[csmlw]

Hi Robert,
You have allready helped me more than you will know. I have been lurking, reading, printing your game plan and planning my withdrawal from 20 yrs of percocet use which has slowly but gradually increased to approx 100-120 pills per month 725/325 mg dose. All prescribed by dr for "legitimate pain issues"-fibromyalgia, migraine, disc problems, etc...but I feel I am at the point where the pills are making the vicious
circle worse...pain, pop a pill usuallly 1/2 at a time to try to "control" my usage-ha, ha!, 4-6 hrs later more pain, pill etc...You've heard it all before...

After researching on this forum, and focusing on your advice, I went to my pain management dr (who has also given epidurals for my neck and back) and talked about the agony of the pain at an all time high and the desire to get off percocet in order to truly judge whether disc fusion is the next step...He sent me to a doc who prescribed the "usual dose" you so accurately describe of two 8 mg doses of Subutex per day. He did not feel the need for Suboxone given my otherwise "clean" history--never even tried marijuana inspite of growing up in the 60-70's...yes, I am really disgustingly boring!

So, I have several questions:
I understand the need to do the COWS worksheet and after 8hrs or so, am basically nowhere as far as the score. With my size of habit, do I still need to get to 26, before I can take my first 2mg dose? I understand the theory and method for induction ( will follow you advice for Cheryl to the T), but just wondered if I should start out lower? And last but not least, any different instructions for the tapering off and how long do you think I should allow for that portion?

I sadly noticed, but understand that you will not be posting as often, so I hope you or another person with lots of experience can give me a little guidance...I will be eternally grateful! As you say so often, God bless!
Emily

[cheekysod]

ok so im a fellow sub user, tapering off.
main thing is to make sure those receptors are well empty before you take the subutex. this makes sure the transition goes with no problems.
so definately wait till you score a 26, if you cheat, and i did. you will go into precipitated withdrawls and they aint fun.
sounds like you have done your research, and starting with 2 is a good idea, you may be able to stabilize on a small amount, far less than the 16 they rx you.
you asked about starting lower, as in lower subutex. have you got the 8mg pills. or the 2mg pills.
if you have the 2mgs, you could try a half at first and see how cheryl goes..
subs are pretty potent, but subtle at the same time because you dont have the same sedation and you seem to have a clearer head.
good luck to you and cheryl
just popping in so you know someone is around at the moment.

[csmlw]

Thanks for the quick response! i only have the 8mg so I guess I should start with 2mg.
Thanks,
emily

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by csmlw

Thanks for the quick response! i only have the 8mg so I guess I should start with 2mg.
Thanks,
emily

Emily .... be sure to wait until you score at least a 26 on the COWS worksheet. Then start with 2mg increments taken at least an hour apart. You should be able to stabilize by 4-6mg. Not hardly ANYONE ever needs to go to 8mg, but certainly no more than that.

Taking 16mg like most of the sub drs prescribe is nuts. It's upsets me that they do that as all they are doing is making your situation worse than it was to begin with.

I'm posting still on and off but I'll keep an eye on your induction. Just take the induction VERY SLOWLY making sure to keep your dose as small as possible. Stay in touch. God bless.

[cheekysod]

sorry i called you cheryl, my bad.
emily, hope it all goes well, but specially make sure you are scoring the 26. i cant stress enough that thats the most important part of this whole thing.
once you have a smooth transition you will be sweet,
roberts right, you can probably stabilize at 4 or 6mg only. that would be great ay.
and take your time on the taper, from my personal experience, i started on 14, too high but thats the doctors.
i have tapered myself down over 4 months, and im currently on 1mg, so its entirely possible, me being an ol junkie for years, and methadone for years, it still blows me out,(that i AM DOING IT) and i havent had any suffering during any of the lowering of my dose.
good luck emily
cheeky

[melinda7.5]

Hi Emily
my story is a lot like yours...I have fibro and DDD..your going to do just fine, I can not speak for Robert,LOL but I'm going to anyway ...but I have never seen him turn down anyone that has asked him for help...we got your back so no worries for you, well all be there for you...
look forward to talking to you...
Melinda

[csmlw]

Robert, Cheeky, &Melinda,
Thanks soooo much for the great support and advice. I will make sure to wait till scoring a 26--have a brutal headache, but only 12 hrs or so in and nowhere near a 26. I'll keep you all updated. What a great feeling that I don't have to white knuckle this myself!! The dr of course told me to only wait 12 hrs and nothing about the worksheet/score...that plus a dose big enough for an elephant...and without all of your help-I would have just traded one problem for another...YIKES!
thnx again, Stay tuned...
Emily

[csmlw]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

Emily .... be sure to wait until you score at least a 26 on the COWS worksheet. Then start with 2mg increments taken at least an hour apart. You should be able to stabilize by 4-6mg. Not hardly ANYONE ever needs to go to 8mg, but certainly no more than that.

