Dear Mom:
I have just read through your thread and you are an inspiration. Good thing you did not talk the Ultram or Ultracet. A few weeks ago, I was having a great deal of pain, which ultimately lead to my recent relapse. The one thing that I learned from everybody on the board is to stay away from the Ultram. My doctor was just going to call them in and I beg him not to.
I have just, a few minutes ago, put a message into my internist. I want him to know that as of this moment, I am tapering off vics after the last bout of pain and need his advice, assistance and support. As I posted previously, Wednesday will be my official day ONE with no opiates and I am looking forward to finally getting as far as you have. I too have children, three boys, and I want to be the whole me for them.
Keep up your awesome work! Feel free to email me at pnjmn@aol.com. Additionally, since you don't have a computer at home, we have a toll free number and if you feel comfortable, I can ge the # to you and we can chat in the evenings! I would love it.
Proud of you and looking forward to seeing your progress
T
You are not alone.
If you need to talk, email me..
If you need to talk, email me..
Trying, what info did you get about the ultramm??
k
k
Hi K:
Prior to getting an RX for Vic for pain brought on by a recent injury close to my surgical site, the spine doc said he would like to call in Ultracet. I shared this info with our friends on this board and received several immediate warnings about using Ultracet or Ultram. Apparently, the docs tell you it is totally non-addictive and safe to use for pain control. However, thank goodness for everyone here on this board. They informed me that Ultracet is not only highly addictive, but that withdrawals, even if used as prescribed for a period of time, can be a lot worse than the other opiates.
T
Prior to getting an RX for Vic for pain brought on by a recent injury close to my surgical site, the spine doc said he would like to call in Ultracet. I shared this info with our friends on this board and received several immediate warnings about using Ultracet or Ultram. Apparently, the docs tell you it is totally non-addictive and safe to use for pain control. However, thank goodness for everyone here on this board. They informed me that Ultracet is not only highly addictive, but that withdrawals, even if used as prescribed for a period of time, can be a lot worse than the other opiates.
T
GREEAATTTT....I have been taking them for about 2 months. They don't make you buzzed, but they help with the pain. Any advice on how to handle these??????? I told my dr all about the addiction to the norco, and he prescribed these.
does anyone know about this? The last thing I want to do is go through withdrawls...I guess I will be back on day one with you all. I just don't think that I have another day 1, day 2, day 3 left in me.
does anyone know about this? The last thing I want to do is go through withdrawls...I guess I will be back on day one with you all. I just don't think that I have another day 1, day 2, day 3 left in me.
Kerry:
Are you taking them as prescribed? For Ultram it's one 50 mg and Ultracet you can take two. I never felt that these ever worked. I've heard of people who have relapsed after using Tramadol so I think it's a good idea to stick with Bextra or Celebrex. They have a really low binding affinity for the opiate receptor site but as I stated before I used them to detox off of Norcos and they did minimize the w/d. They never were a problem for me to get off of because my dose was low.
Rachel
Are you taking them as prescribed? For Ultram it's one 50 mg and Ultracet you can take two. I never felt that these ever worked. I've heard of people who have relapsed after using Tramadol so I think it's a good idea to stick with Bextra or Celebrex. They have a really low binding affinity for the opiate receptor site but as I stated before I used them to detox off of Norcos and they did minimize the w/d. They never were a problem for me to get off of because my dose was low.
Rachel
I am taking them as prescribed. I just got off of the phone with the pharmacist. I run out tomarrow, and I threw the rest away about a week ago. Here we go with the w/d...I am so scared I want to cry. I have kids, a job, etc. I don't want to go through withdrawls...I am so depressed.
The good news is you may not have any withdrawal since you were using them responsibly. Like I said, I didn't have any although my use was always short so you may feel just fine.
Rach
Rach
Like I said I did take Ultram previously with no problem, but for some reason about 6 months ago it gave me a seizure and I ended up in the ER, and of course they put me back on Norco so I didn't see any withdrawal from the Ultram. I have heard the same thing though, that the withdrawals can be worse then the "real" painkillers. I didn't post except for that one time yesterday because I have to be honest, I went and picked up my refill. I have never talked about this to anyone and I come to this board looking for help and I fail. It's funny how upset I was that I let everyone here down and I don't know anyone really and I haven't been posting but for a few days. Anyway, I guess I will continue to lurk, but don't feel as though I should post anymore.
