Curious

[chrissycat]

I really dont remember what it was like to wake up without needing a pain pill or going through a day not thinking about or needing a pain pill.  Needing some at night.  Yes I am extremely depressed with insomnia.  I do have a lot of physical pain and am afraid to quitting although I am only prescribed 4 a day and take about 10-12.  I went to my doctor and told him I was not getting the relief I need that I am irritable and cranky, he added tramadol, I don't even know what it does.  I do know that I am addicted, but how do I keep taking something for the pain without addiction?

[vicki595]

I go with what Mary is saying....Are you taking more Norco per day to kill the pain? After a time, it is necessary to increase the meds. So, that's what I'm getting at: Are you taking more because your pain isn't being covered?

Only you can answer these questions. Why don't you visit the doctor again. If you've increased the Norco because you like it, then you need to address that and ask for help.   Keep in touch here...

[marycarmel]

I'm going to chime in on the Tramadol as well.  Do your research.  It is definitely addicting.  Some say it's more difficult to come off than other drugs due to its composition.

I hope you can talk to your doctor honestly.  I've been in pain management for nearly 5 years and was put on a multitude of drugs.  I've tapered off a ton and am presently holding at a low dose but am hoping to be off everything shortly.    Personally, I just don't like being tied to the clock or a pill bottle; I'd rather deal with the pain.  But that's not for everyone.  I think if you're comfortable with being on pain meds, then you need to have an open and honest relationship with your doctor.

Pain can increase with narcotic use.  It's often a hard call to make.  Are you using more of your pills because you really have more pain or are you trying to get a high from them?  Sometimes it can be hard to tell.  I have always taken my medication as prescribed but have found myself in withdrawals on several occasions due to stomach trouble.

Have you tried anything else to help with your pain?  It can be hard to decide whether to live in pain or live with narcotics.  I wish you the best.

[IwillDoThis]

Oh my dear I'm so sorry for what you are going through.  As someone who only took her pain pills as prescribed, I only took 4 hydros per day and here I am still addicted to them just the same.  My body and mind don't seem to care that I didn't buy them off the street or eat them in volume, I still had withdrawals same as anyone.

Living in chronic pain is hard and I'm dealing with it every single day and that is what kept me on the pills for so long is the fear at the pain I would have without them.  I am 37 days off hydros and am living in pain.  Initially the pain was better but this last week has been really bad for me.  As bad as the pain is I can honestly sit here and tell you taking another pill isn't an option for me.  At some point you body becomes adjusted to your dose and your body wants more, they stop working for the pain so I see it as a vicious cycle.

You've said you were taking more than prescribed and exhibiting addict behavior - that is a hard thing to admit so I give yourself some credit there.  In my opinion, you should really discuss what is going on with your doctor so he can help you get a plan of action together rather than just shoving pills down your throat.

I wholeheartedly agree with last poster on Trams - they are VERY addicting, docs tell patients they are not but if you already have that addictive streak they will get you.  Just read another post either towards the bottom of this page or on page two about Tramadol withdrawal.  It is a nasty NON-narcotic drug that acts just like an opiate.  Please fully educate yourself on Tramadol before you start down that road.

People in recovery who deal with chronic pain have two issues - dealing with the emotional aspect of the addiction as well as living with and learning to better manage our chronic pain.  Stopping pills was easy for me but now I'm left with all this emotional stuff to deal with, I'm left with learning more healthy ways for me to manage pain and get relief.  These last parts are much more of a challenge and knowing that I am going to live with some level of pain for the rest of my life.    

Partnering with your doctor if you feel you can trust him is probably your best bet in successfully handling this situation.

I wish you all the best and post here anytime for support  of PM me if you ever need more private support!

[scaredmommy2005]

Have you looked up Tramadol? It is very addicting... Why do doctors say that?? Ugh. I think you need to be honest with your doctor about how much Norco you are using. We build up a tollerence to medication and that is why it isnt working so well for you anymore. It can also cause other pain. I was taking them for abdominal pain but then I started to notice my back hurt then constant headaches etc. I took over 120 pills in 4 days and I didnt even know it. I too have dealt with chronic pain for 10 years and I am only 25. I would ask him to switch you to somthing else. not add tramadol when you are already taking that much norco. it is just feeding the fire. Do you feel comfortable being open with your doctor about everything that is going on? I know I didnt so I stopped cold turkey and I am dealing with my pain until atleast 60 days of being off of everything so we can figure out a new plan of action and I will know what my pain really is. I am on day 13 and right now my pain is at about a 3 which I can handle but when I was taking my vicodin it was really at a 9 which I find weird but a lot of people told me that happened to them.

[chrissycat]

No I was prescribed Norco, I am taking way more than prescribed.  I tried to talk to my doctor but chickened out, i told him i was irritable, moody etc. and he added tramadol. he said it was non addicting.

[MikeInFrance]

Hi Chrissy....! Is tramadol the only thing you are taking?  And to answer your question...if you are taking so many then it's probably not to treat the pain. Am I right? You take it to feel like you can function cuz without it you feel you cannot. Thats the addiction part. Someone that would only take  what's prescribed would become dependent on them. There are alot of options available that you can discuss with your doctor to find which is best for you. Just be honest with him and yourself about how you feel when you don't take one. don't let it get out of control because these opiates tend to do that rather quickly.