Do I have a problem?

[Worthmorenow]

Hi All
I found this site last night and have come to the conclusion I may have a problem. Been going to pain management about 2 years for back pain. Taking Perc 5 mg. (3 day at the most), and Ultram 50 mg (4 day at most). It helped keep me working and get thou the chronic pain. September it got worse and I started having leg pain along with the back pain. It was awful and I couldn't sleep or work. Somehow though I managed to never take over my set limit of pills. 3 weeks ago I had surgery (discectomy) which relieved the leg pain but my back is still pretty sore (especially at the incision). I started thinking maybe I have a problem because I am still taking the same amount of medication as pre op and feeling like I am in a rut. I have no drive to do anything, and feel tired all the time. I have been in the house almost continuously for the last 3 weeks. I'm thinking maybe I should just throw these pills away, but I am afraid of the pain I am still having. What do you all think?

[Worthmorenow]

Today I cut my Ultram dose back to 1/2 (50 mg. twice a day) instead of 100mg twice a day. What a difference. I feel wide awake and much better which I welcome after laying on the couch for 3 weeks.  Maybe I was worrying for no reason. I have been taking the drug for a long time (probably 9 months).  If I have trouble sleeping I will take 2 Nyquil tablets (over the counter). I take them occasionally when I can't sleep. Thanks to everyone for all the knowledge and support they have given me the last 2 days.

[morganave]

Please remember that meds have been developed not to "hook" people, but to "help" them.  You are taking your meds very responsibily (sp).  If you are concerned, talk to your Dr if you are having questions.  I know people who snort perc, lots of them, and they take way more than  they should.  That does not sound like you.  As your pain level lessons, take less meds. You seem to be very on top of this. Good for you and good luck.

[lovemypillhead]

Well, for the percocet if your dr told u....one every 6 hours then you are just fine! Same with the tramadol.  That isnt abusing it.

You sound responsible. You really do.  I respect that you want to get off the stuff and ultimately that is great if you do.

It's like a cancer patient.  They get prescribed massive amounts of Oxy's....for pain and i htink just to let them feel nice before they die.  But, that doesn't mean the cancer patient is "addicted" .... they have for real pain.  they REQUIRE the medicine to cope with the pain and or the depression of death. That's what I meant about you.  You sound as tho u have real pain and require meds to help u cope with that pain....and the recovery pain.  If infact u are taking what you are suppose to....then good for you.  

If you suddenly stop taking an opiate, even if you have NEVER EVER abused it, you can still experience withdrawl symptoms similar to the horror stories u read on here.

Best of luck to u. I hope u feel better soon.  If u need support, this place and the people will give it to u and get u thru it.

If you're not addicted to medhelp yet, you soon will be :o)

[Worthmorenow]

Percocet 2 or 3 a day (I did take 4 a few days when I really had pain), and Ultram 4 day (50 mg). I guess to some people it may sound minor (the amount), but I am concerned.  My plan is to wean off Ultram in the next 2 weeks, and than the Percocet.

[lovemypillhead]

Also,  i can totally understand u counting the pills....if ur not over taking them....because ur scared u will run out, etc ....


But, that doesnt mean your addicted.  That could be ur just scared since THIS MOMENT your in pain and your scared u will run out before u heal and do not have pain anymore.

And hell, maybe you are addicted.  I don't think so. I am not telling u for sure one way or another.....i am just giving you the other side

[lovemypillhead]

Well, I really think u are ok. I think it is too hard to say yet what's up...because u have real pain and had surgery!!!!  

Everyone handles pain differently.  Your tolerance is set here.  Mine is set here.  So of course it will differ.  People have different tolerances to medicine just the same. Liscamdave on here was taking like 15 80mg of oxy a day, at the height of her addiction.  If I even looked at that many pills in a bottle, I would throw up.

If he has u on one every 6 hours..........
HOW MANY ARE U TAKING IN A DAY?

[Worthmorenow]

That is an excellent question! LOL. Probably because the Rx said take one every 6 hours as needed, and I was not sure how many a day I was taking. There is no refill and I am hoping I can make it on what is left of my RX ( 25 pills), and not ask for any more. I feel like a baby (I feel stupid for saying this) because I still have pain after 3 weeks.

[lovemypillhead]

Also, if you are NOT taking more pills then prescribed, why were u counting the pills the other day in fear of running  out early?

[lovemypillhead]

I disagree with you and lots on here.

If you are taking what was prescribed to you, before surgery and are taking what is presribed to you, post surgery..........then i believe u are ok.

