I am back and needing help AGAIN- ugh!!

[joangy]

Hello all who helped me 90 days ago! Well, I have been the same old story- did great for 60 days off tyl/cod - then I went MIA because I started using again.  My back pain was in full force for over a week and I had enough! I wasn't sleeping or able to work and I was 60 days clean @ that point! I emailed my doc letting her know how I was feeling and she was aware of my struggle with getting off the tyl/cod- so her suggestion was to try vics :(

At first I absolutely hated Vicodin!! It made me nauseated, dizzy and just plain irritable, but of course it took the pain away - but more importantly it stimulated my opiate receptors and there I was back in square one... so for the last 40 days I have been on and off vicodin taking about 3 tabs per day- ugh!! here I am off for the third day and feeling alright- but just so sick of falling back into this trap- I look at my tracker and I should be in the clear with 90 days under my belt- instead I am starting all over agian---- it suc*s!!

[worried878]

u know many are not chronic pain patients..I am..do not know if it is harder to quit if u r..maybe so,,but do see it is not easy for anyone as we all have our issues on why we used...pain, depression, stress, feelings of inadequacy, forgetting the past, being afraid of the future.,many underlying motives..depession hurts as well..in a different way than my back..but it hurts..an anxiety disorder hurts..we "used" to escape pain//emotional or physical..those issues will still be there when we get clean so we gotta be ready to tackle them when we are clean and clear headedl

[joangy]

Thanks to all for your continued support-- I have come to the realization this is a lifelong struggle and one that will not be overcome easily! I really wish I did not have the pain, because I know I could live without the feelings the narcotics give me- but when the pain increases I just want to do anything to make it go away---- but I AM sick of falling victim to narcotics! Thanks again and I will kepp you posted on the progress thru the next few days- I definately know what I am in for :(

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

We can find alternatives to narcotics when we must. Alternatives are available. Cant realistcally do the narcotics for eternity....................although I certainly tried. Time to do something differntly.............

[worried878]

chronic pain here as well..alternatives have to work for us or we will end up in the same place over and over..square one!

[Mandapanda17]

hi hun, sorry you're struggling!!! I am happy you're back! I've been struggling too. I had to go to see the surgeon today and it has NOT been an easy day at all. Didn't get pain meds, but I sure wanted too. He referred me to a neck specialist, theres definitely something wrong with my neck, but I have to do this without the meds. HAVE to, WE have to!! You can do this, pm me if you want!! :) xo

[eringobragh]

I know how you feel. i was clean for seven months at one time. im prescribed vic's. i had a spinal fusion. its tough sometimes. im not sober, but i am working on it. im unemployed as of today and i just got a script filled. i am going to tapper and get over it! good luck 2 u!

[joangy]

I haven't- the doc suggested that a couple weeks ago and @ that time I was taking the vics so I just brushed it off- but I think I am going to try it.

[cathy5841]

have you tried the epidural steroid block...it really helped my mom

[joangy]

Thanks for the support!! I just wish there was a magical cure for the back pain that had nothing to do with addiction potential!

[cathy5841]

sorry you are starting ove, but the key is you are starting over.  using because of pain is har when you are addicted.  you know whatyou have to do...welcome back.