What to do for severe pain?

[RoseVilla]

I have a serious, though nonlife-threatening painful condition.  I'd been addicted to hydrocodone several years ago and went through withdrawal cold turkey.  It was horrible, but I did it.  Now, because of honest and very severe pain, my specialist put me on Norco.  This is the first time I've been on codeine for several years, and I just started it a few days ago.  And yes, I'm taking a few more than I should, but they honestly have not made me "high" or anything and I'm truly not looking for that.  

Anyway, I went all day with no pills and was very proud of myself.  Felt NO feelings of withdrawal.  Came home after shopping with a friend and fell asleep in my hospital bed (which I'd gotten for my condition about 9 months ago as I couldn't get comfortable in my regular bed).  Woke up with VERY severe pain.  Took two pills, supposed to only take one, but one does NOTHING for the pain.  My husband is going to call my specialist tomorrow and tell him that I did indeed need the double dose to ease the pain.  I am NOT exaggerating the severity of the pain.  Lord knows I never, ever want to go through withdrawal again, but what to do when the pain can be so crippling you can't function?  Right now I'm perfectly comfortable, and like I said, these Norcos do NOT make me high like the Lortabs did but at least now I can do the chores I'm supposed to do.  What's the answer for me?  Give up the painkillers and just lie around or take them and be active?  It's a real Catch-22 for me and I'm SCARED. Withdrawal is horrible and I do not want to get addicted again.  Is it even possible to take daily painkillers and NOT get addicted?  My condition is PMR - polymalgia rheumatica, which my doctor says is far more serious and more painful than fibromamyalgia; my bloodwork shows my inflammation rate is 98, and around 20 is normal. Help me please, someone!  How can I take these narcotic painkillers and NOT get addicted?  They've also started me on a low-dose chemotherapy, hoping that will help.  So far - no.

[RoseVilla]

Thank you for your answer.  I'm so glad I found this place.  I hope I have the strength to NOT take any pills today.  Please say a little prayer for me.

[cathy5841]

i think you have been misinformed.  norco is indeed hydrocodone, same as the loratabs.  if you google it you will find that information.  there is no way to take narcotics with out becoming physically dependent on them.