Fentanyl withdrawal is inhumane
Posted , 53 users are following.
I am currently on day 22 of a fentalyl detox ... after the forst 3 days of punching my self in the face and wanting to end life a drup called lofexidine took away a percentage of the pain. It takes 16 weeks to get righ again if your renal system has not been damaged by the dependence. I had a year of chemo, radio and surgery in 2011 causing this to be prescribed and this withdrawal experience has bee worse than that entire year. Fentanyl should only be used in palative care or to end of life use, If you can stand the paranoia , innumeracy, and alarming spending habits it creates. Actually I never found it to be a great painkiller but its hard to admit during the intial euphoria it creates. which you quickly get used to. DONT TAKE FENTANYL it is so pure and strong it will destroy your natural happy systems forever. The NHS knoe how to prescribe it but no idea how to get you off it, Forget the fliue like withdrawal systems its brutal and dangerous and flue very pleasant by comparison. I hope taking the time to do this stops just one person taking.
7 likes, 253 replies
billytom harvey81891
Posted
Hi
I was on for 18 years started at 50 then 100 mg had four surgerys on my neck and spine and fighting cancer for my 3rd fight
I won't lie to you it was and still is a living hell I was told b all my doctors I can not stop it my self well first I though what the hell I feel like I am going to die so I ripped off the 100 mg by the nextay I was feeling sick I lasted 9 days with no patch and almost died again I was so sick all I could nthink of was how to die and fast my husband called my doctor then my dictator called me he talked me into putting a 50 mg patch on with no break though pills at all and I want to say I never took any break though pills so I was about to jump in ground of a truck I just wanted to die after the hell of 9 days I though well any day now I'm free of this poison how wrong I was as days went on I was getting more sick so I gave in put on the 50 mg by the next day I was a bit better but still very sick not knowing if it was the cancer or all the screws bars plates after all I was told fir the feast of my life I would need 24/7 pain patch that if I did not have it I could not stand the pain. So true it was and still I still a living hell
ok now my doctor said after a week he will give me 25 mg for a week them I would be off
lie lie lie he would not chand my patch to 25 mg only 59mg and said I need to stay on 50 mg I can not go off if I do there is nothing strong to sub for the patch so what will I do for pain he asked so he gave me OxyContin with the patch so off came the patch and I started to take haft of a pill it helped me get though the pain a bit ok so to make a long story short I'm am free of the patch but on pain pill so I feel I am right back to the start I wanted to be off all poison patch and pills it is a year I am off the patch but still feel sick and not sure how much longer I can take it
My brother was on drugs for 40 years he cleaned up but could not cope so he hung himself I could not understand what could have been so bad to want to die now I found out no way out of this poison after all we can not just take nothing for pain
I feel so bad for every one who is in this with me even after a year I'm still sick I feel that withdrawal the only thing keeping me alive is my grandkids and my son and daughter I don't want to hurt them or to think my grand kids would one day find out they nanny killed herself so I am living in a hell but dealing the best I can
how can we get free of this poison ? After 18 years being this poison I think i will never be free of it
please if anyone has made it clean and doing good let me know
for all of you fighting to get off this poison you are so strong fight my friends let someone not give in stay strong we will find a way out
I us to say fentanyal withdrawal no one gets out alive but I was wrong if I can do it you can drink lots of water listen to music keep busy after one year off this poison I'm thinking is this pain pill just as bad ? Will I ever be free of all pain poison ?
I now and on about 3 pills a day and coffee coffee coffee believe me the pill helps it's like I go from feeling like death to wonderful I sit and wait till the pill kicks in so I can clean cook etc.... is this it will I ever be free of poison ?. Or should I be thankful I'm off the patch even if I'm on a pain pill
there must be a way to cope with out drugs
for me I have lots of broken bones over 30 screws three plates four bars and fighting cancer for my 3rd fight
I will pray for all of us to stay strong fight my friends you can win let's not give in
let me end this by saying this patch should be removed off this earth 🌏
can I get an Amen 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
God bless you all
please forgive my typing
have a blessed weekend
carol77581 billytom
Posted
Wow what hell you have been through. I want to put some things into perspective from my view. I was on fentanyl for 17 years. Melissa and I have take the journey together and she is right...this formum kept me from suicide. If you are off the patch that is a huge achievement. Like you I am on pain meds 3-4 a day but it is so much less dangerous than these patches. I'm 5 months clean and now dealing with the pain that sent me to the patch. It's not as bad as I remember. Working on strength building and lots of stretching. Mine is nerve damage it seems minor in comparison to what you are dealing with. I feel if you are now able to be pain free and feeling good with some pain meds then take them and then work on strength. Make those pills benefit you instead ways than one. I also sometimes take a pain pill and two hours later an Advil to boost it so it works for six hours. Not sure even Advil daily is good but quality of life is what it's all about. Try some water therapy at a pool. Anything that reduces pain while reducing your need for pills and improving your health and strength.
