Please help me

[Wishinitwerentso]

I have been reading these posts and they are so helpful. I am an ER nurse who has become addicted to Lorcet due to a bad knee that I need to have a knee replacement on but this has been a bad year for me so I am having to put off surgery for awhile.  Needless to say, it doesn't really matter how I got here, the facts are that I am in a place that I don't want to be in. I tried to go cold turkey last night and I didn't think I'd live through it. I have confessed this problem to my spouse who is also a nurse. He thinks cold turkey is best but I don't think I can stay on the straight and narrow this way.  Actually, I didn't plan it. I went to get a refill of it yesterday and the pharmacy wouldn't refill it because they said it was too early so I really screwed up.  I am so ashamed and miserable right now.  Any advice?

[ImDONENoMore]

Well, first thing I want to say is welcome!!!

And the second thing I want to say is congratulations for making this decision.  I agree with your spouse, cold turkey is the way to go.  But it really is a personal decision so none of us could decide that for you.

The best advice I can offer is get a good plan in place.  For the detox.  For early recovery.  And for aftercare.  Set yourself up for success before diving in.  It will make all the difference in the world.

So what are you prepared to do to get well?

[ImDONENoMore]

And one other thing I should have mentioned.  We ALL felt like we weren't going to live through that first day.  But we did.  And you will too.

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  I've felt like you do now.  I assure you that you CAN get through it.  If I can then ANYone can.....you included.  Cold turkey is your choice right now.  Your only choice, unless you have access to other meds.  Have you read any of the things that you can do to treat the symptoms?

[Gtowngirl]

Hi, so u did make it through the 1st night! And I'm proud of u! I kind of agree with the first post except for the cold turkey. Some people can do that but I'm not one of them. I would say to taper yourself down. Hand over yr next script to yr husband and have him give u yr daily dose. And that great that yr hubby knows so he can support u but u need a lot more help. I would find a doc. U can trust and have him plan out a tapering method. Also u need counceling and a support group. Its hard to admit u have a problem and u don't have to go through this alone. N/A meetings work for me and the people on this site have helped me a lot. There are a lot of great people on here who has longer clean time than me and they will be along shortly to give u advice and support. You have to really want to be clean for this to work . And we all need to have a support group to get through the bad days. U said u tried to get a refill? When can u get that next refill? If its like a week from now I would then agree about the cold turkey. If u have to go a week without yr pills then u would have made it through the hard part and u don't want to start the cycle all over again. I have found u will feel like u have the worst flu u have ever had for about 5 to 7 days, depending on how much u were taking...I once went to my doc. And he perscribed me clonadine to help with the withdrawls. I hope this helps and I'm here if u need me...I've gone through withdrals a few times and it hurts and ***** but u can do it, and you will live, even though u feel like your gonna die. Ask any questions were all here for you! ~gtowngirl~

[Wishinitwerentso]

Wow.  What a quick response from so many. Well, what am I prepared to do?  Right now I guess just putting one foot in front of the other.  I' m terrified because since I didn't plan this, although I kept telling myself that I would have to do it soon, as most of you know, soon never really comes unless like myself running out of meds happens. So, I am taking Milk Thistle but the restless leg and muscle spasms were almost unbearable last night. Other than that I don't reaally know. I have to work 12 hours in the ER tomorrow and I have no idea how this will go. I mean can anybody guide me on this?

[Gtowngirl]

This is where I would screw everything up. When I would run out of meds, I would not be able to function normally. I'm not saying this is what u should do because I lost my last job because I had to call in and say I had the flu because I felt so bad from the w/d. Last year I knew I was going to go through detox that I took my vacation days so I could stay home to get through the worst part of withdrawls. I always would go to my doc. And tell him about not sleeping so he perscribed ropinrole for RLS.  And taking hot baths and putting epsom salt and seaweed extract to pull out toxins and realax my muscles. Juniper is great for sore and tired muscles too. So I'm guessing yr going to go cold turkey? Hopefully yr tougher than me and just get through yr work day...good luck and find a counceler and try a N/A meeting?...its all up to you...

[Wishinitwerentso]

I don't feel very tough right now.  In fact I wish I were dead. I can't call in sick tomorrow because it is Thanksgiving.  I have tried every outlet that I can think of to get enough to taper off but to no avail. Most doctors offices have closed early. I guess I should've planned better.  I took a hot bath and I've been taking benadryl. I think what worries me is how much more I can expect.   I took between4-8 lortab 10's a day.  Oh how I wish i could go back in time.

[Brightfutureahead]

Going to work on day 2-3 is rough. I went on day 4 and it suc***. I remember drinking lots of water and hiding out when imcould. But the day came and left, and so did the next, and than a week passed, and so on...until finally i was free! Life now is so much better without those things!

Also- Imodium for tummy issues. Prayers. Faith. Remember this feeling when your refill is ready...don't refill it.

[LeaAnn807]

Whoooooooooooooa!  Don't take benadryl  It will make the RLS ten times worse during WD.  DO NOT take it! LOL bad stuff!

There are OTC things that truly do make a difference.  Want me to send you a private message of some things you can pick up that will help?  You can send your husband to get it.