Taking 16mg like most of the sub drs prescribe is nuts. It's upsets me that they do that as all they are doing is making your situation worse than it was to begin with.

I'm posting still on and off but I'll keep an eye on your induction. Just take the induction VERY SLOWLY making sure to keep your dose as small as possible. Stay in touch. God bless.

Well, finally made it to 26-very odd to be excited about feeling rotten enough to start this journey...not sure what was hardest-being patient these last few hours, or cutting that darn pill....
Thnx, Emily

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by csmlw

Well, finally made it to 26-very odd to be excited about feeling rotten enough to start this journey...not sure what was hardest-being patient these last few hours, or cutting that darn pill....
Thnx, Emily

Emily .... this part is SOOOOO important. The longer you wait between the induction doses the better ( up to a point ). Take 2mg, then wait 1-1 1/2 hours. You can actually take 1mg doses rather than 2mg if you want. The science behind this is if we take very small doses and give them ample time we will get all the benefit possible before adding more. That's why when people take 8mg or even 4mg at once they are never giving a small amount a chance to work like it's capable of.

I inducted a guy from France on 1.2mg a couple months ago. I inducted Henry recently at 1.2 mg after his dr had told him to take 8mg four times a day or something like that. He is now totally clean after six weeks. You should read his thread and ask him questions. The thread is " Suboxone need help please Robert". You can also ask Pam (tired2) on that same thread and her new thread "Want off benzos" as we have tapered her off benzos after the opiates/subs. Pam has been doing this almost the entire year. Pam and Henry both will give you lots of good ideas if you ask them.

Hang in there but DO THIS INDUCTION PROPERLY. IT's SOOOOO important and gets you off on the right foot. I'll be watching for you as I'm able as well as I'm on the road traveling this week. But I'm watching and checking on you as I'm able. Don't be afraid to ask for help. God bless.

[csmlw]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

Emily .... this part is SOOOOO important. The longer you wait between the induction doses the better ( up to a point ). Take 2mg, then wait 1-1 1/2 hours. You can actually take 1mg doses rather than 2mg if you want. The science behind this is if we take very small doses and give them ample time we will get all the benefit possible before adding more. That's why when people take 8mg or even 4mg at once they are never giving a small amount a chance to work like it's capable of.

I inducted a guy from France on 1.2mg a couple months ago. I inducted Henry recently at 1.2 mg after his dr had told him to take 8mg four times a day or something like that. He is now totally clean after six weeks. You should read his thread and ask him questions. The thread is " Suboxone need help please Robert". You can also ask Pam (tired2) on that same thread and her new thread "Want off benzos" as we have tapered her off benzos after the opiates/subs. Pam has been doing this almost the entire year. Pam and Henry both will give you lots of good ideas if you ask them.

Hang in there but DO THIS INDUCTION PROPERLY. IT's SOOOOO important and gets you off on the right foot. I'll be watching for you as I'm able as well as I'm on the road traveling this week. But I'm watching and checking on you as I'm able. Don't be afraid to ask for help. God bless.

Thank you Robert- will follow your instructions to the letter!! It's funny, all morning I have been reading parts of both Pam's and Henry posts-will dig deeper to get a few more hints. Reading some of these threads over & over seems to be helping me believe in "the method to your wonderful madness"!!
God Bless and thanks to God for bringing me to this site!
Emily

[csmlw]

[QUOTE=Robert_325;261330]Emily .... this part is SOOOOO important. The longer you wait between the induction doses the better ( up to a point ). Take 2mg, then wait 1-1 1/2 hours. You can actually take 1mg doses rather than 2mg if you want. The science behind this is if we take very small doses and give them ample time we will get all the benefit possible before adding more. That's why when people take 8mg or even 4mg at once they are never giving a small amount a chance to work like it's capable of.

