Hi. Well, today is day 1 (for the umpteenth time) for my husband & I as we try to quit taking vicodin and percocet. I have been addicted for about 3 years, my husband for 2. It all started innocently enough for me. I have back problems and my old doc began giving me 100 vic's a month. In the beginning I did well. I only took them when needed, but, well... ya'll know how that goes. About a year after I became addicted my husband started as well. That's when things really started to get bad.

Alright. So now....For the last 2 weeks we tapered down from about 80mg to about 20mg a day. We made the decision last night to cold turkey starting today. The last pills we took were yesterday evening. It's been about 16 hours since the last pills, which is nothing for me, atleast. Once we get to 24 hours the trouble kicks in. My husband is at work right now, I'll get to hear from him in about 15 minutes. He tends to start WD more quickly than I do, so I'm anxious to hear how he's feeling.

I guess I just came here for a little support. I've been reading this board for a long time, and I can tell there are alot of caring people here. Neither of us are in a position to go to rehab, so hopefully coming to this board will help out. I just want things back the way they used to be... no more chasing the pills, no more fighting when we can't get any. We both miss the old "us", and are both willing and ready to get clean. We know it's gonna be hard, very hard... but it's time!

I'll probably be back (if I'm feeling up to it) with an update tomorrow. Until then, thanks for reading... and wish us luck!!

You sound like you have a lot of good reasons to stick with your program. Good luck to you and know we are with you all the way. I honestly don't know how couples do on W/D's together. If it is harder or easier. Maybe there are some people out there who could help and suggest things you can do to help each other through this stressful time. Anyway, again, good luck and keep us posted. Just love one another as much as you can and remember what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
RR

Great Job Frazzled,

I'm happy you have decided to make a change for the better. You deserve better.

Keep us up-dated on your progress. We understand what your going thru and can help with questions you may have while you enjoy the withdrawals. (Just a little joke there):)

My Withdrawals were horriable and really nothing to joke about at the time but looking back it was worth it. They are only temporary and you will be back to your self in no time.

I thought I might get a smile out of you when you may need one :)

I wish you the best,

Peace.
Baja

Thank you both for your kind words and encouragement. I'm glad I decided to post here.

We're on day 2 now. I honestly don't feel as bad as I thought I would right now, but lastnight was BAD! At first things were alright, but by 9pm the excruciating headache started. Then when it was bedtime my stomach started up... heh. Atleast I'm not constipated anymore. After taking some ibuprophen & some OTC sleep stuff I managed to get a few hours of sleep.

As of right now, I'm a bit stiff, have that odd vibrating feeling through my body and my legs are beginning to cramp. But, overall it's not too bad, for now atleast.

Husband is off work today... he's feeling a little worse than me & he's grouchy, which makes me grouchy too, fun. The kids are home for spring break, and my oldest child has Cerebral Palsy and requires total care. So, I'll have to keep my bearings and do my mommy job no matter how bad I may end up feeling today. I also have errands to get done later on, I'm guessing by later this afternoon I'll be feeling very worn down.

In the long run I think I'll be OK. But, this is just the start... we have long road ahead of us. All I can do is try to stay positive for now. Thanks for reading my ramblings, lol. I'll check back in later if I can. Take care! :)

Hey Frazz,

All that stuff you are experiencing is totally normal.

Some have reported RLS or restless leg syndrome. I never had it but we are all different.

Your brain is searching every inch of your body right now for more of the drug. Your brain has gotten used to having the extra help from the drug and now it is going to get a little mad at you for not giving it what it wants.

Your brain will heal and learn to deal without the drugs soon enough. You just hang in there and be strong.

I posted in another thread relating to my brain like the keystone cops when I quit the Oxy. A bunch of crazy guys running in circles not getting anything done and messing up more than they fix. Soon the keystone cops will learn how to do their jobs and you will be back to normal before you know it.

You have a great weekend and hang in there!! :)
I'll be in and out of the board all weekend.

As Always,
Peace.
Baja

Hi! Just a quick update -
I'm still feeling much better than I expected. Off & on I feel pretty rough, but so far so good! I think the tapering we did has made this easier. Whenever I start thinking about how good a pill would be I remind myself that I'm getting back to me, and it's actually helping. I've been a little weepy here & there, but some of it is tears of joy. It's only been 2 days, but I'm proud of myself... I've never lasted this long before caving in.

