Can I have liver damage by overusing DF18s?

[df18scarystuff]

Hi, I'm feeling really scared right now and need some help. I was prescribed 60mg x 4 times a day DF18 3 years ago following bad injuries from a car accident. Right now, because of constant pain, I'm popping 6-8 pills at a time. I'm obviously addicted to the stuff but don't know how to come off it.

Recently, I've been vommitting a lot and feeling very nauseas with a sore and swollen abdomen on the right side just under my rib cage (just where the liver is). My family think I may have an ulcer, but I'm more scared about damaging my liver. I'm 46 so not too old to get over this and I do not think I have any of the major symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice or weight loss, muscle weakness etc.

I do not drink or smoke so that lessens the damage and I am only a few pounds overweight and otherwise quite fit.

I know I need to go to the docs or the hospital but I am scared of then finding out the reasons why I may have an ulcer or liver damage and being labelled an addict. If my employer finds out will end up losing my job as I wi. I obviously need to do something however because I feel I am making myself very ill.

Anyone been in the same situation and can offer me some advice I would be grateful.

[luppygirl]

Not to scare you or anything but if something is wrong with your liver having a job might be least of your worries.  So go as soon as possible you shouldn't mess around with the liver.

[df18scarystuff]

I cannot say on here what job I do, but I have to declare any medical problems which may or may not affect my work. (Don't worry I don't fly planes or do surgery on people, nothing quite so drastic, so I'm not putting anyone at risk - I couldn't possibly do that)

So far, I've managed to disguise my use of the pills because of the car injuries I suffered, but people have been saying lately, "surely you don't need those pills several months on". I think it's only a matter of time before someone reports me!

But thanks for the comments - you are right I need to get it sorted in case it is something serious

[luppygirl]

I also wanted to say you really shouldn't mess around when it comes to your liver.  Get it checked asap

[luppygirl]

I don't know that much about you can develop an ulcer without being an addict.  I take pain medication and I don't abuse them but i did develop an ulcer.  I do know that I had to stop taking anything with an antinflamintory in it and start taking stomach pills.  As for liver damage i don't know about that one.  But I was wondering how would your boss find out about your medical conditions.  Where I work it is all confidential It is my choice whether or not i want to disclose medical information about my self.  But then again we don't have HMOs or whatever they are called here so I don't know how much that factor comes into play.  I am sure someone will be along shortly that would know more about your medical system.

[scaredmom330]

you need to go to the dr or ER. you have to find out what is wrong, could be serious. keep us post and good luck