Originally Posted by Franny

Hi,
Well this is my first posting and I have to say I am Sooooo glad I have a support group to "talk" with. As you all know, if people aren`t where we are they have have NO idea! As far as opiate withdrawl, my RSD started with a tendon tear in my arm. I was going to see a neurologist. (Dr. number two.) He didn`t know what to do for me after tests and trying all kinds of medications, (he knew NOTHING about RSD) so I was given to his new partner. So my third Dr. who was supposed to be a neurologist and specialized in pain management (he also new nothing about RSD but lied and said he did) decided I should have another MRI to see if the tendon tear had healed because he didn`t think my symptoms or pain was really RSD. So I should have the MRI and then go to see an orthopedic Dr. he recommended. He told me to STOP taking my pain medications including the 20mg of oxycontin 3 times a day. Well, a few days later I started getting sick and I thought I was getting a cold, flu something. I was so achey, chills, sweating! Yikes it was horrible! I had no idea what was going on! I felt so bad I never felt so sick in my life. I went through three days of HELL! I couldn`t even get off of the couch. Finally my son asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital and I was so desperate I said yes. Well, it was then I found out I was going through withdrawl. They helped me at the hospital with an IV and said go home, start the Oxycontin again and follow up with my Dr. When I went back (I had a few words for him!) for my scheduled appointment, I wasn`t on the books! They couldn`t find my file either! Funny wasn`t it? I told them I wanted my medical records immediately and ended up at a pain management center where I am now. Bottom line on withdrawl. I found it to be HELL. There has to be a way to where the dosage can be gradually cut down so the body can eventually live without it. I sure hope so! I will be hoping to read others experiences and good luck to you.
Sorry to be so long! I tend to babble! I think it`s the medications! LOL!