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Medical issues due to abuse

  So.  I still have no pulled the trigger and quit this stupid habit.   Not that I need more reason but I am wondering if I have yet another reason...

  I took a urinalysis yesterday and was told there is trace amounts of blood in my urine.  I don't have any symptoms, but of course I wondered if it was due to my issue.

  Can a low dose addition to hydro cause this?   I take no more than 20mg of hydro and 1400mg of acetamenophen in a 24 hour period.  Can even this amount cause blood in the urine or kidney issues?
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Avatar universal
Day one under way.....  GET ER DONE!  Certainly feeling the absense of this stuff.  Nothing too bad.  Will post back tomorrow.
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
that is great. so happy for you. you took a huge step and  are on the road to recovery. it will be a little bumpy, stand firm.dont waiver. there is freedom. you are on your way.
congratulations.
debbie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dropped the ball today.  Pills to accessible.  They won't be tomorrow.  So  I will reach 24 hours at 10:30 tomorrow morning.  I will report back with that success.

As for doc.  Hope to hear something tomorrow.
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
hey tex,
how are you doing today? please  get rid of the pills, call a counselor.
you can do this. take the plunge. you will be so glad you did.
please let us know how your tests come back.
i am praying for you
debbie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am glad to hear from you! Hopefully you will have an easy time of it once you run out. And no, you don't deserve a miserable withdrawal! That's just the way it is with everyone.
Yep, you'll have a runny nose and other stuff, but it shouldn't be too bad. When withdrawal happens, the body's reaction swings like a pendulum to the opposite of the opiate's effects. Euphoria--->dysphoria and depression and irritability,
constipation--->diarrhea, sleepiness---->insomnia, dry mouth and
sinuses---->drippy nose and watering eyes, etc.
So just hang in there. Everyone's on their own timetable--you'll do fine. Lots of tips at the forum for managing the uncomfortable parts. Try to rest as much as you can and drink lots of fluids, mostly water. Eat as well as you can. Try to exercise at least once a day, even a walk is fine.
Take care, and I'll look for your posts to see how you are doing!
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
hey tex,
i thought we discussed the flushing party. as long as you have them around you will never stop. there will always be an excuse why tomorrow or next week or next month is better. you are keeping them "in case"
you get an injury???  motrin,advil,hot or cold compresses,rest,you more than likely work fine.
yes opiates cause constipation,one of the many side effects. i really think you should see a counselor. the pills are not your friend. you are holding on to them for security.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
no symptoms because I have not manned up and stopped yet.  when it has gone 24-36 hours I feel a bit irritable so figure that will be an issue.  Also generally feel aches all over.  Runny nose ***** as well.  Figure all of those will be an issue for a few days.   They are nice to have around for legit pain I find.  When I do have a bum back or a twisted ankle (I play some basketball here and there) I find the "buzz" is replaced by relief from whatever pain I have.  Not an excuse.  Just an observation.  I guess I need to just stop babbling and do something about it.  What was said above about health being the most important thing above all is accurate. Obviously I am not doing myself any favors here.  Even at the low dose.  


I have noticed that I am particularly sensitive to this garbage from a constipation stand point.  Not sure how folks that take 10-20 a day are EVER able to go to the restroom.  My 1-2 a day clogs me up pretty bad.
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
you will be fine. many times the fear is worse than the withdrawal.
just take it as it comes. mind over matter.
are you having any symptoms?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Snakejones,

No. Never took more.  During the 16 months of this issue I think I have taken more than 20mg of hydro (two capsules) on maybe 5 occasions.  Then it would be a half of a standard issue 10/500.  So never more than 25 and most times it would be between 10-20 (1 to 2 capsules) in a 24 hour period.  All of us know why we take these silly things.  But, knowing that and enjoying them I never wanted to get out of control from a quantity per day stand point.  It is my hope that this low amount will keep the withdrawals down althought not sure I deserve that.  But, will find out soon enough.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there---how you doing today? It shouldn't be too bad stopping your pain medicine at the low level you are on. Take 'em till they are gone or flush 'em, and then be done. And then do some serious thinking about your future with regard to your doctor and your pill-taking. You do seem able to control your intake, at least at the time of this thread. Problem is, you used to take more, right? That's the story with most people--they take as many as they can get due to the nature of opiate addiction and the body's drug appetite needing more and more to get the same results. And yes, if you tell your doctor you will probably be "hosed" (I thought I was the only person that said that word anymore!) with future, genuine needs for pain pills. ( I don't know your history--what were you taking them for?) Your health must be your number one issue, always!
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ That was the cat sending you his best wishes.
Write again soon and tell me/us what's going on. I care.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Halfsies are not an option.  They are compound capsules and can't be split.  Good news, if any, is these capsules only have 200mg of APAP in them.  I will wait for the numbers.   If asked about abuse I will tell him.  What blows is if I have legitimate pain in the future I have hosed myself as far as viable medication to help said pain is concerned.    Choices and consequences I suppose.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh, and down to ONE pill a DAY? You da MAN!!!!! If you want to play it out, go halfsies till you're all out. I am incredibly impressed with this!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there! Your bloodwork can give the doctor a lot of info, good and bad. They should have the culture and sensitivity done on the urine to see what's growing in there, too. I'm particularly interested in the liver enzymes and uric acid levels in your bloodwork--the first, if high, can be linked to drug/alcohol abuse, the second can signify a kidney infection, gout, and other stuff. If your liver enzymes are high, be prepared to be asked if you drink heavily or use drugs. It's not always the reason, but be prepared just in case. It's best to have someone in your corner, so you may want to come clean to your doctor if you haven't yet. If you must lie about recreational drug intake or alcohol abuse and you aren't ready to confide, maybe you can use your vacation as an excuse for misbehaving--but you'll have to decide what's best for you. I'd tell him--you're paying him, after all, and HE is working for YOU.  :-)
Keep us posted!
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
well there you go. very good. .day one it is.
can you get more? is the supplier still there?

