Need help

[Travel]

I'm slowly tapering off Norco. I've taken it 14 years. Always the amount prescribed or less. Now my doctor closed his practice and I have been unable to find another doc since docs really don't want to prescribe ongoing marcotics. I have about six injuries including low back, neck, both knees and both ankles. I can never get them all pain free at the same time.

I'm currently down to 20 mg a day. My problem is I feel like shit. My ribs hurt, my long bones hurt, and sometimes I'm so bitchy.

I cant take motrin because of stomach problems. Same thing for naproxen and aspirin.

Is is suboxone a viable option? What about medical marijuana ??

i posted an intro but only one person replied.

Please help me..

Travel. 8)

 

[killacityrezident]

I would suggest smoking a fat blunt of some medical. And eating some grubssss food and tree always makes everything better yes yes and yesss

 

[DixiChik]

Hello Travel and WELCOME!

I'm sorry you suffer with chronic pain as I do. I wish I had answers, but I don't.

Have you searched for a Pain Management doctor? I surrendered to PM in 2014, but have not yet found med that eases pain without causing even more GI problems.

 

[herbavore]

Doing a slow taper is a good idea after 14 years. Pain from past injuries may be treated in many ways besides painkillers and I actually think that you have probably been given an unexpected shot at getting free of them by this doctor closing his business. Have you ever been to a pain management clinic to talk to someone about the specific sources of your pain and how best to manage it? That would be a very good place to start and they will have information for you for the taper and what to expect as well. I live with pain from arthritis in my joints as well as from an autoimmune. I know that it can sometimes be debilitating no matter what you do but I have learned that certain things really help (like swimming in warm water) both in the short term and the long term.

Feeling bitchy may have more to do with PAWS than anything. Here is some information about it that may help:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-acute-withdrawal_syndrome
http://whatmesober.com/paws/

Be proud of yourself for tapering off and keep going. Pay attention to the addictive thoughts and emotions that come up and try to learn to recognize them for what they truly are. You may find many other ways to deal with your pain that do not involve the vulnerability of drug-dependence.

 

[Travel]

Thank you. I have been thinking about a medical marijuana card. I have no idea how else to obtaine it and I'm not asking here because I know it's against the rules. I appreciate your help.

T

 

[Travel]

I do. I have so many body parts that got hurt at work. I can not ever seem to get them all pain free a the same time. I think that some of the pain I have is from withdrawal. I can take7.5 Mobic a day but any more than that and I have s much pain.

Thank youDixiChik!

T

 

[Travel]

I have not yet looked at your links but I will later today. I have some errands to run first. Thank you very much herbavore!

T

 

[w0w0mg]

Hey there - I hope all is well.
I know where you're coming from. I am detoxing off opiates myself and it's NOT fun.
You have been on them for a LONG time so I would suggest doing a taper.
You can do a COLD TURKEY and it would be the fastest route.
Smoking weed would help a lot. Also, see about getting some benzos, blood pressure medicine, and gabapentin.
Those should ease all your symptoms.
Just remember, everything will get better, just take it one day at a time. Acute withdrawals last about a week, but
since you've been using for such a long time, it may be a little longer.
It does get better if you can over come the first few days, I promise you.
Just try to keep your mind busy - watch some movies, browse youtube, whatever helps to keep you busy.
Hot showers help A LOT. I take about 10 a day and it makes me feel semi-normal. The night time is the worse for me.
I can't stand RLS and the anxiety.

Much love to you. Keep us updated.

 

[Travel]

Doing a slow taper is a good idea after 14 years. Pain from past injuries may be treated in many ways besides painkillers and I actually think that you have probably been given an unexpected shot at getting free of them by this doctor closing his business. Have you ever been to a pain management clinic to talk to someone about the specific sources of your pain and how best to manage it? That would be a very good place to start and they will have information for you for the taper and what to expect as well. I live with pain from arthritis in my joints as well as from an autoimmune. I know that it can sometimes be debilitating no matter what you do but I have learned that certain things really help (like swimming in warm water) both in the short term and the long term.

Feeling bitchy may have more to do with PAWS than anything. Here is some information about it that may help:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-acute-withdrawal_syndrome
http://whatmesober.com/paws/

Be proud of yourself for tapering off and keep going. Pay attention to the addictive thoughts and emotions that come up and try to learn to recognize them for what they truly are. You may find many other ways to deal with your pain that do not involve the vulnerability of drug-dependence.

Hi Herbavore,

I had more time tonight to read your email. I saw my general practitioner and he prescribed gabapentin which I have taken in the past for fibromyalgia. I'm really hopeful that it will help me with these w/d pains.

You are so right that this is an opportunity. I just don't know how I can do this and keep working full time.

I looked at at the info on PAWS and in a strange way, I hope that's what I have because that means that at some point in time the rebound pain will stop. Fibromyalgia has intensified things for me.

I already use kinesiotape, bio freeze spray, hot packs and cold packs. I ride a stationary bike 90 minutes a day every day. Recent days I've rode a lot slower but I'm still trying.

