Need Good Advice For Sobriety (Newb with Spine Disease/anxiety/depression disorders)

[Killmatic]

Hello,

I'm a 36 year old male with degenerative spinal disease and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I take 20mg of Lexapro, 1mg Xanax and 15mg Oxycodone daily to treat my conditions. I have tried to stop taking Oxycodone and have gone without it or very long stretches but my spinal pain is so severe I always have to go back on them. I've been on them for 4 years but have stopped for months and gone through withdrawal and PAWs many times. After spinal surgery in 2009 I was taking over 90mg of Oxycodone per day but I have kicked the habit and now only take 15-30mg per day depending on how bad my pain is. I would like to stop taking them completely and have tried cold turkey and suboxone. I've been somewhat successful in managing the pain and addiction but I am not pain free nor am I functioning at the level I want to be at.


These are my questions:


1. Are there any supplements I can take that are not addictive that mimic the pain relief I get from opiates?

2. Since I take an SSRI (Lexapro) what supplements should I take that will help me recover that WONT conflict with my SSRI meds?

3. I don't take that much oxycodone anymore so when I run out the initial withdrawal is easily manageable but after 7-10 days I really suffer. PAWs is my biggest problem as it causes migraines, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, muscular spasms, racing thoughts, stomach cramps and severe heartburn. It also destroys my motivation and mood. It's to the point where I'm not sure if it is truly PAWS or just my GAD getting worse and causing depression from prolonged periods of anxiety and the above symptoms. I read about natural remedies but I cannot exercise due to my spine and I can't have spicy foods because of severe heartburn daily. I take Zantac for the heartburn but I want to stop taking it. How can I reduce my heartburn AND incorporate spicy foods in my diet?


4. Since I've been on and off opiates for the last 6 years, How do I know if I have long term brain dysfunction? Also, how long will it take to fully recover if that's even possible?

5. Based on my history and pathology what would you suggest I do in general?

6. Do you know any specialists in the Tri-State USA area that can do specific tests on my hormones, neurotransmitters and general brain function who can help me get back to normal?


Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[Smoky]

Hi, Great to have you here. You seem to have a variety of issues. I also have severe spinal problems - 2 surgeries. I understand on some level. We have this --- > The Pain Management Mega Thread v. 7.

Also, this --- > The Opioid Withdrawal Megathread and FAQ.

Some of the questions you have are very relevant but each have so many dependent factors involved. Hopefully some will reply with their experience or support relating to your questions. Some of the questions we cannot answer based on the guidelines. For example # 6.

I personally understand PAWS (and how paws and gad can trigger one another), and the pain that comes with it physically/psychologically with chronic pain inclusive of how difficult it can be to move through and past the first week and even the first 30 - 60 days.

Perhaps check out Basic Drug Discussion also and use search engine for supplements inclusive of SSRI's meds. I cannot recommend what I have taken as they worked with 5htp (melatonin, tryptophan, Seroquel, Mirt etc) which you probably cannot take. The The Thomas Recipe - Opiate Withdrawal Home Remedies might be of some use. I did use L Glutamine. lope (but be careful), and DMT (this could interfere with your other meds so do the research). There are also potentiation threads you could search that can help you perhaps taper from the opiates, or discontinue depending upon your choice.

Also look in the Recovery Forums.

Smoky