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Avatar universal

Help.....I need some words of wisdom and comfort

Hey Everyone,

For all of those that know me, I am having major troubles once again! For those of you who don't, I was a big time tramadol addict that finally got clean. I was up to 15-20 pills a day and I DID it, for a long time, I was good. I had the occasional craving, but was doing very well.

Last summer I started having major knee pain (no specific injury happened) and I had a ton of tests done. It turned out that I tore my meniscus and I have really bad arthritis (all of a sudden). I had surgery for my meniscus in July and seemed to be doing ok. The arthritis part is what was killing me. I guess I have zero cartilage in my right knee and could possibly need a knee replacement. I did a series of injections and they did nothing for the pain. I can't keel, squat, run or doing anything like I used to and I am only 30 years old with two small children. I was on Hydros for a few months before and after surgery. I was pretty bummed that I had to "break" my clean time, but I guess I had no choice.

Now in September my right knee started hurting. I just found out I tore my meniscus in that knee now and will get surgery on Monday. What the hell!?! Anyway, a couple weeks ago, my nurse practitioner prescribed me tramadol and I didn't say anything. I heard those words and got excited. The hydros weren't helping anymore and she told me to try tramadol. She has no idea about my history and I feel horrible I didn't say anything. Anyway, I am done with that bottle now and today is day 1 with nothing. My major symptoms are extreme fatigue, chills, sneezing and just plain crabbiness. I am so crabby with my husband. We don't have the best marriage to begin with and I feel bad I snapped at him a few times today. He just thinks I am sick with the flu. The worst part is I will get Hydros again after my surgery on Monday and will have to go through all of this again. UGH!

I guess I just need some support right now!!
7 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thanks, this fatigue is killing me! I am taking an isotonix B vitamin and so far not really helping. I tossed and turned all night last night:(
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am sorry to hear about your knee. Hopefully you will get them fixed and all will be well in that area.  My bigger concern is with some of things i read.  Do any of these doctors know about your addiction?  You said you didnt say anything to the NP and hearing tramadol was exciting.  I remember those days of "excitement" and it far outweighed the actual pain i was feeling.  Tell your secret to those who care about you before you find yourself back in the throws of addiction.
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Avatar universal
Hi  well it is good to see you however I wish it where on better terms   so if im reading this right you got a bad knee and took it for pain control that does not break your clean time only abuse does (running out early using them for emotional issues or just taking them for a buzz) there is no reason to be a marter for pain it would be best if you have someone hold them for you so the addict in you doesent say ''game on'' we will always help you we dont shoot our wounded for a old dope fiend like me it is impossible for me to take them right even if my wife holds them so I dont use  I just cant.. I wish you all the luck in the world with this  for me it is a program of compleate abstance or death........Gnarly
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Avatar universal
Patience Dear, this too shall pass! I promise you! I post this all the time on here but I swear by Vitamin B12 Sublingal. They are cherry flavored and dissolve under your tongue. I take 2 2500mcg in the morning and sometimes if I am feeling a bit sluggish in the afternoon I will take 2 more. Go get some!!! It's an energy metabolism booster... And for what it's worth, I am also a nurse. Please trust me on this one. Also, if you haven't already done so, now is the time to get on a Multi Vitamin as well. Others may have different opinions bit I personally take a Women's Daily Multi Vit and it works well for me. If you start those 2 things ( and Tons of water ) and a little patience, your energy will come back soon!
Please keep me posted!! I am cheering for you!
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Avatar universal
I hate this fatigue!!
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Avatar universal
I hate this fatigue!!
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Avatar universal
Hey Love! Listen, everything you described is almost spot on to my situation. I have had a few herniated disc for the past several years, got hooked on Hydro, got clean for over a year then boom reherniated another disc this past June and had back surgery in July. There I was right back on Norco. The past 4 months ON the pills I was still in so much pain!!! The pills didn't help and I saw my usage spiraling out of control. I made the personal decision to get off them all by myself and that's exactly what I did. My pain the first few days was misery!!! People here just kept telling me it was rebound pain to hang in there! Let me tell you they were right!!! I am 2 weeks clean today and I feel good! My pain had actually decreased drastically. Nothing Inprofen doesn't take care of.  Take a look at my post titled Need help now!! Tempted... You will see just how similar my situation is to yours! You have to WANT it bad to overcome this. If you have to take pain meds for a few days after your surgery then we will cross that bridge when we get there. Bit I will say this... From a nurses standpoint as well! Most Surgeons expect you to be off of them 2 weeks following your surgery. Stick to that goal!! Make it only short term and pick up where you left off. I think it would also be a good idea to have someone distribute your meds to you just as prescribed. It's just a minor set back and we have all been there. You just MUST have the mind set and drive to take them for a short period only. We will all be here to support you the entire way through. Again, take a look at my post and you will see just how similar my situation is to yours.
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495284 tn?1333894042
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