[iloerose]

I need to get off of an 8 year habit of vicodin. I have prescriptions for 120 10/500 lortab, and two for (don't have these anymore) 7.5/500 lortab for 60, and another one for 90 7.5/500. The one for 60 I got rid of on my own by not going back to the doctor for refills, just eating up what I had. I figured the other two, I'd let one or the other go, probably the 7.5. and just live on four a day. A junkies being noble, a dream, the pills talking in my head, "you don't have to let it ALL go, just be more responsible. I take these pills for migraine and for knee pain. The most I was supposed to take for knee pain was two a day and only if needed (hahahah). The rest were for migraine days, which I have about four three dayers a month and can't take NSAID, not motrin or naproxyn. Well, I actually take 10-12 a day. If you haven't read into this, it takes three docs to get this much. Illegal as hell. I could lose my entire livelihood. I am a teacher and would become a felon with no access to students, period.

Anyways, I have been praying to the spirits, and to the higher powers, (I don't want to get into my religion.) I have been building my little kit based on information from the Thomas Recipe for the past two months and have my B-6, L-Tyrosene, Vitamin/mineral supplement, Pottassium, B-12 liquid, 5-HTP, Valarian Root, Melatonin, Hylands Restful Legs, Immodium. I knew I was going to try this someday. I knew I had to. Well today I went to my 7.5/500 90 doc and got the surprise of my life! A MAPS record of my drug use and no more lortab.

There he was with a MAPS report from the state data base of all the drugs I've been using for the last year. He had a serious talk with me. He didn't arrest me and didn't contact the dea. The higher power had a hand in that I'm sure. I spilled everything. I told him how I had been researching ways to get off these pills. Told him how many I take a day. Along time ago I decided that the doc that prescribed my 60's 7.5/500 that I wouldn't go back to him and so finished those refills. He offered me a choice between keeping him for a doctor and in 30 days he would reinstate my medicine as long as I stayed clean with him. I told him about this site and the thomas recipe and I'm going to send him a copy of it. He wanted to put me with a psych addiction specialist for suboxone. I told him by the time that that roled around, I would already be clean from cold turkey, and explained the Thomas Recipe for Detox. I already had everything but the klonipin. I also asked for sleeping pills. He gave me 60 Klonopin and 30 Ambien. He understood and gave them to me. So I'm starting out with a grateful heart, I will not go to jail, he believes in second chances, he's heard it all before. I'm crying as I write this because my life has been saved and I'm scared. I also know that these next days and the days following wll be the hardest things I have ever done, and I have gone through some really messy stuff and survived. I will survive this. Because I can't survive as I was.

I know I will need you all. This is day one without anything, except a klonipin to stop my jangling nerves. The closeness of the call shook me for a loop.

p.s. Those of you using multible doctors. STOP. You will get caught someday, if you do, I hope you will be blessed as I have.

[melinda7.5]

Hi iolerose
so where are you at now are you still using or have you stoped...let us know so we can help...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[iloerose]

Melinda, I am done using. I was done at 8:30 last night and it's 24 hours no vics! (only took two yesterday) I had been doing 10-12. I am not going back period, even though the dr. that caught me said he would give me a second chance on the vics and monitor me, I won't go back period. I tried to taper at the beginning of the summer, being all serious, well that didn't work. I am more than committed to this process. I read. I thought vic helped me to concerntrate on my reading. I have read 10 books this summer alone, just me and a beer(smart with the vics) and a really good book. So here I was in my own world and nothing could hurt me. It was just me, my dog and my book. oh and my vics. For 8 years.

I took the L-Tyrosine, B-6, multi-vitamin, pottasium, klonipin because it's making me sleepy. I never have had a problem with benzos, could take it or leave it, so I'm not worried about that. Having some restless leg, and early this morning had some cramps in my feet. starting to sneeze a bit, but took a benadryl earlier, should I lay off the benadryl for the stuffy, sneezing stuff with the klonipin? It had to take a brick to fall on my head to get me here, but I never want to go back. I had contemplated flushing them, turning my back on unfilled prescriptions, using the thomas recipe and sucking it up, but chickened out every time. I am afraid though, that the temptaion to use will be too great, even though I have nowhere to get them and are too afraid to find them in the streets.

