Re: Pain Meds & Withdrawal to Chrissy

July 18, 2005

Chrissy,

That you went through withdrawal after being on such high dosages of

several strong narcotics isn't surprising to me. I realize that even

though we aren't addicts, the nature of our disease has required such

continous usage of the narcotics that when we stop using them, the body

does experience the same type of withdrawal symptoms that an addict feels.

For some, I guess this could be a physically painful and horrible experience,

yet I do believe that if the reduction is done over a gradual period, the

symptoms are greatly reduced.

I already experieced withdrawal symptoms about a year ago when I was

without any duragesic patches for a 5 day period of time after having

used the patch for nearly two years. It was a miserable experience, with

hot and cold sweats, a flu-like, sick feeling, and hours of restless limb

sessions that made me want to pull my hair out. It was a terrible experience

and one that my PM doctor blasted me about, saying that if he'd only known,

he could have made sure that it didn't happen. I don't remember the reason

why I didn't call him about it when it happened, but I think it was because

he was out of town at the time and I didn't think anyone else at the clinic

would help me. Turns out I was wrong, but that's already water under the

bridge.

What does surprise me now is that I can go for days or weeks, if

lucky enough, without taking any of my oxycodone BT meds, will no ill

effects. Apparently the duragesic patch, which I wear full time, provides

enough medication to nullify any withdrawal effects caused by lack of the

Oxy. It's still strange, though, because when I'm having a really rough time I

end up having to take the oxycodone several times daily over days or weeks

amounts of time, so you would think it would bother me to stop it

completely like I do. But I shouldn't perplex myself over this too loudly, as

it's to my advantage that it happens this way!!

I hope you are doing better, Chrissy, and keeping cool indoors. This

past weeks' heat wave has been sapping all my strength.....how 'bout you?

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

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