Yesterday was my last day ...

[T2112]

Yesterday was my last day of taking only 2 Fioricet w/ Codeine. So, that's something like 20+ per day down to 2 in about 60 days or so (I think). Now today I would like to begin taking nothing. It probably wasn't the best idea to begin day one at work but that is how the math worked out. I created and followed a taper plan and along with everyone's support I did taper down to zero. Thank you all for helping me get to Zero. Now, I am a bit worried about Zero but need to see this through. The support is much appreciated. Thanks

[Dane74]

You are doing great on your taper, great job and keep up the good work.  The memory will come back just give it some time,so happy you are keeping busy and getting back into your music, just get lost in that moment of playing and your mind will not even think of the little demons...

[clean_in_ks]

GREAT JOB on getting rid of the Rx and pills!!!!!
Some of us tell ourselves "it's ok" to leave a little teeny crack in the door....
the door that leads us back to using....always.....always....for us addicts.
If there is a crack....I'll find it......SO.....good on ya for slamming the door and eliminating that mind game for yourself......it does work....if we work it~
Have a blast w/your music tonight.....I'm bettin you will relish feeling each and every note, beat, phrase, as you reignite this passion in yourself... and the memories really ARE way back in there.....just allow time to heal.....and more will be revealed~
Rock on~

[YesLife4Me]

First of all you are doing awesome!  The first week is the hardest as you establish new routines that aren't centered around taking a pill.  After a while it isnt the first thing you think about before you start to do anything.   Second, in my observations on here it seems like temptations seem to get placed in front of us after we quit.  Don't know how many times I've read about someone finding a bottle a pill, a friend offering some, an accident or need for some kind of surgery.   Good job on ripping up that rx.  Bet that was hard in many ways.  Knowing you can't get anymore is freeing so that when those thoughts or cravings happen, they can be dismissed since taking a pill is not an option.   Sounds like you are doing pretty well after coming off your taper.  Keeping yourself busy, if you can, really helps.   Sometimes you just want to sit around, that's ok as long as you get up here and there and try to do something productivd.  That will help you start making those new routines.  Keep it up!  

[T2112]

Arghhh.. I can't believe it. I was going through my guitar case and I found an Rx that I had misplaced 6 months ago for 180 pills with 5 refills. I had lost this and it was replaced. I am sure it is still good. I just ripped it up and threw it out before this post. I could have never done that 4 weeks ago. Is it fate that ensures we are always tempted or is this just something that happens and most times we don't notice. I'm glad this came up on day 2 of nothing rather than say day 22. It is not something I want to start over and try to do again. Strange though.

[T2112]

So I made it through yesterday without anything. The last time was Sunday (3/03) at 8am. So it's been 48 hours. I'm pretty excited. Actually, I decided to get the band back in the studio and play tonight. I haven't played without taking a large amount of pain killers in 10 to 12 years. I probably should have waited a bit before doing so but I need to obsess over something so I am going to try playing music seriously again. I am not worried about the environment. Playing with a group in their 40s & 50s is far different then what we do when we're in our 20s. I cannot believe that I have been playing guitar for 35 years - It's sad that I cannot remember most of it. Is that normal with opiate usage? Does the memory of things come back??

[cork712]

I felt bad for a few days, then it seemed to decrease. Just deal with the mental urges/cravings by keeping busy, doing other things that you enjoy. It may not be worse tomorrow. It's okay to be cranky and not your best, but believe me, it really does pass. I don't crave Fioricet at all now. Seemed like there was just one day when it was not in my thoughts anymore. If I went 45 yrs plus without it, why not have it leave your thoughts and life? Just take it hour by hour. You can do it!!

[T2112]

OK ..Thanks for asking ... I have been experiencing some of the WDs for the past couple of weeks from taper so fast so I think it is just a little more elevated. My eyes go out of focus often. Very jittery, nervous, edgy, etc. but otherwise Ok .... as long as I don't need to see clearly. It's like heavy fogginess. Can't really concentrate but very doable. Of course when I started this post at 8am (EST) I felt better than I do now. I expect it will be worse tomorrow or Wed. Oh well ..we'll see.  Thanks all.

[ricart70]

great job !  how are you doing today?

[ang_811]

Good for u. Try to only focuses on today and the present moment. My first day of wds I had to work. After work I felt amazing knowing I did that without anything. U will get stronger everyday. Keep posting for support. U can do this.

R u getting any aftercare? That's important. We can only whiteknukkle sobriety so long b4 we pick up again. We need to learn the tools of everyday living.

[JordonNYC]

I am on a self-administered taper too, going from # 12 10/325 Vikes daily, now down to # 4 daily. I have experienced no discomfort and looks like my plan will take the same as yours, 60 days.

From your post it looks like the main threat to success is psyching yourself out, wondering if and when WD symptoms will surface, how severe or minimal they will be, and how long you will have to endure whatever you experience.

It sounds like you are on top of things so I can't say much. However, I have found what Lisa says is spot on accurate, keeping busy will force you to NOT focus on the above questions. Later when leaving work you will realize a lot of time has gone by between pills and WD symptoms, if any, were not so bad.

The danger is when we have time to sit around and focus on this stuff. So the busier you can keep the mind on other things (work, chores, tasks) the better.

[LisaH_NYC]

Congrats on the excellent tapering. I can only imagine day 1 with no meds. You have come SO FAR. I am also tapering, my drug is tramadol, I am weaning as well, down from 8 a day to 3 every 9 hours.
Being at work may be a good thing, it will keep your mind occupied.
Alot of the final steps are mental as well as physical. Its like being naked without our drugs.
please post if you hit a weak moment, I am sure you will get lots of help here.