without the suboxon! I felt like I was dying with the suboxon!
The best thing I finally did was to put layers of clothes on that can be easily put on and off, (not over the head) because the withdrawal plus the hysterectomy is keeping that freezing sweating skin you're experiencing. Also, keep a dry towel handy, cause if you don't wipe off that sweat, it makes the chills worse, shivering starts again, and hot flash again...viscous cycle! And I don't think Suboxon makes your detox longer...it just gets you through it, same amount of time because they lower your dosage as the withdrawal symptoms ease, so if they're offering it, I'd say Hell Yes!
How is today? Let me know, OK? ❤️Kathy
Also saw what they wrote about me. Wow, is that hurtful to see that they think I'm either mental or drug seeking! It's never that they just can't figure it out! If they had found my clogged aorta, when I first went there, my back wouldn't be so ruined!
I didn't get your part about the injections: you did, or did not get them? Why did your leg swell up? The injections are the only things keeping me from going back on narcotics! Injections + ablation. Have they tried that on you? Because when the spinal column is damaged, the thousands of little nerves fire away telling your body, "this hurts!" So even after they give you the fills, your nerves don't know how to stop firing! (This is all done through pain clinic) They use radioactive dye while looking at the nerves microscopically, and stick needles into them...when the needle activates your direct pain, (you really know!) they kill that nerve. Now, other nerves tend to take over, but if the ablation lasts over 8 months, it is deemed a success and they will ablate another nerve. The corticosteroid injections work as well, but can only be done 1-2 a year. My sciatic nerve is one of the worse, and they are iffy about ablating it as it could cause some paralysis in the leg...but my injection has worn off and I'm afraid to even tell them because when they did them in my spine, it only worked for 4 months so they refuse to do anymore there!
I know how the docs feel about mixing Suboxon with benzos...but they got so sick and tired of me calling the Waaambulance they finally sent me to a real psychiatrist that diagnosed me with GAD and prescribed Valium and told my physician not to worry about the combo. I cannot imagine how you could possibly detox from that fentynal without the suboxon! I felt like I was dying with the suboxon!
The best thing I finally did was to put layers of clothes on that can be easily put on and off, (not over the head) because the withdrawal plus the hysterectomy is keeping that freezing sweating skin you're experiencing. Also, keep a dry towel handy, cause if you don't wipe off that sweat, it makes the chills worse, shivering starts again, and hot flash again...viscous cycle! And I don't think Suboxon makes your detox longer...it just gets you through it, same amount of time because they lower your dosage as the withdrawal symptoms ease, so if they're offering it, I'd say Hell Yes!
How is today? Let me know, OK? ❤️Kathy
Oh PS,
I do hope you feel better as days go by. And would like to follow your recovery.
And on a lighter note, As I do not advacate the buying or selling of illegal drugs, but I haven't smoked pot since the sad 70's.
And on a not so bad day, it's nice to just laugh for a minute ; )
I do hope you feel better as days go by. And would like to follow your recovery.
And on a lighter note, As I do not advacate the buying or selling of illegal drugs, but I haven't smoked pot since the sad 70's.
And on a not so bad day, it's nice to just laugh for a minute ; )
Hi Kathy,
Yea that was brutal.
Where to start. First I called 19 different detoxes in and around my area , none did fentynal detoxes. All referred me back to my currant PC who happens to be a family friend and a Dr. Geriatric at that, well while not quite there as of yet, but it sure feels like it ! He was the only option as other Dr's wouldn't touch me on patches and Benzos I was dropped by my Dr after a 13 year relationship she wrote a short letter she would no longer keep me as a patient and I was screwed. Over a bill I payed that day.
Was giving a 30 day supply of 150mg patches, and 30 days of clonzapan, and now I was now " A Dope Addict " begging for medical care. And I had 30 days to came up with a solution. My plan was to just get off these meds, but, no one was willing to explain the process.
I did call in a 911 call to be brought to a local Hospital and said I OD'ed thinking they would help refer me. Two nights detoxing in the Hall of the ER. They singed me in a Phych Unit for 3 days, sent me home. Just received a very expensive bill !
