Author: Fairrobin
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:50 pm
I was asked to illiterate my process, past, present and future! Lol!!
Past: In 2005 I had the first of 3 surgeries that had horrific complications. I had a defibrillator, total L hip replacement and spine reconstruction and was diagnosed with HCV. This occurred between 05-07. My spine reconstruction failed and I became totally disabled, and non functional. I was a Trauma Nurse Specialist and had been in super shape. After the surgical complications, I had been on and off a ton of narcotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, nsaids, non narcotic pain meds since 05. I went into pain management in 07. I was fortunate to have a doctor that believed in narcotic rotation and was never on huge doses, but certainly was on every narcotic.
Since last year, I have developed tolerance after a few weeks to every narcotic and interdose withdrawal as well. I suffered withdrawal of some form, daily, for over a year. I went into a 10day detox in Feb. with a switch from OxyContin to Methadone and was going to stay on maintenance. I thought I needed something for pain….. The idiot Doctor knew that I have a lethal cardiac arrhythmia, hence the defibrillator, and that Methadone is COMpletely lethal with my syndrome. I had to get off the methadone pronto or risk dying….I went back on MsContin then OxyContin. Cold turkey off Methadone was the worst experience of my life and really, just plain evil. I wanted to die.
I was having horrific problems with the tolerance and interdose withdrawal. I have researched hyperalgesia and actually entered Sierra Tucsons, pain management program for 30 days. I had a ton of every kind of therapy and they advised I "may" have hyperalgesia and it might be worth being off narcs for 3-6 months. Weeelllll I tried to stop the oxycontin and I really could not tolerate the awful withdrawal symptoms. I was unable to last 2 days. The pain was unreal. They said to stay on the meds for pain and just continue rotating the narcotic. I thought you know what, I really can’t do this anymore……I can’t stand being in constant withdrawal from tolerance. My liver enzyme system was activated to the max. See Dr Js videos…..
I contacted a physician here in Phoenix and started a self tailored program using Suboxone. I talk with him every three days. The program involved induction with the doctor at 8mg per day. I dosed once a day although the doctor said I could dose twice daily when I got to 2mg a day. I was off oxycontin for 14 hours and had mild withdrawal symptoms. It went great and I stayed on the 8mg suboxone daily for three days, tapering every 4th day.
I went from 8, 6, 4, 2, 1mg with absolutely no symptoms or craving. When I got to 1 mg, I did have some anxiety, runny nose and leg cramps at 4 am. He advised I could use the Clonidine 1mg every 6 hours and Valium 5mg every six hours the First 3 days of suboxone use and advised I could use these meds when I got below 1-2mg and if I became symptomatic. And yeah, I have already done a benzo detox so I am fully aware of the risks of benzos.
I have used .5mg clonidine 2-3 times a day, especially at 4am when I have the most symptoms. I have not used the Valium but I have it when I am in that 1-2 week period. I am functional, not really depressed, have been able to sleep, eat and distract myself. Anxiety seems to be my most prevalent symptom.
I am currently on .125mg for one more day and may go down to .06 or just stop. So far this has been much easier than trying to taper full agonists or go cold turkey. Off oxycontin and methadone cold turkey was a nightmare. I am determined to do this. I will admit it has NOT been easy, but you know what, It is completely doable.
Suboxone and albeit a quick taper, has helped me so much. With my past experience, I know this time I can do this. And yes, I do have a ton of therapy lined up for the risk of relapse. Wish me luck, as I do YOU!
Thanks for listening…..Robin
