Anyone able to help?

[shameful72]

As all others on the site, after 2 knee surgeries and a major foot surgery...I'm defiantly convinced I'm addicted to Norco. I have taking some type of meds for the past 4yrs, I'm desperately wanting to get off these meds!!! I'm so tired of living my life around pain pills and just want to live again :( I had my foot surgery 5 weeks ago and still have 4 more weeks in a cast. Before I return to work I really want to be off all medicine beside my vitamin and blood pressure medicine. It's so scary and I feel so lost... I have tried to take smaller doses, but within 6 hours I start to feel the anxiety set it. I'm in a non weight bearing cast and literally can only sit home all day...still have a month to go!! I think the timing is right in the sense that I'm already off work, but its driving me crazy just thinking and not knowing what to do or where to turn? If anyone can give me some advice, I greatly appreciate all the help I can get. I have read so many others going thru the same as me and all the tips and suggestions you all have. It kills me knowing I cant do this on my own.... PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

[shameful72]

I guess I should've stated that, yes I can get a refill but not sure if I want to get it...that's where I'm torn!!! If I get it, I am scared/certain I will abuse them again as I do time and time again :( I literally have 2 halves left and am totally out. Sitting here thinking about it is insane to me!!! I'm probably taking what's prescribed, somedays 2/3 more than I should but apparently enuff to have me feeling like crap.

[vicki595]

I don't see the problem here...You will have you're refill tomorrow...you should be fine.  Then, you can call some of the different clinics in your area to find a doctor to help you continue to taper your pills.

[TiredinTempe]

Perhaps you could try a day without the pills so that you can gauge how the pain is? You always have the script if it is too hard. How many Norcos do you take in a day, vs the prescribed amount?

[shameful72]

I appreciate everyone's input, it means a lot and makes a world of difference in knowing there are many others whom have dealt with the same thing as I am. Another problem I'm facing is that I don't have a primary doctor, called around today with no luck except an office that doesn't have any openings until June :-/. I only have 2 norco left and tomorrow my script will get filled again. I'm having such a hard time with this. I'm already going to start feeling crudy come tomorrow morning... This is horrible and I'm so angry with myself for letting myself get to this point. I'm so scared of the pain, and all the other w/d's as well as how long it will last before I will feel somewhat normal. Guess time will tell, Thank you again for all your help.

[FourJays]

Hi and welcome . . I think its great that you want to get off the pain pills and tapering very slowly would help ease any w/d symptoms.  I agree that talking to your doctor about a plan to do this is a great idea; as he can advise you how to go about it safely while ensuring that you don't go too quick or somehow compromise your healing from the surgery.  I feel for you having to be off your feet - I have had surgery on both of my feet (@ different times) and it was frustrating not being able to do anything for awhile.  So try to think positive - get a good book or 2, watch some funny  movies......know that you CAN do this in time, the right way.  Even if it takes a little longer than you'd like, the investment in a few extra weeks for a lifetime of sobriety without pills is WELL worth it.  Good luck :))

[OpenMind24hours]

Yes! Ask your doctor about your future, and how he can help you to slowly get off your pain meds, easing the anxiety. Doctors have had training in doing just that. I can imagine how hard it is for you, sitting there but don't feel helpless. You're going to eventually get your life back in God's time. It's a first things first situation, and your surgery recovery is first on the list. But you will be able to do this. We all have done it here. Stay with us, keep posting. Lots of experience on this forum.

[vicki595]

I'll try to help...Do you think you could taper off?  You have the time and the desire so it may be doable!

Tapering should be slow and deliberate and done over time.  We can't provide an exact schedule for you but it's simply dropping a small amount of Norco, adjusting to the drop, then dropping a little more...You could ask your doctor to help you plan.