Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
444932 tn?1273980797

HELP Please!

I had 39 days clean yesterday from Lortab. Over the weekend, one of my teeth started hurting really badly. I have had this pain before and knew that I had an infected tooth. Called the dentist first thing yesterday a.m. but couldn't get in until today.  He offered to call in RX for Lortab yesterday but I declined. I had been taking 800 mg of Ibuprofen and alternating that with Tylenol but it wasn't helping much. I was really wishing I had taken the Lortab just b/c of the pain but really didn't want it for the high (seriously - no b.s.). I called my grandmother who takes Lortab and she gave me 5, 10mg tabs. I only took one-half last night and one-half this a.m. Today, the pain has been unbearable.

Just got back from the dentist and found out that I not only have a severe infection of the root of the tooth but also my sinus that lies right along that root. Half of my tooth has cracked completely off. The dentist couldn't believe that I didn't know when it happened - felt like telling him it probably happened during withdrawals 30 days ago as I was clenching my teeth to keep from taking a pill (lol) but didn't.

I couldn't take the pain anymore and took him up on the offer for pain pills - 20 Lortab - no refill. Also have to take an antibiotic. Later this week, I have a consultation with an oral surgeon b/c what is remaining of the tooth and its root have to be surgically removed. Taking the tooth out is going to leave a hole which will expose my sinus and could lead to severe infections. So, they have to cut skin from somewhere in my mouth and graft it over the hole. Dentist told me that this will be very painful during and after the procedure (thanks for instilling confidence in me, doc!).

Here's my dilemma.  Have I relapsed b/c I took the Lortab? I really am in pain and I'm sure it sounds like I'm trying to rationalize my decision but I don't want to do that. I am firm in my resolve to take the pain pills only as prescribed and only as long as I really need them for the pain. I think that the antibiotic should kick in by tomorrow and maybe the pain will stop then. I plan to not taking any more once the severe pain stops but I know that I will be offered another RX next week from the oral surgeon. I'm afraid to accept it and afraid not to accept it - I am a real wimp when it comes to pain - very low tolerance. I don't want to suffer but don't want to start the cycle all over again and have to go through withdrawals again either.

I have worked so hard to get to 40 days (today) and I am sincere when I say that I do NOT want to abuse these pain meds. Anyone have any advice or anyone been through something similar and can tell me how you handled it? I want brutal honesty. If I relapsed and need to start over once this dental nightmare is over, I will, but the thought of flushing 40 days down the drain for a legitimate medical use of pain meds really sucks. I have felt soooo good over the past week or so - energy came back, concentration was really good, very focused at work and have felt so good about what I have accomplished. Now, I feel miserable and like I have failed. HELP!

20 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
444932 tn?1273980797
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and support. I hate to say it, but I was so glad today to have the lortab. My tooth is killing me and my head felt like it was going to explode - I think I would feel better if it would. LOL. Hoping the antibiotics kick in soon.
Helpful - 0
397118 tn?1219762250
I had major major pain due to in injury 15 days ago I been fighting bc I'm on sub so I can't take any lortabs anyways and don't want to but the doctor I work for put me on 40 mg of prednisone (for inflamation) and celebrex 200 mg three times a day and that really help I have to say I'm 95% better after taking it for 3 days I don't know why I waited so long to ask him I guess cause I was worried about been prescribed lortabs but my doctor is very conservative and he dosn't know about my addiction I just told him no narcotics and he game my that it really helps.
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
I think we may have to from time to time for things and we just have to be cautious...I am fighting some pain right now and I am gonna try not to take them..or get any as I dont have any..thank goodness or i would have taken one by now..it is an ongoing battel and i dont really think they help me that much anyway as i have to take so dern many....what a mess!   but we will survive
Helpful - 0
472576 tn?1210868917
Like everyone else, I don't feel you "relapse" if you take it as prescribed. When you start doubling the dose, taking more often then prescribed. or telling yourself (after the pain has subsided) "just one more" then It's prob. time to flush them before it turns into a REAL relapse. Pain pill addiction is kinda complicated because sometimes you legitly have to have them. It's not like alcohol, coke..etc. were there are no medical purposes for it. I have been wondering about the same thing lately. "Will I not EVER be able to take another painpill (for pain)." I have came to the conclusion you will know in your mind if your taking it legitly or abusing it. Good Luck...hang in there. Hope everything goes o.k with your tooth.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey my friend..Tooth pain is horrible..I have experienced something similar years ago and all i can remember is bashing my head a gainst the wall because it hurt so bad..You just be real careful and if your starting to get too "comfortable" with the RX then give a shout out to all of us..We will be here..I know you are going to be ok..You want this so bad (to be rid of pills) and that makes all the difference in the world. I always think to myself..what if something major happens and i have to get surgery or something??!!lol I don't want the pills either..But hopefully i don't have to worry about that any time. ((hugs to you))
sad
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
I think if you use them only as needed for a short duration u will be fine...like i said, i used a fairly good amount for 4 days and did not WD....it is good to be careful but we will need pain relief from time to time...i did not consider it a relapse and do not count it off my clean time as i took them for a reason...it did scare me tho so i understand your plight...just be safe
Helpful - 0
444932 tn?1273980797
I can't speak for everyone but for me, I think that I worried so much about having to start over b/c I worked hard to get where I am and was proud of myself for doing it. I also know that there is a "slippery slope" when it comes to using your drug of choice - even for a legitimate medical purpose. I worry b/c I don't want to go down that slope and slip from appropriate use into abuse. It's going to be very difficult knowing that I have these pills in my possession and keep my will strong not to abuse. I have no intentions of abusing but am trying to keep myself honest by reaching out and posting and asking for advice from others who have had similar situations.

