[karaboo]

Originally Posted by kim21122

Hello all,

Found this board this morning around 4:00 am after 4 hours of restless sleep and have been reading ever since. Thought I would share my experience thus far. As with a lot of stories, I was first prescribed Vicodin about 5 years ago for a herniated disc. 2 years ago, I had knee surgery and was prescribed Percocet because I was taking too much Vicodin. Fast forward another year and one more knee surgery (December 2008) and my Percocet dependance became even greater. At the height of my problem I was taking 10-12 x 10/325 mg Percocet a day. I had been noticing for months that although I loved the feeling I would get after taking them, that I was really starting to feel like I wasn't functioning mentally & emotionally like I used to and it scared me. I was irritable, my memory was bad, I was losing my ability to think clearly and speak articulately, it was affecting my job, etc... In April I went in to my doctor and said enough is enough... I want off! Of course, they recommended tapering off slowly and cut my dosage by 2 pills per day. I made it through the month, but it was a total emotional roller coaster. The thought of going through this slowly for approx. 6 months (what they recommended) was just too much to bear. I went back to the doctor May 1st and told them I wanted to do it cold turkey at home. I was absolutely TERRIFIED of going through the withdrawls, but was determined to get through it. Between help from my doctor and tons of research on the internet, I came up with a plan, and although it has not been a walk in the park... the detox was nowhere near what I expected! No nausea, no vomiting, and no pain!!! Here's what I did:

* Upon waking: 800 mgs of ibuprofen (for pain), .5 mg of Xanax (for anxiety & restlessness), 1 Compazine (for nausea) - with an Ensure because I didn't feel like eating.

* Lunchtime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, .5 mgs of Xanax

* Dinnertime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, .5 mgs of Xanax and another Compazine.

* Bedtime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, 1 mg Xanax and a bunch of vitamins (a really good multi, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and Probiotics.

In addition, I set myself up with lots of water, Gatorade, homemade organic chicken soup, popsicles, yogurt - basically mild comfort foods. I was lucky enough to be able to stay home the entire time and had lots of movies (I recommend comedies as you don't want anything too heavy), books and magazines. I took lots of hot baths (up to 3 a day) with Epsom Salts. I tried to get outside in the sunshine for a little bit each day, but mostly just stayed in bed.

Here's the thing... everything I read said that the first 72 hours would be the worst. Once I hit my fourth day, I thought I was golden! I began tapering down on the ibuprofen & Xanax and quit the Compazine. This is my 6th day and I still have no nausea & no pain, but now the mental and emotional aspects are hitting hard and I have not been able to sleep more than 3-4 hours a day - even with Xanax and/or Ambien. I have zero appetite and have to force myself to eat. I am extremely restless and although no pain, cannot seem to get comfortable in any position.

To those who have been through this before... is this normal? I certainly thought the worst would be over by now... but the extreme fatigue, lack of energy, physical weakness and inability to sleep are driving me insane! Someone please tell me this will get better! And how soon?

Best of luck to all of you out there going through something similar! It has been inspiring to read your posts!!!

Kim --

Great Job!! I did c/t off of lortab almost 6 weeks ago, so I know what you're talking about. The average duration of withdrawal can be 7-10 days or longer, depending on how long you've been using and how much, what kind, etc. Physically I felt better around day 5, but to be honest, I'm still working on the emotional/mental part. I started using for pain relief and then it became emotional relief as well. Sleep is usually the last thing to return to normal, from what I've read. You might try valerian root, 3-4 at a time, as needed within reason for the restlessness/anxiety.

Hang in there, it gets better! You are soooo close to the other side, keep your head up and your eyes on the prize! We're all cheering you on!

