Thanks IB I've been looking into alternatives already I agree with you, about getting ahead of myself but at the same time dodged a huge bullet with the alcohol, no permanent damage, liver & heart issue that cleared up slowly over the course of a year after I cleaned up. whew. Good to know I can ask if I need too. Thanks for your kindness. :)
And yes, you are being very smart about the addiction thing. Many people switch addictions--I am no stranger to it. Good thinking on your part.
Hi Debbie,
Being a holiday today it is quiet so you are stuck with me again.
The tapering thing---first, I don't know how you would taper off of one pill. At that point, just stop. For that matter, at 3 pills a day, just stop. Unless you have underlying health problems there is no risk in detoxing off of opiates. Tapering is tricky and it will only prolong the process. If you do stop and begin experiencing mild withdrawal we can help you with some home remedies to help make you comfortable during that time.
But you are getting ahead of yourself. When the doctor says it is time or you find an alternative, talk with him about stopping the Hydrocodone.
Hang in there.
Thanks- I've seen first hand the hell it creates-I already have one addiction (alcohol) under my belt and would rather not add a second to it. Not wanting to assume it wouldn't happen, I've seen it happen way too many times. Thanks again.
Thanks for your input- I am taking it even tho I'm petrified because I know the longer I wait the less it helps. this is such a double edged sword in my mind. I've seen compliant patients become physically dependent and thats my fear. Although I'm only taking what I need right now the need for relief more often than not supercedes rational thought. (Kinda feeling stupid about even asking at all now) Although I really appreciate the input I have gotten, I don't want to "wait & see" or "don't worry about it now, worry about it if/when the time comes" (which I've been told privately)
I guess I worded my post wrong, the basic question would be..... is there a chance I would need to taper when it's time to stop and if so any ideas on how would I go about it? it's been 9 mths on a daily basis-whether it be one or 3 (min- 7.5/750--max 7.5/750x3).
Leftover pills for addicts is like leftover money for gamblers, just does not happen...but you are very smart for being proactive.
Deb~ I read your post and really appreciate what your fears are. It truly doesn't sound like your behavior is addictive. As IBK said,there's no such thing as left over pills for an addict. Those would be so gone!!!
Take the med for your pain and don't let that pain get out of control! It's harder to cover it!
Vicki
Thank you- my fear I guess is the physical addiction, since taking meds even as prescribed doesn't mean it won't happen, especially with addiction tendencies- doesn't mean it will either. that's just me and my fear.... Thanks again and I'm very glad for your thoughts and your success.
I respect the fact that you're concerned but I agree with IB,I am a nurse and was addicted to hydrocodone.90 pills lasted me a week,well 5 days to be exact.
Idk that you're being paranoid.it's good that you're aware of what could turn into a problem esp.since you're in aa.I don't think you have a problem now,though.
Hoping you feel better soon.
First thank you for the link, I will go check it out. should have thought of that myself. I guess I'm being more than a little paranoid then? Because of the alcohol addiction I guess it ramped up my fear of adding another...that was hell on earth and that was in finally in a detox/rehab after many, many home detoxes.
Hi & Welcome,
I don't know any addict that has a bottle of pills in their house left over from July---trust me, I don't think any member of this community could do that.
I don't know how you managed not t take them but it is wonderful and I commend you.
With all of that I think you may get better responses from the pain mngt community. They are a great group of members who are knowledgeable and supportive. They could probably give you some good advise. I provided the link for you below and hope that you talk with them.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Pain-Management/show/53
I wish you the best and hope that you and your doctor can work to get the pain under control.