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Almost two weeks off methadone

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 1/9/2012 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
One more day and I will have been off methadone for two weeks. The first time I took it, it was truly relief that I never thought I would have.
My PM was arrested, it is a very sad story, he had developed Parkinson and no one knew. He was arrested, thrown in jail, lost everything. They assumed he was some quack. In truth he was amazing, I admired him, he had been an air force physician and when he retired he wanted to try and help people with chronic pain. But eventually when things like this happen, he was taken advantage of. Anyway, he is alright now, in a really great care home.
However, his patients legit or not, were tossed onto the street like junkies. I could barely get catapress (which can help with methadone withdrawal)
Eventually my regular Dr put me on the fentynal patch and referred me to the pain clinic, where I was put back on methadone because it seemed to work so well for me. Now I can go on and on about the good and bad, the bad is really bad by the way.
So Christmas, my present to myself was to stop. So I did.

Here comes my inquiry, that has taken so long to get to.
My PM wants me on a opiate vacation, completely for sixteen more days. My pain is muscular, adhesion's, and nerve damage. Any suggestions for some relief or relaxation of the spasms. Anything that has helped anyone else even a little. I would stand on my head and sing Poker face by lady gaga if someone suggested it might help. ..... don't get any ideas out there.... I will not be you tubing it so you wont enjoy the fun turn

Thanks
Theresa
Posted 1/10/2012 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have taken self-imposed medication vacations, usually in the summer months though. The problem with trying to take time off now is the winter weather. If you are like me, these winter months are truly devastating for me. My joint pain, muscle pain, tendonitis and general fatigue seem to become so much worse in the winter cold and moisture. However, that being said, do you have a local Y or even a hotel/motel with an indoor pool that you could take advantage of? We have a pool and in the summer, that is my salvation and one of the main reasons why I feel I can be off of my pain meds (or reduce the amount I take)

I also use hot showers/baths to help relieve my pain on really bad days. I have taken 3-4 showers a day in the winter just to loosen up my stiff, achy joints and muscles.

I hope this helps- I know this can't be easy and wish you luck over the next 16 days. You can do this!
Posted 1/11/2012 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
dl-phenylalanine or d-phenylalnine might make you feel a bit more like yourself. apprx. 1000mg-2000mg 2-3 times per day. the "dl" version should be taken no less than 6 hour before bedtime. adding in l-tryptophan, 1000mg p.m., 1000mg at bedtime and GABA 1000mg p.m. and 2000mg bedtime and maybe taurine 1000mg at bedtime. an amino acid complex and possible huperzine a NMDA antagonist would get your brain's pain filters back in place. i have seen Opana work well in people who had to stop methadone, it may take a higher dose, 80-360mg.
Posted 1/11/2012 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the suggestions. My PM tapered me down. I quit on Christmas day. The withdrawals are far over. I am now working through 14 more days of narcotic vacation. My PM gave me the big pep talk, "You are strong! You can do this!" After 11 years dealing with specialists, one pain Doctor arrested, (to his defense he had developed Parkinson and it was a very fast onset) leaving a community of valid chronic pain sufferers to be treated like junkies by the entire community. One Dr that put me on every anti depressant possible, to which I jokingly said; It does not matter how many anti depressants you put me on I am not going to be happy about the pain." Now I know how they can help, it was just my dry sense of humor. I have a new Dr, not a PM but family practice who I have formed a good bond with. But strength, fight, perseverance is gone, I am exhausted whatever fight I had is long gone.
My PM now is pretty good, I understand his reasons, methadone blocks so much from working and it gives me a break. He wants to try me on something new, possible the new 7 day patch. But the pain is not giving me a break. Night and day, day and night. Migraines from the constant crying. I have found only minimal relief soaking in a hot tub, I am either going to turn into a mermaid or a prune, whichever comes first.

I will take your suggestions though, when I can, it will at least make my body healthier, thank you so much. Raising two kids on SSI does not leave much extra. But I will do the best I can.
Posted 1/11/2012 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
Just a note to say that I've read your letter.It's nasty how other Doctors don't cover each others legitimate chronic pain patients when situations like yours happen.I've had my Dr.change medications to try to get me better pain management that have not worked out but a total cutoff is down right cruel.May God bless you and help you thru this so called vacation.Take care................Rod
Posted 1/11/2012 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, 14 days left, one day at a time.
Posted 1/11/2012 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, my heart goes out to you. I am with you on the Methadone and really needing to get it all out of your system since it stays in the system longer & sort of builds up. But with all of that said, you know this PM dr should give you something very mild for anxiety/nerves to help calm you down a little. I imagine you feel like a rubber band that has been stretched to the max. I just think its wrong for him to do this. Dealing with CP alone is bad enough but he just added insult to injury as far as I am concerned. Do you think it would be worth calling his nurse and talking to her to see if he would call you in something mild?

Keep us posted.
Posted 1/11/2012 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
I did that, he has stuck to his guns. Motrin on the way, saw a counselor, lots of nodding. Promised her I would survive until next week. I have been fighting for so long my will is gone. I do not know how to fight through this. Every minute is like a day. I think I have gills from the hot baths which are basically my cover for crying. Deep breaths, heating pads pray to pass out. 14 more days.
I have been off everything since Dec 25th. It is a toss up. between the withdrawal better or this.
thank you all
Posted 1/12/2012 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
i had two excellent doctor's lose their license, one was arrested and passed away in jail, it made me sick so i understand what you and the community went through. i think Opana ER is a great twice a day med and it's properties are similar to methadone as far as the way it kicks in and it has a long half life with lots of pain killing power and most important you have no problem using breakthrough meds. the jury is still out about the Butrans patch and if a breakthrough med could break the receptor blockade.
Posted 1/12/2012 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
SSINSS, my thoughts and prayers are with you. This must be so difficult. If you had some Ativan that would certainly help you. Keep coming here to post.We will help you get thru this. We do care. Hang in there ok.

Suzane
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