Need some help with Oxy

[fl_oxy]

I have had back problems since I was in my teens (now in 40's) and have been in a few rear end collisions. I had been seeing Chiropractors and physical therapy doctors for years. 2 years ago the pain became unbearable and I saw a medical doctor. Anyway after multiple referals and doctors I had a sinal fusion last October with a Laminecomy, they also found a break in my spine which they fixed. I had been complaining about pain for years with my employer and using sick days and vacation days because of the pain. My work always thought I was faking it so I was always on some kind of warning. I was out of work for 4 months before returning part time, then full time after 1 1/2 more months due to pressure from my job. That's the background, my question is this. I have been on 15mg oxycodone, 75 mg Lyrica, and 10 mg Flexeril for about a year now. I have come to the realization that the oxycodone is pure evil. It doesn't help the pain anymore, I have to take so I don't feel sick. Now I am losing my job because even after the surgery I am in a great deal of pain. I still have lower back pain and 2 herniated discs in my neck and still I am missing time from work. I have been advised to try and go on disibility by my job, but it doesn't feel right. I want to work if I'm able and just feel I should pull my own weight. My job won't work with me even though I've been there 7 years. I have been at work almost in tears because of the pain and have been told to go home if I'm not productive. They then mark the time against me even though they tell me to leave! I am going to lose my insurance at the end of the month so I guess what I'm asking is how do you recommend I taper off the oxycodone with 1 month of meds left. Should I go cold turkey (what I've read it sounds like hell)? I take 4ea 15 mg oxy a day. I am pretty scared of what I'm facing and just need some guidance.

[gnarly_1]

HI and welcome to the forum....well you could taper off but your oxy habit isent that high as far as oxy habits go so going C/T would still be doable ...read up all you can theirs good info in the health pages on the right of the screen...read up on the Thomas recipe it will give you some stuff to make it a little ezer on you....also keep reading the post so you at least get an idea of what to expect...try not to let fear into the equation its always worst in our minds then it actually is...and go into this with a positive attitude that will do more then any single thing wile doing this....let us know what you decide to do if your going to taper or just jump
jumping gets it over with quicker ...tapering takes longer and prolongs the suffering but lightens up the final blow its up to you how you go about this but we will support you ether way....keep posting for support .....good luck and God bless......Gnarly  

[skmedlin27703]

Can you pay for your meds? Maybe use a discount card. I found a local pharmacy that works with me on pricing as long as I go there each month.  Are you not going to be working at all? I guess I didn't understand if you are being let go or are you leaving or just loosing insurance?

[GoingToMakeIt]

You could taper off the Oxy. Cut back a little every few days. It is a bear but is doable. I use Zanaflex instead of Flexeril. It seems to not make me as groggy. Just a thought.
Advil or Ibuprofen, along with the muscle relaxer, works as well as opiates for me.
I don't have any knowledge on Lyrica.