Aa
Stopping cold turkey, I dont want to do this alone.
Ive been on pain meds for 6 years now. My well meaning podiatrist started me on percocets for foot pain. Im taking more then prescribed and I need to stop. I cant go on. I want my life back. Im so tired of counting and worrying where Im going to get my next doses. Not being able to relax without popping a pill. I don't even know where my body pain is because Ive been on more and more. In the last 6 months my usage has tripled. Its scaring the crap out of me, so Im using the Thomas recipe and quitting cold turkey. My husband is going to help, but he doesn't know how much Ive been taking. I took 6 days off work and my last pill for tomorrow night. today at work, was a little slow and my mind started racing and I started to get really nervous and anxious ans cried. I feel scared and alone. I was hoping that you guys can help me feel less alone. Less stupid for getting myself into this position. That there is hope. I know there is hope, but.. its hard to feel it. Anyways.. thank you for your time.
I was in much the same position with my doctor.
I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU! It will be over and I will feel so much better. My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little. It is hard, but doable! The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help. I had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped. Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help. I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.
Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink) You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.
If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works. Walking seemed to help me some. Hot bath with epsom salts..a little. I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep. If nothing works,your doctor might help. Benedryl or OTC Alteril helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.
One hour at a time is all anyone can ask. After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time! Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill. I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse. I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.
The hardest part comes after the detox. Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.
Good for you. I hope all goes well. You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!! Keep posting!!!!!
I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU! It will be over and I will feel so much better. My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little. It is hard, but doable! The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help. I had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped. Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help. I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.
Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink) You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.
If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works. Walking seemed to help me some. Hot bath with epsom salts..a little. I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep. If nothing works,your doctor might help. Benedryl or OTC Alteril helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.
One hour at a time is all anyone can ask. After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time! Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill. I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse. I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.
The hardest part comes after the detox. Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.
Good for you. I hope all goes well. You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!! Keep posting!!!!!
The sucky part is that when I do have to go back to work I have to work 12 hour shifts..mostly on my feet. I have been trying to get into physical therapy to get some stretches and exercises for alternates for back pain, but the first appointment I could get will be this Wed, Day 5. So Im hoping I will be up to it. And that should be the day when a little exercise helps.
Welcome. There are hundreds of us who've been exactly where you are. First, try not to dwell on what's coming. I worried so much about going cold turkey that I got myself nervous, full of anxiety. It turns out that what I'd imagined was far worse than the real thing.
Sounds like you've made some food plans. Be sure you drink lots of liquid; if you can't eat try Ensure. When you can eat, have lots of healthy stuff. Keeping your body fueled will pay off later. And a walk is good.
While you're preparing, there are two very important things to consider - sources of pills and after care. If your pain is legit, then you need to share with your doc what you are doing. There are non-opioid meds that help with pain. When you detox your head will start talking to you; you will be tempted. And later, as you continue recovery, the voices never stop, so cutting all sources is a must. Then there is after care - NA, AA, whatever. Those two basic things are the foundation of your recovery. The physical detox will be over in about 4 days. The mental aspect is on going.
We are here for you. Keep posting.
Sounds like you've made some food plans. Be sure you drink lots of liquid; if you can't eat try Ensure. When you can eat, have lots of healthy stuff. Keeping your body fueled will pay off later. And a walk is good.
While you're preparing, there are two very important things to consider - sources of pills and after care. If your pain is legit, then you need to share with your doc what you are doing. There are non-opioid meds that help with pain. When you detox your head will start talking to you; you will be tempted. And later, as you continue recovery, the voices never stop, so cutting all sources is a must. Then there is after care - NA, AA, whatever. Those two basic things are the foundation of your recovery. The physical detox will be over in about 4 days. The mental aspect is on going.
We are here for you. Keep posting.
I have talked to my doctor a little bit. I told her I wanted to stop. She thinks Im only taking the norco she has been prescribing monthly. Im actually taking far more. But everything Ive read, I dont think the withdrawals are so bad that I need to be hospitalized for them. She has said that if the stomach pain comes back ( which is what I was prescribed the norco for) that Ultram could be a non opiod option. I know that I have back pain that I was taking the increased meds that I got on my own for. But Im hoping the physical therapy will help. Other then that I just know I cant be hooked to these anymore.
Thank you so much for your prompt responses. I feel less alone already. I know I can do this.
Thank you so much for your prompt responses. I feel less alone already. I know I can do this.
