[Jacqueline_1980]

Robert,
It wasn't exsacly 3 days, but I knew I was in full withdrawal. I was kicking hard and so I took 2mg of subutex (I got 15 8mg subutex and 30 8mg suboxone. I am hoping to be done with the taper without having to fill the suboxone as they make me ill, but if I need to fill them it isn't the end of the world.). I started to feel better immediately, but not all the way good yet. So an hour later I took 2mg again. I was okay after that one and called it a night. I was exhausted and glad to have that hell over with!
Now it is morning and I feel like I need some more. What should I take this morning? I don't want to take a full days amount because I know I will feel I need to take some again before bed tonight. Also, I heard that splitting doses up is better when tapering.
I am all ears and ready to do this!
Also, I want to thank everyone who has written notes of encouragement and support. It was your words I thought of when things got really uncomfortable. I am so happy to be a part of this online community!

[Robert_325]

Sounds like you stabilized at 4mg. You did a very good job. So take 2mg this morning, then take another 2mg about 8-9 hours later in the day.

I am on my way out the door to go to an appt with my orthopedic surgeon, so I won't be back until this afternoon. But stick with what I said until we talk later in the day. God bless.

[Jacqueline_1980]

I don't know what's going on with your leg, but you'll be in my prayers. We serve the greatest Physician of all! I hope the appointment goes well.
I will take 2mg and will check back later. I am really nervous that 2 mg won't be enough to hold me all day untill tonight. I will take the 2 mg and see how I do.
God bless you and talk to you soon.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Hey Robert. I hope your appointment went well. I took my second dose (2 mg) about an hour ago or so. I stayed on target with your instructions, but I have to admit it was hard. I struggled alot today feeling like I was in a mild state of withdrawal the last several hours before my second dose. Even now I don't feel great. Fortunately I get to be at home during all of this and don't have to go into an office or anything. Do you think that I will adjust to 4 mg/day or do I need to take an extra milligram or two?

Thanks alot,
Jackie

[Jacqueline_1980]

I hope everything is okay with you Robert. You take such good care of all of us that I hope you are getting to take good care of yourself as well. I haven't heard from you since your appt. yesterday. I'll just keep posting here for when you get back. I really struggled with only 4 mg yesterday. I did it, but was uncomfortable. This morning I woke up and took 2 mg. I am hoping that I get to take an extra 1 or 2 mg mid-day if I start feeling bad again. I promised my little ones I would take them to a fall festival if I was feeling okay. They have been so understanding through all of this. I know they are tired of seeing me "not feeling well".
Anyway, I will wait until I hear from you before I make any changes to what you told me yesterday.
Thank you for everything.

Jackie

[Robert_325]

Jackie .... thanks for asking about me. I made it through the dr, don't have to get the knee replaced so that was good news. The dr did a really thorough exam so I feel good about his results being right on.

I already have Rheumatoid Arthritis, APS (antiphoshpolipid syndrome) and severe Raynaud's Phenomenon (among other things) but these are all autoimmune diseases. Turns out I've been diagnosed with another autoimmune disease. Im having serious Fibromyalgia problems now as well. So I've got things I'll have to do fighting these autoimmune diseases but I don't have to have a total knee replacement which I am happy about. I'll make a post just about my conditions explaining everything but for now I'll be okay.

If you don't recall this the induction actually takes four days. We do have to adjust things a little sometimes and this is what the induction is for. You waited for me and I appreciate that. I can help someone like you more easily than others with your obvious commitment to doing this like I ask. Thanks for your trust.

First ... NO MORE THAN TWO doses each day. I want you to take another 1mg now since you just took your 2mg dose. Then tonight take 3mg as well. That will have you at 6mg for the day which is still not a bad initial dose. That should make you feel great today.

After you've done this four days during induction we reduce the dose by 25% at the end to determine your "lowest effective dose". So you'll end up back at 4mg anyway, but for now let's adjust your dose to 6mg for the day in two 3mg doses. Tell me tonight how you feel. I expect you to feel like dancing with the adjustment we made to your dose today.