You've got this under control and are doing great. Sending you prayers hugs and strength. Keep going girl because you are in control and life is precious
melissa7471 carol77581
Posted
Peru! That's incredible! I'm so happy for you! Eat lots of ceviche for me!!! I love it!!!! There's no place here in the town I live that has ceviche but I can get it in ORL. Miami has amazing ceviche! Wish I knew how to make it. Anyway, I think you and I are going to make it afterall, but I've been up for over 48 hours because of the RLS and I started breaking out again yesterday and today is worse!!! BUT, just bought cannibus oil so I'm trying that internally and a combination of essential oils topically. I'll let you know how it works. So still good days and bad but the good are finally outweighing the bad!
Hugs!
billytom carol77581
Posted
Thank you my friend
I am very happy to see you are doing ok
my dear brother lost his wife she died in his arms he was on drugs for years
after she died he cleaned him self up got off all drugs but after everything he went though he took his life by hanging himself
I think being on drugs keep his mind off his wife's death .
My brother was the person who started me of food thus poison told me not to give up or give in I wish he took his own advice .
Yes I'm clean off the poison but in a lot of pain I think the pills are just as bad . What do you think?
God bless everyone going though this nightmare I pray for us all
we can do it life free live long live happy
thank you everyone fir the support
god bless
Ablessed Easter/ Passover
melissa7471 billytom
Posted
So glad you're off the Fentanyl poison! Like Carol said, we've been on this journey a very long time. I'm 4 months clean and still having a few issues but nothing compared to what it was. It's much better ~
Since I don't know what kind of pills you are on but I can pretty much tell you it's not as bad as the Fent Patch, even if you are on Fentanyl pills of some kind:
To answer your question, I believe and so do many others, that Fentanyl is the worst of the worst. The pills are in no way just as bad. For one, they're easier to wean from not to mention not near as potent. Fentanyl is said to be 70-100 times stronger than Heroin - that's where you came from and survived. YOU DID IT!!! You should be so proud of yourself and not beat yourself up over pills. You HAVE to have something to assuage the pain, it's inhumane to think you should just suffer in pain forever.
I'm so glad you posted. Carol and I and there are others watching this thread. We want you to know you can always some here and find someone. My journey started in July and I'm not done but a thousand times better!!
Glad you're doing well!
Melissa
Danny53 harvey81891
Posted
Hi I have been on Fqentanyl for about 14 years well my Pain Management Dr. Because of the new laws decided it wasn't working well he put me on 75MCG to change every 3 days I was on 100 MCG I changed every 48hrs, 2 days for prob 8 years or so then puts me on long acting morphine 15mg I can't take the withdrawals I. Can't sleep depression is bad I would rather get a job as, the crash test dummy ,,any way the Dr took me off and started Monday the punching ofthe bed and rolling from side to side stopped aft 3 days I don't want the morphine it is like water OK my question after all this is can anyone tell me after I've been on for so long when can I become human again... Anyone know. ? Please. Also I have a severe back injury from mitilary injury in 1977 the n because of that I fell years ago injured neck so I get shots in back and neck they work for maybe 5 days any way I just want to know if and when this will stop Thanks
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Danny -
Do you know if he plans to continue to take you off completely? I promise that it does get better but you need to ask for help like a Clonodine patch to help with withdrawals. It's taken me 9 mos to feel human BUT I was on 100 every 72 hours to 0 over 4 months. Now it's 9 months and I'm finally feeling better. You went down 25mcg at once and that's a LOT but it will get better. The most difficult thing is the restlessness (restless legs, arms etc).
Hang in there and stay in touch with us. You can do this! We've all been through the same exact thing.
