Detoxing from pain meds

[carey]

detoxing from pain meds

been on pain meds every day for over a yr now. now that the crohns is under control im going to be detoxing soon. i was taking 5-6 percocets a day, i dropped myself down to 2 a day, recently switched to vicodin and currently taking 5 a day. i go see the doc tomarrow for a detox plan. but was wondering if anyone can tell me how bad the withdrawal is gonnna be.

 

[silveyk]

Hey Carey,

If you detox with a slow taper, then you should not have many symptoms. You may be a little more sensitive to pain, because your body's own endogenous pain killers have been suppressed by your prescription opioids. But they should kick in again over time. You also may find that your bowels are more fluid, as opioids tend to slow down the gut.

Technically, opioid withdrawal (quitting cold turkey) is not life threatening. However, people who are forced to quit this way...say in jail...go through rigors (shaking chills), sweats, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. However, this is not going to happen to you as your doc is going to taper you down.

By contrast, benzodiazepine (valium, ativan, xanax, etc.) and alcohol withdrawal is much worse and can be life threatening.

Dr. S (spouse of a Crohn's sufferer)

 

[Keona]

Good for you Carey I think that is awesome....
I am glad your Crohn's is under control.... you are a great example that this disease can be managed!!
Wendy

 

[carey]

thanks for your support, currently suffering from narcotic bowel syndrome. besides that i got sick to death of constantly going to the er and having them poke me with their needles. when i do get off these pain pills i can live a semi-normal life again. at least untill my next flare!