Kara

[gina012883]

Hi Kim,
Our stories sound identicle ( even to the same amount and kind. I have over the process of a few days gone down from 10-12 10/325 to 3 or 4. This weekend I was planning on just stpg all together since its a long weekend. I am PETRIFIED but looking forwards to being "normal" again. This week has been rough ( feel like the really bad flu) which I actually think I have a cold on top of it. I am hoping with getting down to this small of a dose it will be much easier (or could be kidding myself) I was a normal person.. with a normal life who developed health issue. I have NEVER bought them outside a perscription (though one time I ran out early and lied which I never do about loosing them not because I needed them but was SO scared of going through the WD as I read online. Between that and just saying ENOUGH was when I came to the point I am now. From what I have gathered the WORST is day 2 and 3. After that it will slowley get better as far as the physical issues. The mental is uaually around a mth but I also believe everyone is diffrent. I would continue to take the vitamins.. make sure your getting postassium as without it can make you feel HORRIBLE and if your not keeping food down that is they way to loose it the fastest. For so long now your body has had an abumdance of seritonin and it stops natua. producing it. So you have to give you body time to catch up with your head that it needs to start making its own again. I truley believe what GOD created man can not cure... this medication is poison and I WISH they would outlaw it. They tell you as long as you are in real pain that "its ok" and you will not become addicted. While that may be true noone FOR SURE ever told me about W/D. Good luck to you and keep us posted. Have you worked through it? Could you function? I have a 6 year old and a 27year old ( my husband who is just as if not more needy) and I cant be down for to terribly long. Maybe a few days at most.

[gina012883]

PS we are all cheering you along. This site has helped me SO much. It is so amazing that people who have no clue who you are , are your biggest supporters! GOOD LUCK to you, I am so happy and you have made it through the worst.. for sure

[gina012883]

K- how are you? have not heard since this AM. I am praying for you girl!:-) You can do it... I KNOW IT... almost there!

[Freedom4me]

Kim,
It will get better. You are suffering a little longer than I did. I was pretty good by day 4 but the percs are a stronger than the vicodin I think. Just hang in there. I know it's bad but it doesn't sound like anything you can't handle. It will get better. Time is the key. You have gone through the sorst of it. Keep elling yourself that you will not feel any worse than you do right now and you can take it. You are doing great. Keep posting

[gina012883]

The anticipation is killer.. just wondering how bad! I know I am prob making it worse... AAHHH

[kim21122]

Kara,

Thanks so much for the advice and support! I've tried Kava tea, but not Valerian... good idea. Congrats on your 6 weeks... I can't wait to be there too!!!

Kim

Originally Posted by gina012883

Hi Kim,
Our stories sound identicle ( even to the same amount and kind. I have over the process of a few days gone down from 10-12 10/325 to 3 or 4. This weekend I was planning on just stpg all together since its a long weekend. I am PETRIFIED but looking forwards to being "normal" again. This week has been rough ( feel like the really bad flu) which I actually think I have a cold on top of it. I am hoping with getting down to this small of a dose it will be much easier (or could be kidding myself) I was a normal person.. with a normal life who developed health issue. I have NEVER bought them outside a perscription (though one time I ran out early and lied which I never do about loosing them not because I needed them but was SO scared of going through the WD as I read online. Between that and just saying ENOUGH was when I came to the point I am now. From what I have gathered the WORST is day 2 and 3. After that it will slowley get better as far as the physical issues. The mental is uaually around a mth but I also believe everyone is diffrent. I would continue to take the vitamins.. make sure your getting postassium as without it can make you feel HORRIBLE and if your not keeping food down that is they way to loose it the fastest. For so long now your body has had an abumdance of seritonin and it stops natua. producing it. So you have to give you body time to catch up with your head that it needs to start making its own again. I truley believe what GOD created man can not cure... this medication is poison and I WISH they would outlaw it. They tell you as long as you are in real pain that "its ok" and you will not become addicted. While that may be true noone FOR SURE ever told me about W/D. Good luck to you and keep us posted. Have you worked through it? Could you function? I have a 6 year old and a 27year old ( my husband who is just as if not more needy) and I cant be down for to terribly long. Maybe a few days at most.

My story is similar and I quit cold Turkey. There is no way around it you will experience some withdrawl symptoms. Perhaps your taper routine will make it a little bit easier. For me the worst part were the muscle spasms but it can be diffrent for everyone. A muscle relaxer and tylenol PM at night helped a little and hot showers especially before bed or at night gave a little relief. Keeping busy and exercise during w/d's can help take your mind off of it. Yes the worst for me were days 3-5 then it was gradually better after that. Feel free to read my story at Veteran Vicodin Addict hopefully it will help you.
Best wishes with your getting clean and I pray for a smooth recovery with you.

