Harm Reduction Progress Mega Thread

[need some help]

Hey everyone, i'm glad to see the staff was willing to put in the work to give us a place we all seemed to need. i haven't posted in a while...it seemed a bit risky. Things are going well with maintenance aside from some cravings, i guess. For the last week or so i've not been feeling quite myself. i'm wondering if PAWS is affecting me. i don't know a lot about it, and i know i'm to expect ups and downs while in recovery of any kind but it would be nice to pin point a source. i deal a bit with chronic pain, and the suboxone has not been masking the break through pain the way it was. If anyone has any insight (Cain) please chime in. And thank you for setting us up. i hope everyone out there is doing well, i've been following your posts and progress, just not speaking up. Catcalls-how did your lady fare with the heroin detox? i hope well, and i hope you didn't try and snuggle. Love to you all. Also, Captain H i hope your arm is healing, and you'll hang out with us in this thread too......

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Hey everyone, i'm glad to see the staff was willing to put in the work to give us a place we all seemed to need. i haven't posted in a while...it seemed a bit risky. Things are going well with maintenance aside from some cravings, i guess. For the last week or so i've not been feeling quite myself. i'm wondering if PAWS is affecting me. i don't know a lot about it, and i know i'm to expect ups and downs while in recovery of any kind but it would be nice to pin point a source. i deal a bit with chronic pain, and the suboxone has not been masking the break through pain the way it was. If anyone has any insight (Cain) please chime in. And thank you for setting us up. i hope everyone out there is doing well, i've been following your posts and progress, just not speaking up. Catcalls-how did your lady fare with the heroin detox? i hope well, and i hope you didn't try and snuggle. Love to you all. Also, Captain H i hope your arm is healing, and you'll hang out with us in this thread too......

Do you have any potentiators? Sometimes antihistamines, or benzos can go a long way.

I didn't quite feel back to being myself until being on Suboxone for an entire year. I think it varies a lot among people. I am not sure of any links to direct you to - maybe you could try the search engine?

My hand and arm are doing better, thank you. Not 100% yet, but a lot better than it once was.

 

[ThePharmicist]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I really do appreciate it. My life is in the shitter, I really do not want to continue injecting heroin everyday. I feel that perhaps it may be best due to my money situation and my drug situation to enroll in a methadone program for a few months. I'm not going to be on 'done for a long period of time. I have absolutely no desire to get off that shit. But, where I am now, I don't think Suboxone is going to cut it for me. My brain needs a full agonist to get through the day. After a few months I'll switch back to Suboxone. I just want to get my life back to (semi)normal like it was before I started using heroin. I'm so depressed, I just want to get better. . .

It is easier to hustle up $10/day for methadone then a lump sum for a doctor though


why are you getting off sub then going back on? I'm confused..

My plan is to use methadone for only a few months, to get some sobriety back under my belt. In a few months I should have my cash flow back (I'm a freelance designer), and I'll be able to afford my sub doc again. At that point I'll work the methadone out of my system by using for a week, using other short acting opioids. Then I'll be able to get back on Suboxone. Not a perfect plan, I'm just running out of options because I can't seem to stay on my fucking Suboxone on my own.


I'm gonna make one more attempt to stay clean, but if it doesn't work I'm going to execute my plan. . .

 

[muvolution]

that I was an active participant in recovery and the community and i fell. And
when the doctors wouldn't give me what I wanted I came HERE and leaned about phenazepam and all the other poison you can drive yourself mad with,
I want that peaceful sober life back. But I want the pain to stop, what is recomendation sir, should I just snuff it. Thanks for making me feel; unwanted and out of place....

don't put your problems on the bluelight community. You're a grownup.

Glad everyone is doing better.

As for bikes, I would highly recommend a road bike from the 80's which can be found for really cheap and are a good value. Also if you like it they can be upgraded. I am on a really old schwinn from the 80's, but i've been able to upgrade to the point that my bike is competitive for road racing, but it originally cost me $25.
I would say road bikes are the best as they force good posture and proper cycling techniques, and you can coast. IF you have any questions, I have tons of experience with bikes so I could direct you to a good starter.
Generally for people switching over from running you multiply miles by 4 and it equals a distance in running, so when I ride like 80 miles, that's like running 20, except with lower impact.
BMX is definitely no good for commuting or phys. therapy since usually the seat is too low, the ratio is super small (distance you travel in one pedal stroke), and there is one speed so it's hard to commute. They are pretty good for tricks, but that's about it, and you will develop knee problems from going long distances on a BMX.