Right not I'm doing fine, no anxiety yet, mostly gratitude that there are peole willing to help and a doctor willing to give me the benefit of the doubt and try to help me by going along with the Thomas Recipe. I am truly blest. Nobody knows. I am on my own. Thank you for caring Melinda, and I hope I gave you what you needed. Tomorrow is day two.

[melinda7.5]

I think you did your research...LOL I think you just need the support you will get from this forum....you can rant and rave cry if you want to. someone will be along with a story to share just like yours. there is a lot of great people here...
let us know what ever we can do for you...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[iloerose]

I have seen so many great people here. You, for one. all the support you give people. Robert for another. And others, Freedom4me, intelmetal, caughtagain, opee, and so many more struggling and finding support to sustain them. No one judges. I have been following (lurking) for months. Reading posts and though you don't know me, I feel I know people here through there struggles. Sort of like reading a memoir, lol. As isolated as I've become, I know I can't do this alone. Thank you. All my research came from this board. I'm used to as a teacher and researcher, knowing what makes sense, and as a human being where compassion and help lie. BTW you are from Seattle. Two years my son moved away from here, Mich. because of lack of jobs and sterile going nowhere environment. He moved to seattle to build boats, well really he is in Anacortes, working for a ship yard. I'm going there in two weeks Aug. 13 I touch down in tacoma and it is the first time in a long time I will be spending time with him sober.
P>S> Tomorrow I'm sure I'll be crawling the walls and beggin for a vic.

[For Beth]

Wow, Iloerose.... your brave.
I too am one of those lurking reading people and I just signed up yesterday. from what I have read acknowledging the problem and doing things like getting support from forums like this is the biggest hurdle. From what I have read these people here are almost essential for recovery. I'm not even where you are yet but am praying for you, learing from you and inspired by you.
I do have a question if your up to it.
You mention a bunch of vitamins and stuff that help you with the withdrawl process. Can you tell me where to find that info so I can get it on board for my start?
Thanks and good luck!

[iloerose]

Beth this is what I have and what I'm doing. This is based on the Thomas Recipe. You can find it on featured conditions thread. Read through the recipe before you read this, as I may have missed something important.

1. Drink water to help flush this stuff through your body. Gatorade will also
help replenish eletrolytes and may help with muscle cramping.

2. Multi vitamin/multi mineral supplement. liquid b-12, pottassium,

3. L-tyrosine with B-6 to make the tyrosine work. you can take as many as 2000 mg at a time, although if this makes you jittery cut back. I only take three 500 throught the day. *if you are on SSRI's check with someone about this,like your doc or robert_325. L-Tyrosine helps with energy levels.

4. Immodium for the runs. you can take as many as two to four X 3 daily, some say you can take more. Let 4-6 hours pass after the onset to let your
body purge some of the toxins.

5. If you can get some valium, klonipin, or other benzo to help you sleep and relax for the first few days. You just need enough to get through the first four days. I also have ambien for sleep. If you don't have these try valarian root or melatonin, you must be in a dark room for it to work.

For restless legs try Hylands restful leg, they also have one for cramping. some say you can find this at walmart, but I got mine at a healthfood store.

6. Eat fruit, vegetables like carrots, Drink fruit juices with no sugars added. Stock in a supply of ensure or slimfast for when nothing will go down. Eat what you feel you can eat and eat as healthy as you can.

More than anything, stay strong. As someone else said we danced with the devil and there wll be a price to pay. You will feel like you have a bad flu for about 3-5 days. Melinda says get ready before you start, make your space comfortable, rent goofy movies, get your blankie and pillow on the couch or wherever comfortable, put what you need where you can reach it. Take plenty of showers and baths, as many as you want. I have sweats a lot so I use Dr. Bronnors pepperment soap (healthfood store) It makes you feel so cool and refreshed when you come out. there is also a lavendar scented one.