Thanks again for waiting for me and not just adding more on your own. You've done GOOD!! I'm proud of you. God bless.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Hahaha... if you could've seen me after reading your post... I was at my little pill cutter slicing off another milligram in .00009 seconds. I don't know if it's all in my head, but that little extra is helping already.

No problem on the trusting you completely. My husband and I both agreed that I cannot figure out how to do this on my own. I have tried several times. In order to do it right, I need to be completely obedient, not just some of the time. Or else what's the point of asking for the help.

So, I am really glad you don't need a knee replacement, but it sounds like you are dealing with alot of pain. How in the world do you handle that along with the addiction? I was diagnosed with adenomyosis and endometriosis before my hysterectomy and could not have survived without my pain meds. Now I have painful adhesions that fortunately are controlled with ibuprofrin. I will be looking out for your thread about your medical update. Thanks alot for the response about the extra milligram.
God Bless you Robert!

Jackie

[cheekysod]

hey jackie.
glad you got stabilized on a good dose. you will do so well im sure of it.
im at the other end of the taper, 1.5mg, i started at 14 tho. so had a ways to go down.
just so you know someone else is cheering for you as well. go girl.
i have been blown away by how easy this has actually been, despite my fears.

good luck and good wishes jackie

[Freedom4me]

Jackie,
You are really doing great. I love the fact that you are following Robert to the letter. He will really help you work this down to a successful resolution!! I'm rooting for you.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Thank you so much for the support cheeky and freedom. I am really excited to be a part of this forum and getting free from all these meds! I feel extremely blessed to have all of this support, encouragement and wisdom passed along my way. I hope to do the same for others one day. I used to be a complete facebook girl... still am a little. But now I find myself on here more and more. I love reading through the threads and learning alot about my use and my recovery and all the mistakes to steer clear of. I also LOVE reading successful taper threads and meeting all of you.
Robert, the 3 mg this morning and 3 again tonight worked really well. I will do the same tomorrow and check in at some point. I will check in ay least once, everday, on this thread. Let me know when you want me to lower. I am guessing you probably want me at 3/3 for a few more days. Just let me know the day before I am going to be making any adjustments and I'll check every morning before I take anything.
Thank you and have an enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Jackie

[TTTDogs]

Jackie,

Just wanted to chime in and let you know how great I think you are doing - you are a class act and will sail thru this thing before you know it - we will be here on standby to grab hold of you hand - if needed and get you thru this - YOU DESERVE THIS - YOU CAN DO THIS - YOU WILL DO THIS!


Hugs TTT

[Jacqueline_1980]

Originally Posted by TTTDogs

Jackie,

Just wanted to chime in and let you know how great I think you are doing - you are a class act and will sail thru this thing before you know it - we will be here on standby to grab hold of you hand - if needed and get you thru this - YOU DESERVE THIS - YOU CAN DO THIS - YOU WILL DO THIS!


Hugs TTT

Thanks girl! I hope you have a good day tomorrow... will it be day 7 for you? You are an inspiration!

[Jacqueline_1980]

Took my 3 mg this morning. Headed off to church for an awesome morning of praise and worship. I even went up for the alter call... kneeled at the alter to pray and be prayed over... which I have never done before because I have been drowning in guilt and condemnation. Jesus met me there this morning and I know that I am exsacly where He wants me to be! I am normally not pushy with my faith or a bible thumper so I hope I didn't offend anyone. Jesus is my strength that keeps me going and a huge driving force in my desire and will to be "clean".
I came home this afternoon and layed down for an hour. I forgot how sleepy these subs make me. I think they leveled out in my system after a week or so the last time around on this therapy. I am so ready to be off these things!
Just wanted to check in and say hello to everyone! I am going to spend some time with the family.
Robert, I hope you are feeling better. I read that you are in a decent amount of pain. I am really sorry you have to go through this. You're in my prayers.

Jackie

[Robert_325]

Jackie ..... congrats on your new relationship with Christ. He is my Savior too. All things are possible through Christ and don't worry about offending anyone because you are a Christian. I stay in pain, but I'm always doing great through Christ. I'll be looking to hear all about your story. Keep me posted. God bless.