Mommy:
Please don't stop coming in and posting. Remember that you are human. We all have had what is called relapse and it sucks! But that does not make you a failure. Its the medicine that is failing you! Keep checking in and let me know how you're doing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
T
Please don't stop coming in and posting. Remember that you are human. We all have had what is called relapse and it sucks! But that does not make you a failure. Its the medicine that is failing you! Keep checking in and let me know how you're doing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
T
Mommy,
You keep posting. I have failed many times. This time I hope is the charm, but don't feel like you can't post because you relapsed, if anything, posting will help. We care about you. None of us 'know' each other face to face, but we're all very close and you are welcome in our family. Stay with us and give that little girl a big kiss for me.
Love,
Briar
You keep posting. I have failed many times. This time I hope is the charm, but don't feel like you can't post because you relapsed, if anything, posting will help. We care about you. None of us 'know' each other face to face, but we're all very close and you are welcome in our family. Stay with us and give that little girl a big kiss for me.
Love,
Briar
You guys are really inspiring. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I'm thinking about calling the doctor and coming clean and asking for a taper schedule. But I hear so many people say that addicts cannot taper with any success. Somewhere deep down I believe that to be true. It's kind of ironic now all the pills do is make me throw up because I take too many searching for the high. So continues the miserable cycle......
And Briar,
Thanks for thinking of my little angel, I will give her a kiss - I'll just add one more to the thousands I give her every day! I have to get clean, my husband and I are wanting to try for another one when he comes home for Christmas.
Thanks for thinking of my little angel, I will give her a kiss - I'll just add one more to the thousands I give her every day! I have to get clean, my husband and I are wanting to try for another one when he comes home for Christmas.
Mommy;
As to tapering...here's my experience on the subject. First, I don't buy the all or nothing statements you've heard like "addicts can't get clean tapering". It's just not true. I've done it as have others on this forum. To each his/her own.
Anyway, I've enjoyed tapering so much I've done it twice this year!!! All kidding aside, with the assistance of my pdoc and my wife I did taper successfully in February. But after 7 weeks I relapsed simply because I didn't have a plan of recovery. All I did was get clean, then I got complacent, and before I knew it I was off and running with pills again.
This time I was cut no slack. Tough love is what I needed, and I've followed orders to the letter. With the assistance of my psych (I see a psych for my AD meds) and my wife I got clean by tapering and by working a program of recovery. That's the difference for me - I've finally admitted I can't do this alone. With a program of recovery I've got just over 30 days clean, and I am so grateful for what I have.
You can do this too! I could never taper alone - believe me I tried. Have your doctor and your husband manage the program. Once you've setup a schedule take the pills you need and flush the rest. It's not easy. While tapering spreads the physical wd's out it can weigh you down emotionally as you get to smaller and smaller daily dosages. I eventually quit once I got down to 3-4 pills a day.
By the way, I've gone cold turkey too, and would prefer that route but for the fact I was concerned I would miss some work, and that wasn't an option for me at this time.
Again everyone is different. Talk to your doctor and make a plan for recovery. I wish you all the best!
Jim
As to tapering...here's my experience on the subject. First, I don't buy the all or nothing statements you've heard like "addicts can't get clean tapering". It's just not true. I've done it as have others on this forum. To each his/her own.
Anyway, I've enjoyed tapering so much I've done it twice this year!!! All kidding aside, with the assistance of my pdoc and my wife I did taper successfully in February. But after 7 weeks I relapsed simply because I didn't have a plan of recovery. All I did was get clean, then I got complacent, and before I knew it I was off and running with pills again.
This time I was cut no slack. Tough love is what I needed, and I've followed orders to the letter. With the assistance of my psych (I see a psych for my AD meds) and my wife I got clean by tapering and by working a program of recovery. That's the difference for me - I've finally admitted I can't do this alone. With a program of recovery I've got just over 30 days clean, and I am so grateful for what I have.
You can do this too! I could never taper alone - believe me I tried. Have your doctor and your husband manage the program. Once you've setup a schedule take the pills you need and flush the rest. It's not easy. While tapering spreads the physical wd's out it can weigh you down emotionally as you get to smaller and smaller daily dosages. I eventually quit once I got down to 3-4 pills a day.
By the way, I've gone cold turkey too, and would prefer that route but for the fact I was concerned I would miss some work, and that wasn't an option for me at this time.
Again everyone is different. Talk to your doctor and make a plan for recovery. I wish you all the best!