I definitely made a huge recovery with my health and the way my ankle feels - starting at 5 miles/ day and now I usually do around 50-60 when I go on rides.

 

[meth78]

Methadone,Subs,Energy Levels,Dosing

am on methadone mmt for the second time after having a horrible heroin addiction also got hep c from my using. i was in about 11 rehabs and nothing worked. I would always go on subs which i got prescribed by my medical doctor.
They would help for the first month then just wore out. I was on subs on and off for years even making it to 3months clean they just never made me feel content.
I just started methdone last thursday but i had taking subs for a month leading up to it and took my last 8 mg on wed which i should of waited. They started me out like they do everyone on 40mg now im up to 60 and still feel im underdosed because the sub should of wore off by now. I also suffer from anxiety like all of us addicts. My clinic allows for benzo use and i know its very dangerous to mix. Im thinking about going on a moderate benzo along with the methadone but im not gonna get crazy and start of with more then i need.

I talkled to my counselor today and he said xanax is prob one of the worst i can go on. Tomorrow i go and i think im getting increased to 70. I have to say i def have much more energy then i do on the subs. Medicine has different effects on everyone. Some can be the other way around getting more energy from the bup, but not me. I live in NJ iays would just sit on my couch and accomplish nothing on Subs. Since the meth i have been much more active. Walking my dogs so much more and shoveling all this snow. I def dont just like to sit around like i did on the sub.

Well i just joined this site so if there is anyone else from NJ message me or of anyone wants to know about my addiction feel free to add. I will update and tell you guys how i am making out>>>>

 

[Dankycodone]

I am on my fifth day and I see that the w/d has not peaked yet as I feel a lot worse since the last time I posted here. Any idea about when it should peak? I got lot's of sore muscles, watery eyes, and bad rls. Sometimes I will take .5mg of klonopin at night and some lopermide during the day any more advice?

 

[caseface99]

It's been about a week and a half since i last took suboxone, Just to see how the actual withdrawal was going i went about 20 hours without taking and kratom. The only symptom i noticed was skin crawling/RLS in pretty much only my arms. Nothing in my legs or the rest of my body other than feeling hot and turning on the ceiling fan takes care of that so just my arms. Though it was enough to wake up 6 hours earlier than i normally would have today which sucked. Either way i eventually took my dose of kratom so im not feeling too bad now.

My girl and I packed everything today and loaded up the car, in the morning we're off to San Francisco. Though the thought of driving across the country is making me crave stimulants, and i don't even like stims that much haha. Definitely going to load up on red bull. Maybe give 5 hour energy a shot because I've never tried one.
Anyway, this is my last post for at least 3-4 days unless we stop at motels with wireless internets. I've never stayed in a motel before so idk if that will be available. Then once we get to our apartment I'm not sure how long it will take to get the internet set up and everything. I should absolutely post within a week though, so hopefully we have a safe drive out there and nothing happens. Wish me luck. %)

I'm doing quite well, switched from using kratom to using hydrocodone and demerol, as well as subs when I can get them. I'm waiting for my insurance to go back into effect at the beginning of Feb. to start searching for a sub doctor. I've also stopped using cannabis and have seriously cut back on my alcohol intake over the last few months.

We're talking going from 3-4 beers a night to maybe 1 every other night. I'm also using less lorazepam, which was my absolute backup drug. So overall quite good.

Positive thread, by the way

Glad to hear you're doing well. It's amazing how awesome you feel physically and mentally when your sober all the time after abusing drugs for years. It's actually quite remarkable, once you get into the habit of being sober daily.

I just got done tapering bupe and this is my 4th day of w/d and it seem's like a walk in the park. I am loving it no depression at all just the general flu feeling. I also jumped of quite a high dose (2mg) I am pretty sure it won't peak anymore. Anyway hooray for bupe!!!!!!!!

see below

I am on my fifth day and I see that the w/d has not peaked yet as I feel a lot worse since the last time I posted here. Any idea about when it should peak? I got lot's of sore muscles, watery eyes, and bad rls. Sometimes I will take .5mg of klonopin at night and some lopermide during the day any more advice?