Robert, so glad I had this advice about waiting up to 1 1/2 hrs...at the 1 hr mark I got up to shut off timer and reset and realize I am a little woozy, dizzy, etc-must be how "normal" people feel when they take perc ha ha! I'll wait the 90 minutes. If still feeling dizzy should I still take the 2 mg?
Emily

[Robert_325]

Emily ...... I think after hearing what you've said that I would only take 1mg at a time every 1-1 1/2 hours. If you go really slowly at this today you will likely end up becoming stable at 3-4mg at the most. Again I'm only saying that based on what you've said, I'm not there with you. But at the end when you're stable you should feel totally normal, not high or dizzy or any of that. You should just feel like you're clean, totally straight.

I've got to leave for a bit but I'll check on you in an hour or two. Keep me posted. I'll help you get through this induction myself. We do this together and I will promise you'll be shocked at how small the ending dose will be and how good you will feel at that dose. Just have faith and go along with what I'm asking you to do. Talk with you in a little while. Don't be scared, your life is about to change forever! God bless.

[csmlw]

Will do I'll take 1mg in about 10-15 min and report in approx 90 minutes after that...E

[csmlw]

Robert,
OK, I think I might be like the guy from France you helped—40 minutes after taking the 1 mg, I feel totally loopy!!! In addition to the woozy feeling, I also feel very sedated, heavy eyeids, etc. It’s a real effort to type this- I’ll update you at the 90 minute mark, but just wanted to post this while I can---Can you imagine me with a whole 8mg dose??? I can only remember feeling like this when I took a dose of post op percocet before I really needed it…or how you feel when self administrating that morphine drip after a major surgery. Thanks for listening/advising me thru this—I would be in deep @#*& without your help!!
Emily

[cheekysod]

hi emily, good for you, looks like your going to stabilize on a low dose.
don't have any more if thats how you are feeling, no withdrawls though ay.

subs are way stronger than people realize, good one, you've made it through the gauntlet and onto subs, the first step in our journey to getting clean.
good on ya pal.
cheeky

[Robert_325]

Emily ..... for sure post back to me before taking anything else. It could be that you don't need anymore or if you do it may just be a fraction of a mg. So I'll watch for you to post. It may take me a few minutes to see your post back but I'll be looking so don't worry. Hang in there. You'll do fine. God bless.

Originally Posted by csmlw

Robert,
OK, I think I might be like the guy from France you helped—40 minutes after taking the 1 mg, I feel totally loopy!!! In addition to the woozy feeling, I also feel very sedated, heavy eyeids, etc. It’s a real effort to type this- I’ll update you at the 90 minute mark, but just wanted to post this while I can---Can you imagine me with a whole 8mg dose??? I can only remember feeling like this when I took a dose of post op percocet before I really needed it…or how you feel when self administrating that morphine drip after a major surgery. Thanks for listening/advising me thru this—I would be in deep @#*& without your help!!
Emily

Hi Emily,
Henry here. Glad you found this forum. I sure am that I did. First and foremost suggestion I have for you, I see you are following Robert's recommendations anyway, is that to follow his recommendations to the letter. These subs I have found out are awfully powerful meds when used correctly. Even when you start tapering down and getting down to cutting pills and things just the tiny little crumbs will even make a difference. I can't stress this enough and this is about as close to an exact science as you can get and in this case the so called close enough is not close enough. I made an error once and took too much because I was distracted and also not thinking. Running on auto pilot where I was supposed to take .5 mg but since my Subutex tablets were 2 mg tablets I was in that flakey state of mind where I thought .5 mg meant half so I just broke the 2 mg tablet in half completely forgetting it was a 2mg tablet and not 1 mg and wound up taking 1 mg instead of .5 mg. I can say for certain I didn't feel all that great afterwards and as Robert said if you feel funny, strange or high something is not working properly so this is the reason he is inducting you the proper way. You need to be properly stabilized before you start your taper process. This ensures you the smoothest and most trouble free way to ride out the detox. Today is day 5 for me of being clean. I was stabilized in September on 1.2 mg. My doctor had me wanting to take 6 to 8 mg up to 4 times a day. Doctors you will find really don't know what they are talking about when it comes to things like what you are going through. You have come to the right place. I still remember vividly the first thing Robert said to me that caught my attention that he is serious, sincere, honest, and extremely knowledgeable and that was "we are going to get you stabilized with the absolute minimum amount of sub possible". Can't argue with logic!
Hang in there and keep posting. I also now have you on my fav so I can find you quickly. Have any questions let us know. You will be fine. Just hang in there and at times it may seem rough but remember we have all gone through this and are here today. Stick with the plan to the letter and you can make it.

