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Tappering off
by Jones64, Jan 16, 2008 03:30PM
In Sept. 07 I herniated a disc in my lower back, I started on Hydrocodone 10/500mgs. They were perscribed at 1 or 2 ever 4 to 6 hrs.. I was ok with 1 every 4 hrs and my Dr. also tried a series of 3 shots, over about a 6 to 8 week period. They shots did not work and I had to have a microdistectomy which I had in early Dec.. Post surgery I was on 5/325 mgs percocets for a couple of weeks. I then switched back to hydrocodone but this time 7.5/500mgs. I still have the pain and numbness in my left leg and cant stand on my feet for more than about 30mins before I feel like I am walking on glass. I am trying to taper off the pain meds because I want to make sure it is real pain and not withdrawls. Also I need to get back to work. I have reduced down to taking half of a 7.5/500mg every 4 hrs and a whole pill at bedtime. I am experiencing some real depression and have made an apt to see a psychologist. My question: is this typical and what should I expect in the future. Thanks.
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I have almost the same pain/disk problems as you. It is horrible to live with that pain. I too had major surgery, cortizone injections, epidural injections, all sorts of physical therapy, accupuncture, etc. I eventually ended up on the pain meds for more years than I had hoped.
I finally decided, like you, to get off the meds and see how the pain was. Funny thing, it is not nearly as bad as it was, or I thought it was. Don't get me wrong, I live with it everyday, and some days are better than others. But, I DID find that the meds had exaggerated my pain. It seems that the pain pills exaggerate the pain and when you are off of them for some time, the pain i snot as bad. I have found alternatives to the meds. Not a cure by any means, but something I can live with.
The depression is also a part of stopping the meds for some. I think you made a great choice by going to see a psychiatrist. there is no shame in taking an anti-depressant , let's say.
Well, good luck. Let us know how you are doing.