malpractice???

[gia1234]

Well, I have my last script and can't afford to get any more and REALLY want and know I need to stop taking this sh*t. I've heard some bad things about the long term effects of vicodin, wondering if they're all true. My doctor had me on a number of things...tramadol, somas, xanax, vicodin es, mezcline.... I'm wondering since he has never run ANY tests to check my liver/kidney function, if I have any damage. I don't have ins so can't just run to a dr at any time. Plus I'm broke as hell. Wondering if I should just go to the free clinic right before I quit and tell them about the problems I've been having. Then maybe they can run tests. And since I didn't know about long term damage, or even that I could get addicted, I'm wondering if I should try to sue my doctor. I feel like this is his fault. Instead of fixing the sources of the problems I have or referring me somewhere else, he just kept giving me pills. Anyone know anything about this?

[gia1234]

I really think it's more psychological than physical for me. I could just take ibuprofen for the physical things. Right?

[CinCee]

Addict = physical AND psychological
Dependent = physical only

[gia1234]

What's the difference between an addict and being dependent?

[gia1234]

Thanks. I don't think anyone is realizing (except bandnmom) that I have admitted to having a problem and that means I take responsibility for it. I'm getting out of this forum for a while because I Probably don't need to focus on suing my dr, but on me. I just feel bad for all the other people's addictions he feeds. Perhaps if more drs got sued, they would think twice before telling a patient and a friend that you can't get addicted as long as you take them as directed.

[dyblue]

  nobody makes you feel like **** but you., this is what I'm talking about..  I'm in withdrawl as we speak , but I'll get through I was only taking 3 codiene a day for 5 years.  You don't sound like an addict to me just someone who became dependent it happens.  Happened to me too.  Sorry you are so sensitive but I'm speaking from experience and I wish I was A doctor I'd have some dough.  Good luck sorry I'm very blunt need to work on that one, I'd make a lousy councellor too.

[CinCee]

You are at a dose where a taper is totally doable.  The best way is to cut by 10 or 20% per day every 4 days or so.  If you can do it, it is almost symptom-free.

If I were you, I would try to get something for sleep.  A benzo or even Ambien (long-acting).

You can do this with a sleep aid and a taper and not get mixed up with anything else.