AFSGTSAM

[kim21122]

Hello Gina,

In my limited recent experience, if you have already tapered down from 10-12 to 3-4 per day... you are most likely already going through the worst of it! I just didn't have the strength to drag it out by tapering down and admire you for being able to do so! I was absolutely terrified of the withdrawls - I expected the worst (nausea, vomiting, extreme aching pain, etc...). Sitting here at the end of day 6, I can honestly say that it was sooooo much easier than I expected! The worst of my detox symptoms were chills & sweats, restlessness, irritability and lack of energy. Although I did not leave the house until day 4, I was able to care for myself, up & down the stairs for food & drinks, go outside for some sunshine, no nausea, no vomiting, no pain. Where I went wrong is on day 4 - I woke up expecting the worst to be over. I jumped up, showered, ran some errands and tried to clean up the house a little bit. After about 4 hours, I took a nose dive. I was completely exhausted and my whole body felt like a lead weight. Unfortunately this has continued along with only being able to sleep 3-4 hours a night for the last 3 nights and the mental & emotional aspect of losing my "crutch" has taken me a bit by surprise. This seems to be when you just have to stay focused on the goal of being "normal" again, try to stay positive, be good to yourself, pray, meditate, distract yourself when necessary, lean on friends and family - whatever helps you through it at any given time. I am lucky enough (or unlucky depending on how you want to look at it) to have been recently laid off from a very stressful job and do not have children, so I have been able to focus all of my attention on getting better. This has been a real blessing. Does your husband understand what you are about to do? Do you have any family/friends that know that you can lean on? If you can talk to them, I hope that they can help you by taking care of the house and your child for a few days so that you can focus on you. When do you take your last pill? I will keep checking in and if you need someone to talk to, I'd be happy to get my # to you somehow. Thank you for YOUR support and kindness. Don't be scared... you can totally do this!!!

Kim

[kim21122]

Freedom,

Thank you for the words of encouragement! Exactly what I need to hear right now... that it's going to take some time, but it WILL get better! And you are right, just telling myself that I will not feel any worse than I feel right now really puts things in perspective.

Kim

[kim21122]

Gina and anyone else about to go through this experience,

Me again... Here's some information that really helped me: http://www.wikihow.com/Detox-at-Home...ain-Medication

Kim

[gina012883]

My last pill was today at 2pm. I only took 25mg today. Thank you for your kind words and advice. My husband knows but does not understand... he thinks because I am not an "addict: ie on the streets begging for drugs stealing its not big deal... I can just stop. I WISH! For me its not a mental adicition... more of a SCARED TO DEATH OF THE W/D addiction! I have to some what function because my husband works on saturdays.. but my mom can prob come get my daughter after gymnastics.. which I think will be best so I can just sleep! The worst part for me is the HEAT!! The sweating.. THough I live in FL I hate being HOT. I had a hysterectomy last year (am only 27) and get hot flashes every now and again... and thats what its like... like my WHOLE body is on fire... UUUGHHHH... I have been loading up on vitamins and potassium.. so it will be in my system... I already went through the muscle aches .. but the potassium cleared that up.,. I am on the emotional rollar coaster right now.. happy sad happy sad... but today has been the best of the past few. I guess my body is getting used to the amount Im on now. The hard part is the AM... when I wake up I am MISRABLE... after coffee its a little better... I have 3 days off and could have a 4th if I need it so I HOPE I can be ok after that. I am thinking it will be like on the movies... how the heroin addicts are when they cant get it. When I cxld my dr appt I had yesterday ( because I knew he would try to talk me out of it) they called me today and asked if I needed to come by and pick up and RX!!!! I was like.... umnmm... Im good thanks.... Thank you to everyone for the conti. experience... its sooo helpful for someone like me who is just SCARED TO DEATH!

I am worried about K... have heard nothing since this am.. .this was her 2nd day... I am praying for her!!!!!