As far as feeling like sh!t............number one....u  had surgery. Depending on your age and other things, it will take time to get back to feeling like u did before. Number two........there is a big difference in being addicted to pills and being physical dependent pn pills.  Either way, yes, of course, you and everyone else wants to live a life where you do not require them to function....be it because of pain or going thru wd if u dont have them.  But, there are some people in this world who get pain pills for REAL pain and honestly require them in order to manage their pain and they dont abuse the script, they don't run out early, they don't sell them.....they don't doctor shop.....they dont forge scripts.  

So i wouldnt be so hard on yourself.  You had surgery. Give ur body a chance to heal and recover.

[Worthmorenow]

Thanks so much for being candid. I don't think I am taking pills to escape anything but pain. Yesterday I paid attention to what I took when and how it made me feel. Seems if I combined Percocet & Ultram I felt worse (like a dish rag/couch potato). Normally I am a very active person, so the way I have been feeling since the surgery (3 weeks ago) is really starting to concern me. Starting today  I am cutting my Ultram dose in half (2/daily), and stick with the Percocet (I only have enough to take 2 a day until my next appointment anyway). I am shocked about the Ultram. My pain management doctor would give me as much of this as I wanted because it is "non narcotic" (her words). And it was prescribed maximum 6 daily.
Thank you all for your advice, knowledge, and support

[wannabefree330]

If you are taking your medication to 'escape' feelings, to get high, or any other reason other than for pain.....then you are an addict.  It doesn't sound as if you mentioned any of these?  You can take your meds 'as prescribed'.  Me, being the addict that I am, feel if the Rx says take 1 every 8 hours......then I take 10 every 3.....whether I have pain or not.....understand?  I take pills because I have a good day.....because I have a bad day.....because I have to pay the bills.....because I can't pay the bills.....cuz I'm going to work......cuz I called in sick....pretty much any and all excuses I would use to get high.  Of course I would justify my reasoning and deny abuse every time.  THAT is addiction.

You have been taking your meds for a long time.  That being said, your body has become physically dependent on them to function.  Even small amounts can make you physically dependent.  This is much different than psychologically dependent (as mentioned above).  Many people are afraid to be in pain.....with good reason.  As others have stated you'll need to wean the meds slowly to avoid significant w/d.  Talking w/your doctor is great advice. However,  do your research also.  After all, he is the one who told you Ultram isn't addictive.  Come here often  as there are so many great people who can and will give you all the advice you need.

[enemy48]

Hi,

I had that same surgery.  The incision area will be sore for awhile.  It gets better by the week.

Your back may be fixed well, or you may continue to suffer a little.

Cold weather & rain will make you ache more in the mornings for the first couple of years.  Start using the heating pad when the incision is completely healed.  If that doesn't help, then try cool menthol rubs.

You'll have to wean off the meds.  Stopping cold turkey w/throw you into withdrawals.  You'll still experience w/d's w/a taper, but not as severe......so I've heard.  I always failed at tapers.

Best Wishes.

[Worthmorenow]

Thanks for your comments. I am going to look into the wean schedule on Ultram. I'm starting to think Ultram is worse than Percocet? As for the Percocet I took one this morning when I got up around 9 am. My pain is coming back (from doing absolutely nothing!) so I just took some Motrin. I want to see if that works, and if I get any withdraw from no Percocet. I better figure out something....I don't plan on going back to pain management if possible. Thanks again!

[cathy5841]

good conclusion you have reached..but do not stop the ultram cold turkey.  you have to taper off them due to the potential for seizures.  that was avisg'd DOC...send her a pm or note she can explain alot about it.  also she has journals on it.  good luck to you.

[Worthmorenow]

Thanks for your thoughts. No I have not spoken with the physician. I'm afraid to ( I work in the medical field, and it would not be cool). I saw the surgeon last Monday and he told me I will be "sore" for a long time. He gave me a script for 40 Percocet and I have 25 left. But yesterday I started to count them (worrying about running out). Also after reading some posts on this site I had no idea you have withdraw from Ultram. I was told it was non narcotic, and non addictive. That scares me too. Up until now I had an occasional thought that this may become a problem, but now I'm really worried

[scaredmom330]

first of all, welcome, you have come the the right place, I have to agree with everyone else, maybe from the surgery, talk to your dr. even if you go off your meds you may or will still be in pain, doesnt really sound like an addiction yet but could become one. I am in pain mangement and have for years, some months I do ok with my meds other I take more, mostly when the pain is the worse, but please talk to your dr first. take care, you are in my prayers.

[snowflake620]

i think maybe some of your low energy and no drive is still from the surgery and anesthesia(spelling?) have you talked to your dr. about the pain meds

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I think that you should lighten up on the pills berore you show up here with a real major league habit........you are doing a good job of describing withdrawals or depression or both................you still have time to nip it earlier rather than later