Henry

[csmlw]

Can you believe my internet just went down so I am typing this on my ipone, which 30 minutes ago I don't even think I could do. The wooziness is about 30% better but it's a good thing I don't have to leave the couch today. My only concern is that the worst of my many pain symptoms (neck radiating down the arm) has gradually been revving up over the last hour or so to the point were...you know what comes next. Obviously, that is not an option, but I just thought I'd whine a little
What do you think re dose, for remainder of today and what do I do tommorrow?
Thnx
PS Cheeky thnx for chking in can't type more now...

Originally Posted by csmlw

Can you believe my internet just went down so I am typing this on my ipone, which 30 minutes ago I don't even think I could do. The wooziness is about 30% better but it's a good thing I don't have to leave the couch today. My only concern is that the worst of my many pain symptoms (neck radiating down the arm) has gradually been revving up over the last hour or so to the point were...you know what comes next. Obviously, that is not an option, but I just thought I'd whine a little
What do you think re dose, for remainder of today and what do I do tommorrow?
Thnx
PS Cheeky thnx for chking in can't type more now...

Emily,
Me again. Robert may not be able to answer you right away as he is traveling but he does check in as often as he can. In his absence my suggestion to you is if you are ever in doubt then don't do it. What I mean is if you feel like taking a pain med then don't. It can throw off your induction, taper, and the entire process. I know the pain sucks but unfortunately that is why you were on the pain meds to begin with. You can however take Advil, no more than recommended, as it has an anti-inflamatory compound in it which will help with your pain as I am sure some of your pain is from inflamation of some type. Hot baths will also help as when in pain your body has a tendency to tighten up. I know none of these will help with the pain as a pain pill but that is what you are trying to get off of. In the meantime though go with his last instructions to you and remember when in doubt don't do it as it is best to ask first. You can always improve something that hasn't been done but it is much more difficult to undo something that has already been done in error.
Hang in there in the meantime. We are here for you.

Henry

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by csmlw

Can you believe my internet just went down so I am typing this on my ipone, which 30 minutes ago I don't even think I could do. The wooziness is about 30% better but it's a good thing I don't have to leave the couch today. My only concern is that the worst of my many pain symptoms (neck radiating down the arm) has gradually been revving up over the last hour or so to the point were...you know what comes next. Obviously, that is not an option, but I just thought I'd whine a little
What do you think re dose, for remainder of today and what do I do tommorrow?
Thnx
PS Cheeky thnx for chking in can't type more now...

Emily ..... we can't determine tomorrow's dose yet as you aren't even stable yet today. That has to come first. So right now you're at 3mg. Being stuck on the couch is not being stable. I would suggest that you take .5mg doses from this point forward.

Take a 2mg piece and crush it into powder. Then divide that powder into four equal piles each being .5mg ..... put a very sharp crease on a piece of paper and pour one of the .5mg piles under your tongue. Then check back with me in about an hour or so.

I'm hoping that this next .5mg dose is enough to make you feel good, but worst case is I don't see you needing any more than a couple .5mg doses. But again it needs to be done slowly and in .5mg increments.

I'll watch for your next post in about an hour. Go ahead with the .5mg for now. Keep those .5mg piles safe so they don't get mixed up or mixed together. You'll be using them tomorrow too. Let me know how you're feeling in a little while. God bless.

Emily,
Always go with what Robert says over anything I suggest. He knows best so please go with him.

Henry

[csmlw]

Ok Robert-thnx!
Henry,thnx so much You too have helped me already I spent much of the am reading your posts...will type more tomorrow when internet comes back and I'm in better shape...
Emily

Originally Posted by csmlw

Ok Robert-thnx!
Henry,thnx so much You too have helped me already I spent much of the am reading your posts...will type more tomorrow when internet comes back and I'm in better shape...
Emily

Emily,
Don't go just yet! You are not done with your induction. It is not that simple. Robert had asked you to post back to him. He is waiting for your response when the hour time limit is up.

Henry

[csmlw]

Henry,
Thanks I just didn't type that right-I will be checking back with him on schedule
E

[csmlw]

Hi Robert, feeling better as the hour has gone by not as loopy (well, my husband would probably argue that LOL) The neckpain has settled down a smidge, but still has that raw edge to it. I definitely feel better than after dose #2, but still in the couch potato mode. Based on my very limited knowledge gained from you and the forum so far, my gut tells me that one more .5mg dose might be the way to go- The pain in my neck is defintely on my mind-What do you think?
Emily

PS As an aside, fyi I am currently in a walking boot cast for a 3 yr old ankle fracture/sprain. Doctor injected me with my own platelets (PRP) to stimulate tendon healing about 3 wks ago. Sounds like science fiction...It actually feels better than it has for 3 yrs-I only mention its, so you a nice walk/excercise is not an option for the next several weeks. Knowing I would be spending more time on the couch than normal and my ankle finally feeling decent were factors in deciding to do this withdrawal now...