[kim21122]

Originally Posted by gina012883

My last pill was today at 2pm. I only took 25mg today. Thank you for your kind words and advice. My husband knows but does not understand... he thinks because I am not an "addict: ie on the streets begging for drugs stealing its not big deal... I can just stop. I WISH! For me its not a mental adicition... more of a SCARED TO DEATH OF THE W/D addiction! I have to some what function because my husband works on saturdays.. but my mom can prob come get my daughter after gymnastics.. which I think will be best so I can just sleep! The worst part for me is the HEAT!! The sweating.. THough I live in FL I hate being HOT. I had a hysterectomy last year (am only 27) and get hot flashes every now and again... and thats what its like... like my WHOLE body is on fire... UUUGHHHH... I have been loading up on vitamins and potassium.. so it will be in my system... I already went through the muscle aches .. but the potassium cleared that up.,. I am on the emotional rollar coaster right now.. happy sad happy sad... but today has been the best of the past few. I guess my body is getting used to the amount Im on now. The hard part is the AM... when I wake up I am MISRABLE... after coffee its a little better... I have 3 days off and could have a 4th if I need it so I HOPE I can be ok after that. I am thinking it will be like on the movies... how the heroin addicts are when they cant get it. When I cxld my dr appt I had yesterday ( because I knew he would try to talk me out of it) they called me today and asked if I needed to come by and pick up and RX!!!! I was like.... umnmm... Im good thanks.... Thank you to everyone for the conti. experience... its sooo helpful for someone like me who is just SCARED TO DEATH!

I am worried about K... have heard nothing since this am.. .this was her 2nd day... I am praying for her!!!!!

I am sorry your husband doesn't understand... maybe he should read this board! Prescription painkiller addiction is a HUGE problem these days... so many people are secretly struggling with it. Because it is legal and so many doctors are willing to dole it out, people like you and I are caught off guard when we suddenly wake up one day and realize that we are addicted and really do have a serious problem. Definitely take advantage of your mom's help with your daughter! As for the heat: Pool? Cool baths? A/C? Ice packs? Lots of hydration? Sleep on a lawn chair in the backyard with the sprinkler on? Whatever works! It's too bad your doctor wasn't more supportive of your choice to go c/t... he could have helped you. My doctor told me that one of the most important things was to NOT BE SCARED! Easy for him to say! But you know what? I honestly believe you are already going through the worst of it. I SOOOOO know how scared you are; but a couple of days from now you are going to look back and go "Wow... that wasn't nearly as horrible as I thought it would be!" Be good to yourself! I am in CA, so it's only a little after 4:00... I will keep checking for posts periodically.

Kim

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by gina012883

My last pill was today at 2pm. I only took 25mg today. Thank you for your kind words and advice. My husband knows but does not understand... he thinks because I am not an "addict: ie on the streets begging for drugs stealing its not big deal... I can just stop. I WISH! For me its not a mental adicition... more of a SCARED TO DEATH OF THE W/D addiction! I have to some what function because my husband works on saturdays.. but my mom can prob come get my daughter after gymnastics.. which I think will be best so I can just sleep! The worst part for me is the HEAT!! The sweating.. THough I live in FL I hate being HOT. I had a hysterectomy last year (am only 27) and get hot flashes every now and again... and thats what its like... like my WHOLE body is on fire... UUUGHHHH... I have been loading up on vitamins and potassium.. so it will be in my system... I already went through the muscle aches .. but the potassium cleared that up.,. I am on the emotional rollar coaster right now.. happy sad happy sad... but today has been the best of the past few. I guess my body is getting used to the amount Im on now. The hard part is the AM... when I wake up I am MISRABLE... after coffee its a little better... I have 3 days off and could have a 4th if I need it so I HOPE I can be ok after that. I am thinking it will be like on the movies... how the heroin addicts are when they cant get it. When I cxld my dr appt I had yesterday ( because I knew he would try to talk me out of it) they called me today and asked if I needed to come by and pick up and RX!!!! I was like.... umnmm... Im good thanks.... Thank you to everyone for the conti. experience... its sooo helpful for someone like me who is just SCARED TO DEATH!

I am worried about K... have heard nothing since this am.. .this was her 2nd day... I am praying for her!!!!!

Hi Gina
I just waned to make sure you know we are all cheering you on...
This part of detox just sucks ...but we all seem to have made it...
Hang in there and just take it 10 minutes at a time...
Try not to be to scared when you get past this you will be able to achieve anything...

