Tapering off of poppy pods

[Help me please]

Microtel, Ham is done with pods

Bo, Did you get any BP meds? Did you say your dad had some or was that someone else.

Mlk, yes my anxiety is getting less and less. We went out to eat tonight and after I took the first bite of food I felt a great sense of anxiety that was really different for me! It wasn't a panic attack but anxiety related to eating! Of course I did not eat after that. I am dropping again in the morning for sure. I am hoping that my plans on dropping four times this week will not bring new WD symptoms. I can almost deal with the anxiety and I said before if I ever get night sweats again well who cares? I'll turn my CA down to 72 degrees if need be. I assume it won't be too many more years before I go into menopause and have hot flashes anyway
But that RLS and insomnia I had the first time...Oh my God! It was just like Bo described before only mine lasted 2 or 3 days once I started the clonidine patches. I'm still wearing the new ones the dr gave me. BP is holding like it normally does so I assume they are doing their job and my BP would be elevated if I wasn't wearing them. It's hard to figure with normally low BP though...be careful if you wind up taking them but I have to say it is worth it to not suffer all the other symptoms I did.

Take care all.

 

[unsettled]

Welcome notme13! Seems like you've found the right place, as you can see you'll have plenty of support while you taper, it sounds like you are in the fortunate position of having ordered a large enough quantity of pods before the whole pod drought came and wreaked havoc on many lives, it definitely turned mine upside down for a bit, at first it was hell, lately it's been more of an adventure/huge life lesson.

Sounds like you have the same prescriptions as me, almost exactly, except now I don't take xanax anymore, I take 2mgs of Klonopin a day plus the Ambien. These are lifesaving prescriptions when tapering! I tried the Effexor and it didn't work for me either. Tramadol seems to work well though which is odd considering they're supposedly so similarly structured. Pods seemed so innocent at the start didn't they? Well they caught me off guard too, although I knew what I was getting into I didn't realize how strong they actually are (when buying from the right vendors).

I knew those pods were strong when I got in a car accident and got prescribed all the good narcotics and realized I still preferred the pods, then when I recently had my little affair with H I was amazed at how similar H and pods are, H is just quicker with more of a rush at first, but the pods are just as strong (the good ones anyway).

Anyway, I did make it 36hrs without any H and didn't experience any significant wd symptoms but I did have tramadol and loperamide on top of my regular meds. Over the weekend I caved and got enough H to get me through the weekend, I bought a few 8mg subs today, finished off my H and I'm going back to slowly tapering on the subs. As much fun as H was I felt more stable on subs and they're waaay cheaper and last soooo much longer, I'm very relieved to be getting back on them.

My goal for this week is to set up an appointment with a sub dr. and try and make my sub taper legit because I know myself too well and feel it is my best chance at balancing myself out and keeping me away from more harmful substances. I don't care if I have to stay on them indefinitely for awhile, they take away my cravings at the right dose and are the best antidepressant I've ever used to date. I know it's no magic cure, but it will buy me some time.

I definitely don't want to go back to pods, even after all the crazy shit I've been through since getting off of them I've realized that I feel much lighter off of them, and when it comes down to it I'd rather be addicted to one chemical than however many are in the pods.

On the subject of hiding pods from family members, I was never under the illusion that I was hiding them, I figured my family knew somehow even though I don't live with them, I see them often enough I figure they'd notice something. However I realized they never did realize that I was using them, even when I would stay at their house and grind them up in the middle of the night and make tea in the kitchen. One day my mom was over at my apartment when I was working and the mailman came to the door with two packages that said Poppies Poppy Pods on the label! I was so pissed! I'd never had a delivery that said Poppy Pods on the USPS box, this was one of my last orders before the drought.

When I got home that night I found the two boxes by my bedroom door and I saw the label, noticed it was small and hoped my mom didn't see it. Well about five days later I get a phone call from my mom, she tells me she wants to ask me something but she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer, she went on to tell me that she had noticed the two boxes of poppy pods and was afraid to know what I might be doing with them (my drug use/experimentation has never been a secret to my family, I never tried to hide it, and they all know I like opiates, they know that I had been addicted to vicodin in the past). I told my Mom that I had heard that you could make a tea out of them and that it's a natural remedy for depression, she sounded a little concerned but she knows I struggle with depression and I've been seeing a psych who hasn't really prescribed anything useful yet as far as the depression goes. She basically just said it can't be that bad if you can get them in the mail and let it go at that. Had she pushed the question further I may have told her more of my story but I don't think she wants to know and she sees that I've been doing well with work lately and have been in a better mood overall so I guess she let it go, I don't know, I'll tell my parents more of my struggle with opiates only if absolutely necessary, otherwise I don't feel it's any of their business what I do as long as I'm working and paying my bills and functioning. I was also recently prescribed a decent amount of good painkillers when I had my accident so they know that I was on them for a while recently anyway. My mom is a nurse however and she's far from ignorant when it comes to drugs.

