Oh Beth, the very idea of cold turkey ran a shiver down my spine. I think I've seen Dr B suggest cold turkey at this dosage but I honestly don't have the strength to do that. When I think how long it took me to build up the courage to start the taper.......
Anyways, today I start to drop the 1pm dose of Ropinerole. That takes me down to 1mg daily. Some folks may think that would have been too slow a taper for them, coming down from the 5mg daily, but so far for me it's been do-able as far as symptoms go.
How long have you been suffering without much sleep?
Sleep was poor before starting Ropinerole because I can recall 'borrowing' some sleeping pills from a friend when I went on holiday and stayed with friends - not wanting to walk the floors if possible. That was 15 years ago UK to Arkansas. While in USA DH saw a tv advert for Ropinerole and I went to GP when I got home.
So, Ropinerole was started about 15 years ago. Just after I moved in permanently with soon to be DH. This was when the definite out of bed during the night scenario really started because I also went from some-shared-overnights to permanently living together, and was trying not to disturb DH by staying in bed and fighting it.
Best nights at present are about 2 hours sleep, up for two hours, back to sleep for 3 hours. I went through a wee spell where I was really angry and sorry for myself and hating the nights so much. At present it's a case of accepting this is how it is. Wake up and get up. No point feeling sorry for myself, walk while reading if necessary, sit and read if ok. Eventually go back hopefully for about 3 further hours, sometimes fractured.
My stance with this Ropinerole taper has been one step at a time, it will be a real buzz when the next step takes me below the 1mg level.
I've no idea how my (new) GP will approach me needing to up the Codeine or change to a stronger opioid as the Ropinerole goes down. Foundation information will definitely be produced.
So sorry that this post has developed into an essay..... what would I do without all of you.
Marie - it is so frustrating to read that your doctor is suggesting you should up your dosage from 1.25 to 2mg. That is crazy.
If you are showing leaflefts that discuss Augmentation with relevant highlights how can she not get to grips with this. She has to have some sense if she managed to qualify as a doctor. It sounds as though she is just not ------- I can't find a suitabl word !!
And as for not being willing to refer you to Dr Pawluck...... I am speechless. What is her reluctance.
Please find another doctor. Beth's post is spot on.