hi squelchie, sorry to hear of your predicament.

The symptoms you described are classic withdrawal syptoms. The thing with withdrawals is that it affects everyone differently. It took me a month to feel 'normal-ish' after tapering off 60ml of methadone (the taper was a slow gradual one). There are a number of things you can do to alleviate some of these symptoms.

1. Drink plenty of water (tonic water also contains Quinine which is said to help with cramps.
2. Bananas are a good source of potassium which is also apparently good for the leg cramps
3. Hot Baths - esp before bed (if you have any lavender oil - add it to the bath as it is said to aid sleep)
4. Hot water bottles for the aching leg cramps.
5. Light exercise will tire your legs out & release endorphins which will help with the pain relief (i think)

It does get easier tho - its a day by day process. I appreciate your situation too, its tough trying to be the 'family man/woman' when you feel like you've been hit by a truck load of wrenches.
How much methadone were you on btw?

i hope this helps

keep us posted

yoss

keep on keepin on

Thank you for your support and advice, Yoss!

I was taking 80 mg of Methadone in January and started weaning down in February...I'd cut myself down 20 mg. every 2 weeks until I was at 40 mg. and then I'd go down 10 mg. every 2 weeks.

My biggest problem now is the Dilaudid...I'm given 4 mg. pills and I've been taking 4 pills/day (at one time) just to get rid of the WD's. The doctor who is still prescribing this medication is also an acupuncturist...she's originally from Korea and I have a very hard time communicating to her the problems that I'm experiencing.
My "regular" doctor is young and has never dealt with anything like this so I'm waiting for a call back from my psychiatrist. I don't know where else to turn for medical advice.
I just wanna get off all of these meds and feel good. I guess because I was gradually coming off of the Methadone...I just didn't expect WD's...no one told me that this could happen.
My original pain management doctor who started me on all of these meds left his practice and moved to Florida so I can't very well call him.

I'm really at a loss...however, I will try the things that you suggested to alleviate some of my symptoms.

Thanks so much!
Cara

[QUOTE=Yossarian22;3547840]hi squelchie, sorry to hear of your predicament.

The symptoms you described are classic withdrawal syptoms. The thing with withdrawals is that it affects everyone differently. It took me a month to feel 'normal-ish' after tapering off 60ml of methadone (the taper was a slow gradual one). There are a number of things you can do to alleviate some of these symptoms.

1. Drink plenty of water (tonic water also contains Quinine which is said to help with cramps.
2. Bananas are a good source of potassium which is also apparently good for the leg cramps
3. Hot Baths - esp before bed (if you have any lavender oil - add it to the bath as it is said to aid sleep)
4. Hot water bottles for the aching leg cramps.
5. Light exercise will tire your legs out & release endorphins which will help with the pain relief (i think)

It does get easier tho - its a day by day process. I appreciate your situation too, its tough trying to be the 'family man/woman' when you feel like you've been hit by a truck load of wrenches.
How much methadone were you on btw?

i hope this helps

keep us posted

yoss

keep on keepin on