I was quoting your first post to let you know you probably haven't peaked yet, then i saw your second post. Looks like you already learned that ha. You should almost definitely stop getting worse by day 6 in my opinion and level out there. After 9-11ish days you will start noticing a decrease in symptoms. Use the lope sparingly because it will prolong your withdrawals. If you don't have any obligations like work during the day, I'd recommend the lope at night to help sleep. Or better yet get some kratom. Good luck.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Also, if leftwing is always cruising around on a BMX, I would be worried about his knees getting fried from riding 70km a week which could easily lead to pain/ discomfort which would really defeat the point of exercise, wouldn't it?

nah, i've got my seat set properly and my legs nearly extend full rotation as if i were on a mtb or road bike. my groin area has been getting a little tight admittedly but nothing that stretching fixes up.

not those kind of stretches either

If that flirtation progress to intercourse however, then we'll have to intervene :D

jelly, bro?

In my opinion a BMX is easier to use for cycling than a multi speed road bike, when it comes down to it. A road bike will lead to a more intense work out because you're pretty much always petaling. With a BMX there is plenty of resting while you just cruise along after building up speed. Before winter i would ride my BMX a few miles a day, i switched to a road bike on day just to see and it was much more difficult to go as far as i normally did.

i'd now prefer to be riding a road bike because of the long stretching incline on the way in and way out of town. it's tiresome having to peddle up a coasting hill only to a short decline every day, though it is a nice little challenge. they're a lot more comfortable overall in my opinion as well and give a better work out and use of muscles.

it's not cool when the sciatic pain starts up either. i have been feeling a little cramped on the BMX this week and feeling unfit from the sickness i had a few weeks back which has been lingering. it's made the pain a little worse this week though i've managed to stick to dosing every 36 hours. my skin is just starting to crawl by then, the legs are already kicking...

i'm down to 30 individual doses, possibly stretching that out to 45 if i halve my dose again.

 

[Been&Done]

don't put your problems on the bluelight community. You're a grownup.

Glad everyone is doing better.

As for bikes, I would highly recommend a road bike from the 80's which can be found for really cheap and are a good value. Also if you like it they can be upgraded. I am on a really old schwinn from the 80's, but i've been able to upgrade to the point that my bike is competitive for road racing, but it originally cost me $25.
I would say road bikes are the best as they force good posture and proper cycling techniques, and you can coast. IF you have any questions, I have tons of experience with bikes so I could direct you to a good starter.
Generally for people switching over from running you multiply miles by 4 and it equals a distance in running, so when I ride like 80 miles, that's like running 20, except with lower impact.
BMX is definitely no good for commuting or phys. therapy since usually the seat is too low, the ratio is super small (distance you travel in one pedal stroke), and there is one speed so it's hard to commute. They are pretty good for tricks, but that's about it, and you will develop knee problems from going long distances on a BMX.

I definitely made a huge recovery with my health and the way my ankle feels - starting at 5 miles/ day and now I usually do around 50-60 when I go on rides.

Thank you for the cycling info, never knew anything about those ratios I am seriously thinking it over.

It's been about a week and a half since i last took suboxone, Just to see how the actual withdrawal was going i went about 20 hours without taking and kratom. The only symptom i noticed was skin crawling/RLS in pretty much only my arms. Nothing in my legs or the rest of my body other than feeling hot and turning on the ceiling fan takes care of that so just my arms. Though it was enough to wake up 6 hours earlier than i normally would have today which sucked. Either way i eventually took my dose of kratom so im not feeling too bad now.

My girl and I packed everything today and loaded up the car, in the morning we're off to San Francisco. Though the thought of driving across the country is making me crave stimulants, and i don't even like stims that much haha. Definitely going to load up on red bull. Maybe give 5 hour energy a shot because I've never tried one.
Anyway, this is my last post for at least 3-4 days unless we stop at motels with wireless internets. I've never stayed in a motel before so idk if that will be available. Then once we get to our apartment I'm not sure how long it will take to get the internet set up and everything. I should absolutely post within a week though, so hopefully we have a safe drive out there and nothing happens. Wish me luck. %)


Glad to hear you're doing well. It's amazing how awesome you feel physically and mentally when your sober all the time after abusing drugs for years. It's actually quite remarkable, once you get into the habit of being sober daily.

see below



I was quoting your first post to let you know you probably haven't peaked yet, then i saw your second post. Looks like you already learned that ha. You should almost definitely stop getting worse by day 6 in my opinion and level out there. After 9-11ish days you will start noticing a decrease in symptoms. Use the lope sparingly because it will prolong your withdrawals. If you don't have any obligations like work during the day, I'd recommend the lope at night to help sleep. Or better yet get some kratom. Good luck.

Good luck.