Talk to you soon, Melinda

[karaboo]

Originally Posted by gina012883

My last pill was today at 2pm. I only took 25mg today. Thank you for your kind words and advice. My husband knows but does not understand... he thinks because I am not an "addict: ie on the streets begging for drugs stealing its not big deal... I can just stop. I WISH! For me its not a mental adicition... more of a SCARED TO DEATH OF THE W/D addiction! I have to some what function because my husband works on saturdays.. but my mom can prob come get my daughter after gymnastics.. which I think will be best so I can just sleep! The worst part for me is the HEAT!! The sweating.. THough I live in FL I hate being HOT. I had a hysterectomy last year (am only 27) and get hot flashes every now and again... and thats what its like... like my WHOLE body is on fire... UUUGHHHH... I have been loading up on vitamins and potassium.. so it will be in my system... I already went through the muscle aches .. but the potassium cleared that up.,. I am on the emotional rollar coaster right now.. happy sad happy sad... but today has been the best of the past few. I guess my body is getting used to the amount Im on now. The hard part is the AM... when I wake up I am MISRABLE... after coffee its a little better... I have 3 days off and could have a 4th if I need it so I HOPE I can be ok after that. I am thinking it will be like on the movies... how the heroin addicts are when they cant get it. When I cxld my dr appt I had yesterday ( because I knew he would try to talk me out of it) they called me today and asked if I needed to come by and pick up and RX!!!! I was like.... umnmm... Im good thanks.... Thank you to everyone for the conti. experience... its sooo helpful for someone like me who is just SCARED TO DEATH!

I am worried about K... have heard nothing since this am.. .this was her 2nd day... I am praying for her!!!!!

I was at Celebrate Recovery tonight and this jumped out at me. The speaker giving testimony was talking about strength and courage. He stated that every person in the church tonight had both strength and courage. A lot of kinda laughed (myself included) and he stopped cold. He said, "Do you think I'm strong, that I have courage?" We all agreed that yes, he is strong and courageous. He then asked "Do you honestly think I am not scared to death??" He then told us

Strength and courage is when you continue to move forward in spite of the fear

Wow, that set me back. Just wanted to share that with you, Gina, as you continue through this. You are STRONG! Fear is healthy, just keep moving forward and let the fear of going through w/d's again help to keep you off these darn pills!!

All my support and hugs,

Kara

[alcoholnowthis]

Hey Gina and all sweeties,

I am very restless. I can't get comfortable any kind of way when I hit my bed. I've tried heating pads for my legs and baths and nice clean sheets but nothing is working for me. Even took a walk this evening with my friend in my building that knows what I'm doing. This part has been the worst for me by far.

It's ok though. I know it will be worth it. I already feel better in my mind and was partially happy today. I told my Parents what is going on too and that was a good thing. Always told them I'd be honest after the alcohol abuse.

They both understood and are there if I need them.

If I could just pour cement over my legs to help me get a decent few hours sleep that would be fine by me!

Gina, this is the worst part of it for me. The restless legs. Interesting, I did not have this with my alcohol w/d's. Thank you so much for asking about me and I will return your prayers wholeheartedly my friend.

We are going to make it. I'm sorry I didn't write much today but I was a bit weak and wanted to walk and move around, even if in a small daze, to see if it would wear out my legs to sleep tonight. But that didn't work lol!

I'm going to try Tylenol PM. I think I'll run to the store since I can't sleep right now.

I thank you and love you all.

Gina you will overcome this with the help of the Lord and this board.

K

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by karaboo

I was at Celebrate Recovery tonight and this jumped out at me. The speaker giving testimony was talking about strength and courage. He stated that every person in the church tonight had both strength and courage. A lot of kinda laughed (myself included) and he stopped cold. He said, "Do you think I'm strong, that I have courage?" We all agreed that yes, he is strong and courageous. He then asked "Do you honestly think I am not scared to death??" He then told us

Strength and courage is when you continue to move forward in spite of the fear

Wow, that set me back. Just wanted to share that with you, Gina, as you continue through this. You are STRONG! Fear is healthy, just keep moving forward and let the fear of going through w/d's again help to keep you off these darn pills!!

All my support and hugs,

Kara

Hi kara
this is a good one I just love it i didn't know you started celebrate recovery...
Good for you ...
you going to do just fine...
I'm so proud of you...
talk soon, Melinda

Strength and courage is when you continue to move forward in spite of the fear

[karaboo]

Originally Posted by melinda7.5

Hi kara
this is a good one I just love it i didn't know you started celebrate recovery...
Good for you ...
you going to do just fine...
I'm so proud of you...
talk soon, Melinda

Strength and courage is when you continue to move forward in spite of the fear

Hi Melinda! (congrats on the wedding!!!)