I know it's late, but when your ready to jump off or just want to talk I'll be here this is day one for me and I'm fast moving into day 2. God Bless and Good Luck.

[melinda7.5]

Here is the whole thing if you want it...


THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper, Magnesium and Potassium (you may not find the potassium in the same supplement).

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Start the vitamin/mineral supplement right away (or the first day you can keep it down), preferably with food. Potassium early in the detox is important to help relieve RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). Bananas are a good source of potassium if you can't find a supplement for it.

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

Continue to take the vitamin/mineral supplement with breakfast.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

Thomas"

[melinda7.5]

Hi iloerose
your going to do fine with no vic's I know the body will be sick but keep your mind strong and you will Will the battle...think about how much fun it will be to see your son pill free...and I tell my mind to shut the helll up if it tells me I want to do something stupid and you know get on here and post it really helps I will be around tomorrow....LOL I'm still not feeling like I could run a marathon yet...
Hang in there you will get thru it and you will be so proud of your self.
Talk to you later, Melinda

[caughtagain]

Good Morning iloerose and Congrats on coming to the forum. YOU ARE going to do this! We WIlLL help you. I wanted to share a story with you about me. This bout of gobbling up pain pills was the result of a back injury and had lasted about a year until I decided to join the forum 11 days ago. I too read the storys and once I submitted a post I was commited to getting clean and hear I am, proud and stronger for it. However, many years ago, I would Doctor shop, visit ER's, Go to as many dentists as I could fit into a day just to get meds. SO I know the fear you have. It's ok and you are doing the right thing. I remember one time my aunt was visiting me and I took her to the beach. On the way to the beach I had to stop off at one of the many pharmacy's I would visit to get my vicodins. So my Aunt walked around the shops while I went to this small pharmcay to pick up my script. Well when I got there I noticed the pharmacist was making a call and he was taking forever to fill my script, yet there was no one in the place. Hmm. So here I am getting nervous, and for a good reason as a few minutes later the police show up. Not one, but three cars..... Talk about scared, Come to find out one of the dentists I used turned me in the the local police and an investigation started. They did not bring me in because I had no record. But man was I scared. They took my information and let me go. Ironically, I still got my pills and the pill head I was I thanked the pharmacist and got out of there. My aunt never knew, but boy was I scared. I went to the police station the next week, admitted I had a problem and the detective bought it and dropped the investigation. MY point is, we all have our storys here and we all understand the dragon that is addiction. But we all understand that all we have is eachother. So Don't worry, Don't use and we will ride it out with you. You made the most important first step. We all have said to ourselved, we will quit, and then never do, but now that you have posted you have a team at your side to help you. Hang in there, post often and we will help.

[iloerose]

Day 2 with no vics. Just woke up, feeling pretty good, actually. Melinda, thanks for posting the entire Thomas recipe. I have a huge cup of OJ in ice water and keep drinking that I know people recommend gatorade, but I can't stand the stuff. I think the hyland's restful legs helped, there's also one for cramping.

Caughtagain: the experience with the doctor yesterday really changed my life. He wasn't going to call anyone, understood it was an addiction knew what it would do to my career, and with compassion gave me what i needed to survive this. I won't forget this intervention in a hurry. I'm through. I'm finishing up this detox thing. I'm visiting my 27 year old son in seattle in two weeks and for once, I'll be completely sober!

I've been following your story, CA, and man I'm really proud of you, especially for the fact that you have stayed on to help others. thanks for being there.

[caughtagain]

Thanks Rose, I must tell you that this "process" has been a rebirth for me and if I can be cleaned, then it is my hope that others will follow. I cannot tell you how long I sat on my computer and cried, read, prayed and oh yes gobbled up pills before I sat down registered and then told my story. Once I did that I was commited. It was hard, but I have all the supporters on here to thank. The cool thing about this site also is ones ability to not be judged when they are honest. For example, that story I told you about my visit to the pharmacy.... I had never shared that with anyone. It has been inside of me for 13 years. When I told you it was like I shed some guilt from that instance. As Robert has stated so correctly, the process of the WD's is a process not an event. So embrace it and post often and you will make it to the otherside and when you are done your tears will be of joy. Honest joy. keep the faith rose.

