NEED A LITTLE HELP

[wannabdone]

I just had a surgery on my hip, and it was pretty serious, and I have been prescribed 180 Loratabs ;(   I have no choice but to take them because the pain is really rough!...Im only taking 3 a day for the pain, but Im a bit scared that ill get caught up!!! I mean I like to think I will beat it, and I Honestly think I will, but my question is, should I flush most of them and take maybe a week or 2 worth and deal with the pain after that. Take advil and stuff like that???  I believe in myself now, but I will never underestimate these pills again!!!!

Thanks for listening!!!

mark

[overit540]

Hi there,  I have never written on one of these forums but I can't just stand back and watch or read anymore.  I started taking vicoprofen one year ago the beginning of this month.  The reason was legit.  I had suffered a broken rib on my right side and now have chostrochondritis due to a torn ligament/tendon around the rib cage.... sometimes (especially with a cough/sneeze) it literally hurts to breath!  Of course, like most of us do, I started out by following the script.  Over time I would take an extra every now and then because I just felt so much better.  Before I knew it I was doubling up and then I was doubling up every couple of hours.  I knew it was bad when I started having to count pills and figuring out how many days I had left before I could renew.  I started in January trying to wean down and finally go off altogether.  I went thru the beginnings of withdrawal a few times and felt why am I doing this to myself... the pills are right here... I don't need to be in pain!  I discussed with my doctor and a few weeks ago he cut the script in half I guess trying to force me to use less in a longer period of time.  I was doing really good and then this past weekend both Friday and Saturday I was right back up to 3 pills a day.  I got so frustrated with myself that I flushed the remainder down the toilet.  I knew that the withdrawal would be bad but almost felt like I deserved it for being stupid enough to get hooked to begin with.  Like I said I knew it would be bad but I didn't realize how bad.  Within 24 hours I was sicker then I think I have ever been and in so much pain (physically and emotionally) I broke down and called the doctor.  I told him I needed help but under no circumstance did I want more Vicoprfen.  He started me on this drug called Nucynta.  It is a mu-opioid but is supposed to have almost no withdrawal symptoms.  I am to take it 3 times a day for the first couple of days and then start weaning down.  You could check this out on line or ask your doctor about it. I don't know why but it is easier for me with this med to not take as much.  I really think that I had some crazy "relationship" with the Vicks that I don't seem to get from these pills.  The worst of the symptoms have abated.  I still am a little shaky but feel more like I am getting over a flu then dying from it.  I don't get the same euphoric sensation from it so I am not chasing the high.  With luck, hard work and will power I will get over this and stop having these little pills in a jar run my life for me.  I am so done with the evil Vicks and never want to see another one again!  Thanks for listening

[Kelz325]

I know it has been forever... Where have you been? I left you a note too. I missed you way more!!! Don't be scared hun... You are one of the stongest people I know. You have helped me so much so I know that you can conqure anything. I'll always be here. :) No matter what... Your my hero! :)

P.S... It's been like FOREVER since I talked to you... Glad you are still alive lol...

[cleaninitup]

Knowing what you know about yourself will be the biggest help through this. You know you will abuse them if given the chance so just remember that. I think you do. I would as soon as possible start using an OTC then use the loritabs for break through pain. Please take it easy and try not to rush your recovery from surgery also.Lay low and enjoy being waiting on for a few days.Heather

[wannabdone]

Hello again!!! I havnt heard from you in Sooooo LONG!!! where have you been??? ;)   I missed you!!!... I know I can do it, I just get a little scared!!! ;)   At least I know you'l be by my side ;)  

Oh, where have you been ?????? LOL

[Kelz325]

You can do anything you put your mind too. You are a very stong person and have been through this battle. I know you can do it!!! :) Plus.... We have a deal...

[wannabdone]

I appreciate the words ya'll... Ive been thru soo many battles with this drug, and have been clean for over 1 year (subs) and it was a total hell getting off of those little A-holes, lol...So i know i can deal with this...Im just taking what I need to and will get rid of the rest! Im tough, I can deal with the pain!!!

Thanks again
Mark

[addict3]

Just passing through here this morning.........Are you taking Advil etc. in conjunction with the tabs now? I would hope that a day or two out from surgery, you should be able to handle it with Advil....I know...that is easier said from this side of the screen but what if you just did not have the luxury of the narcotics?  If that won't work I think the advice given by tramahater would be the way to go.

A while back, a hang nail was rough for me........I'm just say'in.......

OTC will work many times if given the chance. If not, don't feel guilty for taking them if you really need to.

[dreamerj270]

quitin cold turkey today been on oxy and opana for about a year on and off did suboxone for a while but ran out so got back to doing opanas been 7 days str8 now d need go quit badly any advice to help withdrawls minamize them? will deff b apreciated best of luck to all of you

[0421]

I agree with FourChickens, I am having injections in my back and I have arthritis in my spine along with other problems. I was a month clean and then given vicoden again for my pain and I only use it when I can't stand the pain. If I do use I only use one at night. Yesterday and last night I took a total of 3. I am so scared that I will have wds again. does anyone know if taking a 3 or 4 a week will put me back into wds. I will not be getting anymore when all this is over with. another week or so? It is really scary to know we all went through so much to get clean but still need the pain meds I feel defeated. but good luck and prayers to wannabdone

[FourChickens]

Hi... I think you are very smart to address this right away. I had a full hip replacament less than a year ago and only got off the pain pills a month ago... I kept putting it off because I was afraid of the detox. Afraid of life without the pain meds. My hip hurt really bad as well.. I am a 41 yr old gal who is very active. Or should I say WAS very active and the pain meds continued to slow me down even after my surgery.  I have never had a problem with any substance before in my life. No addictions to ANYTHING. So its important to remember than when you continue to take heavy medication when you should be trying to rehabilitate your injury, your body will make the decision for you and you will become dependent on them. Its not something you conciously decide. So PLEASE stop taking them before you have a harder time. It sounds like you know this could be a serious problem for you. What did you have one to your hip and how did it get hurt in the 1st place? I had arthritis and didnt know it until after a couple years of masking the pain with pills.  the only way to really know what is real pain and what is rebound pain is to stop taking the pain pills. Your mind will trick you into thinking you are still in pain because it craves the drug that you have been putting in your body. If you take the whole 180 Lortab pills.. you WILL continue to look for them and get them. And you WILL regret it. I can confidently say that because you are already questioning if there is going to be an issue.  i wish you the best of luck..please keep us posted ok?

[LeaAnn807]

Hey, I think the best thing to do is give someone the pills to lock up and give as needed.  That way, you don't have to worry about taking an "extra" here and there!  And definitely switch to Advil and Tylenol as soon as you can!

Good luck!  Hope you feel better soon! : )