That's all for now folks! I'm back on the subs, stay strong people, stick to your tapers but do what you need to do to get through, if you have to stay at a specific dose for longer than expected don't beat yourself up about it, just move on. I mean I thought I had quit and I ended up doing H for a week and a half! So it's not a straight line to opiate free, and some of you may decide that maintenance is a more realistic option, just do what's best for you without being self destructive. Easier said than done, I know.

Cheers!

 

[HamClamp]

Wow! Look at this thread! All kinds of good people joining the "party". What a great thing to wake up to on a Monday morning! (one of my dogs pooped on the floor so THAT was my wake-up but hey- he's on a new medicine so he didn't even get scolded poor little guy!)

There are too many new posts for me to comment on each one so I'm just gonna throw this out there to everyone: I'm so proud of everyone who giving it a shot. Strangers sticking together and supporting each other. You can't BUY that kinda energy! Man what a great read indeed!

I'm hanging in there and it seems like the blues are lifting. I actually made it through the whole day yesterday without breaking down. It's getting better. I slept so deep last night it took me a couple minutes to figure out what day it was. And I didn't bolt out of bed- I laid there for a minute. So yeah- it's getting better.

There is some amazing stuff happening in this thread. Just amazing. I might not be posting much these days but you can be sure I'm reading every post and thinking about everyone here throughout my day. There is quite a slice of humanity here and as I said there is some amazing stuff happening. I'm honored to have been a part of this and I'm rootin' for everyone here.

Hang in there good people. There is strength in numbers. No one has to go it alone- help is just a post away. Keep on chugging along and if you slip just get up and go at it again.

Lots of love for all!

 

[Bojangles69]

Yeh I'm kinda amazed myself how quick this thread grew. I think mine was slow to grow because I typed too much everytime I posted and none of the newbies had patience to read it all.
But this thread is much more refined and focused, even though theres whoring going on its "relevant whoring", unlike my thread where you may find pages of filler material lol.

And Hammy for w/e reason I never realized "breaking down" was an avg day for you. I just hope the breakdowns are bearable cause when they happened to me I was often tempted to drive my car into oncoming traffic.
I really hope that shit comes to an end soon because it will wear your motivation away fast.

It seems like only yesterday you were just starting this taper. You sounded confident but I still think you weren't too thrilled about it all (who is?). And I saw a lot of days where you were plowing through some pretty ugly stuff but would always come out with your head above water.
Just focus on that strength you know you have, and use it to your advantage like you always have. I know for the most part you're doing good right now, but it doesn't hurt to hear a few words of encouragement.

And if you do shy away from this thread its no big deal, I'll be bumping my own just to finish this jump off, and than we're gonna have 3 really great threads that will go down in history forever. If you actually search google right now I think I only was able to find just 2 poppy threads where people had successfully tapered off them (and that was after days of searching). And that fact alone would play with my head before I started my taper. But having 3 successful threads in a row will really show people that the only thing stopping them from getting of pods is themselves.

 

[QuasiStoned]

And if you do shy away from this thread its no big deal, I'll be bumping my own just to finish this jump off, and than we're gonna have 3 really great threads that will go down in history forever. If you actually search google right now I think I only was able to find just 2 poppy threads where people had successfully tapered off them (and that was after days of searching). And that fact alone would play with my head before I started my taper. But having 3 successful threads in a row will really show people that the only thing stopping them from getting of pods is themselves.

We will all go down in history as pioneers of kicking poppy ass, lol. Or at least some of the first documented and/or thoroughly discussed ones.

 

[notme13]

Hi everyone..

Just checking in; I'm taking Bo's advice and dropping to 2 doses a day (was taking a dose midday that I'm dividing into my morning and evening dose). So far so good; but I didn't drop any grams/tablespoons so I was not expecting any issues.