Again, thanks so much for the encouragement! It really helps coming here & reading through the board. It lets me know that we're not alone. Have a great night everyone!!! :D

Great job on the 2 days!! It will get easier with each day that passes! When I found out I was pg for the 3rd time, I was on hydrocodone and diazepam for an injury and had to stop ct. I don't really remember any wd's though....maybe because I was only taking small prescribed doses, who knows :)

I'm on day 5 and am doing great! For the legs, try a hot epsom salt bath, it really seemed to help me. Also, for the weepiness, I have no suggestions, but I have had that too, but I think it's more attributed to PMS...what a great time for that too start! LOL I have also been feeling kind of down, but I was able to get some exercise in today and go out and play with my kids (ages 4yr, 23 months and 8 months) and I think the fresh air has helped. I also find that if I keep busy then I don't have a chance for my mind to wander to the pills.

I forgot to mention that it may help to try and eat healthier. Bananas work wonders for the leg cramps and I have also been eating a lot of salad and apples...for some reason I crave apples big time! I have indulged in the occasional bowl (and I mean a BOWL) of ice cream, but for the most part I've been watching things. I'm actually down 1.5 pounds from when I started 5 days ago!

Good luck in the coming days and enjoy your Easter. Keep us posted on your progress!!

Maggie

Hi Frazzled...Congrats on what you are doing! I have been off of Vicodin for only about 3 weeks and I want to encourage you in that it does get better with time. The physical part was also not as bad as I expected because I tapered like you, but what got me was the anxiety and depression that kicked in after about 3 days. Whatever you do, don't give in to this! If it happenes to you, just stick it out. It does go away! After only a few days of feeling really crappy, I noticed that I began to feel a little better each day. I think the mental part is why most addicts fail, so I'm telling you from experience...if you think you absolutly have to have a pill, just stick it out for a couple of days and it will get better...I promise! If I can do this, anyone can! My reason/excuse for using was that I needed comfort from all of the bad things in my life, but I was only adding another bad thing. I now see a big difference, and you will too. I've had computer problems these last couple of weeks, but all is well now, so I expect you to keep us posted on how you and hubby are doing...and if you get nervous and anxious, just drop in and tell us how you feel. There always seems to be someone here to listen and understand. The people here are great! Just hang tough, my friend. It IS possible to do this!

Hey Frazz,
Just like Green said, It passes before you know it. A pill won't make it better it will only make it last longer, prolong the pain if you know what I mean.

I'm on day 47 and feel great. No cravings, anxiety, depression or sleeplessness.
I never did sleep much even before I quit the Oxy/Hydro so sometimes I get 7 to 8 and sometimes much less so I don't let it bother me anymore. Last night I got 3.5 hrs. I have a busy day today and couldn't stop thinking about all the stuff I had to get done before the kids get up. Hiding the eggs and getting the baskets ready :). I could have done it last night but I fell asleep before they did :).

Well everything is done now and here I sit behind the laptop typing away :) Got to bed and 10PM and woke up at 1:30 AM. That stinks but I'll crash for a nap after Easter dinner anyways :)

Have a Happy Easter.

As Always,
Peace,
Baja
_________________________
I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.

Fraz--DAY 3 right. These are the tough times if everything is going as planned. You guys can do it. Have a happy easter.
D

You guys are awesome! Congrats to all of you on all your hard work... sounds like ya'll are doing great!

It's the start of day 4 now. I slept alot better lastnight, but woke up early. Yesterday was pretty rough and I felt weak, but I'm feeling a little better today.

Have a great Easter guys!! I'll check back in when I get a chance... it's a busy day!

Good morning Frazzled and friends. Frazzled, I am so proud of you! You are well on your way to having a much better life! As I read your post, I realized that I forgot to mention that you probably will feel weak and a little shakey for the next few days. Sometimes I had to talk myself through the simplest of things and felt exhausted afterward. This too, shall pass. Eating well and drinking lots of water seemed to help as far as getting my strength back. Also, be kind to yourself...pamper yourself with long soaks in the tub, relax and enjoy a good movie, surround yourself with the things you love...You deserve it! Just keep on hanging in there and you will soon see results. Spring is here...The beginning of new life, and the beginning of YOUR new life. You will soon realize just how true this is! I hope everyone of you has a great Easter!

Hi, guys! It's now the beginning of day 5 and things are good. I think I've finally turned the corner now. I feel happy :D
I've had to switch from coffee in the AM to tea because of getting the jitters. My legs are still a little tight but other than that, I'm feeling like ME again! The WD's were no fun, but really not as bad as I had feared. This clear mind (without the fuzzy edges!) is going to take some getting used to, though. It's been 3 years since my mind was this clear! Wow!

Physically my husband is also doing well, but the mental part is still nagging at him quite a bit. I think I've annoyed him with how well I've handled this, haha. I've been smiley & happy when he just wanted to crawl away and hide, lol. But, we're both getting through this...and we're doing it together!

This board is so great. You all are so brave and your words have truly helped me through this so far. Thank you ALL soooo much! :angel:

Hope everyone had a great Easter! Take care & stay strong!

You are awesome Frazzle!!! Keep it going!:bouncing:


~Angie