Help with Opiate taper please.

[bama57]

Hi,
I've been on this merry-go -round of opiate addiction for almost 30 years, so i do know the truth about withdrawal.
BUT...it's only been from Hyrocodone or Darvocet.
NOW it's from Fentanyl AND Darvocet!
Here's what's going down: I was on the Fentanyl patch for only 2 months
(thank goodness!) and loads of Darvocet. I was on the 25 mg patch for one month and the 50 mg for one month. I took about 12 to 16 Darvocet a day on top of that.
Yesterday I was honest with my Doc (who actually FOUGHT me about getting off because I have had 2 neck surgeries), but he finally got on board.
Anyway, I took off the patch this Tuesday,& was out of Darvocet & went for it! The first night without ANYTHING was too tough!
So, my doc gave me about 12 Darvocet & some Valuim. I've been doing pretty good taking one Darvocet every7 to 8 hrs.
I've been trying to take about 2 Valuim every 5 to 6 hrs and sleep through this. oh, BTW, I have not ever had a problem with Benzos. I DON'T like the way they make me feel. I like to be UP! And that's what the opiates do to me, of course!
I've been trying to drink lots of Gatorade and eat a little but I'm not too hungry just yet.
I'm a female & my weight has plumeted to 116 pounds & I feel my best at 130My question is: It's been since Tuesday without any Fentanyl. Is it out of my system by now, or is there a half life I have to worry about? AND I'm doing PRETTY good with one Darvocet when I cut it back 1 every 7 to 8 hrs.
Will I need more than 12 Darvocet to finish my taper as long as I stay true to the 1 every 7 or 8 hrs? I know about the Thomas Recipe & it says to keep yourself asleep with the Valium for 4 days. Yesterday was my first day I did that. 2 10mg Valium keeps me asleep about 6 hrs. How long before I can safely take 2 more and go back to sleep?
I'm very lucky. I have all the time I need to do this.
I just wonder if I'm doing this too fast?
Thanks so much everyone! I read this forum all the time & you all really feel
like friends!
Bama

[melinda7.5]

Hi Bama
I think you would know if your doing this to fast...your body will tell you..LOL
When I did my taper I just keeped trying to get more time in between my doses and tried to take less after I was stable for awhile like every 4 days.
I think your doing great.
When I got down to 2 five mg vicoden a day I went cold turkey the rest of the way..
I felt like I had the flu for a few days but I did OK...
Hang in there and be proud of yourself...
let us know how your doing.
Melinda

[bama57]

Thanks Melinda,
My body is telling me the story, lol!
The main thing that gets me when I'm awake is the restlessness.
NOT too much of the RLS like the first night, but SORE muscles & jitters.
Plus, that feeling of weakness. Doesn't seem to go with the other 2, but it does!
Anyway, I think I'll try & go back to sleep. It's been about 4 hrs since my last dose of Valium. I'd be interested to hear from Fentanyl users who quit & see what they have too say about my progress.
Thanks!
Bama

[bama57]

Hi Melinda!,
You just answered my post today about opiate taper & I had NO idea about you & Robert!
You both mean A LOT to me, you just didn't know it!
May you always be happy!!!
Bama