I have been on other threads, but want to tell my story. I am a professional, working as a coordinator on programs/projects with one of the top men at my company. I have 2 children, 2 grandchildren, been married over 20 years. My dad passed away in January, my mother (with Alzheimers) moved in with us and is cared for during the day until my husband arrives home. My son is in the middle of his marriage breaking up. My only daughter is moving to another state soon. My step-son is one of those molested by a priest (and is on the news/in the paper often). This has been the worst year of my life.
And I am an addict.
It started slowlylike with us all. First migraines, then neck/back surgery. My therapist said I couldnt get addicted, take the whole pill, dont suffer.so I did. A quarter pill, pill, a whole pill, then two. Then I learned about ES (extra strength). Then I learned about 10 mg (better than ES). I eventually just got them from the Internet, spending a total of about $8,000 during this last year or so. This pain pill taking has gone on about 4 years.
Now I am sitting at work, with a very important job, going through withdrawals. I was even at the Rolling Stones Concert going through withdrawalsAnd that just doesnt seem right. I have used the tapering method and am now down to one pill the last 3 days. I have felt symptoms of withdrawal since last Tuesday. When will they go away? You think you cant stand it any longer. This feeling is hard to describe to anyone, but is just horrible. I am not in any pain, do not have flu symptoms, and I sleep with a sleeping pill. Can anyone tell me how long this feeling will last?
Hi first let me say I feel real bad for all your hardships.Welcome to the board.I dont think ANY of us started out wanting to be addicts.As far as how long it will last I assume your talking about the physical?That all depends on so much,.But theres a list of over the counter stuff that can help & Ill bump it up in a minute.I just want to say that you need to be prepared for the mental addict.Sometimes thats the hardest fight of all.Ok Welcome again Ill go bump that up for ya....mj
I'm right here with you. I've only had one pill all day today too. It is the first time that I have ever tried to taper and this is the first day that I have gotten down to one pill. I took half of a pill this morning and the other half this afternoon. Also, I took some Benedryl last night and this morning and tried to sleep most of the day. When I get ready for bed tonight, I will take some more Benedryl. As far as how long this feeling is going to last, well, I have no idea and I know that I am probably tapering too fast but I want to be done with the pills as soon as possible. I have no idea how you are working and going thru this and I commend you for that one. Also, I posted to you on the thread about the Immodium and I have not had to take any today myself. Take Care.
I am really sorry for all that is going on in your life. I hope it gets better soon. I know all of those things make it harder to stop.
Things happened to me as soon as I stopped the pills - my Mother died, my 58 yr old brother had 3 heart attcks and open heart surgery, my 55 yr old cousin just died - I said I felt like I was being tested or the devil was chasing me. I am kind of stubborn
Example: My Mother and Mother-in-law are and were ones to try and play guilt trips on us - that always made me feel no guilt - so I guess I did the same with this - I kind of got mad - just got tired - felt like saying, leave me alone - I think things have calmed down for me - hope so.
I just really hope and pray things will calm down for you, too.
As far as the pills. For about the last 5 days before I stopped, I would take 1 or 2 in the mornings,
not only had they stopped helping my pain and stopped the happy feeling, they gave me terrible headaches and made me feel worse, I was just terrified of W/D's.
So, I just bit the bullet and gave them up fo good. Since you are new to this board, have you seen the thread posted by Rae73 - OTC meds, supplements, foods easy to eat during W/D's - that really helped me along with this board.
That first week - first 3 days were really bad (messed with my head and body)
anyway reading the stories on here gave me hope that it could be done.
I had done it before, was addicted in my 30's - large qty of Lortabs every day -
15-20 - this time I thought it would be easier - 4-6 a day never more than 8 - but I think age made it just as hard. We know it's never easy. I wish I had remembered how hard it was, I hope never to forget this time.
I just think if I can do it, anyone can. I am not good at being sick, who wants to be, but you are already like that and have some of the stuff in your system. If you can just give them up, you are so close, within a week, you would feel so much better. Some have worked throught W/D's - I couldn't have but by 5th day, I was not bad and by 7th day, I went to the grocery store. Everyone is different.
Sorry to write so much. Hope our board is helpful, too.
Good luck.
Jean
Things happened to me as soon as I stopped the pills - my Mother died, my 58 yr old brother had 3 heart attcks and open heart surgery, my 55 yr old cousin just died - I said I felt like I was being tested or the devil was chasing me. I am kind of stubborn
Example: My Mother and Mother-in-law are and were ones to try and play guilt trips on us - that always made me feel no guilt - so I guess I did the same with this - I kind of got mad - just got tired - felt like saying, leave me alone - I think things have calmed down for me - hope so.
I just really hope and pray things will calm down for you, too.
As far as the pills. For about the last 5 days before I stopped, I would take 1 or 2 in the mornings,
not only had they stopped helping my pain and stopped the happy feeling, they gave me terrible headaches and made me feel worse, I was just terrified of W/D's.
So, I just bit the bullet and gave them up fo good. Since you are new to this board, have you seen the thread posted by Rae73 - OTC meds, supplements, foods easy to eat during W/D's - that really helped me along with this board.
That first week - first 3 days were really bad (messed with my head and body)
anyway reading the stories on here gave me hope that it could be done.
I had done it before, was addicted in my 30's - large qty of Lortabs every day -
15-20 - this time I thought it would be easier - 4-6 a day never more than 8 - but I think age made it just as hard. We know it's never easy. I wish I had remembered how hard it was, I hope never to forget this time.
I just think if I can do it, anyone can. I am not good at being sick, who wants to be, but you are already like that and have some of the stuff in your system. If you can just give them up, you are so close, within a week, you would feel so much better. Some have worked throught W/D's - I couldn't have but by 5th day, I was not bad and by 7th day, I went to the grocery store. Everyone is different.
Sorry to write so much. Hope our board is helpful, too.
Good luck.
Jean
