It feels like I'm going to die

[addictedandsad]

I'm 44 years old and never thought I would be where I am right now. Addicted to hydrocodone and SOMA. I take up to 10-10mg hydrocodone a day and 6 SOMA. It began with treatment for osteo-arthritis and a back injury. Now...I'm in trouble. I take more than prescribed and I've run OUT of my meds with 9 days to go before I can refill and NOW....I feel like I"m going to die!!! My body has electric shocks going through it, I have the shakes, stomach is upset, the big D....and on and on and on. I feel like death. WHAT DO I DO????  Is there anyone who can help me??
Thank you...

[Tuckamore]

Just talk to your physician as Sandee recommended. Be open and honest and tell him your pain is just not controlled. There are other medications that may treat your pain better than what you are currently prescribed. Long acting meds will help you avoid the peaks and valleys that come with the short term ones.

Be cautious but don't label yourself until you understand addiction vs dependant and uncontrolled pain. There is a big difference. But again be cautious. You've learned a valuable lesson. Taking more does not usually mean better pain control, especially if you are not on the right pain medication. You can be addicted and still be a chronic pain sufferer. Unfortunately it can happen on occasion.

Good luck to you and please keep in touch.

Take Care,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

Hi K,
Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor about your medications not working. You hired him/her to handle your pain and that's whats they are there for. If you fail to relay that the medicines are not working properly then they have no way of knowing.
Be honest. they know how tolerance works. You have to let them know whats going on so they can adjust them.

[addictedandsad]

You people here are so truly wonderful. One post inparticular got to me. I've been beating myself up saying "how did this happen to me???"  My pain issues are ligit issues. I'm plagued with the worse osteo arthritis in almost EVERY joint in my body. Then came the riding accident which was truly awful. My meds are the ONLY THING that allow me to live my life, daily, functioning. I'm not sure if I'm addicted or dependent. Either way....the past couple of days have been nothing short of hell. I ended up getting a medication that is helping until I can get my scripts refilled. I feel better but I'm having to cut WAY back and ONLY take this when I begin to shake, sweat, and feel really badly. Next week, I'll be ok. But....I've learned a lesson here. I can ONLY take my meds. as prescribed. IF I say anything about them not working to my Dr. I fear he will cut me off completely so I don't know what to do with regard to the tolerance.
Thank you to each of you....My heart and thoughts are with you
K

[troubleinohio]

come on over to the Substance Abuse forum here. Tons of support, advice for you there. For now, get yourself some Immodium or Pepto, GaS X for the diarrhea and pains that come along with it. Some advil or whatever OTC pain reliever yuo use and ride it out. It will be a bad 3-5 days for you but then the WD symptoms ease up after that. Hang in there.

[Mollyrae]

Hello:

I'm very sorry that you're facing W/D. I think that your best option would be to visit an ER and tell them what has happened. Be honest and up front. The Doctors there can give you something to make you more comfortable whild the drugs are leaving the body.

MedHelp has a Substance Abuse Forum and I think it would be a good idea to visit them but right now all they can do is give you support.

You might even want to call an "On Call Doctor"...he/she may have some suggestions.

Please take care,
Mollyrae

[rhonda_tn]

I have done the same thing..running out early I mean.  I go to a pain Specialist and sometimes I have to take more of my pills due to a high tolerance.. Are you sure that you are addicted or just dependant?  Most CP patients are dependent and are pushed to think they are an addict... I had to go almost 2 weeks without once due to my son flushing them...it was hard, but you won't die...you just wish you would.  Take advil, drink fluids, sleep, and try to get through it...don't sit in bed because that will make it worse.  I remember watching a certain show throughout my WD's and to this day I can't watch it without having an anxiety attack...
Good Luck.

[TrayCee]

check out the Substance Abuse forum

Good Luck!