I have a few questions for Ham or MLK or anyone else either OFF these things or getting there. When did intestinal issues start for you? I realize we all started at different doses, so probably a % answer makes more sense. (like..started getting the runs when I had tapered below 50% of my original dose, for an example.) Same for other symptoms...aches, RLS, insomnia. Up to now I've experienced night sweats a bit (usually right before my morning dose) but that is it. I know there has also been lots of Lopermide (sp, sorry) discussion; I plan to use that to ease the symptoms, but not to take too much because I've used it for it's intended purpose before and it would REALLY bind me up. Far worse than pods.

Another one....kanna....anyone recommend it? I am not on any meds that are SSRIs, but I did have a really bad reaction to Lexapro (took for about a week 5 years ago..talk about insomnia..yikes) so my psych Dr has told me that I should never try one again. However, if depression sets in and I just can't get going I am considering the kanna.

I guess that's it for now. If I'm hijacking the thread, please let me know and I can start a new one. I'll always consider this one Ham's success story.

Hope all are hanging in there! Post a status if you get a chance, everyone!

Notme13

 

[HamClamp]

^^Yeah- gettin' a little quiet in here huh?

No need to start a new thread unless you wnt to. This thread is for anyone who wants to jump in. My name is not on it anywhere. I checked ;-) You (and anyone please!) feel free to post as you wish.

I think my tummy troubles started on the night of or the second day after a drop but I could have my memory all screwed up. It really doesn't matter because there is no set pattern Everything seems to hit everyone at different times.

One thing I noticed about Lope is that it seems to take a day or two to build up a certain level and then it become very effective. I was taking around 12mg 2xday and probably could have used a little more a few times along the way. I had no issues of it binding me up you can be sure lol! I take fiber every night, day in and day out, and have for years, so that surely helped. I don't think I ever mentioned that because it's so ingrained in my routine/diet. I also eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies.

I've used Kanna in the past. If I remember I used 50mg rolled up in a piece of gum and chewed. It was in the form of a palish green powder and it was called "pharmaceutical grade fermented Kanna". I belive the fermentation is a very important part of it all. I could be totally wrong but I think raw root is ineffective. I remember chewing too much and it was pretty uncomfy as it wired me out. It was otherwise pretty subtle. Started with a lift and settled into a mild relaxation/mood lift. Nothing to write home about but that is just my experience quite some time ago. I also smoked it a few times and it came on fast. A pinch in a pipe on top of some ashes or any herb, inert of otherwise. Bo has been using some so I'm sure he'll chime in as well.

Back to Lope again- I was worried about getting bound up because in the past, as when I was opiate-free, it was VERY effective. Once I had a pod tolerance, though, as I said, 12mg twice a day was barely enough. I'm pretty sure that the recommended 2-4mg dose wouldn't even be noticed but always titrate up and listen to your body.

I seem to be getting results taking 5-htp, L-Tyrosine, and B6. I seem to be more "up"mentally and emotionally. I used pods to bury for heavy emotional things and to deal with the subsequent depression. Now that the crutch is not there it ALL came boiling up to the suface and hit me like a hammer. I feel that the aforementioned supplements are working because my emotional state is improving far faster than I anticipated. I can give thought to the issues troubling me without that hardcore physiological reaction. I am at times able to really dig in when sorting myself out in my journal and NOT get the shaking hands, the flushing of my face, and the raw ache in my gut. It's not a cure-all and things are still a battle every day but I honestly think it's making a difference. I think the supplment "stack" I'm taking is FAR more effective than Kanna ever was or could be for me. Kanna might be best for "as needed" but again I stress that this is for me. Everybody works a little differently.

Hope this helped you a bit.

******************

I'm hanging in there. Starting to feel a little better each day both emotionally and physically. Not as bored now- starting to get used to "normal" life. I'm not logging in here as much as it definitely cranks up some desire to get high now and then. Not this thread but the rest of BL. I pretty much jump in here and get the hell out! While I can't hide from the world I DO feel like I need to handle myself with kid gloves right now. I'm not hyper-conscious but I certainly do have a hightened awareness right now so I need to be kinda careful. No major craving but thoughts are there for sure.

I checked a few pod vendor sites out of curiosity about the whole pod shortage thing that's going on and that didn't do me a whole lot of good thats for sure. I need to stay away from those sites. Not that I can afford pods these days anyways- I can't believe some of the prices! Outrageous! I think H is cheaper, buzz for buzz, these days. Scary.

