United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I've just started methadone treatment after 22 years of pain.

I was posting on the other topic but thought I'd start my own in case others are thinking about it.

So here we go.

Day 3: less euphoria but nose still itches.

The sharp edge of the pain is dulled, so I'm not gritting my teeth.

Slept better again. That is 2 nights in row. A record.

On 5 mg. Will increase dose tomorrow to see if we can take off more of the edge.

No upset stomach, not too drowsy. Can work ok.

Day 4

Up to 8 mg today. A bit of euphoria for a few hours after and I was chattier than normal. Pushed the pain back a bit farther. There is still a long ways to go but I'm more hopeful every day. Actually felt "light hearted" today as if the weight of the pain has lightened.

Slept good again last night and that is a big bonus. Makes the day pain easier to handle.

See the doc on Monday and will probably up the dose again.

I wonder how far we can take this . . .

Day 5

2nd day of 8mg. Less of a buzz. Slept well again. Pain ok, but Friday pain still made its way through. Not as bad or as long.

Kieth, I'm 44, 180 cm, and 85 kg. I amputated the arm 20 years ago. The pain has always been there but got a lot worse 2 years ago after some spinal surgery.

Tried all the drugs, hypnosis, chiropractor, nerve block, etc.

I think this going to work. My spirits are better than they have been for a long time. I'm sleeping and that helps a lot.

H

Day 6

Had the dose a little earlier today as the clinic is only open in the mornings on the weekend. Spent a chatty afternoon.

Slept good again and am spending the day feeling a lot lighter in spirit than I have for a long time. I don't know if it is the drug or the sleep or the lack of pain or all of the above, but it feels good to do things without having to concentrate through a haze of pain.

Pain is still there but the sharpness is generally gone. It will take some increases before it hits a level I am satisfied with, but going well.

Nose still itchy, a few hot flashes, and I'm urinating more than normal.

At the gym yesterday, I doubled my normal cardio time on the stairmaster and bike. MMM...

Monday I'll see the doc again. They take some blood for some analysis and the dose will be upped.
Thanks for the feedback re. this post. I'll keep going as long as necessary.

Day 7

Just coasting. Buzz effect minimal. Pain still hanging on and having bad moments. But not nearly as many and overall doing better.

Had two naps today.

Spoke to a nurse yesterday who said that serious junkies use up to 185 mg a day. Makes my 8 seem insignificant.

Uneventful, but do feel like I'm coming out of a long bad time.

Lost 1.5 kg this week. Probably from not drinking and more energy.

Days 8-9

Went to 11 mg Monday. Again the buzz for a few hours but nothing that impedes life/work.

Monday was an unsettled weather day. High and low pressure systems rapidly changing would leave me half baked on vodka on the couch trying not to move.

Instead, I worked, went to the gym, played with my kids, and went to bed at 11. Slept like a baby.

The pain was/is still there, but it is buffered and the pain is dulled.

I starting to think that I'm getting some life back.

Day 10

Different day, same results.

All is well. I get the dose around noon, on my lunch. By 9 am the next day, it has worn off. Now, mornings were/are generally the best time while non medicated, but now that the pain is under some level of control, I can really notice the elevation in the morning.

Once the dosage is stabilized, I may try twice a day, morning and night, to get full coverage.

Will see the doc again on Monday. Taking blood today to check for toxicity. High dosages can effect testosterone, but that usually occurs around 80 mg. I'm a long way from that yet.

H

Day 13

Stiil the same. Sleeping well, feeling very rested and lots of energy. Working out more and finishing a lot of house projects that have been sitting for a while.

Going to up it again tomorrow but may leave it at that. I'm happy the way it is right now. I doubt if the pain will ever be completely gone and that's ok.

I want give myself lots of room to increase the dosage as I start needing more.

Bloodwork tomorrow. I'll share results as soon as I get them.

H

btw. I just discovered my email address has been out for months. I'll see if I can fix it tomorrow. My apologies for not responding.

Day 17

14 mg. Things stable. Sleeping well.

Might stay here for a while.

Had blood taken Looking for hep, hiv, testosterone, and a bunch of other stuff.

Looking forward to taken it home. Tired of the clinic and the junkies.

Day 21

Split the dose. 7 mgs in the morning and 7 at night. Am taking it home now.

I'm going to stay at this dose for a while.

The pain is not gone but it is under control. I am sleeping, working without distraction, and feeling better than I have for years.

I'll post once in a while, if anything new or interesting happens.

Henry