[Pat1956100]

You can pickup Hylands Restless Legs at Walmart and Imodium is a must. Take lots of Imodium.  It helps with the bathroom issues as well as the withdrawals.
I really feel for you having to work but many have and made it through.
You will feel like you have the flu and just tell your co-workers that you have the flu.  They will stay away from you if they don't send you home.
Are you planning on filling that script?

[Wishinitwerentso]

Which script do you refer to?  You mean the Lortab that I can't get filled until the 26th.?  If I make it through this then no I don't plan on it. Imayhave my husband pick them up and hide them so I don't get tempted to pick them up myself. How does Immodium help with withdrawals besides diarrhea?  Thanks for helping by the way.

[Wishinitwerentso]

You know I wondered that about the benadryl. It seems like it has done that to me in the past.  Does it sound to you like I took a lot of Lortab.?

[Teresa1717]

Hi there and welcome! I really cant add much to what the others have said except just to be patient with your body and dont be so hard on yourself for getting hooked on these things just because your a nurse! We in the medical profession tend to think because we see addicts everyday that it cant and wont happen to us, but it does! Our bodies, and minds take a beating sometimes!! If anything it lets us know we are human too.

Obviously the best advice is to take off work for a few days if you can but I know that may not be possible. I tried detoxing once while still working and it wasnt easy! Im Just being honest, but I think if you keep yourself busy and just keep telling yourself "one more hour" you can make it through it!

I also agree, stay away from the benadryl! It made me so restless!!! Like CRAZY! Hot baths, short walks, and the Hylands seems to work the best for alot of people to combat the restless legs.

Keep your head up, Keep moving forward! Your not alone, TRUST me!! SO many wonderful people on this forum who have been there and have excellent advice and words or encouragement! Keep posting, keep talking, keep asking! Were here for you!!

[Pat1956100]

yes that's the script I was referring to. I would hate to see you go through this again.
I am not sure exactly how the imodium works.  It is an opiate but it doesn't cross the brain receptors (could be described differently) so you don't become addicted to it.  As it is an opiate it helps with the withdrawl symptoms.  
I know it has helped me.  Some people take a ton of it but I was way too afraid of what would happen after lol.
Anyway just thought that would help you out a bit while working.
Drink lots and lots of fluids.  Drink ensures or boosts.  It just feels so good to put something nourishing and healthy in our bodies while detoxing and our bodies so need it.  You will feel a huge energy lapse after you detox so make sure you try and eat as well.  Light foods of course but force yourself to eat.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing.  

[Gtowngirl]

Just a thought...I know its thanksgiving and u said u can't call in..but being an RN in ER what if u feel really bad and don't have a clear head, wouldn't it be dangerous for u and the patients if u were to make a mistake? A  life threatning mistake? With yr job u can't afford to make mistakes...can u go in and go straight to yr supervisor and say u are contagous with the flu ? I know this sounds terrible I just want the best for you...

[Teresa1717]

It has the same chemical makeup as an opiate but it doesnt cross the blood-brain barrier. So it gives you the same GI symptoms as an opiate would ie: constipation, (blocks ya up)! Just thought I  would add to what Pat said :) Immodium WILL be your friend through this! haha

[Pat1956100]

Thanks Teresa.  I knew I didn't explain it correctly but the gist of it was there lol.  I didn't take the time to google it like I should have.
I don't mind at all that you explained it correctly.

[Teresa1717]

You explained it just fine :) I have just missed posting so I thought I would comment just to comment! hahahaha :)

[Wishinitwerentso]

You really are all such an inspiration to me. But right now if I had a kingdom I would give it for just one Lorcet.  You know as a nurse there are so many things about certain meds such as Immodium.  But most of the time we don't use them in the same venue,I.e. withdrawl.  Sadly I even begged a P.A. that I am friends with to tell her the situation and she is choosing to ignore me.  Can't say as I blame her but I assured her that my husband would dole out a tapering dose to me.  I did by the way call in sick tomorrow.  I do think that given my symptoms I could be dangerous Although I have done this job so long I can pretty much do it blindfolded.  What about ambien for sleep?  Does anyone know if it exacerbates withdrawl symptoms.?

[Wishinitwerentso]

So many of us out there, aren't there.?

[Teresa1717]

I took Ambien for sleep and for ME i had horrible sleep!! I had the wierd nightmares and blackouts! I was actually on Ambien for about 3 months prior to stopping Opiates and stopped the Ambien at day 15 or 16 I believe.I only slept about 3 hours max with the Ambien and after I stopped I slept less!

I know some people have taken it without problems but IMO I would try something all natural first! Like Ateril. I dont know is anyone has recommended that but it works pretty good and you dont have to worry about any addiction to it like with Ambien.

[Teresa1717]

So many what? Addicts? Addict medical professionals? Yes to both unfortunately! Addiction is like Cancer in that it doesnt discriminate

[Pat1956100]

I sent you a private message.  Hope it helps.

[Wishinitwerentso]

Day # 3.   Not only did I call in sick but I opted to stay home alone for Thanksgiving. My spouse went to his Mothers house and my whole family is all over the world.   But mostly I just miss the Thanksgivings we had as children.  I have really put myself in a state today and cold turkey withdrawl ***** the big one.  Truth be known, I am counting the hours until I can get a refill.   I can't stand the way I feel right now.   When does this madness get better?