I hope everyone is hanging in there. Check in and if nothing else drop a line. verybody's thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valuable and everyone matters. An addict alone is on bad company so don't be shy. Even if you just need to vent. We've got each other here so no one has to go it alone.

I hope all of you great guys and gas are hanging tough. It ain't easy but it is possible.


Peace to all.

 

[HamClamp]

been more concerned with what pods have done to my liver over the past year; unsure anyone knows since there's no long term studies

Do you feel like it has affected your liver? I'm not aware (not that it means anything) of any major liver issues but as you said there have been no long-term studies.

I went through a multiple year period of heavy drinking and my liver actually hurt some days. I've not noticed any similar discomfort since I was on pods but agian- what does that tell ya? Nothing. In general I felt much more healthy on pods than on alcohol but who knows what the long-term effects are?

I don't imagine there is any substance that can be consumed at high levels, regularly, over a long period of time, that doesn't do damage in some way. Right now ignorance is bliss I guess.

How are you doing Microtel? I hope this day find you well.

Peace.

 

[Bojangles69]

Hi everyone..

Just checking in; I'm taking Bo's advice and dropping to 2 doses a day (was taking a dose midday that I'm dividing into my morning and evening dose). So far so good; but I didn't drop any grams/tablespoons so I was not expecting any issues.

I have a few questions for Ham or MLK or anyone else either OFF these things or getting there. When did intestinal issues start for you? I realize we all started at different doses, so probably a % answer makes more sense. (like..started getting the runs when I had tapered below 50% of my original dose, for an example.) Same for other symptoms...aches, RLS, insomnia. Up to now I've experienced night sweats a bit (usually right before my morning dose) but that is it. I know there has also been lots of Lopermide (sp, sorry) discussion; I plan to use that to ease the symptoms, but not to take too much because I've used it for it's intended purpose before and it would REALLY bind me up. Far worse than pods.

Another one....kanna....anyone recommend it? I am not on any meds that are SSRIs, but I did have a really bad reaction to Lexapro (took for about a week 5 years ago..talk about insomnia..yikes) so my psych Dr has told me that I should never try one again. However, if depression sets in and I just can't get going I am considering the kanna.

I guess that's it for now. If I'm hijacking the thread, please let me know and I can start a new one. I'll always consider this one Ham's success story.

Hope all are hanging in there! Post a status if you get a chance, everyone!

Notme13

Great it looks like you're getting there bud.

As far as intenstinal issues this may seem weird but through out my entire taper I never got a single weird feeling of any sort in my stomach. I always thought I had a strong stomach (because I rarely ever vomit when I'm drunk) but this is really the first time I ever thought about it and its pretty weird.

I did have diarhea at times but never really any intenstinal issues. But whatever the case I would have gladly traded half of my RLS for some stomach pains. I may not get stomach issues coming off pods but the RLS really makes up for it lol (its a fucking nightmare the way I get it even on low doses). As for all the other symptoms it was very divided but at the same time organized. I never got any RLS or insomnia or depression/anxiety AT ALL till I got between 5-10gms. I would get pretty bad hot flashes/aches/pains/and chills when I was dropping from higher doses, but when I got around 15-20gms all that stuff starting lessening a lot. Once I was down to like 10gms I honestly don't remember getting much of any chills/pains anymore.

Its weird because the initial chills/hotflashes towards the begining were somewhat intense, but it was really the end of the taper that was a problem for me. The RLS was not even close to cold turkey RLS, it was actually fairly moderated, but as moderated as it was the RLS alone was worse for me than everything I experienced in the begining. All though the overall intensity of wds dropped, even when I have minor RLS theres NO SLEEPING whatsoever. And thats what broke me which I posted in my taper thread. Its weird because even though the hot flashes were somewhat intense, they just don't really get to me at all like a much less intense form of RLS. But for the most part everything in the begining was fairly easy to deal with, in fact if I wasn't such an RLS freak the entire taper would have been a thousand times easier than I originally thought it would be. But for whatever reason the RLS gods hate me.