[Freedom4me]

Iloerose,
Welcome to a better place. You are going to make this and it is going to be great. The best thing you have ever done. I have been clean for 5 months and never felt better. I'm not a very strong willed person by nature but I made it and you will too. You are in the "club" now so let us help you get through this. Keep posting. Stay strong. You are on your way to a better life!

[iloerose]

I'm feeling really tired right now. I just can't find the energy. And yes, I keep thinking that all I want is another vic and I'll feel better. But that's a lie. I've been watching myself the last few weeks popping the pills, even when they don't even work. I never bought them on the streets and have few friends who I could get pills from, so I'm totally without. None of the clinics around here will give them to me anyway. I'm not feeling so well and am counting the hours. The plumber is coming today and I've got to get the dog out of the house for a few hours. Thank god for elby- he doesn't know, he just wants his walk and how can I say no.i'll just walk slow and take some immodium before I go.

[iloerose]

Originally Posted by melinda7.5

Hi iloerose
your going to do fine with no vic's I know the body will be sick but keep your mind strong and you will Will the battle...think about how much fun it will be to see your son pill free...and I tell my mind to shut the helll up if it tells me I want to do something stupid and you know get on here and post it really helps I will be around tomorrow....LOL I'm still not feeling like I could run a marathon yet...
Hang in there you will get thru it and you will be so proud of your self.
Talk to you later, Melinda

Right now I don't even want one, I think (LOL) probably if it was here....but know I don't want to ruin what I'm doing damn awful ****** things. I'm tired but I have that goal: to go sailing, hiking with my son. To go to Lombardi's in Ballard and have a great dinner. (we had christmas eve dinner there, oh seafood stew like I've never had.) Got to put my head on my pillow so I can get my dog out of the way before the plumber gets here. Soooo tired, can't think. That hyland restful leg stuff was godsent.

[caughtagain]

Hang in there Rose, you are doing the right thing. You will be so thankful soon, you just need to stick it out. As many have said, take it by the minute and soon you will have time in. Seafood Stew, yum... I am so thankful to my dog's as well. They too are not judgemental, they just want company and treats. I am very proud of you for doing this. Give yourself credit, be proud of what you are doing and that will give you even more strength. I am not sure if you have the L-tyrosine or the B-6, but if you do, that will help with the lack of energy.

[LittleLucy]

Thank you for sharing your story. I too used to Dr. shop and I pray that I don't get in trouble some day for it. I have only been to 5 different Doctors for my "medicine" but I guess it's possible. Although, I never went to them at the same time. I always spaced it out at least a few months or so. I don't know if that makes a difference. I wish the laws were more clear about the consquences.

You're doing great and good luck

Lucy

[melinda7.5]

Hi iloerose
Hope your day went well and you mad me hungry talking about the seafood stew....i like to go to Saltys in Redondo but I live up south of seattle.
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[iloerose]

Took the dog to a small lake, well pond really and walked the long way around to the beach. Didn't think I'd be able to do it, but it was a slow go and Elby had a good time. he got to swim. He doesn't chase sticks or anything, just goes into the water and swims around. Dropped some film off of hikes up north, got gas in my car. Came home and hit the couch about 4:30. My ex came over told him I'm not feeling well and he made dinner and took the dog for a walk. What a blessing. ate and now I'm tired as hell and starting to feel the sweats, yuck. 10:00 p.m. here day 2 down. I can barely type this I'm soooo tired. But you know, I didn't feel very good on the pills either.

Lucy, I don't know what state your in or if this will even affect you. You seem to spread your visits out. My doctor didn't suspect a thing, he thought I was a model patient. But here in Mi. any doctor can pull a MAPS, don't know what it stands for and he pulled them all on his pain patients, particularly after the Jackson thing some docs are being cautious. The MAPS is a state data base where every sceduled prescription shows up, as of a few years ago and medical professional could pull one. All the doctors, er's, etc. can pull those to check patients.

