JTDuffet's Methadone Taper Thread

[OrangeLude]

JT - I think that's the ticket for you - slow down a bit - stabilize at the dose your at - let your body & your mind catch up so to speak...there will come i think - as it did for me - that time with each drop - though you may come up short for one or two mornings as you've experienced - my experience is that my body catches up to the dose and then the dose as low as it is getting, starts to knock me out again....i'm sure mileage varies among different metabolisms....

combo with your herb you should be fine... I keep a surplus of 'done drink & some wafers around for the proverbial rainy day - sort of like the junky mentality - if I have it I am safe - I don't have to use it just know its there.

Your morning anxiety - be cautious of tickling your fears of wd's into anxiety issues - I do that to myself - wake up in a panic - if I wiggle my toes and get into the moment it can become less anxious and less stressful...you sort of have to talk yourself down...make sense?

[JTDuffet]

Hey OL, thanks for the support again.. i have to say you are absolutely correct.. i def. need to slow things down a touch.. as it is getting a little tougher, a little longer in the recovery stage of the drops.. here it is sunday, and I am still adjusting to it.. and they plan to drop me again thur. 4 days from now. so yea, its going a little quick...

the good news is that although i was up late, i slept through the nite this time... woke up at 7:30am ish, got up hit the clinic and have been smoking non stop. on the way to the clinic smoked a bowl, and on the way home and since i was here. major goosebumps popping up.. the entire length of my arms.. up to the bicept area. i find rubbing it vigorously helps to warm the area...

thanks for the support... happy fathers day... and 1 more day until my D day for the job..

-jt

[OrangeLude]

totally cool bro - sorry that you're struggling on any level with the taper...remember to breathe (relax) when you start getting wound up...lots of fluids ...good fresh water to hydrate your body & system..lots of water definitely helps with BM/GI issues...amny kind of exercise - walk the dog twice - has huge benefits & if you like yogurt start eating it.....

remember that tapering/kicking is not a race with anyone else or with yourself...there is no point in getting someplace quicker if the foundation of getting there is weaker than it could be just by slowing down...

Is Monday the day you walk in to a new job? I definitely would want stability in a new work environment & to reiterate that baby/stability is going to arrive if you give you body the time it needs to adjust....

Flip side of the coin - if you continue to feel uncomfortable & it is occupying your thinking to the degree that its stopping you from working I would consider as an option a temporary increase in your dose...small 3-5mg's - and find stability there as you begin the new job and from there take a couple of weeks to stabilize...then pick up the taper slowly and see how adjustments feel....

It's really tough to be in minor WD's or that "I'm about to feel uncomfortable" internal dialogue...AND try to focus on the needs of a new work environment...with that I'm suggesting the option of using the tools in front of you for stability....

It's an option in your arsenal of tools for this kick...not for procrastinating but for genuinely finding comfort so that you can function in a new job situation with some comfort.

On a personal note - although disappointed the Mets lost today, my boy had a great time at the New Yankee Stadium and for an 8 yo to see a grand slam and to call the HR on the pitch was the thrill of the game for us.

Been having a good day...keeping the boy for the night & taking him to school in the AM. From there....its clinic visit for TH's - tomorrow is a drop day too...going fr 24 to 22... keeping hopes for the best all around.

Peace
OL

[JTDuffet]

22!!.. awesome... i guess it happens quicker than you realize... sounds good tho.. im doing a little better today.. i almost felt a little sedation from my dose today, so i think i finally stabilized on it. i did feel a little anxious going to my dads, but its not the most relaxing visit... not like going to see my mom, where we bust out the bongs and burn up... my dad visits are sober events. unless your a drinker. in that case you could drink. i don't drink, so it isn't an option for me.. so i did manage to smoke a little before i got there, and of course on the ride home, and now into the evening..

for tomorrow, its the int, so if it goes well, i will know...and will let you know.. and others..