[Jacqueline_1980]

I am getting ready to head to bed for the night. Tomorrow will be my third day taking 3 mg twice a day. I want to make sure that I am correct in doing that. Also, thanks Robert for saying that it's okay to talk about Jesus on here. I have been going to church for a while now and really enjoy studying the bible, but I feel like there is a new veil being lifted from my eyes. I am REALLY getting it now!
Have a good night everyone!

Jackie

[Jacqueline_1980]

Today is day 4 of 3 mg twice a day. I feel exhausted all the time. I was hoping to start feeling better by now... hoping that my body would get used to the subutex, but I guess it hasn't. It may not happen at all. When I tried to use less (at the beginning of my subutex therapy) I began feeling like I was in mild withdrawal so I guess feeling fatigued is the lesser of the two evils. I am posting to see if this is my last day at 6 mg. If I don't hear from you Robert I'll just stay at this amount for another day. I hope you aren't in too bad of shape. Praying for you.

Jackie

[Jacqueline_1980]

Tomorrow will be day 5 and I think I am supposed to go down 25%. Robert was helping me, but I think I am on my own now as I haven't heard from him in a few days. Has anyone else used the suboxone taper plan that Robert came up with? Do I need to crush up the pills and put them under my tongue to make sure I am taking the right dose? It seems like at these small amounts, it would be the only way to measure correctly.

Much appreciation,
Jackie

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by Jacqueline_1980

Tomorrow will be day 5 and I think I am supposed to go down 25%. Robert was helping me, but I think I am on my own now as I haven't heard from him in a few days. Has anyone else used the suboxone taper plan that Robert came up with? Do I need to crush up the pills and put them under my tongue to make sure I am taking the right dose? It seems like at these small amounts, it would be the only way to measure correctly.

Much appreciation,
Jackie

Jackie ..... sorry for not being on as much as usual. I've been having LOTS of health issues and I'm doing the best I can. Thought they were going to have to do a knee replacemet surgery last week, but instead diagnosed me wih my fourth autoimmune disease. It's been very rough Jackie but Jesus has never let me down yet when I ask His help. I even began a spiritual fast this weekend to bring me closer to HIM and to help give me the strength that I need at this time.

I'm starting to get better daily by HIS grace. I know you're a Christain as I am and you'll understand what I've been going through. God is helping me but it's been very rough. I must ask you to bear with me and trust in HIM that He will get me through this so I'm able to help you more. There are several other people too counting on me so God won't allow us all to suffer. I talk with Him daily and He has promised me that He is helping me. We can't worry, we have to have trust and faith in HIM. It never fails me. I would sincerely appreciate your prayers at this time as the power of intercessory prayer is SOOO strong. I pray that my recovery will allow me to bring glory to HIM as I will be better able to help those suffering. Don't let go of your faith in me and I promise to not let you down. You've been in my prayers I assure you. God will help us all tother He has promised me.

Here is what I would do. First keep this as simple as possible. Take an 8mg pill and cut it in half. That is two 4mg pieces. Then break each 4mg into two 2mg pieces. Crush one of the 2mg pieces into powder and make four .5mg piles of powder.

You'll take 2mg twice a day and then take one of those .5mg piles and divide it in half. They will be two piles of .25mg each. Add those to each 2mg piece and you'll have two 2.25mg doses. Make sense? Then just put a sharp crease on a piece of paper and pour the powder under your tongue with each 2mg piece. Hope that helps you.

