PLEASE HELP ME.

[Gogeyi]

I have 3 herniated dics in my neck 2 in my back.  I have degenerative disc disease throughout my spine.  I have bone spurs on both hips, in my hands and feet, I have osteoarthritis in nearly every joint and I'm bi-polar.

My fight right now is someone put into my head that I don't need the narcotics that I take.  I take percocet w/out tylenol 5 mg every 4 hours.  It helps me function.  

I got on them in the first place because I had to work and my doc said I was taking soooooo much Tylenol and IB that I was killing my organs.  So I agreed to narcotics.

Then someone told me that was nonsence.  So I have been trying to quit them for a few days now.  I cry, mostly cause I can't sleep AT ALL!

I have been in the hospital 3 times in Novemeber.  I can't not sleep cause I'll catch something.  I get sick everytime I'm exposed and what is a cold to another, ends up as pneumonia with me.

I feel awfull!  Should I be doing this?  Is it ok to take narcotics sometimes.  I have been back to Tylenol and IB since I've been off.  I KNOW my doc doesn't want me on the IB.

PLEASE HELP ME........I'm tired and in tears!

Thanks
Gogeyi

[sfbaygirl]

Amen!  Your words ring true for me.

[Curls]

Don't stop drugs without talking to your doctor first!  Also talk to your doctor - and to a pain specialist and a narcotics knowledgable doctor - about what your risks are from taking these.  How long will they work or will you need to up the dose?  Can you do it in a pattern that reduces risk?  Sometimes narcotics are the answer if managed properly.  Who told you it's nonsense, and where did they get their medical degree, and a detailed copy of your medical records to give you a thoughful answer??  Sometimes people's words can really hit us, but it's not always good to listen to them.  Sometimes it come out of their own experiences and doesn't apply to us.  Sometimes they dont' even know why they've got a problem with something.  Another resource is the pharm company that makes the drug.  They have a hellp line and can answer these kinds of questions about what it's real risk is to you.  I would also keep looking and an eye out for non-narcotic options that might work for you.  But don't make yourself sicker over someone else's judgement.

[sfbaygirl]

Geez, if you need those pain meds take them!!  Especially if they help. The ones you take aren't even that strong.  Don't listen to friends, ask your Dr. If he prescribed them, then take them!