-jt

[JTDuffet]

Well, the good news is that things are going very good on the work front. i had an int today with a company and so far it seems that they really liked me a lot. i was charismatic (i think anyway) and for the most part was not nervous once i got going. they are going to call back again soon, and talk to the hiring company, etc. and get me in there for wed i think for a face to face. so now its just doing the test for the recruiting company, then another for the hiring company. never heard of having to take 2 tests, but so be it. i got 2 bottles on hand... and my mom said i f i need more to let her know and she will get me some more fresh...

so, going really well for me. and should be back to work soon again.. im also glad I am getting off the done, and especially got off the H.. i was not being a very good employee when i would spend the entire monday nodding off... then tuesday trying to make up for it. i would ask, and be told i was not wokring efficiently, and too slow many times. and i would deny this.. but its true, and thats why.. this time i want to be clear headed and grow with this company.. they are already going to be paying me A LOT of money for the work.. so, i want to give them 110%...

-jt

[JTDuffet]

also wanted to update this one a little also.. hi all, doing well. i requested to stay on a dose of 45 since i had some work related meetings to deal with on thursday and i didn't want to feel a reduction in dose that day.. now im stuck there at 45 until i speak to a doctor again. probably next week sometime..

anyway... hanging in there, and put some details on orangeLudes thread about myself, as we are using both threads to provide updates of the drops.. and also, if anyone else is dropping, or wants to comment, feel free to..

1 more thing... today i managed to unload and dispose of a another large bag of used rigs. at this rate i will have them all disposed of in about 2-3 weeks from now.. which is great news.. i had 2000+ used ones in 2.5 paper bags jammed full to the top... now, 3/4 of 1 bag left and getting rid of them every couple days...

1 more thing. since my post count just broke 500, i am now no longer a junky, but a jr. opiophile... YAY!!!

-jt

[Opiofreq]

also wanted to update this one a little also.. hi all, doing well. i requested to stay on a dose of 45 since i had some work related meetings to deal with on thursday and i didn't want to feel a reduction in dose that day.. now im stuck there at 45 until i speak to a doctor again. probably next week sometime..
anyway... hanging in there, and put some details on orangeLudes thread about myself, as we are using both threads to provide updates of the drops.. and also, if anyone else is dropping, or wants to comment, feel free to..
1 more thing... today i managed to unload and dispose of a another large bag of used rigs. at this rate i will have them all disposed of in about 2-3 weeks from now.. which is great news.. i had 2000+ used ones in 2.5 paper bags jammed full to the top... now, 3/4 of 1 bag left and getting rid of them every couple days...
1 more thing. since my post count just broke 500,i am now no longer a junky, but a jr. opiophile... YAY!!!
-jt

Erm...still a junky kind sir I do believe

[OrangeLude]

keep posting bro. Happy Saturday. Hope you're feeling OK. The job news is so positive - a couple of good urines and you're home or away from home on the job.

Me and the boy are sunnin & funnin.

[JTDuffet]

thanks for the kind words and the support.... as always.. im doing good. the 45 is now making me feel a little sedated from it, so i know i am good to start dropping a little more.. probably will take the last 5 drop to 40, then come up with the new schedule for the drop again....

as for the job thing.. i have been working the temps to see how long the urine will last at temperature, so that there will be no goofs here... here is my current table of tests i have done...

Sample number / time in microwave on high / amount of time it took to cool down / final temp of sample
1 10 2 92
2 15 11 94
3 20 32 96
4 20 35 96
5 25 45 96
6 25 43 94
7 25 33 92
8 25 55 92
9 25 50 94
10 30 55 94
11 30 50 94
12 35 74 92
13 35 70 93
14 40 60 96
15 45 66 94

so, i have a good range to work with depending on where the place is, based on mapquesting
the location and the drive, plus 15 minutes max wait in the office before the sample is taken...

sounds like you had a lot of fun at the park yesterday... probably exhausted too. hot.. humid.. running around like crazy.. still sounded like a lot of fun...

thanks OPifreq for the support there.. glad to know I can count on my opio friends to tell it like it is...

-jt

[Restharrow]

Good progress and a good read JTD! Keep it up and keep your eye on the prize.

I would have checked in just for support, but I have been tied up last couple of months with family problems.

I was only on methadone a short while, but I was glad to get off. It was for pain and had too many side effects.

Good luck with it!

Will

[OrangeLude]

JT - got you in my thoughts & prayers - hope its all manageable today.

I have some whining to do but will find the correct forum for my BS. Stay cool & we'll burn one later.

[Dhedmo]

Good going JT.