I am am still thinking about medical marijuana. What do you think?

thanks again,

T

 

[Travel]

Hey there - I hope all is well.
I know where you're coming from. I am detoxing off opiates myself and it's NOT fun.
You have been on them for a LONG time so I would suggest doing a taper.
You can do a COLD TURKEY and it would be the fastest route.
Smoking weed would help a lot. Also, see about getting some benzos, blood pressure medicine, and gabapentin.
Those should ease all your symptoms.
Just remember, everything will get better, just take it one day at a time. Acute withdrawals last about a week, but
since you've been using for such a long time, it may be a little longer.
It does get better if you can over come the first few days, I promise you.
Just try to keep your mind busy - watch some movies, browse youtube, whatever helps to keep you busy.
Hot showers help A LOT. I take about 10 a day and it makes me feel semi-normal. The night time is the worse for me.
I can't stand RLS and the anxiety.

Much love to you. Keep us updated.

Hello w0w0mg,

Thank you for your kindness. Also thank you for your sharing your experience. Unfortunately I teach high school and can't stay home. That's why I'm trying to find ways to keep with my taper and not have so much pain. The worst pain is in my upper stomach. I've wondered if the Norco has covered up some type of condition that is showing up now and needs to be dx.

I have all the meds you listed and will use them if I need. Thank you for your suggestion.

T

 

[Travel]

I woke up this morning with slightly less pain than yesterday. I wonder if the gabapentin is the reason. I hope so because I think that as I keep tapering down it may make the pain manageable.

T

 

[Cdkman]

Gabapentin will take the edge off the pain and help with withdrawal

 

[Travel]

Gabapentin will take the edge off the pain and help with withdrawal

Thank you. Tonight my ribs are really hurting even though I took my gabapentin. I hope it kicks in soon. I appreciate your help.

T

 

[Chadd1]

For your situation I don't see suboxone being a drug of first choice you're taking hydrocodone and not that much. For the sake of harm reduction if you do try suboxone you should need no more than 2mg a day also the drug combo is known to have some annoying side affects you might not like in the long run. If your state is legal for marijuana give it try if you like.

 

[Travel]

For your situation I don't see suboxone being a drug of first choice you're taking hydrocodone and not that much. For the sake of harm reduction if you do try suboxone you should need no more than 2mg a day also the drug combo is known to have some annoying side affects you might not like in the long run. If your state is legal for marijuana give it try if you like.

Thank you. I started looking into medical marijuana last night. It's hard to know how to pick a doc. Thanks again.

T

 

[Bottleofsun]

My old man gets medical marijuana. It doesn't matter which doc prescribes it and gets you the card. It is a same day thing. Medical marijuana shops are very knowledgeable, will get you set up. Edibles are a good way to start, and vaping. A high cbd, low thc strain like cannatonic would be good if you want pain relief without the high. Some hybrids are very speedy or trippy, a high indica not sativa strain would be less fast, more sedating and sleepy.

Good luck, it works for a lot of people xx hug

 

[Ligaturd]

If you are on pain management and will need to take pain medication for the rest of your life for chronic pain then buprenorphine is definitely a possibility. Do you want to be off the opioids? Or are you just coming off because of the doctor situation?

It's not a situation to be taken lightly but if you absolutely need pain management for your condition suboxone or buprenorphine is an option but your hydrocodone dosage is not that high. You have been on it for long enough, (14 years) to be having nasty withdrawals however. Making sure not to go up to too high of a dose is important, 2mgs would be max I believe for your tolerance but even that might be way too strong.

 

[Travel]

My old man gets medical marijuana. It doesn't matter which doc prescribes it and gets you the card. It is a same day thing. Medical marijuana shops are very knowledgeable, will get you set up. Edibles are a good way to start, and vaping. A high cbd, low thc strain like cannatonic would be good if you want pain relief without the high. Some hybrids are very speedy or trippy, a high indica not sativa strain would be less fast, more sedating and sleepy.

Good luck, it works for a lot of people xx hug

Thank you so much. I called a doc's office to schedule an appt. They have to call me back to schedule it. I will keep your info in mind. I appreciate your help.

T

 

[Bottleofsun]

I'm so glad you took the plunge. The vape pens are easier, if more expensive than smoking bud. I'd go for the edibles too. I make wicked banana bread from cannatonic and ghee. Works very well for my dearest. Let me know if you want some recipes. Good luck!

 

[Travel]

If you are on pain management and will need to take pain medication for the rest of your life for chronic pain then buprenorphine is definitely a possibility. Do you want to be off the opioids? Or are you just coming off because of the doctor situation?

It's not a situation to be taken lightly but if you absolutely need pain management for your condition suboxone or buprenorphine is an option but your hydrocodone dosage is not that high. You have been on it for long enough, (14 years) to be having nasty withdrawals however. Making sure not to go up to too high of a dose is important, 2mgs would be max I believe for your tolerance but even that might be way too strong.

Thank you for your help and for the the suboxone info. I have not thought of myself as an addict but I have to admit I liked the little buzz I would get sometimes. I never took more than prescribed, but I did sometimes take them when I didn't really need them. So, I would have to say I don't want to be off the Norco. But I am going to do my best to get off of it. I'm down to 15 mgs a day now. Thanks again.

T