Day 10-11 Notes - Insomnia, Aches, Malaise

[JohnnyRocket]

Just thought I pop up a quick post to perhaps give an insight to others struggling to withdraw from heavy opiate usage (and making the foolish mistake of going it alone). I'm still making it but today was VERY difficult. 2 weeks ago I thought by day 10 I'd be "almost clean" - hah, I knew better - had read a million things, but I just had it in my mind that things would be easier now - so deceiving....

I'm taking meticulous notes that I'll post when I'm further along. Actually, not posting them and continuing to gather them is kind of keeping me going.

I was prepared for the initial physical symptoms. I also knew my mind would play tricks on me to "just use a little" to get over the hump. But I've tried that and failed sooooo many times...

I was not prepared for the long term insomnia/fidgets.
I was not prepared for the FOGGY thoughts. I look for things that are right in front of me. I put things back in weird spots. I get lost when driving routine routes.

I have literally almost chewed my lips off???? They are cracked and brittle and bleeding from me chewing on them. All this pent up craziness.

The leg cramps, muscle aches are much more real than I believed they would be. I wake up (if i'm lucky enough to sleep) limping each day. Gradually it gets better throughout the day.

I am also falling victim these last couple days to malaise or quasi boredom. I haven't felt the mania (which was almost nice since about day 7 or 8). These last few days have been totally hum drum - lack of energy - depressing outlook - etc...

I have a basketball hoop outside my home. I never used it much. Now, one of my outlets is to just go out there and shoot the basketball. Mind numbing but it keeps me moving and is even easier than walking because there is the periodic stop-set-shoot-walk-to-basket that breaks up the routine.

Anyway, I had hoped to post a more energetic and informative post when I started, but I think it is all just coming out flat. Hopefully, sleep will come tonight.....

[TiredMama]

Hang in there J!

[ccgirl2]

Johnny, well, you know, the sleep and malaise are the hardest ones to beat. That's been my experience. You know, I need to get a basketball hoop. I always liked that and it is exercise. Thanks, you gave me a great idea.

If you don't mind my asking, how long and how much did you use? Do you think that's why some of the stuff is lingering?

Hang in there!

[windysan]

If you are at Day 10 then going back to dope would be really moronic.

[bvaljalo]

Perfect time 2 start hitting some meetings my friend. None of us has to do it alone.

Keep up the good work, every day is gonna get better (or at least, not worse) from here on out. Yeah, some symptoms can linger a while, no doubt. But they too shall pass, have faith, be patient, don't use, and it will happen. I couldn't sleep without help for a month myself. But it was so nice not being a slave anymore, and having the worst part OVER with that it really didn't bug me that much.

And don't worry about how your posts come out, we aren't relying on you to entertain us or anything

[Jane63]

Johnny...I didn't feel good for several weeks after detoxing from Opiates but I kept at it and never gave up (even when I wanted to!) and soon I began to feel better, energy returned and alot of the WD symptoms went away!

Shooting hoops is a great way to get your mind/body back in shape! I still go out and shoot around by myself sometimes and it always makes me feel better! Brisk walks also help greatly!
In early recovery I couldn't hardly even sign my name and writing was a real task! I worked crossword puzzles, word finds and played games online to help increase my brain/eye coordination. I also rented up-beat movies and funny stuff and treated myself to a chocolate bar now and then! You'd be amazed what laughing at a funny movie and eating some chocolate can do for the spirits!!
Hang in there!
Jane