Jim
You should past as often as you want to. Picking up the refill does not mean that this board closes to you. I for one would like to hear what you are up to, what your doing to get clean, or if you are using--well, I am not here to pass any judgement--please dont just lurk, share what you are going through.
Wow, everyone is so great on this board. Thanks JR for sharing how it worked for you. It helps to realize that everyone starts on day 1 just like everyone else. Oneill it's good to hear from you - did you get to home depot Friday night? I did end up going to Super Wal Mart! I don't know why I picked up that darn *#&@ing refill. I really wasn't doing too bad. I managed to take my daughter to the pumpkin patch on Saturday and yesterday when I picked up my refill, I already had 5 days under my belt. I could say it was because I got a letter from my husband and was missing him pretty bad, I could say it was because money is stretched so tight it's going to snap, I could say anything....but the fact is I just wanted them.
Hi Mommy4two-
I second and third what's already been said, but there's also a valuable lesson in all this too.....we have to close off our sources. If we can go back to our doctors or pharmacies, get a refill, etc., we will. The temptation is too much, at least in early sobriety. Nothing to beat yourself up about..... I'm pretty sure I would have done the same thing if I hadn't called around (or e-mailed) the online pharmacies I was using and closed my accounts. It's the power of the disease, the mental addiction. I want to thank you for sharing your experience. It's how we all learn, and maybe it helps someone else avoid the same trap. You sound ready to kick this to me...it just might take a few bruises to the ego before it takes. God Bless, and thanks for your honesty..... M.
I second and third what's already been said, but there's also a valuable lesson in all this too.....we have to close off our sources. If we can go back to our doctors or pharmacies, get a refill, etc., we will. The temptation is too much, at least in early sobriety. Nothing to beat yourself up about..... I'm pretty sure I would have done the same thing if I hadn't called around (or e-mailed) the online pharmacies I was using and closed my accounts. It's the power of the disease, the mental addiction. I want to thank you for sharing your experience. It's how we all learn, and maybe it helps someone else avoid the same trap. You sound ready to kick this to me...it just might take a few bruises to the ego before it takes. God Bless, and thanks for your honesty..... M.
I got a refill of ultramm today too, mommy. It was for bad back pain, but that post your wrote about scares me..
Don't stop posting. I echo what JR says about weaning...it worked for most of the physical symptoms once. I wrote the details in another post. But like None says, it didn't work because I still had the source open, and I didn't have enough people in my life that knew what I was trying to do and help me. This time around, my dr won't even give me norco if I wanted it. I am kinda in your boat...a mommy with no family around. That can be so hard, especially when you don't feel so hot with that much responsibility.
Don't beat yourself up. It is a process. If it wasn't hard there would be no recovery, everyone would "just do it" and get it over with, and never go back, right? Well, that is why they have support groups, follow up treatment,books, and message boards...ect...because it isn't easy.
Have you tried to see if there are any groups like AA/NA where you are? There are people there that will not judge you and will help you because they understand; they have been there themselves. Even if you are still using, you can introduce yourself and let people know what you're trying to do. One of the things that I learned in this is that this disease feeds and grows on ISOLATION. It gets worse when you keep it inside and keep it a secret. That is probably the biggest lesson I have learned, besides the fact that the pills and beer don't take my problems away, they just make me unable to do anything about them.
Don't stop posting. I echo what JR says about weaning...it worked for most of the physical symptoms once. I wrote the details in another post. But like None says, it didn't work because I still had the source open, and I didn't have enough people in my life that knew what I was trying to do and help me. This time around, my dr won't even give me norco if I wanted it. I am kinda in your boat...a mommy with no family around. That can be so hard, especially when you don't feel so hot with that much responsibility.
Don't beat yourself up. It is a process. If it wasn't hard there would be no recovery, everyone would "just do it" and get it over with, and never go back, right? Well, that is why they have support groups, follow up treatment,books, and message boards...ect...because it isn't easy.
Have you tried to see if there are any groups like AA/NA where you are? There are people there that will not judge you and will help you because they understand; they have been there themselves. Even if you are still using, you can introduce yourself and let people know what you're trying to do. One of the things that I learned in this is that this disease feeds and grows on ISOLATION. It gets worse when you keep it inside and keep it a secret. That is probably the biggest lesson I have learned, besides the fact that the pills and beer don't take my problems away, they just make me unable to do anything about them.
