Why was my withdrawal longer then usual?

 

 

      Good evening Potsie

 

       My name is Dani. It is a pleasure to meet you. Your introduction post is rather short, so if you dont mind my asking.... What kind of back problems do you have?

 

      I don't know much about medicine "addiction"...well, not in the "taking more than perscribed" area. I do have meds that, when it is time, they will be slowly decreased. Some of them taking upwords of 2 months to get to desired dose. Others only a month and half. Who knows? Perpahs the decrease will take as long as the increase did?

 

     So... I suppose what I am trying to say, is that...well, I think only a medical professional can tell you why it took so long. Ive never met the same person twice, so I imagine that each persons experiences would differ greatly aswell.

 

      Sorry I am not much help in the area that you have questions. Perhaps someone with more knowladge in this subject will stopp by. Reguardless! Welcome to the Healing Well Community

                                                                                                                            

 

dani

Hi, Potsie,
I also want to welcome you to the Chronic Pain forum of Healing Well. We're not doctors and can't give medical advice, but this is a great support group. I've been having computer problems lately so haven't been posting much.

Like Dani said, everyone is an individual, and we vary in our responses to medication. But you mention also clinical depression (which often comes along with CP, although it can also be a separate condition on its own) and that certainly could be affecting what you are defining as withdrawl symptoms. And if your pain is going untreated, that's another issue.

Do you see a Pain Management specialist? If not, it's a good idea to consult with someone to see what they recommend. Also, a pain psychologist would be helpful for both learning how to deal with pain and the depression. Those are a couple of places to start.

Most people become dependent on these medications, but only a few become addicted, and there is a difference. If you have any history of addiction (your own or in your family) that could also impact what you feel are withdrawl symptoms. There are many possibilities.

I would suggest talking with your doctor and seeing what can be done to help with your pain - be in resolving the pain or at least treating it. I know these are very general suggestions, but there are places to start.

And coming here for support was a great idea! Others will be along to offer ideas, but I wouldn't worry so much about withdrawl from the vicodin, as if you're not on any other addictive substances that should be out of your system. But treating the other conditions like your pain and the depression are important.

Hope this helps a bit.

Again, welcome.

PaLady

If you were taking the medication for a very long time, it can lengthen the feeling that withdrawal continues. It is called PAWS -post acute withdrawal syndrome- basically it is the continued feeling of not feeling quite up to par after the acute phase of withdrawal passes. It can cause your memory/retention of information to not be up to snuff, feeling well one day and not the next, and just not feeling right. It does improve over some time, but it seems to become more prolonged with however long you were using.
It does not happen to everyone and is more common in alcoholics but it is well recognized.