Finally tapered off my Vicodin

[Cindylou]

I guess just in time too! (see Justin's post about FDA ruling) Well, I have gone two days now without any Vicodin, and so far so good. No withdrawal issues. I tapered pretty slow until I took the last one. I am taking anti-inflammatories still, Aleve. Which I still desperately need. When I had all that lab work done up recently for anti-coagulation doc, it did show (can't recall medical term) that I had alot of inflammation in my system, which was no surprise to me. I am still in a fair amount of pain which I would describe as a very tight back. I don't like to stand for long periods as it hurts too much. I pray to God this gets better. I still haven't started my PT yet with so much going on getting the house on the market, but I hope to very soon. Hopefully, that will help reduce the stiffness.

[Dave]

CL,

Glad you were able to get of the Vicoden. It is going to be interesting on how they plan to do this. I guess putting a smaller amount of APAP into the drugs would help, like Norco, which has 350mg versus the 500mg Vicoden has. Anyway, glad you were able to reduce that well. Good job.

[Justin]

CL, this is great news! Tapering off of opioids can be a very difficult and painful process.

The FDA doesn't have to follow through on recommendations from advisory committees. This case will be interesting because of the close vote. I think this is good in that it is educating the general public that even though a drug is available over-the-counter, it doesn't mean that it is inherently safe. Acetaminophen, in very high doses and for prolonged durations, can have serious adverse effects.

This time around for my pain management, I specially requested opioids that did not contain acetaminophen because I personally don't like the risk. This is not to say that acetaminophen is not a safe drug--it is when it is used properly and when patients are aware of the dosing.

Good luck with the stiffness!

[Cindylou]

Thank-you Justin and Dave. It does feel good to be off all pain meds, I just hope it's for good. My back was so stiff yesterday that it will behoove me to start PT sooner rather than later. Will keep you posted.

[symara]

Congrats!!!

I just hope i can do the same with the fentynal patch. I'm planning on tapering down before my surgery, so hopefully my pain will be controllable after surgery. One of the doctors I got a second opinion from has a concern that we won't be able to control the pain after surgery because I'm using this.

You are a insperation for me!!!

[KBear]

That is awesome CL!

I had the same thing with the high inflammation levels in my body. I believe the indicator is for 'heart' disease/inflammation indicator; but when it is way high (like mine was), it usually indicates inflammation elsewhere in the body.

[Justin]

Congrats!!!

I just hope i can do the same with the fentynal patch. I'm planning on tapering down before my surgery, so hopefully my pain will be controllable after surgery. One of the doctors I got a second opinion from has a concern that we won't be able to control the pain after surgery because I'm using this.

You are a insperation for me!!!

In regard to the bolded text above: I was on Fentanyl before my surgery and I am currently on it now. I will start tapering in the near future. Your pain will be controllable.

I'm probably going to use Suboxone to taper and help suppress the opioid withdrawal.

Good luck.
-Justin

[daveinaustin]

CindyLou,

Congratulations!!!

It is finally your turn to have relief. You've had quite a few obstacles along your "journey." I hope things continue to improve from this point forward!

-Dave

[treefrog]

Congratulations on tapering off the vicodin, I am right behind you in tapering off my pain meds too. So far, so good.

I hope some added PT will help loosen up your back, and help you feel better.

[Cindylou]

Thank-you Dave, Cathy, Kathy, Symara and Justin: I too hope that the p.t. will loosen up my back. As soon as I return from vacation I am going to call and get on the schedule. Meanwhile, I have been stretching every day here at the cabin and that is giving me some, not alot, but some relief. It does feel good to be off all pain meds. I have been on them for so long. Time to slowly whip this old bod back into shape. I have a solid 10-15 pounds I need to lose from all the inactivity. Hope I can make a stab at it.