I was on 150mg every 48 hours, plus 10mg Vicodin for 4 yrs, and 3mg clonzapan .for a year with my new Dr, until I could get the courage to go off the patches,
And he wasn't thrilled just writting scripts. I was dropped to 75mgs every 72 hrs while in Hospitol, as well as dropping down my clonzapan and stopped the vicodin, so I maintain that dosage, and it was hell, stayed there for I think 2 months, I was definitely feeling that doseage drop. Then went to 50 mg, I only stayed on that level for 3 weeks. And went to 25mg and back on 5mg vicodin but felt the taper was hellish enough, stayed on 4 patches. And jumped !
Haven't been the same since. I'm into my 7th week, having " All " the symtoms you described.
The not feeling like eating is a big problum, I'm managing sleep, but up every 4 to 5 hrs. So the fatigue is intence. The worst is not adjusting my body temp, and cold sweats and creeping skin. And then add in the pain that feels intensified since of patch. I'm always cold except at night when the sweats come. And I'm in menopause since my hysterectomy 2 yrs ago. : 0
And yes the panic attacts and racing thoughts, oh yea !
I too have DDD since 2004 and 3 bulging disk in my lower lumbar. In 1996 had a near death car crash with mutiable Internal injuries, and a fracured my back, and I was now on the pill train. I too have been using opiates at large doses for long periods of time for years. But never had issues coming off them, not like this.
2 weeks ago, I thought I had turned the corner, but under so much stress working on getting health back trying to get it together with apps ect. The symtoms were back and on any giving day I'm back in a vetal position . I have to believe that I tapered way too fast. I was offered soboxone but knew it would just prolong the inevitable.
Our State just adopted the Medical Marijuna Bill recently so Clinics are starting. To surface, but met with much resistance. I chose to smoke Marijuna several days into my detox cause I was so sick, and continue to hoping it will help me eat more. I've stayed on 2mg clonzapan and 5mg Vicodine twice a day, sometimes 1 and wondering if that may be triggering my symtoms. I know even dropping the benzos by 1mg hasn't helped. Altho I wish I could have gone off them as well. I also take 200mg Trazidone, for sleep but it no longer works the same and refuse to up my dosage. I've been on the benzos and Trazidone for 10 plus years.
Living on yogurt and bannanas also. There were a few days I was actually able to eat steak, or a plain burger for protein. Baked potatoes are my new tolerance. Not keen on the carbs, but its a good source of ectralites I think I read somewhere.
These last three days I got put on antibiotics for a sinus infection and a UTI.
Then the day I had my consult with a pain clinic, which was yesterday where they were going to give me spinal injections, but being so weak, hurt myself bending knees getting out of a bath. My leg blew up, and felt feverish so they couldn't do injections. So just has just added to the misery, and back to not eating. I know that when I eat well, and I feel well enough to walk I feel ALOT better, but those days seem farther apart the last few weeks. I'm looking into a Women's Wellness Center to have a complete phyisical and work with a Nutritional Specalist. As well as was giving referrals for acupuncture, chiropractic, and water therapy along with visits to a relaxation training program. All of which I welcome.
Trying to do this one thing at a time as well as " one day at a time " if I could just only turn my brain down a few desimles ...
23 yrs, very cool. 17 here, and I have been going to AA meetings even during detox. And trust me more than half the people in meetings are addicts as well.
It's nice to meet you, and the kind others that have commented, I don't like getting into the processing my drug detox in meetings unless I feel I need to. Alls I do is show up ! And hear the horror stories of the young people messing with this drug. Then there are many who will never understand what I mean when I say It was like having an Exorism.
That's why I was happy to find this forum. And hear what others have gone thru, good or bad. I just want to know what to exspect. I've already walked thru the valley of death. The rest is doable ...
Thank you for sharing your compassion as well as your story
Denise
Yea that was brutal.