Freedom, CA, Lucy, Melinda, Thanks for hanging in here with me. I hear day 3 4 are the hardest. I will hang in throughout. I am never going back. I read where M. would swear at her pills as she was tapering. I hate those pills. They took my life away.

[LittleLucy]

Thanks for the information. I live in Califoria and I found out we have a system like that too. Once I was pulled aside by a pharmacist at Wallgreens who said I have filled too many narcotic prescriptions for my insurance to allow any more. That scared me so bad. From that time on I went to a smaller pharmacy and told them I didn't have insurance at the time and have been going there ever since paying full price. Thanks for the warning.

[LittleLucy]

Thanks for posting on my thread. You are so sweet. I hope we can be friends on here. I was thinking about you and your situation and I hope that you aren't feeling too bad about being "caught" by your doctor. I hope you look at it as an opportunity for change and a chance to get your life back. Sometimes I wished I would get caught so I could get help to stop. Your doctor seems like he/she has your best interest at heart and that's really nice. So have you decided to stick out the withdrawls or try suboxone?

The next couple days are going to be tough but once you get over the hump you'll be feeling better every day. Last time I quit, about a year ago, I felt all better in 2 weeks! I bet if you keep posting on here and find a Narcotics Anonymous (sp?) meeting to go to for support and maybe a counselor to help you work through this you really be able to kick this. I don't know about you but my biggest problem is I let my cravings get the best of me sometimes and I'll do anything I can to get my pills. When I was off them last year, Lortab was what I was on before my last relapse, what helped me was shows on TV like "Intervention". Dr. Drew has a show on VH1 called "Celebrity Addiction" it plays every so often and it's very informative. If you have TiVo you can type in "addiction" into your search for shows and all kinds of great things come up. HBO has a great documentary on addiction too. You've got 2days under your belt and that's awesome! I wish I was as strong as you and just do this without Suboxone.

Sorry about the long post honey. I just hope that we can help each other during this critical time. If you have any more advice for me please send it my way.

Let me know how you're feeling tomorrow. I'll be home most of the day and I'll be checking in here quite often.

[caughtagain]

Good Morning Rose, how are you feeling? We are here for you. You can do it. That is awesome the relationship you have with Elby. I have 3 dogs and love them. They are my best bud's. For today, just take minute by minute and hang tough. I am thinking about you.

[iloerose]

Getting caught by that compassionate man was the best thing that has happened to me. I was scared mind you, but then I felt such gratitude that I don't feel bad at all. I've been caught before, threatened, no offer of help, and nothing done. Doc just didn't want to deal with it. That doctor yesterday saved my life. He wanted to send me to a addiction psych for help and suboxone, but I told him that by the time that rolled around, I would have gone c/t anyway. So he gave me klonipin and ambien for sleep. I already had everything for the Thomas Recipe, but those. I had been contemplating this for months. Tried a taper, but went right back up to my 10-12 a day. I plan to see a counselor, I'm not into the whole NA 12 step thing as I'm not christian, though I do have a religion.

Yes, It is day three for me and I'm counting the hours. I feel tired and kind of weird. Am sticking to the Thomas Recipe. Don't feel too jittery, trying to not take the Klonipin, it just makes me want to go back to sleep. I think that hiland's restful leg is a miracle, can't say for sure if that's it, but last time i ran out of vic, I had the crawlys, twitchings, and they seem to be under control. So I'm doing all right. Thank god it's summer and I don't have to deal with 120 kids.

I was watching that show on the woman who was taking all the percs. I don't think I could ever swallow that many w/o getting sick. And her family was enabling her, especially her mom, giving her percs from her arthritis medicine. And then cutting and burning herself. Ofcourse she wouldn't feel the burning, being that stoned. I couldn't get the last part to run on my computer so I don't know what happened to her. I hope she came out alright.

