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heroin abstinence

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mikeeb125

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Joined
Aug 9, 2010
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Hi I have been totally clean for 1 year after 10 years heroin/methadone addiction. But I constantly get coughs and colds I mean like every few weeks. I never got sick on gear I just wondered if this is a common thing. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks mike
 
What's happening, mikeeb125? Good to have you here, and congratulations on being sober for a year! Hmm, that's a good question. Obviously long-term use of opiates (heroin/methadone in your case) suppresses our immune systems, especially heart, kidneys, and respiratory -- but I would have thought a year would have been long enough for the body to recover. If you can, get a check up done; maybe some blood-work. See if your white blood cell counts are abnormally low; check your liver enzymes too. Definitely sounds like hitting a doc up is a good idea if you're getting sick every month.
 
It could be your diet or a third variable. However, my immune system was severely compromised once I quit the dope and pills. I used for 3 years straight, methadone, heroin, oxy, etc. I'm almost two years clean and I've been sick probably 10 times. Saw the doc she said I have compromised immune system from getting off the junk and that it'll take a while to recalibrate. So I just eat a ton of fruits and veggies and vitamins and drinks proper. So it could be that or a third variable.
 
Welcome to Bluelight.
I am almost 3 months of H myself and still have some cold sx that come in waves, especially watery eyes. It's slowly getting better but I have some other physical issues that are off as I saw a doc yesterday…. and am getting tests.
I would have a cbc panel done, just to r/o any long term effects and/or diseases from roas used or the dope itself long term.

:)
 
mikeeb125 said:
Hi I have been totally clean for 1 year after 10 years heroin/methadone addiction. But I constantly get coughs and colds I mean like every few weeks. I never got sick on gear I just wondered if this is a common thing. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks mike
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I don´t think we realize when we get sick while on dope.
We are always a step behind withdraws, so everything gets confused.
I had always thought I had never been sick also, but some reminded me about few events.
Congratulations for you being sober that long! That is a really great feeling indeed..
 
Smoky,
Up to this date I still get watery eyes and many other small things that requires medical attention.
I get hot waves instead, and have gained some weight.
Also feel very tired and "not happy" state of spirit. Not that I´m sad just not as happy as I wished to be.
E.
 
You know I thought the same thing - "I never got sick on dope!" But you have to remember dope is a really strong painkiller AND it dries you up, which means less watery eyes/runny nose. It's also a cough suppressant. So I think I probably did get sick, and just didn't realize it at the time.
 
Thank you E,

I guess I need to be more patient, I'm seeing family in few months and would like to look like myself again. I am getting there, and have put on weight. It just feels like a lot, but I wasn't eating using dope every day, really ...so I lost a lot. I just made myself eat (and it wasn't much) in my addiction. I've gone from 110 to 125 or so in a couple months.
I have some of those hot waves also… They usually come on at night.

Y'alzz have a good point about never getting sick on dope. I probably wouldn't have known if I was sick as opiates work for flu like symptoms.
~Smoky
btw: blue saffron, it's good to see you. :)
 
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