Where to start. First I called 19 different detoxes in and around my area , none did fentynal detoxes. All referred me back to my currant PC who happens to be a family friend and a Dr. Geriatric at that, well while not quite there as of yet, but it sure feels like it ! He was the only option as other Dr's wouldn't touch me on patches and Benzos I was dropped by my Dr after a 13 year relationship she wrote a short letter she would no longer keep me as a patient and I was screwed. Over a bill I payed that day.
Was giving a 30 day supply of 150mg patches, and 30 days of clonzapan, and now I was now " A Dope Addict " begging for medical care. And I had 30 days to came up with a solution. My plan was to just get off these meds, but, no one was willing to explain the process.
I did call in a 911 call to be brought to a local Hospital and said I OD'ed thinking they would help refer me. Two nights detoxing in the Hall of the ER. They singed me in a Phych Unit for 3 days, sent me home. Just received a very expensive bill !
I was on 150mg every 48 hours, plus 10mg Vicodin for 4 yrs, and 3mg clonzapan .for a year with my new Dr, until I could get the courage to go off the patches,
And he wasn't thrilled just writting scripts. I was dropped to 75mgs every 72 hrs while in Hospitol, as well as dropping down my clonzapan and stopped the vicodin, so I maintain that dosage, and it was hell, stayed there for I think 2 months, I was definitely feeling that doseage drop. Then went to 50 mg, I only stayed on that level for 3 weeks. And went to 25mg and back on 5mg vicodin but felt the taper was hellish enough, stayed on 4 patches. And jumped !
Haven't been the same since. I'm into my 7th week, having " All " the symtoms you described.
The not feeling like eating is a big problum, I'm managing sleep, but up every 4 to 5 hrs. So the fatigue is intence. The worst is not adjusting my body temp, and cold sweats and creeping skin. And then add in the pain that feels intensified since of patch. I'm always cold except at night when the sweats come. And I'm in menopause since my hysterectomy 2 yrs ago. : 0
And yes the panic attacts and racing thoughts, oh yea !
I too have DDD since 2004 and 3 bulging disk in my lower lumbar. In 1996 had a near death car crash with mutiable Internal injuries, and a fracured my back, and I was now on the pill train. I too have been using opiates at large doses for long periods of time for years. But never had issues coming off them, not like this.
2 weeks ago, I thought I had turned the corner, but under so much stress working on getting health back trying to get it together with apps ect. The symtoms were back and on any giving day I'm back in a vetal position . I have to believe that I tapered way too fast. I was offered soboxone but knew it would just prolong the inevitable.
Our State just adopted the Medical Marijuna Bill recently so Clinics are starting. To surface, but met with much resistance. I chose to smoke Marijuna several days into my detox cause I was so sick, and continue to hoping it will help me eat more. I've stayed on 2mg clonzapan and 5mg Vicodine twice a day, sometimes 1 and wondering if that may be triggering my symtoms. I know even dropping the benzos by 1mg hasn't helped. Altho I wish I could have gone off them as well. I also take 200mg Trazidone, for sleep but it no longer works the same and refuse to up my dosage. I've been on the benzos and Trazidone for 10 plus years.
Living on yogurt and bannanas also. There were a few days I was actually able to eat steak, or a plain burger for protein. Baked potatoes are my new tolerance. Not keen on the carbs, but its a good source of ectralites I think I read somewhere.
These last three days I got put on antibiotics for a sinus infection and a UTI.
Then the day I had my consult with a pain clinic, which was yesterday where they were going to give me spinal injections, but being so weak, hurt myself bending knees getting out of a bath. My leg blew up, and felt feverish so they couldn't do injections. So just has just added to the misery, and back to not eating. I know that when I eat well, and I feel well enough to walk I feel ALOT better, but those days seem farther apart the last few weeks. I'm looking into a Women's Wellness Center to have a complete phyisical and work with a Nutritional Specalist. As well as was giving referrals for acupuncture, chiropractic, and water therapy along with visits to a relaxation training program. All of which I welcome.