I started CR at 4 days clean, in full-blown w/d LOL. My ladies told me last night that I look like a totally new woman compared to then LOL. I started a step study as well last week, so now I'm actively working my program. Oh, and I was baptized last Sunday -- and my daughters were there waiting to hug me as I stepped down.... totally amazing!!

On a side note, at the Good Friday service at my church, it was mixed with CR people (we are the only CR program in town that's court approved). There was a huge cross at the base of the stage and boxes around it. We were told to bring whatever we wanted to bury at the cross and leave it.

Well, one person left a big bag of heroin and gave his life to Christ that night! Miracles happen all around us, amen??

Have a great day, my friend, and thank you for all you do!

Love ya!

Kara

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by karaboo

Hi Melinda! (congrats on the wedding!!!)

I started CR at 4 days clean, in full-blown w/d LOL. My ladies told me last night that I look like a totally new woman compared to then LOL. I started a step study as well last week, so now I'm actively working my program. Oh, and I was baptized last Sunday -- and my daughters were there waiting to hug me as I stepped down.... totally amazing!!

On a side note, at the Good Friday service at my church, it was mixed with CR people (we are the only CR program in town that's court approved). There was a huge cross at the base of the stage and boxes around it. We were told to bring whatever we wanted to bury at the cross and leave it.

Well, one person left a big bag of heroin and gave his life to Christ that night! Miracles happen all around us, amen??

Have a great day, my friend, and thank you for all you do!

Love ya!

Kara

Hi Kara
Thanks for the congrats,But more thanks for your story it gave me goose bumps...I just love when that stuff happens.
you made my day!!!

Talk to you soon, Melinda

[gina012883]

HI EVERYONE! Well I am so happy to hear you are all doing so WELL!. I have to say I am ok. I took a klonopin before bed and slept all night ( I imagin tonight will not be so easy)/ I got up this as... cup of coffeee and was off the gymnastics... I have to admit.. I am ok. A little lazey feeling... and cold ( but AMEN to that cause I HATE being hot) I am sure the worst to come as I have heard day 2 and 3 are the worst. But i have made it through 24 hours and actually feel better then yesterday so I AM BLESSED.. I know this is gods help... he is with me!!!! I hope I got the worst of it out this week so I am just on the tail end. I have to go back to gymnastics at 3 for semi team tryouts ( my baby is the only 6 year old!!!) so I hope the feelings I have now continue all day. Its really not that bad :SO FAR: thank you to everyone for all your kind words. 24hours clean!! WHHHHHEEEEEEEHHHHHHWWWWWWWWWWWW

[melinda7.5]

Hi gina
Way to go girl...proud of you...
keep it up...
Melinda

[kim21122]

Gina,

So happy to hear that you are doing so well! Congrats on your first 24 hours!!!

Kim

[kim21122]

Originally Posted by alcoholnowthis

Hey Gina and all sweeties,

I am very restless. I can't get comfortable any kind of way when I hit my bed. I've tried heating pads for my legs and baths and nice clean sheets but nothing is working for me. Even took a walk this evening with my friend in my building that knows what I'm doing. This part has been the worst for me by far.

It's ok though. I know it will be worth it. I already feel better in my mind and was partially happy today. I told my Parents what is going on too and that was a good thing. Always told them I'd be honest after the alcohol abuse.

They both understood and are there if I need them.

If I could just pour cement over my legs to help me get a decent few hours sleep that would be fine by me!

Gina, this is the worst part of it for me. The restless legs. Interesting, I did not have this with my alcohol w/d's. Thank you so much for asking about me and I will return your prayers wholeheartedly my friend.

We are going to make it. I'm sorry I didn't write much today but I was a bit weak and wanted to walk and move around, even if in a small daze, to see if it would wear out my legs to sleep tonight. But that didn't work lol!

I'm going to try Tylenol PM. I think I'll run to the store since I can't sleep right now.

I thank you and love you all.

Gina you will overcome this with the help of the Lord and this board.