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by csmlw

Hi Robert, feeling better as the hour has gone by not as loopy (well, my husband would probably argue that LOL) The neckpain has settled down a smidge, but still has that raw edge to it. I definitely feel better than after dose #2, but still in the couch potato mode. Based on my very limited knowledge gained from you and the forum so far, my gut tells me that one more .5mg dose might be the way to go- The pain in my neck is defintely on my mind-What do you think?
Emily

PS As an aside, fyi I am currently in a walking boot cast for a 3 yr old ankle fracture/sprain. Doctor injected me with my own platelets (PRP) to stimulate tendon healing about 3 wks ago. Sounds like science fiction...It actually feels better than it has for 3 yrs-I only mention its, so you a nice walk/excercise is not an option for the next several weeks. Knowing I would be spending more time on the couch than normal and my ankle finally feeling decent were factors in deciding to do this withdrawal now...

Emily .... glad you told me about that cast. That makes a lot of difference in my assessment of your situation. No wonder you're on the couch.

I totally agree with you on the dosing, but I also agree with what Henry said about dealing with some of the pain issues. Take .5mg now, give it another 90 minutes, and take some Ibuprofen or Aleve for the body pain/aches.

I think you're at 3.5mg right now. Is that what your total is too? I think that's right. Another .5mg would still have you at 4mg and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with inducting at 4mg. I'm very pleased with that. The induction actually lasts four days the way I do it. So if when we talk again we agree 4mg is it, then after four days you'll drop to 3mg and that will be what I refer to as the "lowest effective dose." That is where you'll stay for about a week. That allows for the worst of your opiate detox to be over. Then we'll begin with your taper reducing your dose by 25% every four days.

Talk with me again in 90 minutes. Tomorrow, or the second day of the induction is MAJOR, as this is the day where we split your meds into two equal doses. Over the next two days if we need to make any adjustments we'll do that so that when the four day induction is over you'll feel better than you've felt since being in high school. You do what I ask of you and I will guarantee that.

I will be looking for your reply and the results of this next .5mg dose in 90 minutes. We're almost there. You've done a great job listening. And don't forget that it's okay to take some ibuprofen or aleve for your body pain and discomfort. I'll talk with you soon. Be proud of yourself. God bless.

[csmlw]

Robert,
yes I was at 3.5 and just took my .5 mg dose making the total 4. If it holds at that, I will be so thrilled ! What a start that would be compared to 16 prescribed for me!! As part of the PRP therapy on my ankle, I'm not allowed any aspirin, advil or aleve-something about the antiflamitories interferes with the process. The only thing I can take is Tylenol which as you can imagine is like taking a sugar pill for me, but I will take 2 extra strength right now. I also have Skelaxin here which is a muscle relaxer-I don't think that is a narcotic, but I really want to get rid of all this &*@#. My pain level is not there now, but on a really bad day, is that an option? The only other thing I have in my arsenal is some 5mg valium. Both of these are in orig script bottles approx 6-9 months old. I don't want to screw this up, and I will only do EXACTLY what you advise. The skelaxin was prescribed for the neck/back and I think actually at times it may have worked pretty well. The valium was prescribed by my dentist to take at night for a particularly bad spell of TMJ- He explained that it is one of the best muscle relaxors. I have used it a few times for my neck and it does help particularly at night. Being a fibro gal, quality sleep is also an issue for me. I stopped Ambien 3-4 yrs ago after I had prepared a beautiful Sunday brunch one day for 3 or 4 other couples. At about 4pm that day, long after they were goneI realized that I could barely remember the entire morning and now occasionally use tylenol pm. I'd rather tough it out a couple nights a week than deal with the dependency on something to sleep. Reading Pam's story re: benzos scares the hell out me, but I know from a pain level that I need to get some sleep through this process. I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but thought I should share my thoughts/concerns so that I have a game plan before the problems come up. I don't want to make a stupid mistake...
Once again, extra thanks for the TLC! I really feel that i have dumped a major project in your lap-Sorry about that!
Emily