Trying to do this one thing at a time as well as " one day at a time " if I could just only turn my brain down a few desimles ...
23 yrs, very cool. 17 here, and I have been going to AA meetings even during detox. And trust me more than half the people in meetings are addicts as well.
It's nice to meet you, and the kind others that have commented, I don't like getting into the processing my drug detox in meetings unless I feel I need to. Alls I do is show up ! And hear the horror stories of the young people messing with this drug. Then there are many who will never understand what I mean when I say It was like having an Exorism.
That's why I was happy to find this forum. And hear what others have gone thru, good or bad. I just want to know what to exspect. I've already walked thru the valley of death. The rest is doable ...
Thank you for sharing your compassion as well as your story
Denise
P.S,
I haven't had an alcoholic beverage for 23 years this Feb. All thanks to AA. My mom was both, alcohol and pills and NA meetings can be scary, or well, just not discussions that were helpful for me. AA is just fine! Same program, and you'll find over half of them are addicts as well, so that's a great way to start getting out of isolating and if you've enjoyed them in the past, you should go again. You're really great! Be proud of yourself; you deserve to! ❤️Kathy
I haven't had an alcoholic beverage for 23 years this Feb. All thanks to AA. My mom was both, alcohol and pills and NA meetings can be scary, or well, just not discussions that were helpful for me. AA is just fine! Same program, and you'll find over half of them are addicts as well, so that's a great way to start getting out of isolating and if you've enjoyed them in the past, you should go again. You're really great! Be proud of yourself; you deserve to! ❤️Kathy
I'm feeling so sorry for you right now, I soooo know how you feel! It will be 3 years this November that I did the fentynal detox...the worst experience of my life!!! Yes, horrible!! How in the world did you do it without a detox center? Did you have Suboxon? Klonipan? Did you just taper down until cold turkey?
I was on 100mg patches, change every 3rd day, for the last 2 years, but it was over 10 years of continuous narcotic use, they just began with Vicodin then Percocet, then Morphine, then up, up, up, with the dosage until we got to Fentynal. Same thing then, I was on those for years, just the dosage changed, higher and higher. Same thing, DDD, arthritis, but just yesterday, another doc, looking at my scans said I have the spinal disease of a 70 year old! But all they seem to know is give narcotics and I don't ever, ever want to go through that withdrawal again!!
The bad news is, at least for me, is it took months before I felt well enough to eat. At the stage you are at now, they gave me a script for medical marijuana and if it hadn't been for that, I would have withered away to nothing! I went from 130lbs to 100lbs and still kept calling the Waaambulance at least 3x a month for uncontrollable vomiting...they diagnosed that as "panic attacks" even though I'd never had them before getting off fentynal! Whenever the medical community can't figure out what is really wrong, they love having that crutch of blaming it on us, or our mental health!
If you live somewhere that has medical marijuana, I'd say do it. It's quite amazing for your symptoms. Too bad for me that Kaiser changed their policy and no longer orders marijuana, but Oregon is voting again to legalize it for everyone again in November and our last vote was 49%-51% and our Senators are both campaigning for legalization this time, so I'm hopeful.
Anyway, back to your suffering, if you haven't found a doctor that is helpful, I would keep looking for another. The more weight you loose, the less likely you are to get to feeling better. I also found that yogurt helped a lot with my symptoms. It balances the bacteria amounts in the gut and makes digestion work better. My husband says I lived off of yogurt for a year, but I did eat some other things, just yogurt was my staple.
I wish I had some magical cure I could tell you, but this is all that I've found to be helpful. It's been all these years and I'm still isolating, have never worked again, don't talk to any of the people who used to be my friends. Just wanted you to know that someone has great compassion and understanding for what you're going through,
I was on 100mg patches, change every 3rd day, for the last 2 years, but it was over 10 years of continuous narcotic use, they just began with Vicodin then Percocet, then Morphine, then up, up, up, with the dosage until we got to Fentynal. Same thing then, I was on those for years, just the dosage changed, higher and higher. Same thing, DDD, arthritis, but just yesterday, another doc, looking at my scans said I have the spinal disease of a 70 year old! But all they seem to know is give narcotics and I don't ever, ever want to go through that withdrawal again!!