Melissa
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
Oh yea he dropped me to 75 MCG then stopped it when I had 3 patches left, he said it wasn't working any more well I am not mean but I hope he never uses fentanyl and needs help haha I need to call Monday and ask for help I thought abt the ER but they probably wont help any way thanks for any advice
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Do you have any left? I can't believe you're going from 75 to 0 in one jump!!! That's dangerous! If you have any left you can wean off by taping a little strip at a time until you've taped most of the patch. It allows your body to adjust and you can go at your own pace. These doctors don't know a thing about getting you off patches properly. Your body will have responses like these:
muscle aches
restlessness
anxiety
lacrimation (eyes tearing up)
runny nose
excessive sweating
inability to sleep
yawning very often
And also these:
diarrhea
abdominal cramping
goose bumps on the skin
nausea and vomiting
dilated pupils and possibly blurry vision
rapid heartbeat
high blood pressure
Get in touch with your doctor and ask for Clonidine Patch and also something to help with restless legs (I'm on Requip 4mg XL daily)
The thing is - these WILL NOT alleviate all of your symptoms. Try to keep yourself hydrated as much as you can. Also, like I said, if you have patches left - start with a small strip of tape and try to taper that way with what you have left. Either way - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! It'll be the hardest thing you've ever done but you can do it!!! We all have it are in various stages!! Hang tight!
M
melissa7471
Posted
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
I believe I am already dehydrated I told my wife that 2 days ago also over 50% of what you told me has already happened I am also a cancer survivor and I can't take this much longer again Thank you.
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
I want to put a patch on but I have 3 left and if I call the Dr and he says NO I don't want to but I can't live like this any longer well I'm going to try to lay down for a while I don't mean to say that but I can't live this way my councler says she understands but that I. Know is just what she says to comfort me but this is he double hocky sticks again tnx.
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Try to rest if that's possible. Do you live in the US or Canada or Europe? Just curious because they do things differently in Europe. I'm in FL
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
I finally tok a shower last night as hot as I could stand it well I finally at the last I looked it was 4:45 am I finally dozed off till 6:38am in a week today I bet I've slept 12 hours I laid and cried for 5 mins or so this morn and I told my wife if they can't help me I wont be here tomorrow I know thats selfish because I take care of her she has ms and can't do hardly a thing but I'm sorry abt that I live in Ohio in the USA a little town called Wooster any way I'm calling the Dr in a bit I called the ER last night that was a joke ill let you know what my Dr says later if they talk to me.
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
It's great that you got even that much sleep. I used to go 80+ hours with no sleep whatsoever but I survived. If your doctor won't talk to you then take a patch and cover 1/4 of it with scotch tape and put it on. You don't have to tell him you're doing it. You still have 3 patches left which are more than a lot of people. This is YOUR life and your wife needs you. My sister has MS and is in a wheelchair and it's part of what kept me going! Doing something to yourself would be a selfish act. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Like I said, if the doctor won't do anything, then think about what I said. If you truly are suicidal - get help somewhere - ANYWHERE. You are strong and have a lot going for yourself - I've been EXACTLY where you are!!! So many times I told my wife to give me a gun but I never really meant it......I just suffered so much - but I've made it to the other side. And so can you! If it's too much and dr won't help, tape a patch and put it on. You'll get some relief. I'm not telling you what to do but I'm telling you what I and many others have done. Is your patch gel filled? Or the other kind?
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
They are the new ones drier than the gel I'm sure they could be cut but I'm done doing the laundry I'm going to make phone calls I have a councler but I don't like to tell th3m if I am going to do something stupid I am sorry for the thoughts but at this time depression has set I'm weak ca t sleep I'm sick well never mind you know the stuff got to go call tnx again.
