Day 3 of Opiate Withdrawl

[TheLonelyOne]

Basically, I had a lung collapse back in October. I had 4 more since. Had surgery on my right lung in November. Was prescribed Percocet (5/325) near the end of November. Took them on and off since the beginning on this month. Was also taking tramadol when I didn't have Percocet (50mg I think). Was supposed to take 1-2 every 4-6 hours, I would take 1 every 2, or sometimes 2. I was pretty good with the Tramadol (1 every 4 hours).

I've never been addicted to anything before this so I didn't know what the warning signs were, or how to know if I am addicted. At the end of December I ran out and was sick for about 2 weeks. I thought I had the flu or something, but it never went away. Then I had another collapse on my left lung and they gave me Morphine for pain at the ER. Then it hit me... I was going through Withdrawl.

What I think caused this addiction was when I had my lung surgery and was connected to a machine that shot dilaudid into my IV. Every 10 minutes I could press a button that shot it in. I abused it.. and was so messed up, that I would fall asleep on my laptop, wake up and hour later and continue what I was doing, only to fall asleep 30 seconds later. Eventually, I had so much stomach pain that I asked them to take me off it.

I'm on Day 3 (or 4..?) (last dose was Friday Morning.. Tramadol). I also have a Hiatal Hernia which I plan to have surgery on within a month or so. So I am very worried because with any surgery, there will be pain after which means I'll need to take something for it and I don't want to go through withdrawl again.

So I have a couple questions.

1) The first time I was sick, it lasted like two weeks but I didn't feel as bad as I do now. About how long until I can start feeling normal and getting back to my normal routine? I have been drinking tea to help but so far, it hasn't done much for me. Nights are the worse... I feel like crying because of how uncomfortable I feel.

2) How do I prevent myself from having to go through withdrawl again after surgery? I don't know how much pain I'm going to be in, but I will do my best to not take anything for pain while I'm at home. But while I'm in the hospital, that's a different story.

Sorry for the long post. I didn't want to make it long but I'm absolutely terrified because my brother was addicted to crack and is now, unfortunately, in prison. I don't really crave the drug, I just want to get rid of all this pain and discomfort. I'm 23 and need some help. Thank you guys for hearing my story.

[Krissy_123]

I'm no expert here,but you sound more like you're dependant on the pills more than an addict. You didn't know what was Wrong with you when you started withdrawl,you don't seek out the pills and you've recognized there is a issue and you're trying to fix it. Please don't be scared of the surgery. I'm actually going through that as I speak. I had 3 tumours, my left ovary and tubes removed late last week. They had me on dilaudid iv as well. That they administered. I hated it. My drug was oxycodone. I've been clean off it a month and a half. I go home tomorrow or the next day and my husband will administer my pain meds. You will be ok. xox

[ArmyWifeMomof4]

My father was an alcoholic and abused prescriptions and my brother followed and ended up in rehab for Meth and prescription drugs. This too terrified me. I don't think it is genetic. I am a Christian and I do believe in generational curses so I do believe my family has this addiction stuff going on. I was in Lortabs for pain a couple years ago and as soon as I saw where it was going I stopped. I since then had my 5th kiddo via c-section so they gave me Percs which I handed my husband and he gave them to me as needed. No withdrawals from the hospital drugs or the percs. Then I had another surgery where they gave me the Tramadol. I was only on it a little while and the withdrawals were intense! I asked for something non narcotic and that is what they gave me and when I started with another doc she was horrified they gave that to me and said it was a non narcotic. All in all if I for any reason need something for pain I explain to the docs my family history and that is a fire I don't want to play with and they give my husband the pills. I don't even know if I am really an addict as much as I know I have an addictive personality so I watch what I take and how. I have 5 kids and I love them dearly but the thought of having something to "ease" the day is tempting as a mom so I do not even let it get that far. Just keep your eyes open and be aware!! Maybe ask someone to give you the pills as needed and have someone watch your back. Always a plus. I don't think a lot of us start down this path intending to become addicted. It just happens.

[TheLonelyOne]

Thank you both for replying. Interesting to hear that the Tramadol would be worse since they were the least effective for me. I was only prescribed them twice, and only a 3 day supply.

I'll be sure to let you all know what happens

[dominosarah]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Yes you were experiencing wd's and i have a feeling alot of it came from the tramadol.  That one seems to hang on for awhile.  You mentioned that you have another surgery coming up.  I would talk with the surgeon and your regular doctor and tell them what you have told us here about your concerns with the pain meds.  We have to be our own advocates when it comes to our health and well being.  I am sorry to hear about your brother and his circumstances but it has made you more in tune to what pain meds can do to us.  As for the pain you are feeling, that should subside after a bit.  We experience rebound pain after we stop the meds.  Let us know how you are doing~

[CRSeaside]

I'll try to help.
I went to an addiction specialist once. The Dr told me to take meds when I needed them. Not to take when not urgent.  He said he's been an expert for a long time.
  So for me, I never take more. Always less during a recovery from surgery.
When it's time to completely stop pain meds I am able to do so slowly under the supervision of my MD.
  Find out why you are having so many health problems & follow Dr recommendations.
     The bad withdrawls are usually from excessive use & instant discontinuance.  
       I have 3 parents who are alcoholics. I'm not. 3 beers a week or nothing is ok with me. I understand you're scared because of your brothers situation.
   Please keep us posted. Listen to your medical experts.
     You may be having emotional grief. See a psychiatrist too. A combination of medications is sometimes needed thru the recovery from surgery.
   I hope this helps a little. Maxy