K

Hi Kara,

The restlessness and inability to sleep or get comfortable was the worst part for me as well. I am happy to report that night 6 (last night), I FINALLY slept! Not sure what day you are on, but just know, as uncomfortable as it is... it WILL get better! You might want to try the Kava tea as well. Tastes terrible, but promotes relaxation. Sounds like you are doing fantastic otherwise - love your positive attitude!!! Hang in there!

Kim

[gina012883]

HI everyone! Just an update...
still going strong. Wound up having to spend almost the whole day at the gym. fun but it was FREEZING in there and I felt like falling asleep. My mom took my daughter with her after so I came home and went stright to bed. I have to say the only symptom I am having is being SUPER tired ( lazy feeling) and I am FREEZING.. but I cant complain because I thought I would be steaming hot so I guess it is welcomed. Still waiting for the bad stuff but as a few have said maybe I got through the worst during the week when I went from 120 mg to 30. So maybe this last 30 mg will just be tired.. no strength and FOR sure want to do nothing but sleep. We will see how tonight goes but I am SOOOOO excited! I knwo this is GOD working with me... it has to be! My legs dont hurt per say but they feel like I ran a few miles and are a little achy. gonna take a hot bath.. try to eat something (not naustious) but no appetiate. I am 5"3 115lbs so I cant afford to loose any weight.. HMMM that could be another reason I feel so week... have not really eaten anything... but I have still been popping vitamins so hopefully that will help. I am SO proud of everyone.. hang in there... you (we) can do this. Remember.. we did not ask for this... seems non of us were recreational usuers... this blind sisded us and we WILL make it through. I think another reason its not THAT bad is the want to do it and the fact I have my lord and savior on my side... FOR SURE.. I cant wait for church tomm. no matter how bad I feel Im going to praise him.... AMEN GOD IS GOOD!!!

Love you all and Ill check in later...
K.. how are you feeling? Love ya tons and let me know!!!!

[Freedom4me]

Keep up the good work girls. I am rooting for you! You can do this. I believe in you. Life is going to be wonderful!!! Just a few more days and the sun will shining brightly again. You should be sooooo proud!!

[stormy51188]

Originally Posted by kim21122

Hello all,

Found this board this morning around 4:00 am after 4 hours of restless sleep and have been reading ever since. Thought I would share my experience thus far. As with a lot of stories, I was first prescribed Vicodin about 5 years ago for a herniated disc. 2 years ago, I had knee surgery and was prescribed Percocet because I was taking too much Vicodin. Fast forward another year and one more knee surgery (December 2008) and my Percocet dependance became even greater. At the height of my problem I was taking 10-12 x 10/325 mg Percocet a day. I had been noticing for months that although I loved the feeling I would get after taking them, that I was really starting to feel like I wasn't functioning mentally & emotionally like I used to and it scared me. I was irritable, my memory was bad, I was losing my ability to think clearly and speak articulately, it was affecting my job, etc... In April I went in to my doctor and said enough is enough... I want off! Of course, they recommended tapering off slowly and cut my dosage by 2 pills per day. I made it through the month, but it was a total emotional roller coaster. The thought of going through this slowly for approx. 6 months (what they recommended) was just too much to bear. I went back to the doctor May 1st and told them I wanted to do it cold turkey at home. I was absolutely TERRIFIED of going through the withdrawls, but was determined to get through it. Between help from my doctor and tons of research on the internet, I came up with a plan, and although it has not been a walk in the park... the detox was nowhere near what I expected! No nausea, no vomiting, and no pain!!! Here's what I did:

* Upon waking: 800 mgs of ibuprofen (for pain), .5 mg of Xanax (for anxiety & restlessness), 1 Compazine (for nausea) - with an Ensure because I didn't feel like eating.

* Lunchtime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, .5 mgs of Xanax

* Dinnertime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, .5 mgs of Xanax and another Compazine.

* Bedtime: 800 mgs of ibuprofen, 1 mg Xanax and a bunch of vitamins (a really good multi, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and Probiotics.

In addition, I set myself up with lots of water, Gatorade, homemade organic chicken soup, popsicles, yogurt - basically mild comfort foods. I was lucky enough to be able to stay home the entire time and had lots of movies (I recommend comedies as you don't want anything too heavy), books and magazines. I took lots of hot baths (up to 3 a day) with Epsom Salts. I tried to get outside in the sunshine for a little bit each day, but mostly just stayed in bed.