The bad news is, at least for me, is it took months before I felt well enough to eat. At the stage you are at now, they gave me a script for medical marijuana and if it hadn't been for that, I would have withered away to nothing! I went from 130lbs to 100lbs and still kept calling the Waaambulance at least 3x a month for uncontrollable vomiting...they diagnosed that as "panic attacks" even though I'd never had them before getting off fentynal! Whenever the medical community can't figure out what is really wrong, they love having that crutch of blaming it on us, or our mental health!
If you live somewhere that has medical marijuana, I'd say do it. It's quite amazing for your symptoms. Too bad for me that Kaiser changed their policy and no longer orders marijuana, but Oregon is voting again to legalize it for everyone again in November and our last vote was 49%-51% and our Senators are both campaigning for legalization this time, so I'm hopeful.
Anyway, back to your suffering, if you haven't found a doctor that is helpful, I would keep looking for another. The more weight you loose, the less likely you are to get to feeling better. I also found that yogurt helped a lot with my symptoms. It balances the bacteria amounts in the gut and makes digestion work better. My husband says I lived off of yogurt for a year, but I did eat some other things, just yogurt was my staple.
I wish I had some magical cure I could tell you, but this is all that I've found to be helpful. It's been all these years and I'm still isolating, have never worked again, don't talk to any of the people who used to be my friends. Just wanted you to know that someone has great compassion and understanding for what you're going through,
Thanks for the info,
I totally hear you when you talk about the loss of interest, the isolation, and a strange inability to be around people. But i force myself, I've stared at the walls closing in for long enough. This drug " was " a gift in the beginning because it does work well with pain, but I also enjoyed the energy that came with it.
Until I realized that I was living in 48 hr intervals, and the exhaustion of every 15 days having to cancel travel plans, to be sure I was around to fill scripts, contact Dr, and the pure anxiety that came with that.
I will look up those Symptoms , but also feel my Dr thinks its all in my head. There is such a stigma attached to people with chronic pain. And when my PC Dr who put me on, dropped me after a 14 year relationship abruptly finding a Dr to take over my care was the most humiliating experience I ever had in healthcare.
Hang in there, and take care of yourself.
You're not alone
I totally hear you when you talk about the loss of interest, the isolation, and a strange inability to be around people. But i force myself, I've stared at the walls closing in for long enough. This drug " was " a gift in the beginning because it does work well with pain, but I also enjoyed the energy that came with it.
Until I realized that I was living in 48 hr intervals, and the exhaustion of every 15 days having to cancel travel plans, to be sure I was around to fill scripts, contact Dr, and the pure anxiety that came with that.
I will look up those Symptoms , but also feel my Dr thinks its all in my head. There is such a stigma attached to people with chronic pain. And when my PC Dr who put me on, dropped me after a 14 year relationship abruptly finding a Dr to take over my care was the most humiliating experience I ever had in healthcare.
Hang in there, and take care of yourself.
You're not alone
I did have lingering symptoms that came off and on for about 3-4 weeks. I had anxiety issues, crawling skin, excessive sweating, and insomnia. I found exercise- especially hot yoga daily-got rid of these lingering symptoms. I also used an infrared sauna daily to sweat out the toxins. I weighed 98 lbs after detox. I'm small but that's pretty tiny. I gained the weight back slowly by good nutrition and building muscle mass with exercise.
Be gentle and patient with yourself. And yes, I'd say AA is a good place for you to remain. I didn't like NA either and many members on this site prefer AA depending on where they live and what they feel comfortable with.
It gets better, I promise. Maybe keep a journal so you can track your progress. It's pretty incredible to look back at it all and see how far you've come. I had adrenal issues also as Jinx mentioned- but I think this was due to me stopping prednisone at the same time. Again, exercise and good nutrition helped the most.
If you have any other questions feel free to pm me anytime.