[JTDuffet]

im gonna say GOD DAMMIT!!! i just called the clinic and tried to schedule an appt for another dose drop with the Dr. well, he had said to schedule with him a month ago etc, but i waited like a moron.. yea i said it.. a real moron this time... my next available appointment with the doctor is july 14th!!! jesus christ... now i have to sit for the next 2 weeks at 45 regardless... just pisses me off...

im gonna call them back and ask about possible cancellations and walk in options.. just cause i don't want to wait.. ugh.. sorry for venting, but its just bad news for me.. i really wanted to start dropping again, as i feel like i am not making progress... and this dose is already sedating me a little again as it is... any suggestions? words of encouragement? or calming words are welcome... arrrgh

-jt

[hovadagod]

Use hand warmers to keep urine warm.

Just google Ski handwarmers so I don't have to post a source.

[JTDuffet]

This is what i am using to run my tests... when its time to take the real urine in, i will be using the same bottle, so the temps should decay at the same or approx. time periods...

please ignore the bowl in the sideground.. not the best way to advertise my drug testing details while sitting right there is a packed bowl of goodness.. makes me almost LOL..

-jt

[Pointy]

break down and buy a thermometer , preferably digital but not a necessity. Use a thermos full of hot water to get the pee to the right temp(right around 100 degrees F.) do this just outside the testing facility then use the warmers to keep it at the right temp. the last thing you need is 102 degree pee .

this is what has worked for me

[JTDuffet]

Well, i posted this in the other taper thread that OL has going, but figured i needed to add it here. today was another great day for me. i pulled the i am sedated from my dose at the clinic, and sure enough they dropped me another 5 today.. so officially, i am now on 40 MG a day of methadone... and i am siked.. i know. crazy.. happy that I am going down.. but this stuff has to end.. i am looking forward to the day i can wake up in the morning, and not feel anxious, sick, panicky, and need to get a dose in me ASAP.. when i can pack up a nice ounce of killer buds and go to the beach for a week... and be able to not worry about being or getting sick... hate it.. its been nearly 4 months now without using anything but weed and the done, and i hardly ever think about using H. never actually.. no more drug dreams, not more thinking of needles, etc. just doing really good.. feeling like my old self again, the weed smoking herb guru... same thing i told my counselor.. whom i will be seeing this friday. I want to get back to my old self. return to who i really am again.. etc, and she seemed to think i was full of it, but as time goes on, she sees I am doing exactly what i said i would be doing... and is now going along with the program...

so, i am on 40 now, and when i see her, and my dr in 2 weeks i will be making the plans to drop from 40 down to 25 ish.. 3-5 per week still... then slow it down...

thanks all for your support... i appreciate it..

-jtd

[OrangeLude]

yup - I'm real glad you got the drop you wanted...combo of things - keeps you in the flo of where you want to go.
You're head is very eager - make sure to take care of your body too - eat drink really well...add proteins, fibers, lots of water, lots of water to your daily regimen. Keep a place for physical activiity and imho get your rocks off - build the ability to create natural endorphins as you rid the body of the chemicals that have been doing it for so long...
GI care is real important & yogurts with probiotoics do a lot to help that process.
I'm with ya bro - the 'done/mmt did its work & its done - perhaps I'll knock at its door again some day but not if I have my way.

xo
OL

[JTDuffet]

also, here is an update on the methadone taper... i've put in the request with my counselor for the next series of drops.... i am currently on 40, and have been for 3-4 days now and so far so good.. so today when i saw my counselor, she asked if i wanted to continue.. she also asked what i perceived to be when i would get off the clinic... and i said september.. ish, wihch i think is about right.. anyway.. here are the details..

since i am on 40.. i asked for 3 more drops at 5mg per drop.. so that will be next thursday will be 35, then 30, then 25.. at that point, i will need to slow it down.. but i will be seeing the counselor by that time again to make future decisions, but for now, i will focus on the 3 drops i have coming up..

im also blasting out the studying/reviewing for a possible job opp coming up next week.. first interview will be a prelim interview with a recruiter and the team to deteremine my worthyness for the next level.. but its a great job, better than the one i just wrapped up.. so fingers crossed!!! and ill will be busy studying the next couple days.. and i mean studying. i got about 1000+ pages to read for 1 book, doing a complete video coarse on it, and reviewing older material in 3 days. yea, i know crazy.. but its keeping me busy and mentally active too...