I told a friend about the past abuse, what's going on now and he agreed to "help" me flush the remainder of the pills when it's time. Thanks for your support.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I dont understand why so many people here are so hung up on their clean time and whether or not they have "officially" relapsed and have to begin counting all over again. Whata waste of mental energy and personal time. Maybe avisg can reproduce her work backwards to make it easier to answer these people.......or maybe we can keep on keeping clean and forget about the labels and stuff - unless they start painting (tattooing?) a red A on our foreheads...and we all know where that leads - a classic best selling book!  And severe dental work? I also had a lot of that done...thanks crack pipe...and you need medication after most of those experiences. If you start taking 4 pills instead of 2 you know there is a problem. You will never again get that first buzz that most of us liked and that got most of us in trouble initially - dont even think about going there -  - Use them aas directed and I will count the days as "good" ones for you. Best of luck - you deserve it! Stay strong.....
Helpful - 0
352798 tn?1399298154
I am late on this post but I whole heartedly agree that this is not a relapse and tooth pain is one of the worst! I have had it more than once. I am glad that you got in to be seen. As soon as the anti-biotics kick in, the pain will lessen. Hang in there.
Helpful - 0
444932 tn?1273980797
Thanks. No, I don't have anyone to do that for me but it's a great idea. I haven't shared my addiction and quitting the pills with anyone in my family. At some point I want to do that but now is not the right time - too much other family drama right now.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To make you feel reassured, is there someone who can give you the pain meds on a schedule?  It is always better when you have someone in your corner.  Someone you can trust to give you the meds and then that assures you that you will not be taking just to be taking.  Don't flush until you are sure you have gotten through the worst of the pain.  Once the pain really sets in, it takes alot of med to control it.

Good luck to you and you are in my prayers.

sue
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
and you r pretty amazing yourself....hang in there
Helpful - 0
444932 tn?1273980797
Thanks, everyone. I needed a good dose of reassurance and reality.  Got a little (okay a lot) freaked out but I'm glad I posted. You guys are the best!
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
You are lucky that they are helping you with the pain at this point and if they are and you need them, i would take them and then get off as soon as you can...I had a procedure on my neck a couple of weeks ago after 2 months clean...my tolerence had not dropped after 2 months...not one iota...i used for 4 days and flushed the rest...for me it was not worth it as I felt physically bad when I took them...i took 6 the first day...just be careful
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It's most commonly caused by severe tooth decay. Other causes of tooth abscess are trauma to the tooth, such as when it is broken or chipped, which is my guess as to yours?  Antibiotics are prescribed to help fight the infection. To relieve the pain and discomfort associated with an abscessed tooth, warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain-reducing medication like ibuprofen are adequate.  All the best.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As soon as the antibiotics start working, about 48 hrs, you should be able to cut down on the pain meds.  
Helpful - 0
402205 tn?1230481005
No of course not. You are in pain. You are not taking them for the high. Just use them only when you absolutely have to. Good luck, pm if you need me!
Helpful - 0
340590 tn?1290952141
pain meds were made for pain.  you didnt relapse.  remember my surgery???  as quickly as  possible flush the rest.  there really is power over your addiction when you have pills and flush them.  if you need them after your procedure.  take them..  but set a goal..like i wont take till the pain reaches an 8 level.  and flush those as soon as you can,,,  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
you have not failed...Tooth pain is terrible..take as directed, no one needs to suffer...
I will tell you this, the same thing happened to me, except i was using and my tolerence was so high....I also had to have sugery on the tooth, very infected and then i caught a dry socket....The bad thing was the pain meds would not touch it...He gave me everything that should of knocked out a horse...It was terrible...SO one thing that is good is your tolernce went way back down, and the pain meds will work, taking as directed...
you will do fine, try not to worry so much about it...But i do understand , because 40 days is hard work...
Hope you get pain free soon!!
r2r
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tooth pain is the worst!!!! It is not a relapse, that **** hurts like he!!

Don't abuse it or take more or longer than needed and get that better fast!!!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.