[cheekysod]

emily good on you. go girl, no problems ay.
hey just for your information, subs haven't quite got the same painkilling properties as some of the other opiates, and when i first started subs, i was a bit worried about some of my old injuries a foot being one of them also.
I have found that over the first couple of weeks it seemed to settle a bit. I think sometimes our brains convince us its a bit more sore than before.
anyways good on you, hope you have a good evening/day and cruise on through this.
your on the right path, and yay for this site and its people ay, otherwise you too would be on some horrendous dose from a doctor who doesn't know at all what hes talking about.
you are going to be fine, you have the right attitude,
great stuff.
cheeky

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by csmlw

Robert,
yes I was at 3.5 and just took my .5 mg dose making the total 4. If it holds at that, I will be so thrilled ! What a start that would be compared to 16 prescribed for me!! As part of the PRP therapy on my ankle, I'm not allowed any aspirin, advil or aleve-something about the antiflamitories interferes with the process. The only thing I can take is Tylenol which as you can imagine is like taking a sugar pill for me, but I will take 2 extra strength right now. I also have Skelaxin here which is a muscle relaxer-I don't think that is a narcotic, but I really want to get rid of all this &*@#. My pain level is not there now, but on a really bad day, is that an option? The only other thing I have in my arsenal is some 5mg valium. Both of these are in orig script bottles approx 6-9 months old. I don't want to screw this up, and I will only do EXACTLY what you advise. The skelaxin was prescribed for the neck/back and I think actually at times it may have worked pretty well. The valium was prescribed by my dentist to take at night for a particularly bad spell of TMJ- He explained that it is one of the best muscle relaxors. I have used it a few times for my neck and it does help particularly at night. Being a fibro gal, quality sleep is also an issue for me. I stopped Ambien 3-4 yrs ago after I had prepared a beautiful Sunday brunch one day for 3 or 4 other couples. At about 4pm that day, long after they were goneI realized that I could barely remember the entire morning and now occasionally use tylenol pm. I'd rather tough it out a couple nights a week than deal with the dependency on something to sleep. Reading Pam's story re: benzos scares the hell out me, but I know from a pain level that I need to get some sleep through this process. I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but thought I should share my thoughts/concerns so that I have a game plan before the problems come up. I don't want to make a stupid mistake...
Once again, extra thanks for the TLC! I really feel that i have dumped a major project in your lap-Sorry about that!
Emily

Emily ...... the Skelaxin is okay, it's a muscle relaxer and should help you some and be okay in moderation with the subs. You really need to NOT take the benzodiazepines with subs. Stay away from all the benzos. If you need something for sleep and OTC meds don't help you can take an ambien but lay off the benzos. I realize some people have the memory issue with ambien and I'm not promoting it. But I am promoting that you DON'T take any benzos.

Once we have you all stable and moving forward properly you're going to find that you don't need all these other drugs the drs slam on us. They think we have to take a pile of drugs with subs and it's not necessary at all. You go along with me on taking the subs like I suggest and about all you may need will be a muscle relaxer like the Skelaxin and an ambien in an emergency NO SLEEP for a few days type situation.

We'll get you squared away properly on the subs and lots of these other problems will disappear I promise. Let me know here in a little bit how you're doing. Don't worry about dumping anything in my lap. This is a ministry for me not to sound corny. So I get my blessings in my own ways. Just get clean and I'll be happy. God bless.

Emily,
You are doing just great! It REALLY helps Robert lots if more people would be up front with everything about their condition. He can not recommend something correctly based on an incomplete picture. I can not comment on the Skelaxin (Metaxalone) as I have no experience with it but upon checking it out I don't see it as a narcotic although it may enhance the effects of narcotics. You have a good spirit about all this and I have full confidence that following Robert's recommendations to the letter that you will come out of this feeling great! As you stated you already feel pretty good considering how you were earlier.
Valium (Diazepam) I found is something that does not agree with me. If you read my thread you will see what I am talking about. It works great for many folks though and as everyone is different what works for you may not work for someone else etc... I would personally hold off on the Valium until Robert gives you the okay as it may possibly mask some symptoms just in case. Never hurts to be safe than sorry.
Earlier you mentioned you had platelet injections. Do you have a low platelet count? If so that could very well be the reason that your doctor doesn't want you on an NSAID medication. Tylenol will not thin your blood either and is much easier on your gut than an NSAID. Be careful with some of those so called sleep aide OTC medications. Many of them if you look at the ingredient list contain antihistamine of one type or another and that is what makes you sleepy. You might not want to combine that with Skelaxin and your Sub. Are you taking any other meds other than what you listed so far?

Henry