Lu
Be gentle and patient with yourself. And yes, I'd say AA is a good place for you to remain. I didn't like NA either and many members on this site prefer AA depending on where they live and what they feel comfortable with.
It gets better, I promise. Maybe keep a journal so you can track your progress. It's pretty incredible to look back at it all and see how far you've come. I had adrenal issues also as Jinx mentioned- but I think this was due to me stopping prednisone at the same time. Again, exercise and good nutrition helped the most.
If you have any other questions feel free to pm me anytime.
Lu
oh and the uncontrolled weight loss is an issue with me too,
i am 6'1" and down to 126 lbs and still dropping fast.
i am 6'1" and down to 126 lbs and still dropping fast.
1 Comments
Damon, Jinxy, I'm not sure. I walked off 100 mg of methadone and my withdrawal lasted about eight solid weeks. I was stupid and if I hadn't been young and healthy at the time I definitely could have died (or at least wound up in the hospital).
As awful as that sounds, since it's exactly what you're going through, I'd definitely recommend methadone. When detoxing off methadone the correct way, it's nothing at all like that.
Most clinics today use the liquid form, called methadose. With that you can decrease your dosage as little as two milligrams per month. If any decrease causes discomfort that's unreasonable, they'll put your dose back up a bit then try again at a later date.
It sounds like exchanging one drug for another, but at least with methadone there's plenty of treatment facilities available all over the country. And the medical community knows a whole lot about it since it's been around so long.
Whatever you decide, good luck to you. My heart really goes out for you, my friend.
As awful as that sounds, since it's exactly what you're going through, I'd definitely recommend methadone. When detoxing off methadone the correct way, it's nothing at all like that.
Most clinics today use the liquid form, called methadose. With that you can decrease your dosage as little as two milligrams per month. If any decrease causes discomfort that's unreasonable, they'll put your dose back up a bit then try again at a later date.
It sounds like exchanging one drug for another, but at least with methadone there's plenty of treatment facilities available all over the country. And the medical community knows a whole lot about it since it's been around so long.
Whatever you decide, good luck to you. My heart really goes out for you, my friend.
i had the EXACT same experience. i am about 60 days off 50 mcg patch and still have the same symptoms you do.
i feel like it has changed my entire personality. i have been very active on facebook for 6 years, but since taking fentanyl and detoxing i haven't been on in 6 months. isolating myself badly.
in researching these side effects with fentanyl (my dr refuses to believe they cause any side effects or withdrawals) aughghghghghghg
i found fentanyl induced adrenal insufficiency. which has the EXACT side effects you mention. it may be worthwhile to find those articles (they are medical/physician articles not peoples opinions) and print them out for your dr. get tested for that. fentanyl shrinks some peoples adrenal glands.
there is treatment for that and that is what i am going to push. this is taking way too long and i have been on vitamins for months now and not a change.
i feel like it has changed my entire personality. i have been very active on facebook for 6 years, but since taking fentanyl and detoxing i haven't been on in 6 months. isolating myself badly.
in researching these side effects with fentanyl (my dr refuses to believe they cause any side effects or withdrawals) aughghghghghghg
i found fentanyl induced adrenal insufficiency. which has the EXACT side effects you mention. it may be worthwhile to find those articles (they are medical/physician articles not peoples opinions) and print them out for your dr. get tested for that. fentanyl shrinks some peoples adrenal glands.
there is treatment for that and that is what i am going to push. this is taking way too long and i have been on vitamins for months now and not a change.
May I ask, even tho it sounds like you properly tapered. Did you have lingering symptoms, I call them the creeps.
And if so how long did it last ?
And if so how long did it last ?
Thank you so much.
This has been a nightmare. Your information is very helpful. As are your encouraging words.
I am extremely grateful to off of it. I just wish I felt even a bit better.
Let me take that back, compared to where I was 6 & 8 weeks ago, I suppose this is leaps and bounds.
Thanks for that reminder lulu, and I am a long time member of AA, 17 yrs sober. Scary NA meetings where I am. But my support people even tho they have no idea what that drug does to someone. I seek them out, even if it means just showing up.