Now as far as kanna I would say ABSOLUTELY get some. A lot of people have said on the internet that kanna is much cleaner and stronger than synthesized ssris. I also will voice the same opinion, although my experience with lex was a thousand times better than yours. Before I ever found kanna lexapro had basically saved my life. So individual biologies will always change the way drugs are processed and felt. The only thing with Kanna is there is A LOT of inferior leaf out there. Many people will buy it and not feel a thing. This is somewhat normal because for at least half of people who use kanna, they have to develop a sensitivity to it by taking it for 4-5 days before it kicks in. For other people (like me) I feel Kanna immediately on day 1. But it also depends on how good your Kanna is. Because this time around I ordered a whole bunch (from even a good supplier) and the Kanna was total junk. If you're gonna get kanna I know theres a place out there that specializes in it, and everyone who gets it from said place says its the best. I just haven't got around to trying them out. So remember, if you get Kanna and it doesn't do anything, you just got bad kanna. But if its quality kanna, it will eliminate paws 150% imo.

Now let me go post my status. =]

 

[Bojangles69]

Ok!!! I am in perhaps one of the most apprehensive states I've ever been in before.

I'm not sure whats going on but something IS definitely changing. I had fears initially jumping from 6gms of pods (when I went back after the 8 day jump) when I switched to .25mg sub. And my fear was that .25mg sub although low, is still much stronger than 6gms of pods. And I stayed on .25mg for almost 2 weeks as I couldn't really taper it down.

My fear was once I stopped the sub the RLS would actually be worse than before.

However sub is NOTHING like fucking pods in terms of RLS. I'm starting to realize this now. Due to personal circumstances (my meds getting returned 5 days ago and not arriving) I got extremely paranoid and depressed about my life. I started thinking about how school was gonna start and I was gonna be at the peak of my depression, if I delayed this "taper" any further.
But the last thing I wanted to do was stop the sub 1 week before school, and because I'm nearly out of it anyway (I could have prob got another 7 days worth if I really stretched it), I was really losing my mind a few days ago feeling like I was simple fucked. Untill an angel from bluelight came to my rescue and went out of their way to do me the biggest favor anybody could. But it was actually the emotional boost I got that has pushed me forward.

The point.
Last night would have been hour 48 since taking my sub. And I was fairly confident like clockwork I'd sleep for 3-4 hours, wake up kicking, and not be able to go back to bed. And as many people here know, when that happens to me for 7 days straight I become suicidal.
I was very much hoping it wouldn't happen, but was about 90% sure the RLS gods would come back to haunt me, and they did.

But what happened was, I'm starting to notice sub just has different side effects than pods do. Although my energy is low, last night, FINALLY, I was able to go back to sleep after waking up. I didn't notice such a drop in energy coming off the pods, it was low, but its lower now. But the benefit is the RLS is not as worse. I actually woke up around 4am last night (this morning) and instantly was focused on my legs. And I noticed I was moving them, but I also noticed there wasn't that overwhelming compulsion to do it anymore. And than I started voluntarily kicking my feet, just to see if it would trigger more RLS (I was thinking because I wasn't completely awake maybe it hadn't kicked in fully yet). But oddly, I layed there, able to not move my feet. And its only by some random streak of luck I was able to fall asleep.

I slept for 3 more hours and wound up getting 7 total.

But I'm not out of the clear remotely yet. I DO KNOW however consistently around 44-48 hours after my last dose of sub that RLS always came back strong. But this time it just wasn't strong.
I haven't made it yet to 72 hours off the sub, but tonight is the night!!!!! Im so focused on my legs right now just trying to see if theres any sensations going on, but its impossible to feel it till I'm actually laying down about to pass out. So I won't know till tommorow. But what I do know, is the RLS feels like its finally diminished in intensity, and it will be much easier to fight it now with herbs/otc supps. Will it be enough? I don't know. But what I do know is if I get even 5-6 hours of sleep tonight, depending on the RLS, I will NEVER EVER need to take another worthless fucking opiate again.

What an utter shame that I've had to deal with this shit for the last 4 weeks, anytime I'd drop my pod/sub dose a fraction the RLS would come right back. But finally for once in my life it feels like this hex is lifting off my head. Man I'm so emotional right now noone has any idea. I'm almost ready to cry from happiness just wondering what itll feel like to be 100% over with this shit.
I've said this before but I'm not a weak person, I don't know why it took 3 months to do something I was planning in just 1. But after that first month I started slowly losing motivation by the day, I started slowly feeling like something was pulling me back . I was trying so hard to be patient, but I was growing increasingly worried about my future. And in recent weeks being stuck on the same dose of sub has been such a nightmare spiritually speaking. I just don't think anyone really knows how much tonight means to me.