-jt

[OrangeLude]

good stuff JT. Keep the drops coming so long as your body is following & you don't have to much push back from your own system. For me - I haven't chipped on each drop but if I chip on or around a drop - it doesn't seem to set me back as much as it helps me transit to a lower dose...go figure.

Sound slike you have solid plans for your weekend & 'tis a good thing to have plans. *am Saturday and the day is a blank canvas. I have SUnday/Monday planned...today is bowls & beach or bike.... plus relaxation.

[JTDuffet]

YUP!!!. study study study.. im reading exchange 2003 book from microsoft press, doing the CTB nuggets for exchange 2007, and setting up virtual machine labs for each product. Also refreshing my active directory skills again, so that when i have the interview i can really talk the talk. this job will be a killer position if i get it. lots of responsibility, and getting my hands on some key critical systems... LOVE IT!!!! i love to get my fingers on everything I can find computer or hardware related..

OL, thanks for the support, and to the rest of the gang.. thanks!!!!

been smoking since i got up.. the new babies are doing great also.. coming along... ill take some fresh pics and post them up later. need to get back to the sudying, and off OP!!!

-jt

[JTDuffet]

well, the studying paid off. i had the interview today with the recruiting company and they were excited and seemed to think i would get this job.. they said in a few days they will schedule to meet the mgr at their office if he is interested. so, making some progress. the studying has gone very well also.. got done with 11 of the video chapers, 4 chapers of another book, and 3-4 chapers from another.. spent about 40+ hours studying this long weekend away... but thats a good thing.. kept the mind busy, and will land me a good job soon...

anyway... doing good on the 40.. i should be getting the drop to 35 on thursday if it goes through, but we shall see.. take care all. hang in there.. and enjoy the nice weather. its a good time to be kicking... rather than the cold winter that is...

-jt

[JTDuffet]

dang this needs some updates.. i had another job interview on friday and it went so so. its a little over my head on that one, but i am still going to keep my fingers crossed until monday or tue, when i hear back from the recruiters with the word on whether i get the third round of interviews... and if not, i have another one lined up with another company this upcoming week. and its going to be another HOT HOT day again.. sucks for me, as I don't like, nor do well in the heat.. and its been tough going to interviews dressed in a suit with summer heat blasting me away.. my ac aint working either until i shell out some cash and get a new compr.

so, thats about it. chilling on 35 mgs of done.. and doing ok. im really sober.. and feeling feelings and emotions right now.. sometimes feeling a bit crabby.. but overall not sick.. so thats good. this week i will get the drop to 30, and see how i do.. then 25.. then keep it going i guess.. for now.. 35 and counting..

-jt

[JTDuffet]

Hey all, doing ok. the job hunt is still on going.. as for the done, tomorrow morning i will be getting the drop again to 30 mgs.. which is fine. today I almost felt sedated once the end of the day came. plus im trying to get up early and go to bed early again. it didn't take too long before I was falling asleep at 1:30am and getting up at 9am ish.. so, need to start going to be by eleven, getting up at 7 again...

thats about it... hanging in there.. and doing ok.. still smoking mad bowls. i am hoping to score a 1/2 z of some killer buds tomorrow or friday, so once i get it, i will post some pics up on the herb threads..

-jt

[OrangeLude]

JT - man you're doing great - seems like yesterday - and here you're hitting 30mgs...

Happy for you - as much as you're getting hit with emotions - I know I am for lots of reasons - I hope you get some perk back as well.

I realized today - I had a long day in the city - that I hadn't had a cup of coffee from 9am until 7pm - i had a headache & was feeling icchy - it wa sonly the cafeine deficiency - I was on 15mgs of done and falling asleep on train home - I drank the rest of my dose when I got home and am hitting the ZZZZzzzz now....my next drop day is Friday. Move to 18mgs.

Will see bud boy on Friday as things needed to be biz only today.

Keep on keepin on and watch for any additonal cravings in your new zone....

