trying to beat pain med

[virldy]

i just recently discovered this site, i am a 50 year old health care professional. I had surgery about 4 years ago and wound up with severe complicaitions and spent a total of 17 weeks in 3 different hospitals. now am left with a couple of sevfere intestinal problems, i took percocet and hyrdocodone for pain and still take now, i want to stop the meds-but am not sure how. I dont want to discuss with my doctor ( been going to him for 20 years) as i am scared it will affect my work license. I see whree some peopple are taken 30 - 40 pills a day. i generally require aboaut 6 a day. i think i am physically dependent on them as i frequently experience episode of feeling horrible and achy all over, hot and sweaty and anxious. I do have some pain left from surgery but i feel that i am addicted to the pain meds and need to get off. I dont understand how someone can take 30 pills a day, my md's give me a hard time when i renew  myprescription for 40 percocet every 4-6 weeks, so i guess  i dont see how one gets that many pills, i worry about the DHEC people looking for me for what i do take. i want to try taper off instead of cold turkey, but have such horrible feeling bad episodes that i am scared to do this. any suggestions?

[worried878]

I am also a healthcare prof and was taking 60-80 mg a day...chronic pain patient but decided to quit as i was addicted to them and like u mentioned, had problems ggetting enough from doctors to keep up with my growing tolerence...i tapered and quit...i do recommend a long weekend off of work and tapering is a bit difficult for many... i had to get someone to hold my pills for me...would be glad to help if u need any support...there is a good article on tapering and the thomas recipe in the health pages...keep posting

[10356]

I received all my pain meds from my Doctor and used my Hubbys also. I agree tapering off is a good way to go at that amount you should be able to do a fast taper, then you will feel like you have the flu and you treat it that way with may-be a few more hot baths for rls and walking as that will make you feel better faster. Welcome to the forum and you should receive a lot of support.

[toomanytimes]

I'm an  RN. I didn't want to go to my dr either, because i didn't want it in my chart.  So i picked a psychiatrist and i pay cash. You may not need to do that, there is tons of support here and as cathy said-you can talk with avisg about tapering.  I don't know about other ppl but i had a friend that was prescribed them also and i bought them from her--then found someone else when that wasn't enough......please stop while you are at 6 a day.

[Robin6298]

Welcome to the forum :)  I would recommend a slow taper too.  However, you have to be disciplined enough to stick to the taper plan.  You will have some w/d symptoms as you cut down, but they won't be as bad as cold-turkey.  If you don't think that you can do this, do you have a friend/relative that you trust to dispense the meds to you, following the taper schedule?  I don't know if your able to take time off from work, or not, but if so, maybe you could go cold-turkey, and get it over with.  This is more uncomfortable than tapering, but it's over and done with quicker.  There are meds that ease withdrawal, and aren't addictive (Clonidine, Phenegran, Immodium,).  See also the Thomas Recipe at the bottom right of the screen.  Lots of great info here.  Keep posting, and again, welcome.  You CAN do this.

[cathy5841]

avisg is our taper expert here.   BTW welcome to the forum. lol  if you send her message with how many you take a day and how many you have to taper with she will be glad to help you.  and most ppl that take that many do not buy them legally.  this is doable for you.  just contact avis she will help you
good luck
cathy

[Friend999]

You have come to the right place. Many wonderful people will provide excellent advice and support.  Follow your post for comments, read other posts, and post again as questions arise. You will gain much valuable knowledge to make decisions.  Stay on this site during your taper and/or cold turkey (ct).  

That is my very best advice.  I wish you well, my friend.

Friend999

[malenurse57]

I to am a healthcare professional. I am addicted to Tramadol 800mg + a day. However My life is worth more than my license to me. Your @ 6 aday now but how long before that # starts growing ? You can get away from them and it will not be easy, but what is 6 - 10 days give or take of dicomfort opposed to the pills ruining your life. Their are others here that can probably give you more advice and better. I will keep you in my prayers