melissa7471
Posted
carol77581 Danny53
Posted
You are right it's selfish to give up when other depend and love you. The hospital can give you meds for detox of the patch. They gave me Vicodin and requip for restless legs. You just have to be persistent in your care and recovery and demand something to be able to wean down. I went from 50 to cold turkey after 17 years and you get a little better each week. It doesn't seem like it at first. I also have anxiety meds and good ole unison together for some sleep. I still only sleep about theee hours a night and work full time. It's an experience to say the least. No good doctor would pull you off fentanyl without a wean down program. Sucks that o cut up and Rhee away about 13 patches. I was afraid of the temptation. Your brain has to learn to make dolpomine again and it fires a lot of weird pain signals but it does get better. Just keep being persistent and keep talking to me and Melissa. We both ran this trip together. Do not think about abandoning your wife. Keep in touch with progress or changes
melissa7471 carol77581
Posted
DANNY - Listen to her! She and I went through this and made it. We are still scarred but we came out the other side! I'm really hoping by now that you've gotten in touch with a doctor or somebody. If not, GO TO ER - DON'T CALL. They will see how sick you are and that you are in an Adrenergic Crisis. They will give you fluids if you are dehydrated. Just do the right thing. Your wife needs you and so do we because when this is over you'll help other people as we are.
Keep me posted!
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
I slept 1and 1/2 hours and wake up for a couple I am so tired but still here sorry for my thoughts but their there any way I can't take gabapenton ( neurontin) I get depressed and bad suicidal on it my Dr yesterday basically says sucks to be me and I can go get benadryl and take 100 mg to try to sleep I am done with Dr's heak my neuoriligst sent me to the Cleveland clinic in January because he couldnt figure why I have siezures well they figured it out in 9 days I've seen him for years my wife sees him but she wants her and I to go somewhere else we may the Cleveland clinic's here where I live well here's to another crappy day thanks to all for the support Dan.
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
I also have one question is sneezing attacks part of detox I have doing this for about 5 days but I do have a bad heart and asthma but I don't do this normally but again grass cutting is going on I can't stop this.
melissa7471 Danny53
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Yes sneezing and yawning are a big part of it. I'm on Requip 4mg XL for restless legs. Never been on gabapentin. I'm glad you got a little sleep. Even if an hour or 2 - that's more than some of us got at the stage you are in. Hang tight Danny!
LittleMissHope Danny53
Posted
Hi Danny (and everyone), sorry I've been following for a while with lots going on at home with decorating... I will read and catch up on messages soon.
Yes, I'm still sneezing now and stoped fentanyl end of Feb- but then I think it could be 2 kittens we have (although I didn't sneeze before when I was on fentanyl, but I had allergic symptoms affecting my breathing and eyes which I now don't have since I stopped fentanyl). I'm also on gabapentin but reducing that too. now only on 300mg per day (100mg x 3 per day... I was on 2200mg over a couple of years ago).
I will catch up on your other posts here and comment if o have anything to add.
X
melissa7471 LittleMissHope
Posted
Hey LittleMissHope! So good to hear from you! I'm still sneezing too - several times every day - no cats. It sounds like you're doing well! It's great to hear from you!!!!
Hugs!
LittleMissHope melissa7471
Posted
Hi Melissa, I feel bad god not being on here and replyingbto messages. You were all so kind to me. I didn't deliberately disappear, but been so busy with decorating over Easter hols. I've also been struggling with loads of different stuff... eye sight for one - I'm struggling to read and it hurts me reading phone - I've had eye probs for over 2 yrs but prescription still not sorted out with glasses - 3 incorrect prescriptions- never worn glasses before either. Do you think coming off meds can cause probs too? It's so frustrating! Also still got slight withdrawal feelings and still got horrendous stomach problems - dr says my bowel has been slowed down due to meds 😕 It's crippling 😓
How's are you doing? Hope you're managing.
X
melissa7471 LittleMissHope
Posted
Glad you got to decorate for holidays! I don't know anything about the eye problem and have not heard of a corrilation with the Fent. I'm still having issues occasionally - I was up all night with RLS, BUT - I'm grateful it's not every night. Don't get me wrong, I'll have a run of nights but I'll also have a run of night with no RLS. As I said, still sneezing and anxiety every now and then.
Don't want to strain your eyes so I'll stop here but very glad to hear from you!!
Virtual hugs!
M
LittleMissHope melissa7471
Posted
Thank you Melissa x
Pleased you don't have RLS every night - I'm similar I think, but getting less.
I'll chat some more tomorrow...
