I have been without hydrocodone for 42 hours. I can deal with all the withdrawal side effects except the fatigue and apathy. Can somegive me some tip to help with this?
Does anyone have any suggestions? I am really struggling here.
Do u have a family member or spouse who can walk with you through this, my husband has been a god send to me as far as support, you cant do it alone.
No. He is no real support. Does not understand the dynamics of addiction. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other until it gets better.
Hi Kelly, I'm no addiction specialist but here is a post I made a while back that often helps me.
One thing that I have always tried to remember during challenging times is that sometimes we have to put ourselves on auto pilot and just go through the motions. When we really can't face the day or situation, just remember, this is how I get out of bed (roll over and put my feet on the floor), this is how I walk (one foot in front of the other). Even at work though it can be more difficult there. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need to - though I know it can be tough at work.
We all can go through the motions at times, and it doesn't have to be good or bad, happy or sad - it just is and we get through the day. One day you wake up and say, I think I'll turn on the radio, and another day you may actually sing along. Then one day you realize, I'm not going through the motions any longer. I'm really living!!
Good luck and keep posting that helps so much!
Thanks so much for you insight. I know things will get better but moment to moment it sometimes is so difficult and emotionally painful. I am a RN and take care of patients in an outpatient oncology clinic (give chemo). If I can get up each day and get myself to work, I usually am OK. I love my job and my patients I just wish I could give the same to my family (daughter) and myself that I give the people I care for daily but I am usually in such pain when I get home, I can’t even cook dinner.
Addiction is such a terrible label and I have never sought out professional assistance because I did not feel like I was an addict and still don’t know if I am. I have osteoarthritis and my joints hurt all the time. I take powerful antiinflammatory meds (methotrexate) and NSAIDS which usually make it possible to function. However, Hydrocodone gives me great pain relief and energy but I feel guilty if I take it while working.
I don’t know exactly what to do but will just keep on trying to do what is morally right (for me) and if I fail, forgive myself and start again-one foot in front of the other.
Kelly, I too have osteoarthritis. My doc wanted me to start a new NSAID a couple of months ago and I just didn't want to be on another med. Already take one for anxiety, another for depression another for thyroid. I really want to get off of the first two. I started accupuncture 2x week in January. I feel I am finally turning a corner there and am getting some relief in my joints. My right knee has stopped clicking. I can kneel down again. I was skeptical at first, but i really believe the accupuncture is working. Is that an option you can consider? Yes do what is right for you, forgive yourself and do the best you can. XOXO Thea
Thanks Thea. I never really thought about accupuncture before. Is is covered by your insurance? If not, is it expensive? I am with you about all the meds. I take meds for anxiety, depression (lengthy family history), high blood pressure and the osteo. I am trying to cut down on the number taken but some are necessary. This is why I am trying to do away with the pain meds (opiates). I just don’t want to take them anymore but want to be able to function. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I did not think is would be helpful to join this support group but I am feeling better already. Thanks and love. Kelly
kelly, it can be expensive and a lot of insurance does not cover it. however if you are part of a health care spending plan through you employer, it is often covered there (i.e. money taken out before taxes to cover health care expenses). Look for an accupuncture clinic as opposed to provide practioner. I have found one near me. The licensed practioner has multiple patients who are in reclining chairs in a large room. this allows him to charge a lot less than a private person. if you've never been, you get 'needled' while sitting or lying down, then just relax for a good hour while the needles do their work. in the group setting there are rules about no cell phones or chatting so it is quite relaxing with soft music in the background. I love going and it has actually helped. good luck. thea
Thanks so much for the information. What you are describing sounds peaceful and relaxing. I am going to start looking for an Accupuncture Clnic tomorrow.
I am feeling better today with the exception of being awake for about 36 hours. Insomnia is a really hard thing for me to handle and continue to function. Hopefully, I will get sleep tonight. Wish I was at the clinic now!!!
Thea, I really appreciate your help and guidance. Thank God I found this support group. I know it will help me get off the pain meds and live a life where I am aware and engaged not just medicated and numb.
Please keep me in your thought and prayers. Kelly
Good luck Kelly. Wishing you the best. My accupuncture guy also helps with insomnia. And yes, I find it very peaceful and relazing. He says this is the model they use in China where I think there is like a clinic on every corner. So 'one day at a time'. Praying for you.
Thank you. I receive your prayers gladly. Please pray for me to sleep tonight. I have had about 8 hours sleep in the past 72 hours. I have another shift to do tomorrow and could really use a good 7 hours of sleep.
I was reading your user profile and noted you have problems with anxiety and panic. I have a huge history of these two corelated disorders. If you need help, advice or information, please let me know. I would like to help in return.
Love
Kelly
Thanks for the offer. I am having a tough day today with the anxiety churning inside. Someone here mentioned the book "From panic to power" which I 've started. While the author seems to have a good handle of the subject matter and has apparently overcome her own anxiety. I haven't found a technique, short of meds, that really works. (and meds don't work 100%) I have a hard time turning my 'worry story' into something funny, for example. Or taking my 'what if' spiraling, and listing positive outcomes. It's like the funny stories or positive outcomes don't exist in my brain. I'm hoping that if I keep reading I'll find something that works.
My therapist has mentioned the "The anxiety and phobia workbook", that looked like too much work.
I really think that I have to figure out why this one child of mine triggers the anxiety in me. Thanks for listening.