Welcome to the forum Hem I am glad to hear you want to get your life back. I too started taking pain meds for legit reasons and wound up on the same merry-go-round you are on now. You don't have to feel alone we are all here to help you through this tough time. Most of the people on this forum have been there and done that so we know how you are feeling now. I see my fellow members have already given you advice as what to expect and how to keep your self hydrated and nourished so I won't reinterate those things. Just remember YOU CAN DO THIS and keep your eyes on the prize your sobriety. I will pray for you God Bless---Rick
Just wanted to say Hi and Welcome! You will find some amazing people here that will support you thru all this! You are not alone either we all are fighting this battle with you! ((hugs)~Bkitty
Thank you all so much. - hugs- And E-hugs are the best. Im gonna head to bed, have a 12 hour shift tomorrow then the rest of my life hopefully sober. I know it may be odd that Im counting it down till the start, I guess Im just psyching myself up. Anyways.. talk to you all tomorrow night and thank you again.
Hi sweetie! I just wanted to welcome you also! You are not alone! There are absolutely wonderful people here who will help and support you every step of the way! This forum Literally save me! I have met people here who will be dear friends for life! I'm so glad you found us and so glad you posted! I can't offer more than has been said above me, so take care and please post anytime you have a question or need support! Another hug from me!
So Im here at work, almost halfway through the day. Not having the same anxiety I did yesterday, but Im wondering, Should I hold on two one or two of the pills, break them in quarters and use it when the withdrawals get super bad or will that just start me right back at the beginning? How does a quarter of a percocet affect coming off of 200mg oxy/day?
For me, the answer to that question is no! Do not hang on to any pills! You will not be able to continue to depend on the pills for relief! If you do this pretty soon you will be right back where you started! Plus, taking a pill is just going to prolong this whole thing! Don't you want to get through this as soon as possible? Get rid of them HEM! You can do this and we will help you! Take care sweetie! Post as often as you need! Big hug!!
Thats what I thought. Im getting rid of them. Its so hard to determine what is rational thinking and what is rationalization when it comes to stopping these meds. Thank you so much and keep the hugs coming. - hugs back -
Just remember, your brain is NOT rational right now, and it will try to do anything to get you to take a pill! Do not listen! Stay strong! Fight through it and you will get through this! Don't let your brain trip you up! So proud of you for getting rid of them! I understand what you are going through! I flushed nearly a 2 week supply of my pills! It was one of the hardest things I did! But, it made a huge difference in my successful detox! You are stronger than those pills! Another big hug!!
I cant take that much credit right now. I have to get through this last 7 hours of work then I will be out and not getting anymore. Ive planned it that way. got just enough to make it to my planned stop time. Its kinda how Ive gotten the courage to do this. I always felt so out of control and know I have no control over this addiction, so.. making the decision on when to stop, planning the time off of work, the help with family and posting on here is my way of getting a little control. Or am I just kidding myself?
No honey, you are not kidding yourself! Bottom line is to make a plan, whatever that is! Ok, you've done that! Now stick to the plan! One step at a time! You Definately can do this! Work your plan, and you will succeed!
From my experience, Ultram is only slightly less evil. It's still quite addictive and you build a tolerance quickly to max dose (400mg/day) which you CANNOT exceed because you'll likely have a seizure.
Also, don't use it as a crutch when withdrawing from Opiates, because all it does is add days onto your withdrawal by delaying your own bodies production of endorphins. Trust me, been there, done that.
Now, as for quitting. It's not going to kill you. You may feel like you're going to die, but as long as you can stay hydrated, you should be fine. Benzo and Alcohol withdrawal can kill you...not opiate withdrawal. I would suggest the Thomas Recipe, rice packs for your legs, lots of gatorade and water and don't try eating until you're ready. Make it past day 3 and you should be home free. Good luck!
Also, don't use it as a crutch when withdrawing from Opiates, because all it does is add days onto your withdrawal by delaying your own bodies production of endorphins. Trust me, been there, done that.
Now, as for quitting. It's not going to kill you. You may feel like you're going to die, but as long as you can stay hydrated, you should be fine. Benzo and Alcohol withdrawal can kill you...not opiate withdrawal. I would suggest the Thomas Recipe, rice packs for your legs, lots of gatorade and water and don't try eating until you're ready. Make it past day 3 and you should be home free. Good luck!
Ive got the stuff for the Thomas recipe but I wonder about the L-tyrosine. Do you build up a tolerance to it. I take 5 hour energy in the mornings I work to help me wake up and that has L-tyrosine in it. Will having taken it so often make it not as effective when I do take it on day 4 or 5? Plus I hate hate hate the taste of gatorade and other sports drinks. I have ginger ale for the nausea, will fruit juices work as well to replace sugars and electrolytes?
I know this may sound dumb, but what about Pedialite if you're not a fan of Gatorade. The fruit juices will certainly replace the sugars, but I'm not so sure about electrolytes. Don't discount just sipping on some water either. The key is to flush out your system of the toxins, which are excreted through urine.