"The only constant thing in life is change"

 

[muvolution]

scatiatic pain is the worse. my saddle has a hole in it so my taint can be free and wild like it was meant to be.

EDIT:
I realized that post wasn't the most informative in the world. Anyways, I've been doing OK, had a slight issue with those fuckers <--- (it's so hard to go back to taking them by mouth once you have snorted one at all.)
I think I'm going to try and take a break with the suboxone I still have maybe like a week or so, then back to taking em by mouth as per my pain management indication. Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[HdoubleODeezy]

just wanted to check in (i haven't posted in a week or so but have still been reading).. im finally ending my 4year maintenance with suboxone, im on day 4 and feel shitty. I just couldn't afford the dr appt or meds anymore .. oh well, i got through life without drugs in my past and im sure with a good attitude towards it i will be able to do it again. Another thing that sucks is my kpin taper is ending in 2months also so once im feeling a lil better from bupe i gotta deal with kpin w/d's lol it never ends.
Anywho.. i didn't want everyone to think i just dissapeared.. im still here just laying low till i feel a lil better..

Hope everyones doin alright!!

/progress report

 

[need some help]

just wanted to check in (i haven't posted in a week or so but have still been reading).. im finally ending my 4year maintenance with suboxone, im on day 4 and feel shitty. I just couldn't afford the dr appt or meds anymore .. oh well, i got through life without drugs in my past and im sure with a good attitude towards it i will be able to do it again. Another thing that sucks is my kpin taper is ending in 2months also so once im feeling a lil better from bupe i gotta deal with kpin w/d's lol it never ends.
Anywho.. i didn't want everyone to think i just dissapeared.. im still here just laying low till i feel a lil better..

Hope everyones doin alright!!

/progress report

Uggg, i don't even want to think about the xanax i'll have to eventually deal with, after the suboxone. If i don't i can look forward to living like my mom and eating 5 mil. a day just to function. She can't remember what shes said from one sentence to the next. Of course thats after 30 plus years of it in some form or another. i just found out she started taking it heavily after i was born. Apparently i was a charmer. It will feel so good to know you don't have to constantly be thinking about appointments, dosage, etc... i'm really happy for you, its a brave thing to do. Glad you posted, and glad you're helping our new thread by doing so. Hang in there.

 

[suessmayr]

Hey, I'm really interested to read what you've written because the same thing happened to me, though I've never taken methadone. I'm on 24mg of bupe (in suboxone) and was great for the first few months, but now I always get really tired about 2-4hrs after dosing, and after that the day is terribly depressing, although not bad in a physiological sense, apart from fatigue. I considered methadone with my doctor, but I can only remember all the literature and peoples' accounts saying how much 'heavier' methadone is than bupe; is this necessarily the case? After being on methadone for a while does the effect dissipate so that you do not get even a mood improvement from the dose? And most importantly, how tired do you get on methadone, as opposed to bupe? Here, I distinguish the beautiful nod-type-fatigue from medication-induced-fatigue proper, which is not enjoyable, but rather like alcohol fatigue, drinking beer in the sun etc...

 

[BrokedownPalace]

Where in Jersey are you from? I am from jersey as well, and have been on MMT for about a year now.

 

[meth78]

Jersey

I grew up in Passaic County and now I live in Morris County how about u?

hey suessmayr, check out my other thread all the answers to your questions are there

 

[Cane2theLeft]

^ please don't start multiple threads on the same topic. Keep it all in one place and in this instance, that will be the progress mega thread.

 

[Been&Done]

Been busy for the last few, but health and progress are doing well. A lot of snow out, postponing my optimistic cycling plans. Still at 2mg/day and hoping everyone's progress is fine and dandy

 

[HdoubleODeezy]

i think i am officially off subs now.. it was a week yesterday since i have taken any :D
(besides 1mg once towards the beginning to see if after a couple days off i could get a buzz.. and i did) i have 1 &3/4 tabs left that i will save for future "recreation" if i ever get the unmanageable craving for opiates.

EDIT: Everyone can come check in now, the water's fine.

 

[Cane2theLeft]

^that is GREAT to hear man! Congrats, you truly have a lot to be proud of.

 

[HdoubleODeezy]

thanks, i appreciate it. It feels good to have those couple there and not needing to take them and not wanting (ATM) to take them. I just hope coming off kpins in a couple months doesn't make me cave in and fuck up and be back to the same old shit.

I was on bupe maintenance for 4 years and did over a year in drug and alcohol counseling and feel i can do it though.