At any rate, the battle isn't over till its over, and whether I feel like somethings pulling me back I MADE THE CHOICE to get off these fucing pods. Nobody else did. I delt with the pain, I felt the pride, I dedicated myself beyond my own emotional ability.
And I still have 1 pod left that I saved which I still plan on setting into flames for helpme on videotape. That video tape was suppose to be taken a loong time ago, but once I make it I'm turning my back to this life and never looking back again.

 

[leiphos]

I've been off loperamide for a week now (and pods for almost 3 weeks) and I've begun getting "the shits". I can't tell if this is a rebound symptom from finishing a 2 week long loperamide taper, or if it is a minor, latent opiate withdrawal symptom. anyone experience this post-opiates?

Bo,
you're still tapering? I thought you finished - did you relapse?

 

[unsettled]

Well I seem to have stabilized on the sub pretty well, almost scary how easily you can switch from H to sub with minimal discomfort. Other than some minor stomach trouble that has passed I feel pretty much normal now. I think I'll be able to get away with less than a milligram doses from now on, we'll see.

Looking back on the last week and a half that I used H daily I have to say that it is definitely the most addicting opiate I've ever come across, even though the difference between it and certain other opies is VERY subtle. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is don't try it if you haven't, I could have just loaded up on Loperamide when I ran out and been fine. I think there was a part of me that was like "If I'm going to stop using these opiates I'm going to make sure I try the one I always wanted to try before I go through with this". My ex gf who is an opiate addict on subs told me she could see my little experiment coming from a mile away.

Stay strong y'all, and don't underestimate the effectiveness of loperamide in the higher mg range, for me I think I could have done this whole thing with Loperamide and Tramadol. Live and Learn. Cheers.

 

[HamClamp]

And I still have 1 pod left that I saved which I still plan on setting into flames for helpme on videotape. That video tape was suppose to be taken a loong time ago, but once I make it I'm turning my back to this life and never looking back again.

You have GOT to post the flaming pod video where we can all watch it! Interestingly enough I saved one pod too lol! It's sitting on the shelf up above my desk here in a Pokemon glass of all things! Wish I had a high-speed video cam (500fps) cuz it would look awesome coming apart in super-slow-mo from the blast of a 12 gauge! I'm seeing a montage of "pod murders" going viral on Youtube in the near future...

Hang in there bro- the end IS near and you're gonna make it!

I've been off loperamide for a week now (and pods for almost 3 weeks) and I've begun getting "the shits". I can't tell if this is a rebound symptom from finishing a 2 week long loperamide taper, or if it is a minor, latent opiate withdrawal symptom. anyone experience this post-opiates?

Lope definitely has a withdrawal syndrome of it's own. It's an opiate and it is best to taper. Even with a taper the runs seem to be pretty normal. I know it takes my gut a long time to settle down. I'm not sure exactly how long I've been off the pods (not counting days this time) and now the lope too and I'm still not running right down there in the poop department. It's getting better, though, and it won't be long. A fiber supplement helps firm things up as do bananas.

Great job- hang in there, Slowly but surely things WILL get better!

Well I seem to have stabilized on the sub pretty well, almost scary how easily you c
<snip>

Stay strong y'all, and don't underestimate the effectiveness of loperamide in the higher mg range, for me I think I could have done this whole thing with Loperamide and Tramadol. Live and Learn. Cheers.

I'm SO glad you're off the H! Good job. And I agee: Lope is some damn fine medicine.

Hang in there and keep up the good work!

Peace to all.

 

[Help me please]

I have stopped and started so many times off weed/opiates/benzos/caffiene that my liver could be near failure and I'd never know. Last blood check up was more than three years ago so I'm due for a doc visit. I'm reminded of that heiress to the Johnson & Johnson Company, she had everything to live for and died at the young age of 32 and she was beautiful but she was heavily into prescription drugs, opiates I think, and she died just this year possibly due to her high drug intake, lots of drugs were reportedly in her system (the LA Coroner's report was sketchy).

"We have met the enemy and it is us"--Walt Kelly

She also was a type 1 diabetic who had a history of not taking care of herself. She was said to have skipped her insulin often. People like us can't do that. We have to be dedicated insulin junkies to survive Shoot twice a day for basal and then 4 to 6 more times to cover foods, high readings etc.