I will help you the rest of the way through this as I know you're counting on me and God is helping. I can only ask for your prayers to ask HIM to help me get through my issues too. Working together in Jesus name we will all get through this together. All things are possible through Christ. Remember I'm your brother in Christ and keep your faith strong. I need all the help I can get through the power of prayer right now. I probably need you more right now than you need me. Hang in there and stay positive so we can accomplish this together. God bless.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Robert, I have been praying for you alot. I know that when I don't hear from you it's most likely because you are in too much pain to deal with our issues too... on top of your own. I want to make sure that I do this taper the right way and I am where you'de want me to be when you check back in on me.
I even thought about writing Melinda to see what she thought I should do since she knows you best! But then I figured she is probably taking care of you and I don't want to add to her stress either.
I will try not to be too needy with you. I do understand what it's like to deal with pain. I really don't want to be a pain in the butt so I am sorry for sounding that way.
Also, thank you so much for the advice on chrushing up the pill to make .5 mg. I will do that.
I will keep checking in everyday. I am going to stay at this dose for 4 days and try to give you a break! Only write me if you feel okay or want me to change.
I do appreciate all you are doing for me as well as others. I don't know that I could be that unselfish and patient and kind if I were dealing with the new diagnosis on top of all the pain. I not only look to you for taper counsel, but you are a mentor spiritually as well. God Bless you Robert and know the Dukes' family is thinking about you and praying for you.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Hello everybody! Today is day 4 on 4.5 mg's. Tomorrow I am supposed to go down, I think. I am just writing to confirm. Down another 1.5. I hope you are feeling alright Robert. I have been trying to cut you some slack and not post constantly. Let me know if this is correct. Thanks.

[melinda7.5]

Hi Jackie
I'm wanted to jump in and say Hi,, work has been busy and I haven't been on here much, it sounds like your doing great...Thanks for all your prayers and
you and your family will be in mine...
well get you thru this, just remember one day at a time or one hour at a time if you have to...
talk to you soon, Melinda

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by Jacqueline_1980

Hello everybody! Today is day 4 on 4.5 mg's. Tomorrow I am supposed to go down, I think. I am just writing to confirm. Down another 1.5. I hope you are feeling alright Robert. I have been trying to cut you some slack and not post constantly. Let me know if this is correct. Thanks.

Good morning Jackie ...... it's clear that you are making noticeable progress and that you've got a really good attitude. It makes this entire process so much easier to help someone who is positive and not complaining about every single symptom as we all know there are going to be a few over the course of things. Being negative, though seemingly warranted at times, makes things more difficult for all of us. It can really make it harder to give the proper suggestions. I appreciate you showing concern for the personal issues my family has dealt with lately. Thanks for your consideration.

While dropping by 25% would be taking you down from 4.5mg to 3.375mg I would do just like you said and take it down to 3mg. That would be two 1.5mg doses about eight hours apart. I would begin that dose immediately. Those size doses are lots easier to do than a wierd fraction of a mg.

My family is just about to walk out the door for church so if you have a question I'll be back afterwards. I'm confident you can handle this just fine as it isn't that complicated. But regardless I will be back following church if you need me for anything. Have a great day and I will be talk with you regularly throughout the remainder of your taper. Take care and God bless.

[Jacqueline_1980]

Thanks Robert and Melinda. Hope church was as awesome for you guys as it was for us today! It's nice to hear your support and encouragement. I began the 1.5 mg twice daily today. Thanks for the kind words as well. I would have felt like a real tool for complaining about some mild side effects while you two are dealing with widespread chronic pain. Puts things in perspective. I wrote you, Robert, in your other thread. God Bless you two and talk to you soon.

Jackie

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by Jacqueline_1980

Thanks Robert and Melinda. Hope church was as awesome for you guys as it was for us today! It's nice to hear your support and encouragement. I began the 1.5 mg twice daily today. Thanks for the kind words as well. I would have felt like a real tool for complaining about some mild side effects while you two are dealing with widespread chronic pain. Puts things in perspective. I wrote you, Robert, in your other thread. God Bless you two and talk to you soon.

Jackie

Hi Jackie .... just making sure you're doing well. I don't want the stuff from other threads to affect your success. Keep me posted. I will be around to help you regardless of the other stuff.

Melinda and I are just about to break off for dinner and our Bible study so wanted to say hello before we call it a night. It always makes us feel good to end our evenings with a Bible study. We are going to study some in the book of Job tonite. You know I'm here if you need anything. God bless.

[TTTDogs]

Hey Jackie,

How are you? - Just wanted to let you know I went to my first NA meeting yesterday - lets talk and I will tell you about it ........maybe we can get together and go to one...........

Let me know,


HUGS
TTT