Withdrawal Help

[wishard]

I am currently on my second day of withdrawal from 15 norco per day.  I am dying...or atleast I feel like I am.  My throbbing back and legs (along with the insomnia) are the worst part. I have tried tylenol, ibuprofin, sominex...all to no avail.  I don't know how to get access to valium or clonidine.  Can anyone offer any advice? I am a 29 year old female who started taking vicodin for a compressed sacral nerve...I am in pain all of the time. However, I ran out of my medicine, and I don't know how to get more...and besides, I can't continue this rollercoaster of worrying about when my pills are going to run out, etc. I would really appreciate someone to talk to.

[beetlybug]

Well, I'll try to help, inbetween running to the bathroom!  I am also trying to get off of vicodin, i tried to quit cold turkey 5 times, and it didn't work for me, so I'm weaning down, it's no fun at all, now we know why there's such a small success rate in staying off, but hopefully we'll be one of those few, good luck and keep us posted.

[ScottQuit021907]

Hi and welcome. I'm certainly no expert, but if you truly want off the narcotics, I hope you have a plan for pain management.

Based on my experience and what I've read, you are probably in peak withdrawal right now. Certainly I was miserable for 3 days. I have physical symptoms still and I'm at 23 days now from a 350 mg/day morphine habit.

I can tell you this - you will start feeling better within another 2 days and possibly 1. From that point, you will improve some every day (even if you don't feel like it you will be healing).

Hang in there and stick around. There's lots of supportive,  helpful people at this forum.

[1911]

Congratulations on making Day 2.   Have you tried hot baths to soothe you aches and relax a bit?  It really helps.

The first 4-5 days are the hardest and symptoms can vary.  Your body and brain are reacting to the elimination of drugs from your system.  These symptoms will all go away.  Just remember you can do it and that every minute of W/D is an investment in the rest of your life.

Be sure to drink lots of water.  Some folks prefer warm water.  The water helps your body flush out all the drugs.

Once you get through W/D and begin the process of recovery, you are going to experience some wonderful surprises, the best of which is find your old self, again.  

The folks on this forum are you new family and supporters.  Some are also experiencing W/D and others have gone through W/D and are here to reassure you.   Be sure to check in as often as you need and ask lots of questions.  Keep in mind that, "Nothing good happens fast in life."  

GEORGE
Week 8 C/T

[wishard]

Thank you so much. I haven't had anyone to talk to. I have been so alone with this struggle. It is so nice to know someone is in my shoes.  Does it really get better? I have this constant battle in my brain that says, Maybe I should put this off when I am not so busy??? But the truth is, no time will be a good time.  It is so hard knowing that if I had access to pills, all of this pain would be gone.  If I had to do it all over again, I would taper. This is horrible. IS there anything I can take to relieve some of the symptoms? Thank you again...

[wishard]

Do you think I will be in less agony by my 1 year old's birthday party this Saturday?

[wishard]

You all have offered some great advice.  You have also said some things that I am going to hold on to like mad when I want to go running back to my old habit.  I need to go to a pain management specialist..that is for sure.  I will try hot baths.  If I could sleep, I would be 1000 times better...

Thank you all...it is so nice not to be alone.

[ScottQuit021907]

Here's what I would try for the symptoms:

Robitussin DM (as directed) - I don't know if this will work but it might!
Aceto / aspirin / ibuprofen as needed for pain
eat bananas
L-Tyrosine for energy
B vitamins
Immodium for you-know-what
water or gatorade
melatonin for sleep
valerian root for sleep
OTC sleep aid if melatonin and valerian root don't help
rest as much as possible

Let's see. You will be on day 4 or 5 on Saturday. I was able to work a whole day on my day 4. Don't count on the sleep for a few more days. Hope this helps!

[1911]

You will feel a lot better by Saturday.   I was in a similar situation when I was on Day 3 of W/D.   My grandson's first birthday party was on Saturday.  I told everyone I had the flu and asked if they would go along with postponing the birthday festivies for one week.  Oddly, that worked better for everyone; and, besides nobody wanted me at the party with "flu" symptoms.

Please, try to remember that getting off pain killers is a process...not an event.    It will take 3-4 months for your body and brain to get back to normal.  The hard part is the first 4-5 days.  Then, you start realizing benefits and those offset any lingerling problems.

It is hard...but, you sound very determined.   This is a great opportunity for you to become your old self again.  .

GEORGE

[wishard]

Thank you, thank you...

I am feeling a little better today. I have heart palpitations and anxiety...along with the pain in the back and legs (sweats, vomiting, etc.). My husband, whom I guess doesn't comprehend the full concept of addiction, offered me a darvocet! Turning that down was harder than anything I have ever done. I just kept thinking...this little pill can take away all of my pain.  But goodness, it can add so much more. That is what I keep forgetting. Does anyone else out there forget why we are quitting drugs in the first place?  Isn't it funny how your mind can play tricks on you?  I feel like superwoman on vicodin (which I heard is a common reason why people take it).  So, I will tell myself, What is wrong with that?  

The problem is, my tolerance builds (who takes 15 a day!), I have drug-seeking behavior, I spend large amounts of money on the drug, and it consumes my every waking thought! There has to be more to life! I just wish that I could remember life before vicodin. Maybe that would help.

God bless you all...

[sunny8008]

Hey wishard, This is such a hard time for you. I know because I was once there where you are. I have been clean for 74 days today. That first week must have been the hardest thing I ever did. I was taking anywhere between 15 to 20 norcos a day for almost 2 years. Of course I didn't start out using that much but it was VERY easy for me to keep upping my dose due to the fact I LOVED the way I felt when using them. It is VERY important for you to stay FOCUSSED on what is important here. GETTING YOURSELF OFF AND MAKING IT THROUGH THE HARDEST PART. Your doing a great job and you should feel VERY proud of yourself. We all make mistakes and all just need to make sure we try our hardest to learn from them. How you are feeling is very normal. This feeling will end I promise. Your body wants the pills and your mind doesn't. I know is stinks so bad but you have to stay strong. Your fourth day will be much better then today. You are almost there sweetie. Hold your head up high and stay strong. Take LOTS of hot baths and don't give up on the Ibuprofen it will help alit. Maybe some Tylenol PM at night will help relax you. Good luck to you. You are in my prayers. Heather