Also, as soon as you aren't a bed-ridden zombie from the W/D (sorry it's going to happen), get up and move. I actually feel worse today on Day 8 than Day 5 because I work a desk job and haven't been moving around enough or focusing on drinking enough like I was earlier.
Also, as soon as you aren't a bed-ridden zombie from the W/D (sorry it's going to happen), get up and move. I actually feel worse today on Day 8 than Day 5 because I work a desk job and haven't been moving around enough or focusing on drinking enough like I was earlier.
HEM5505,
Are you sure about 5 hour energy having L - Tyrosine? I thought the main ingredient that gave you the energy was the same as Redbull and that is L - Taurine.
Are you sure about 5 hour energy having L - Tyrosine? I thought the main ingredient that gave you the energy was the same as Redbull and that is L - Taurine.
I forgot about pedialite. I will get some. On day 7 and 8 I have to go back to work, 12 hour shifts mostly on my feet. Im hoping that I can be moderately stable enough to do them. Thank you again for the advice. Im guessing staying away from caffeine is a good idea too during this?
If you have any affinity for anxiety/panic, yes, stay away from caffeine. Believe me, I didn't even notice the caffeine withdrawal, and you won't either.
Today is day 8 for me, and I could work a 12 hour shift, but it wouldn't be easy. The later stages of withdrawal are weakness, fatigue, anxiety, etc. I'm probably about 60% of normal after a 3 month addiction to roxicodone (90/mg per day).
Today is day 8 for me, and I could work a 12 hour shift, but it wouldn't be easy. The later stages of withdrawal are weakness, fatigue, anxiety, etc. I'm probably about 60% of normal after a 3 month addiction to roxicodone (90/mg per day).
Hi and welcome.
Also in your supplies buy something for both stomach extremes. It can go either way, I would chill on the caffeine if you can,,,it will increase the anxiety feeling...(did for me),.,.,.
Hydrate any way you can...I bought stouffers entree's for my first 4 days....mac/cheese easy to heat and eat.....
Get your bathtub ready....it was my savior....the body aches etc....were lessened with hot bath,...I took like 3 per day.
Your sobriety awaits..........
rooting for ya
Free~
Also in your supplies buy something for both stomach extremes. It can go either way, I would chill on the caffeine if you can,,,it will increase the anxiety feeling...(did for me),.,.,.
Hydrate any way you can...I bought stouffers entree's for my first 4 days....mac/cheese easy to heat and eat.....
Get your bathtub ready....it was my savior....the body aches etc....were lessened with hot bath,...I took like 3 per day.
Your sobriety awaits..........
rooting for ya
Free~
Was just now skimming through, checking up on you, and was a little concerned about one of your earlier posts in which you say that you have pills and ask if you should break them in half to help with the withdrawal.
If you are going to taper, then taper. If, however, you plan to go cold turkey, then flush all of your pills! Your head is already talking to you, like I'd warned you about. You were thinking about just taking a half to help with the detox. You can't do that...Don't feel bad - I almost did the same thing. I was in the middle of day 2, really bad for me, and I was planning a visit to a friends (who has Norco). I was going to steal a couple from him, just to get me through the "bad part" of my detox. That means that I would have relapsed on day 6!
Flush the pills. Your mind will always win the battle of do I or do I not pop a pill.
If you are going to taper, then taper. If, however, you plan to go cold turkey, then flush all of your pills! Your head is already talking to you, like I'd warned you about. You were thinking about just taking a half to help with the detox. You can't do that...Don't feel bad - I almost did the same thing. I was in the middle of day 2, really bad for me, and I was planning a visit to a friends (who has Norco). I was going to steal a couple from him, just to get me through the "bad part" of my detox. That means that I would have relapsed on day 6!
Flush the pills. Your mind will always win the battle of do I or do I not pop a pill.
Kyle,
The "non-opiate" (BS) Ultram did the same thing to me. I was feeling pretty good on day 4 from Roxi W/D, popped 2 Ultram and bam day 6 was a big setback.
Anything that binds with opiate receptors will only drag out the process and IMO stay the heck away from Suboxone if you can tough it out. I know people that go back on Oxy because the Sub W/D is so miserable and lasts longer.
The "non-opiate" (BS) Ultram did the same thing to me. I was feeling pretty good on day 4 from Roxi W/D, popped 2 Ultram and bam day 6 was a big setback.
Anything that binds with opiate receptors will only drag out the process and IMO stay the heck away from Suboxone if you can tough it out. I know people that go back on Oxy because the Sub W/D is so miserable and lasts longer.
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