 

[notme13]

Bo, thanks for the info on Kanna. I will do some more looking for that one.

I understand your RLS...from the insomnia perspective especially. Ironically I had the worst insomnia when I had the bad reaction to Lexapro. My ambien would put me to sleep, but in 4 hours to the minute I would wake up and it felt like the top half of my body was on fire. Not hot flashes, much more intense and extremely disturbing. I was in that mode for a couple of weeks, and the anxiety capped of with sleep deprivation threw me into a depression like no other. I remember every day just praying for a night without the terrifying wake up call at 4am. Anyway, that whole experience was way before pods were in the picture, but I REALLY understand what you are going through. It will pass for you, I know it. I'm sure my obsessing over it made it worse, but that didn't stop me from being totally out of my mind for those weeks.

I know that you will be ok tonight. And it will get better every night.

I'm down to the 2 doses a day (4T morn, 3T evening)...so far so good.

Hang in there everyone!

 

[ArtVandalay]

Hello everyone,

I'm down to 1 tbsp morning and night (down from 1/2 cup 2 to 3 times a day). This question is for Bojangles- I've been using methamp throughout the taper and it's helped me drop pretty quickly. I'll be out soon and don't want to use continuously. Now I'm debating tramadol, kanna or kratom to help. I know tramadol works well for me, never tried kanna, have had near od on kratom and am not the biggest fan. Out of these, what would you suggest to help with motivation, depression and anxiety?

 

[Carl Landrover]

I've been off loperamide for a week now (and pods for almost 3 weeks) and I've begun getting "the shits". I can't tell if this is a rebound symptom from finishing a 2 week long loperamide taper, or if it is a minor, latent opiate withdrawal symptom. anyone experience this post-opiates?

You could just be sick or run-down. WD is taxing on the body and mind and I'm almost positive your immune system is weakened during it.


I know I over-think things when I'm close to being off opiates. Every ache, pain, yawn, uneasy feeling, tired feeling, etc. I blame on opiate WD. It is important to realize that sometimes you don't feel good when you're normal either.


Not to go into too much detail, but what do you mean by 'the shits'? Do you just have diarrhea or are you using the bathroom every 20 minutes and/or a lot throughout the day? Is it all of those things?

Do you notice any other symptoms and/or do you feel nauseated at all? I also have no experience with loperamide, so I'm not sure if it builds up in you and takes awhile to leave the body (similar to suboxone/methadone).

 

[QuasiStoned]

I know I over-think things when I'm close to being off opiates. Every ache, pain, yawn, uneasy feeling, tired feeling, etc. I blame on opiate WD. It is important to realize that sometimes you don't feel good when you're normal either.

This is so true. I've been off opiates for quite some time now, and I still find that when I'm sore or yawning I think about withdrawals Logically though it's been 3 weeks since I used and before that mild relapse it was 50ish days of sobriety. Sometimes you just don't feel good when your normal is absolutely correct.

 

[leiphos]

You could just be sick or run-down. WD is taxing on the body and mind and I'm almost positive your immune system is weakened during it.


I know I over-think things when I'm close to being off opiates. Every ache, pain, yawn, uneasy feeling, tired feeling, etc. I blame on opiate WD. It is important to realize that sometimes you don't feel good when you're normal either.


Not to go into too much detail, but what do you mean by 'the shits'? Do you just have diarrhea or are you using the bathroom every 20 minutes and/or a lot throughout the day? Is it all of those things?

Do you notice any other symptoms and/or do you feel nauseated at all? I also have no experience with loperamide, so I'm not sure if it builds up in you and takes awhile to leave the body (similar to suboxone/methadone).

diarrhea, also nausea

I didn't go through real withdrawals, just tapered - though my back pain returned with a vengeance, and now I feel run-down / tired / "under the weather" all the time. like a very mild fever. also, I it's tough to get to sleep

 

[Help me please]

Microtel, it's more than just the pancreas that suffers from lack of diabetes care. It hits all your organs and makes them work less than...Casey was a beautiful young woman who had a lot to live for and left behind an adopted toddler. Granted the baby is probably better off being raised by Casey's mom and actually she had custody before Casey died but she was loved by that little girl. I followed the story after I read about the diabetes connection. I just don't get how people like me can be abusive to their bodies like that! That's a big part of why after two years on pain meds I said enough!