Here's the thing... everything I read said that the first 72 hours would be the worst. Once I hit my fourth day, I thought I was golden! I began tapering down on the ibuprofen & Xanax and quit the Compazine. This is my 6th day and I still have no nausea & no pain, but now the mental and emotional aspects are hitting hard and I have not been able to sleep more than 3-4 hours a day - even with Xanax and/or Ambien. I have zero appetite and have to force myself to eat. I am extremely restless and although no pain, cannot seem to get comfortable in any position.

To those who have been through this before... is this normal? I certainly thought the worst would be over by now... but the extreme fatigue, lack of energy, physical weakness and inability to sleep are driving me insane! Someone please tell me this will get better! And how soon?

Best of luck to all of you out there going through something similar! It has been inspiring to read your posts!!!

Kim, I'm just hoping u can help me. I've been reading for hours and this is the first post I have come across that sounded even close to something that doen't scare me to death. I wake up everyday telling my self this is the last day that I will take vicodin but every day I take them because after about 8 hrs I start feeling sick and I get so scared of whats going to happen to me. Right now I have 2 - 7.5/650's in my purse and just got a call from a "friend" saying I could pick up some more tomorrow. Your physical withdrawals sounded easy compared to most of the others. I have .5 xanax from my Dr. that I hardly ever take because I'm always loaded on the vicodin and getting the motrin isn't a problem, assuming that 4 regular otc is the same as the 800 mg prescription. Your post has given me some hope that I can do this. I'm not going to go into how my addiction got started, just want to say that I am 58 and never thought this could happen to me and now I'm amazed at how easy it was to become an addict while telling myself every day that I could stop anytime. BUT I have been taking about 6 to 7 of these 7.5's everyday since Sept. 07. I took one at around 1:30 this afternoon and it is now 11:30pm. I feel sort of achy and a little nausea already. The thing is these pills don't make me feel good or high anymore they just keep me from feeling sick. My friend has offered me percocets but I haven't made that jump. How bad will this get? No One knows this about me. Will it get bad enough that I have to tell my family? I'm not sure I can do this alone. I'm scared. I want off these things so badly. I'm so ashamed. Any advice from you or anyone here will be appreciated.

[melinda7.5]

Hi stormy
we can sure try to help and we can be here for you when you need to talk.
I had a very bad pain pill addiction...I was able t cut down a little every day and then I quit...You are not really taking that much not to lesson your addiction, but your withdrawals wont be as some your reading on here I bet you would be better by day four...
I would tell your family you just got a flu bug and I will pull up the Thomas recipe for you...it will help...
Let us know if we can help...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

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"

[stormy51188]

Originally Posted by melinda7.5

Hi stormy
we can sure try to help and we can be here for you when you need to talk.
I had a very bad pain pill addiction...I was able t cut down a little every day and then I quit...You are not really taking that much not to lesson your addiction, but your withdrawals wont be as some your reading on here I bet you would be better by day four...
I would tell your family you just got a flu bug and I will pull up the Thomas recipe for you...it will help...
Let us know if we can help...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

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"

thank you melinda for responding so quickly and thank god for you being there. I'm in a pretty bad place right now. my husband and grandson are out of the house, camping for the weekend, they will be back mon. and i go back to work wed. i haven't picked up my purse yet for the pills but they are pretty much screaming at me. I have the xanax and i can get the other stuff tomorrow. what helps most with nausea without a prescription. I'm thinking that if i can stop myself from taking those pills then by mon. night when my family gets home i might be able to pass this off as a stomach virus or something and maybe if i'm lucky and pray enough most of the physical symptoms will be gone by work time wed. morning. Is that to much to hope for?

[melinda7.5]

Hi stormy
you can pull this off...for me the most important thing was imodium. pepto for your tummy...
Xanax for sleep...
you will be OK to go to work on wednesday...
just get a little time behind you
Take it ten minutes at a time...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[stormy51188]

Thanks Melinda,
ok. I'm taking the xanax, not the vic. Hopefully i'll sleep and go shopping for the other stuff in the morning. if i can sleep at least till 7:30 i'll be 18 hours without vic for the first time in 17 months. Pray for me.

God Bless,
Stormy