Yes, well, withdrawal comes with the territory when going off of narcotics. I worked out a phase out plan (that took about 2 weeks)with my oncologist and only mildly was uncomfortable for about 3 days. In AA they say "this too shall pass". I was on Fentanyl patchs, vicodin and morphine at the end.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, definition of Torch, 1B is a flashlight. Save your money Karen. Since you are a year ahead of me Karen, you will always be my torch bearer.

Gary: perhaps some more specific info on the plan your doc recommended? I just don't feel the "plan" we are using is working as well as it could. I understand that "this too shall pass" theory, but as I'm sure you remember, I doubt that it is a comforting thought when you are going thru it....but then, I'm the caretaker and not the patient! Thanks for all the info Gary.

MG

Michelle,
With him only being 5 weeks out I'm giving him kudo's for eating at all. The food will stick for awhile due to the dryness and the damage to the throat. I still have times that food will stick although I eat pretty well. Give him 6 months and he will be SO HAPPY with how much better it will be. Patience is the key or he will get discouraged.
Minnie

Minnie makes a very good point. I choked on everything for quite a while. If salivary function is to return, it can take 18 months or longer.

My specific withdrawal plan was to reduce the Duragesic patches from 75 to 25 mg, in the normal 72 hour timeframes then to go from 6 vicodin a day to nothing omitting one pill per day. So it was a total 12 day plan. I had the sweats and felt pretty shaky and irritable but it was only uncomfortable for about 3 days. A MAJOR benefit is the almost immediate elimination of all of the constipation issues.

Contraindications for an inadequate narcotics withdrawal plan can include seizures and convulsions in the worst case scenario. Anti-anxiety meds, such as Zanax are also addictive.

Dan is no longer using any anti-anxiety meds. They did not give him Xanax, but Ativan previously. It seems that the oxycodone liquid (1mg/1ml) giving 5ml's is working okay now. His on-going withdrawal symptoms are much the same as what you are mentioning here. We will titrate that much in the same way you did w/the Vicodin and hope for the best.

Oh Gary, I almost forgot, you had mentioned earlier that being so short term post tx that with Dan's resistance still being low, he should perhaps remain out the the public longer.....a valid point, but Dan has returned to work now (exec office position very similar to yours), and the emotional benefit, plus his good labs, just outweighed the risk, swaying both him and the medical team (I was the one that was a hard sell on that one).....so we'll keep our fingers crossed as we move forward. Thanks, and have a great evening!

Hi Karen,
Us Aussie's knew what you meant too, about the torch. I think it's those Americans who have things mixed up.....after all, they call a 'bum' a 'fanny'! eeeek. Taking the mickey out of you Mark!!...hope you know what that means! (chuckle)

Dan is no longer using any anti-anxiety meds. They did not give him Xanax, but Ativan previously. It seems that the oxycodone liquid (1mg/1ml) giving 5ml's is working okay now. His on-going withdrawal symptoms are much the same as what you are mentioning here. We will titrate that much in the same way you did w/the Vicodin and hope for the best.

Oh Gary, I almost forgot, you had mentioned earlier that being so short term post tx that with Dan's resistance still being low, he should perhaps remain out the the public longer.....a valid point, but Dan has returned to work now (exec office position very similar to yours), and the emotional benefit, plus his good labs, just outweighed the risk, swaying both him and the medical team (I was the one that was a hard sell on that one).....so we'll keep our fingers crossed as we move forward. Thanks, and have a great evening!