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Posted: October 12, 2016, 11:27 AM
I began taking hydrocodone 5/325 about 10 years for legitimate pain (about 8 a day). Of course I became dependent then addicted, getting multiple scripts from multiple docs (PC, specialists, dentist, ER). Any way, I tapered off. Did this on my own. None of my docs realized I had a problem and I want to keep it that way. I am also a recovering alcoholic with 5 years of sobriety.
Took last dose 6 weeks ago. The immediate physical symptoms weren't good but not as bad as I imagined and pretty much only lasted the first week. The emotional symptoms however, were awful - mood swings, anxiety, irritability, anxiety, confusion, anxiety, difficulty thinking, sleep disturbances,,, these seem to be getting a little better finally. My concern is I'm now looking at surgery and concerned about pain medication. Clearly im going to need it, and I'm totally prepared to use it judiciously but how soon after getting off this, is it safe to take it again - as prescribed? Will I need to withdraw again after short term use? Does anyone have experience with taking needed pain medication during life after withdrawal? | ||
Posts: 1906
Joined: October 23, 2011
Posted: October 12, 2016, 6:02 PM
I would talk to my sponsor and the oldtimers in your group.
The most important person to talk to is your doctor - get honest. All the best. Bob R -------------------- Serenity Prayer God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. Free copy of AA's Big Book on-line: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoh...olics-anonymous Free copy of NA's Big Book on-line: Copy & Paste coastalcarolinaarea.org/literature/books/b_t.pdf AA's HOW IT WORKS: Copy & paste www.aa.org/assets/en_US/p-10_howitworks.pdf NA's HOW IT WORKS: http://www.na.org/admin/include/spa...0it%20Works.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------- --- driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity. ---there are those too who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest. ... I need AA more than it needs me. --- I fight recovery tooth and nail.... I'm not used to being sane, it just doesn't seem natural. ...... According to the great spiritual teachers, ignorance does not result from what we don’t know; ignorance results from what we think we do know. ---Some think that 2+2=5 and believe it. Some know that 2+2=4 and can't stand it. --- I didn't have a very happy childhood but I sure am having a long one ! ---Dry since 1989 working daily on getting/staying SOBER. ---If you want to drink, that's your business ...If you want to quit, that's AA's business. ... Tell me, I'll forget; ... Show me, I'll remember; ... Engage me, I'll understand. ---Most problems are psychological. Most solutions are spiritual . "If we try to change our ego with the help of our ego, we only have a better-disguised ego." --Richard Rohr WWBWD (What Would Bill W. Do) | ||
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Posted: October 13, 2016, 3:23 PM
Thanks. I'm still however wanting to hear from folks who successfully quit and withdrew from opiates and now need them for a short medical reason. How/when is it safe? Will I face withdrawal the need to withdraw again? Have you had success with this process.
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Posted: December 21, 2016, 10:58 PM
If you look up the board, you will see that I went through a very similar situation. My problem is my metabolism. I can be on a 10 day course of any opiate, take them exactly as prescribed, and have two weeks of withdrawals as though I was abusing.
The best piece of advice I can give you is to talk to the surgeon beforehand. Explain your past with these medications. Express your concerns. They may be able to offer you a non habit forming alternative. If not, then start taking the prescription as soon as you get it, and ONLY as much as is directed. Staying ahead of your body and brain's pain signals will go a long way towards keeping dependency down once you are done with them. Lastly, research healing times for your procedure. If the average healing time is a month, then start spreading out your doses after a week of following the SIG, or directions. If you are taking every 6 hours, go to every 8 and see how you feel, ONLY regarding the pain. And truly the pain from the surgery, not the WDs. After a few days, gap to every 12, and follow above directions. Right season and repeated until you either have no pain, or have reached the end of the being time. Having someone on your team will help with this. Bottom line is this: you will experience some form of WD, regardless. Any addict or dependent will tell you this, as I did above, and in my own thread post. The key to not letting it drag you back into it's world is support, and knowing that this is temporary, as so much in life is. This too shall pass. It can only own you is YOU let it. I hope this helps. If there is a way to send private messages with this board, please feel free to reach out. | ||
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