Night night x
Danny53 LittleMissHope
Posted
Hi well I got angry yesterday went to the store got the benadryl the Dr said to take to sleep sell I slept from 10 till my alarm went off at 2:00 am ever since I got out of the army in 1979 I have been waking up like clockwork had to leave home by 4am then well I got almost 6 hrs sleep. I went back to sleep ti 3:44 am but any way j feel descent this am I feel as jf I might make it I mentally feel better just thought id tell someone, and I do thank all of you I read think and it helps because when I have nothing to do bad thoughts run through me head, well its 6:11 am also I managed to mow my yard yesterday oh yea it was my wife's birthday and it was her best I think in years the day was alot of visitors the woman that bathes her and does things she needs gave Ber some nice clothes I actually felt good for her and it actually helped me, well Thank you to all,, for now. Dan
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
So happy to know you are getting sleep and doing much better!
If you need us again, we'll be here.
Take care!
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
As they say I've got a long row to how or a road would be harder but I feel like I have the flu today runny nose ache tired sneezing I just got home from Councling wasn't gonna go but decided I better she was happy I guess that I shown but thmood swings heak I might as well put a revolving door on the house the wife doesn't know who is here Mr nice or mean I'm not mean to her and never will I just get snappy nasty over dumb things well today has been 10 days off and I hurt so bad but I want ME back. Thanks all.
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Yeah, you are gonna have those days. I'm glad you went to counseling. And thanks for checking in.
Have a good night. Hope I can sleep because I've been up over 48 hours with restless legs.
Danny53 melissa7471
Posted
Hi I haven't said anything for a while but I have had. 3 good days also I went to pain management wensday and I went off on them my anger is bad I have been cold turkeyed for as of Monday 1month now and found out what that nut case Dr did he took a good friend and everyone off that way of fentany Also because 2 people got busted in this town in the last drug raid well I guess he thinks even the good people are punished too. He is an idiot well I will go back wensday after Councling and well I hope I get this anger out and I feel sometimes feel like the devil lives in me well any way just wanted to say a couple things Thanks.
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Hi Danny -
It's funny you should post now! I've been thinking about you the past couple of days, wondering how you've
melissa7471 Danny53
Posted
Part 2
I'm glad you're doing a little better. It's a slow process for sure. Yes, counseling will help as long as you are honest about how you feel. The anger is totally normal - or at least I sure when through it, especially the first 2-3 months. But I didn't have a therapist to talk to. It's good that you have them.
Again, I'm so glad you are roughing this out. Great job!! Keep doing it!
MELISSA
carol77581 Danny53
Posted
You should feel angry and it's ok to vent. Just be smart on how you get that anger out. Thes drs put us on this, then are afraid witj all the publicity and the government cracking down that the drs will be investigated or whatever happens. So those who need help suffer. Congratulations on the one month and 3 good days. It will be up and down but at least you know there are possibilities of life. I'm so sorry for your friend and hope they can find the strength we all found to get through the withdrawal. I was lucky as I still had 12 patches when I quit. They were 100mcg so I knew o had an out but I didn't cave in. It did take me about 3 months before I could cut them up and part for good. Please do what you can to help your friends and keep your retribution in check. No one is worth going to jail for. Keep in touch
melissa7471 carol77581
Posted
I forgot to tell y'all I just recently saw a documentary entitled "Death by Fentanyl" and it was powerful. If you get a chance to watch it, it documents how all this stuff got started. Very interesting.
carol77581 melissa7471
Posted
Omg o just watched that today. Still on 3 to. 4 Vicodin a day which worries me but I'll get off that too soon. Yes it was a very thought provoking show. So easy to get addicted when drugs are over prescribed. I would do physical therapy but with all the copays drugs are cheaper. A sad state we are in. With your success lately you can now do anything. Your a success story
brenjane60 melissa7471
Posted
I would like to add to your list for others to reference zero energy, shortness of breath, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning, hot & cold flashes, panic attacks, agoraphobia, increased PTSD if you have it, tremors and the shakes, lack of appetite, paranoia, leg cramps, feelings of hopelessness, nightmares..... You feel like you are in living hell.
melissa7471 brenjane60
Posted
melissa7471 carol77581
Posted
How are things going? I'm still having RLS a few nights/days a week. I'm in GA right now until Oct. and I've had other issues, like my blood sugar was found to be really out of control. So I've been started on Insulin. UGH! Then I fell and hurt my back, but I'm hanging in there. Hope you are doing the same. let me hear from you when you get a chance!
Big hugs!
Melissa