So are you trying to kick your "habit" now too? I'm here and will post back on your thread. I will definitely be your friend here. I check this board often, so will look for you.

[caughtagain]

the girl did kick her habit, she looked great. I had a tear in my eye for her. But Man 50 a day..... wow You are sounding much better today. Hang in there. I Am very proud of you!!!

[iloerose]

Caught Again, You have come so far, you are like a mentor to me! I love dogs. Elby is part chow: red fur, curley tail, black tongue, but he is also golden retriever so he has fringes on his legs and a long snout, and floppy ears. He is my best bud. We hike together, walk.

Thanks for the advice, yes, I'm writing down in my calendar each hour that goes by. A bit tired and of course, If I could find a Vic, it would be mine. LOL. What difference would one make. Devil Pill, I'm not going back.

[LittleLucy]

You have a great doctor. Have you thought about going to the psych doctor for couseling and not ge the meds. I know that some people find out when they are all detoxed that they do have mild anxiety or depression, and a psych doctor could totally help deal with the "core" issue. I began seeing one 2 months ago and she has really helped me prepare myself for quitting. She even mentioned getting me on an anti depressant after detoxing to even out my mood, I'm not sure if I want to do that but we'll see.

I understand about NA and the whole God thing. They do say that it can be your version of "God" like a higher power or even Buddah if you're not christian.... but I totally get not wanting to do that.

I am so happy for you to get to where I was last year. All cleaned up and feeling good. You're one day closer! I was thinking about times and dates and last year when I was clean for my short stint I went to Seattle to see my uncle. It was the best place to be without being on the pills. There is so much to do and see, plus you'll be with your son (I think he's about my age) you wont think about them too much if you keep busy. Plus being by the salt water is good for you I think. Is he going to take you to see the big boats on the port of seattle? Fun! Oooh and the weather should be nice and cool compared to Michigan, although Seattle hit 100 last week.

About the percocet girl (Episode "Danielle"), I cant believe her mom would supply her like that??? She ended up going to rehab and came out looking so much better. I actually cried at the end because her little boy said, "I see you've got that smile back, I'm happy to see it again." Like the way a parent would talk to a child. Then he said "I hope I see that smile until the end of time". It was so sweet. Those are the kind of things that make me not want to hide in my bedroom all day taking pills.

Today is going to be a day for you! You'll do just fine. Maybe its good to sleep through today. Go take a walk with your puppy a couple times then take a little rest. Go get a tatoo, take a rest! Just Kidding. Funny you mentioned dreaming about a raven tatto last night I was looking at bird tattoos online when I couldn't sleep. Maybe it's sybolic of becoming free from the pills???

[caughtagain]

Rose, thanks for the kind words. one of the many cool things about this site is everyone mentors everyone. I am on day 12, but I learn from people that are on day 1 etc. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you. I love my dogs so much, not using makes me just want to hug them and give them a big kiss to thank them for putting up with me during the tough times. Are animals great, all they want is a little belly rub and our company. Just keep taking one minute at a time and soon you will keep getting better. Excersise will help with the Malaise, but try L-tyrosine. That helped me. I hope you have a great weekend.

[sky7228]

Rose what a great dr you have. I went to my GP a couple of years ago and told her everything about my problem, she gave me 40 vics and a taper plan..to say the least that didnt work. After that there was no more help from her, she didnt believe in giving anything to help detox but she gave me the drugs for a taper, go figure. One of the reasons I am on day 6 is because a couple of weeks ago I went to the ER because of pain and being out of my pills and the ER doc came in with a casper report (thats what it is called here in KY) It scared me to death. He told me what he could do but that he really did think I was in pain and wasnt going to do anything but give me a warning and then he actually wrote me a script for pain meds before I left. I realized at that moment what could have happened and if that did happen what I could loose so that brought me to this moment. Who knows maybe one day I'll send that dr a thank you card.

You are doing good! You are going to beat this!! And thank you for giving me so much support when you are going through it yourself.