This has been a nightmare. Your information is very helpful. As are your encouraging words.
I am extremely grateful to off of it. I just wish I felt even a bit better.
Let me take that back, compared to where I was 6 & 8 weeks ago, I suppose this is leaps and bounds.
Thanks for that reminder lulu, and I am a long time member of AA, 17 yrs sober. Scary NA meetings where I am. But my support people even tho they have no idea what that drug does to someone. I seek them out, even if it means just showing up.
Ps. It did not mentally change you forever. You will rebuild your brain. Also I forgot the most important part of this whole thing.
Pride.
Be proud of yourself for doing something that most are too afraid to even attempt. Hang on to that strength. It will serve you well in life.
Pride.
Be proud of yourself for doing something that most are too afraid to even attempt. Hang on to that strength. It will serve you well in life.
Awe man I am so sorry you had to go through this on your own. Your doctor could have helped you a lot by switching you to an oral opiate to taper and giving you clonidine. This is what I did, and it was uncomfortable, and ultimately I went cold turkey off the oral opiates as soon as I got to a jumpable place (150 mg) but it was NOTHING compared to the battle you've gone through.
The most important thing right now is rebuilding your body and nutrition. Start with chicken broth, juice (fresh squeezed is best), and smoothies with flaxseed oil or Omega 3 fish oil. Avoid dairy, sugar, caffeine.
Just put little tiny bits into your body at a time.
Try to get as much fresh air and gentle exercise as possible and do these supplements:
Vitamin C ascorbate with L-Lysine
Vitamin B12 (injections are best, I get my man to give them to me daily)
Omega 3 fish oil
Probiotics (the live ones that you keep refrigerated)
Melatonin and Tryptophan for sleep.
I get the Tryptophan in prescribed dosage. It is a natural mood stabilizer and seratonin booster which helps lengthen and improve the quality of your sleep. The melatonin regulates your natural sleep/wake schedule.
Magnesium/calcium
Bananas are your best friend. I would try a good whole grain bread with natural peanut butter and a banana. This helped me immeasurably.
Take long hot baths with epsom salts.
You've been through quite the trauma and I would suggest you getting into some therapy. If you have no money NA/AA is free, as is SMART recovery. I tried both and found the latter extremely helpful and key in my recovery.
I am so sorry that you had to do this the hardest way possible. But know that it has given you a strength you probably didn't know you had. Be gentle with yourself. You will rebuild your life. Brick by brick.
Surround yourself with as much support as you can. You are not alone.
Sending support and gentle hugs...
Lu
The most important thing right now is rebuilding your body and nutrition. Start with chicken broth, juice (fresh squeezed is best), and smoothies with flaxseed oil or Omega 3 fish oil. Avoid dairy, sugar, caffeine.
Just put little tiny bits into your body at a time.
Try to get as much fresh air and gentle exercise as possible and do these supplements:
Vitamin C ascorbate with L-Lysine
Vitamin B12 (injections are best, I get my man to give them to me daily)
Omega 3 fish oil
Probiotics (the live ones that you keep refrigerated)
Melatonin and Tryptophan for sleep.
I get the Tryptophan in prescribed dosage. It is a natural mood stabilizer and seratonin booster which helps lengthen and improve the quality of your sleep. The melatonin regulates your natural sleep/wake schedule.
Magnesium/calcium
Bananas are your best friend. I would try a good whole grain bread with natural peanut butter and a banana. This helped me immeasurably.
Take long hot baths with epsom salts.
You've been through quite the trauma and I would suggest you getting into some therapy. If you have no money NA/AA is free, as is SMART recovery. I tried both and found the latter extremely helpful and key in my recovery.
I am so sorry that you had to do this the hardest way possible. But know that it has given you a strength you probably didn't know you had. Be gentle with yourself. You will rebuild your life. Brick by brick.
Surround yourself with as much support as you can. You are not alone.
Sending support and gentle hugs...
Lu
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