This is just going to be a quick post. Haven’t started the Low Dose Naltrexone because when titrating down off of narcotics (can’t be on both narcotics and LDN; it’ll kick me into withdrawal. Not fun.) it takes FOREVER. Doing it slowly is supposed to avoid the rebound pain that happens when you stop taking narcotics. However the lower the dose, the more the pain and the slower I moved. And because we were in the middle of moving (and the holidays, can’t forget that) I was constantly bumping up my dose just so John didn’t have to do all the moving himself. So I was getting nowhere really fast.
But now we’re moved in. The holidays are over (Is anyone as thrilled as I am about that? That’s a whole ‘nother post). I have nothing on the calendar for the next two weeks. Screw it, I’m going cold turkey.
I’ve done it before and it sucked. Oops, let me stop here and explain. Do you know the difference between addiction and dependency on narcotics? With addiction you take the drugs to get high. It’s, more or less, an emotional thing. Dependency is a physical thing. Your body starts expecting the drugs and when it doesn’t get them it throws a hissy fit (goes into withdrawal). There has to be a site that explains that much better than I just did, but I just wanted to make it clear. Me=physically dependent. NOT addicted. Just a pet peeve of mine.
So…if I post anything in the next week or two…take it with a grain of salt. 
I’ll be miserable for a bit. But once I’m off of them I can start taking the low dose Naltrexone. I’m hoping that helps with the endorphin issues that I mentioned previously as well as the pain. But we shall see…
Wish me luck!
Elizabeth C
January 2nd, 2010
It is amazing how much research you have done – I have been getting lost following all your informative links!
I really hope you find some relief and success with the LDN.
Kathy
January 2nd, 2010
I’ve been through pretty much every drug known to work on fibromyalgia (with the exception of Xyrem and Savella…they’re both new kids on the block. And expensive.)so I’ve got my fingers crossed about the LDN. It’s just a rough path from here to there…
Thank you for the encouragement!
Tracy
January 3rd, 2010
I hear ya on the physically dependent vs. addicted. I will keep following your LDN journey.
I cannot find anyone with MS on it. I wonder how different the effects will be.
I’m kind of nervous thinking I need to give up my pain meds for it. lol
hugz
Kathy
January 3rd, 2010
http://www.crystalsmstmldn.org is another site with a lot of info to sift through, but she can also guide you to a doctor that will prescribe if you chose. There’s also a PDF book called “Those Who Suffer Much Know Much” located here: http://www.ldnresearchtrustfiles.co.uk/docs/2009.pdf that lays out a lot of personal experiences.
Kathy
January 3rd, 2010
Tracy there’s a whole yahoo group out there with MS taking LDN. Want me to sic ‘em on ya? Kidding. But seriously, go here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lowdosenaltrexone/ just read.
Tracy
January 3rd, 2010
ty kathy, will go check it out!!
small town small times
January 4th, 2010
Holy smokes, cold turkey? Are you sure? OMG – I hope you are well. Write when you’re on the other side. I’ll be thinking of you.
teresa
January 4th, 2010
Good luck Madre! You know, we will have to celebrate when you come up here
I am starting to realize where I get my searching tenacity. In my last couple online classes I was providing links in almost every post. Then again it was my nutrition class…that woman…I love you very much. And this is going to be so much better for your body and your mind! Rock on Madre, and John w/o you, well geez there aren’t enough words. Thanks for being a kick ass partner to her, without you it would be like the Yogi with no Boo Boo.
Kathy
January 4th, 2010
“Bawk, bawk, bawk!” The sound of me chickening out and taking it just a little slower than anticipated. oh holy Toledo Batman…IT HURTS! But I’ve done this before, I can do it again. Just maybe not totally cold turkey this time.
I’m older and weaker than I was the last time around (maybe three years ago?) so I decided to titrate just a bit to hold off the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. Which prolongs the process but is probably safer in the long run. But I only have two weeks to get back on my feet. ARGH! Meanwhile there is no part of me that doesn’t feel like absolutely crap. But for whatever reason my brain is still working…
T, Yogi? Boo Boo? Seriously? So who’s the ranger who tries to keep us in line?!! You crack me up.
Keep working on your researching and reasoning skills, they’ll be useful no matter what you end up doing. For instance I want to know how you (for those of you reading this, Teresa whom I occasionally refer to as “T”, is in school to become a chef. Considering this child used to have some “baked potato with her cheese”
it totally amuses and amazes me…yet I think she will be a very good chef. Has to do with her personality and passion) manage to make meringues in Seattle in the winter when the humidity should just kill those puppies? How the heck do you do that? Save me some.
Okay back to bed. Owwwwww…..sheeze, enough already.