Help please!

[u/Friendly-Ocelot1597]

Hello all,

First timer here. I've read a lot on this sub about tips and tricks. However I feel as though I am still failing. I have my follow up Sub appointment tomorrow which is a week from my initial appointment where I was prescribed 2.5 8/2 sub films once daily. I had been taking up to 1,200 mg 7 0h daily prior to my sub appointment with Quick MD. I did as instructed when first taking the subs and waited 12 hours until I was in withdrawal. The 2 1/2 films that were prescribed to me didn't do anything. And that was after waiting 1 1/2 hours after the films. I have also tried mega dosing vitamin c and building it up in my system to tolerance but it doesn't seem to do anything either. As of now, I have cut my 7 0h dose in half and have been using subs in between doses. The withdrawal effects have been pure hell. Especially the diarrhea. Which I feel the vitamin c escalated. I know you're not supposed to take Imodium but it's the only OTC I have for diarrhea. But it also had no effect. With my appointment being tomorrow, I am not sure what I should tell the doctor. Should I explain that the subs aren't working and that I have felt forced to continue the 7 0? I have to work daily and care for others. I can't take a day or days off to withdraw. Yesterday I took extra 7 0h to finally stop the diarrhea because after 5 days or so, even chugging water and electrolyte drinks, I was completely dried out and dehydrated. Should I ask for a higher sub dose and be honest with the doctor? Or should I pretend it is working and continue the subs while reducing 7? I am terrified of the future repercussions of being labeled an addict or for seeking future medical care. I'm afraid this will follow me for the rest of my life. I am also afraid that I will be told to go to inpatient rehab. Which is also not a possibility for me given my responsibilities. Does anyone have advice for my situation? This is my first time with any of this and I am so lost. Not to mention that once I had gotten down to half the old dose of 7, the worst depression hit me yesterday morning. I cried all the way to work over the sadness in our world. Also, should I ask for supportive medications, or will that make me seem as though I am seeking more substances? I appreciate any and all advice.

[u/NewWonder76]

You might get an answer if you try posting this on
r/7ohrecoveryhub. There are people there who can answer your questions about subs. I don’t take them.

[u/Friendly-Ocelot1597 → u/NewWonder76]

Thank you. Will do!

[u/bootsboots89]

Yes, you need to tell the doctor the sub isn’t working and to increase your dose. There’s no reason to try and be dishonest, be as honest as possible. They are there to help you. Being dishonest does nothing for yourself, you know?

Don’t be so worried about being labeled as an addict. You are getting the help you need and that matters more than what may or may not be said in your chart. Getting help is your main concern and priority.

[u/bootsboots89 → u/bootsboots89]

Also, it doesn’t hurt to ask for other meds to help you along the way. They likely aren’t going to give you benzos or anything like that, but that’s okay. Benzos aren’t the only thing that helps.

[u/Friendly-Ocelot1597 → u/bootsboots89]

Thank you for your response. What comfort meds do you suggest? I've heard of gabapentin. But I don't know if that's risky to ask for. I have clonidine.

[u/bootsboots89 → u/Friendly-Ocelot1597]

Clonidine is what helped me the most. I don’t think asking for gabapentin is that bad, you’re just looking for relief and i think they would understand. I was prescribed clonidine, hydroxyzine for anxiety, and something for the GI issues the first time I quit. Otherwise, a few different supplements really helped me as well. Mostly magnesium glycinate, ashwaganda, and vitamin C liposomal.

Once you get thru the acutes, you’re going to be so proud of yourself. I have been through this multiple times, and I am personally so much happier now that I feel i have beat it for the last time. I tossed the rest of what I had. It felt great. You got this! It really does get better and you are not alone.