[JTDuffet]

my friend came up this morning and picked up some dough ray me for the 1/2 later today. basically i gave him 160 and he is going to toss in 40, and we will try and get something like 22-23 grams for 200 bucks.. and most of it will be mine.. it will also be more than 1 type i believe, and could be as many as 3... so, as i said, once i have it in my hands i will post the pictures up on the herb threads...

as for the drop today, i got it, and am now officially on 30mgs.. feeling fine with it still.. its still holding me all day and nite,,, wake up a little shitty at 6-7am, but thats normal, and was happening since 90mgs/day...

my metabolism is so strong and rapid that it eats through the done every day.. which is also probably the reason that I was getting sedation and nodding on a daily basis... but who knows.. no way we can do any science on that at this point as i am already on a low dose now, and seems pointless for medical staff to do something like that just so I know if my metabolism is fast.. im not asking for split doses. im asking for no doses. well, good luck there OL. your kicking ass. making great progress.. and Dolo. power of example!

thanks all...

-jt

[JTDuffet]

break down and buy a thermometer , preferably digital but not a necessity. Use a thermos full of hot water to get the pee to the right temp(right around 100 degrees F.) do this just outside the testing facility then use the warmers to keep it at the right temp. the last thing you need is 102 degree pee .

this is what has worked for me

\

Well, we might have to do just that after all.. hey guys, after all the hemming and hawwing about having to take a test, then the job falls through and i wasn't the chosen candidate. well, nearly 4 weeks later i get a call back and turns out out of the several more people they have interviewed since that time, i am still their top candidate and asked to see if I was still available.. so now, i have to get ready and take a test for that job since its pretty much a done deal.. !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! as long as I can past the test that is...

anyway. thanks for the support people.. and mark my words. now that this job has panned out, the second one i have been interviewing for, which again i was told a no go on, they will change their mine, and i will be posting about having to CHOOSE which company i want to work for..

just a prediction at this juncture...

-jt

[OrangeLude]

fantastic bro. keep up your good work & happy friday ahead.

I'll meet bud boy after the clinic in the AM tomorrow - I'll have a fresh zip maybe two of some exotic - will post over in herb thread.
tomorrow is a drop day for me and I'll make some comments on my general state of mind in my thread...
the work world is still a bit sucky, I won't make any changes until August at least.
In the meantime I am working through a huge, massive, OCD type collection of designer clothing that I'll be moving through eBay...my brother's illness & addictive personality manifested itself beyond drugs and into other behaviors...to look at & sort through what he possessed 3 months after his passing is an awesome experience... there is an income for his wife & daughter, reasonable consignment share for me...a bunch of work and a bit of hobby too...I have fun w eBay.

Apology for the hi jack ... peace out.

[JTDuffet]

NO problem at all.. this place has picked up a fraction lately, so for that I am glad. my friend fell through today on the exostics for me also, but he spoke to the guy.. he was just not back from his vacation, so he said tomorrow for sure.. so, when i get that tomorrow evening, i will also post some pictures up.. i expect it to be good.. and I am sure hoping for some nice tasties...

the garden is also doing very well. my friend has finally stopped complaining that they are not growing and now is saying everytime he sees them that they have gotten bigger. i will post some pics once i yank them from the camera..

and like i said. it looks like the job i first interviewed for in june has come back.. they have already told the recruiter that they have OK the hiring of me. so now he is finding out if its ok to start the background checks and of course the test thingy.. then back to work. and this is the killer contract job.. with overtime options, so i am siked..

and again, watch as i said. this other job that I was fighting hard for will come around and give me another shot too.. they liked me a lot.. but i didn't get the job.. anyway. have a good one..

today is my first drop on 30.. so i will see how well i do tomorrow also.. and good luck with the 18. NICE!!!

edit: i did make some bubble hash a few days ago, so i am smoking on that besides the rest of my personal stash from the last harvest..

-jt

[JTDuffet]

I just came back from a local restaurant that is selling these lobster sandwiches.. mmm mmm good. but definitely expensive as all hell..

just enjoyed a full sandwich. ate half there, and am nibbling on teh rest here at home.. im a little stuffed, so i will probably save the rest for later. or take the rest of the meat out, warm up some butters.. and dip away.. however it will be good.

other than that, waiting patiently for the herbs to arrive today.. they sure as hell BETTER... i've been siking myself up for it all day.. and yesterday was a bust on the herbs.. so its been almost 2 days waiting it out... so hoping.. and hoping its some of the best ever...

as for that. chilling at home.. i gave my mom the empty piss bottles back, and she is coordinating the refilling of them with clean urines. Her boyfriends youngest son has agreed again to piss in the measuring cup so it can be divided into the mini 2oz bottles... and back to prepping the temps and the times again, since its almost really P-day... for realz...

-jt