[christine11368]

Originally Posted by iloerose

I need to get off of an 8 year habit of vicodin. I have prescriptions for 120 10/500 lortab, and two for (don't have these anymore) 7.5/500 lortab for 60, and another one for 90 7.5/500. The one for 60 I got rid of on my own by not going back to the doctor for refills, just eating up what I had. I figured the other two, I'd let one or the other go, probably the 7.5. and just live on four a day. A junkies being noble, a dream, the pills talking in my head, "you don't have to let it ALL go, just be more responsible. I take these pills for migraine and for knee pain. The most I was supposed to take for knee pain was two a day and only if needed (hahahah). The rest were for migraine days, which I have about four three dayers a month and can't take NSAID, not motrin or naproxyn. Well, I actually take 10-12 a day. If you haven't read into this, it takes three docs to get this much. Illegal as hell. I could lose my entire livelihood. I am a teacher and would become a felon with no access to students, period.

Anyways, I have been praying to the spirits, and to the higher powers, (I don't want to get into my religion.) I have been building my little kit based on information from the Thomas Recipe for the past two months and have my B-6, L-Tyrosene, Vitamin/mineral supplement, Pottassium, B-12 liquid, 5-HTP, Valarian Root, Melatonin, Hylands Restful Legs, Immodium. I knew I was going to try this someday. I knew I had to. Well today I went to my 7.5/500 90 doc and got the surprise of my life! A MAPS record of my drug use and no more lortab.

There he was with a MAPS report from the state data base of all the drugs I've been using for the last year. He had a serious talk with me. He didn't arrest me and didn't contact the dea. The higher power had a hand in that I'm sure. I spilled everything. I told him how I had been researching ways to get off these pills. Told him how many I take a day. Along time ago I decided that the doc that prescribed my 60's 7.5/500 that I wouldn't go back to him and so finished those refills. He offered me a choice between keeping him for a doctor and in 30 days he would reinstate my medicine as long as I stayed clean with him. I told him about this site and the thomas recipe and I'm going to send him a copy of it. He wanted to put me with a psych addiction specialist for suboxone. I told him by the time that that roled around, I would already be clean from cold turkey, and explained the Thomas Recipe for Detox. I already had everything but the klonipin. I also asked for sleeping pills. He gave me 60 Klonopin and 30 Ambien. He understood and gave them to me. So I'm starting out with a grateful heart, I will not go to jail, he believes in second chances, he's heard it all before. I'm crying as I write this because my life has been saved and I'm scared. I also know that these next days and the days following wll be the hardest things I have ever done, and I have gone through some really messy stuff and survived. I will survive this. Because I can't survive as I was.

I know I will need you all. This is day one without anything, except a klonipin to stop my jangling nerves. The closeness of the call shook me for a loop.

p.s. Those of you using multible doctors. STOP. You will get caught someday, if you do, I hope you will be blessed as I have.

Hello and Welcome to the board.. You came to the right place for help with your addiction.. It defently sounds as tho your "higher power" had it all mapped out for you.. as you mentioned lurking around here for some time, you been preparing for this day to arrive, and it seems as tho your doctor and this maps report was a God sent.. Not to change the subject, but what exactly is a "maps report" , how does one's doctor get this? Anyway, you are a very bright woman and I am sure you will get through this.. You mention your a school teacher, so you have about a month left of summer break before you have to return to work, is this correct? You should be over the w/d's and feeling pretty good by then.. I'll be following your thread.. I'll be here rooting for you... Have a good weekend.

[purpledog]

hi rose, i loved reading about your dog theme. elby. cool. me purpledog coz me dog called purple. shes a blue heeler.
over the years of using, man have my dogs been my saviours. when they need a walk, and ya dont feel like it, too bad theyre gonna hassle you anyway. and they love you no matter wot kind of dumb we have been.
hope you are doing well, just want to pipe up and say hi.
and during my bad withdrawl, coz i stuffed up my induction to subs, my dog was beside me the whole time, she is great.
so im totally with you on the loving the dog thing. way cool
keep up the good work pal
purpledog