the pills are evil and highly addictive.they definitely ruin lots of lives.
you wife doesnt know right?
good for you that you were able to keep the dosage low.
the mental part is way more than the physical, it lasts longer.
it is important to exercise, that helps immensely.
you have to stay very positive. it is a big mind game your mind will crave the pills.
emotionally ready? meaning you still want to use. that is where the counseling comes in to find out why
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
  Well that is the million dollar question.  I am at one a day now.  So.  The only one left is zero.    Withdrawal will probably be more mental than physical since it is such a low dose amount.   Not sure why I am not emotionally "ready" to just stop.  Evil substance apparently.
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
well try to relax.wait till the results come in.
flush the hydros. glad your supplier will be gone soon. that will help. thats good the bloodwork will show more and rule out lots of things.
do something to help with your stress, exercise, counseling will never hurt only help.
when do you plan to stop taking them?
debbie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
no.  not the same doc.   BP is stable and has been for years thanks to the bp med.

  Started the hydro due to some back pain, but didn't quit due to boredom, job dissatisfaction and stress.  All of those factors are about the change so that is a good thing.  I find that if I have somethign entertaining to do at work etc that I forget about the pills.  When I am bored out of my gord.  Down one will go for the "vacation".  Not smart.  Supplier will be gone soon so if I don't solve the problem myself it will simply be solved due to not having any.
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
as long as you have the pills around you will take them. you need to cut off the supply. if doctor prescribed, cancel the script and tell the doctor not to give you any more narcotics. is it the same doctor who just did your annual exam?
is your blood pressure ok? high blood pressure can also cause kidney damage
did you start to take the hydros for pain?
you should seek out counseling to talk about things
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
He did do some liver blood work as I am on blood pressure medicine.  Once a year he does that to insure the BP med is not doing anything.

Probably worrying a bit since I know I am guilty of doing something I should not be.  Just expecting Karma I suppose.
Helpful - 0
1200450 tn?1317496867
Did he do blood work to check liver enzymes? Or kidney functions? If not it just sounds like he thinks it's a bladder infection since he gave you cipro. I wouldn't worry too much. Just put it out of your mind until he calls you next time. No sense in worrying over something that hasn't happened yet.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No other symptoms.  Blood was only caught due to my yearly well-man.  He rx'd Cipro to cover a possible infection.  But doesn't know what it is yet. Sent the urine off for culturing to see if it is an infection.   Will also have urine tested again after this course of anti-biotics is complete.

At this point I was not comfortable telling him of my narcotic use.  If after two weeks I still have blood in the urine I will tell him.  

Obviously since you read my other thread you know I have not been able to keep my word to myself and stop this madness after I returned from vacation.  My goal is to still get off this stuff.  
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
hi welcome back. how was your tropical vacation????  my favorite kind of vacation..............
the blood traces can be from a kidney infection, urinary tract infection.
acetaminophen can cause kidney and liver damage. i looked at your other posts and it didnt seem that you werent on them for that long or that high of a dose. what did the doctor say about the blood? did he say infection? do you have burning during urination?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
  Been about 16 months now.  No.  Careful to avoid going above 2000mg of tylenol a day.  Also NEVER above 20mg of hydro a day.   While I should be at 0 obviously I have never gone past 2 10's or 3 5's etc in a 24 hour period.
Helpful - 0
1200450 tn?1317496867
How long have you been taking it? And do you take other stuff with Tylenol in it? Like excedrine or something?
Helpful - 0
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