Lesson Learned - Hope this Helps Others

[Florida_Guy737]

I've been off meds for almost two years when I hurt my right knee pretty bad exercising. Long story short, I was on pain meds for almost two months (perc 10s/Lortabs) and had surgery about three weeks ago.  I stopped the meds two days ago and I am experiencing withdrawals.  Nothing like before after being on meds for five years straight but I definitely don't like it.  When I first started taking the meds again, I was conscious of the fact that I could become addicted again so I was careful.  I cut my pills in halfs and even quarters and carefully rationed the intake. After the surgery, the pain was so bad I couldn't even walk so I took the meds as prescribed and then some.  I think all of us can relate to this now. When I was taking the meds, post-op, I didn't feel anything and didn't care about much either...I was zoning.  This zoning caused me to lose my perspective and basically said screw it and just did what I thought I needed to.  I'm at a cusp right now. I could easily acquire more meds by calling my physician and become fully addicted/dependent again.  Instead, I started drinking copious amounts of water, forcing food (not hungary), getting a haircut (image is everything..lol) and plan on going back to the gym tomorrow (slow workouts for the next couple of weeks).

I want to thank all of you that have helped me these pas two years.  If I wasn't aware of the dangers of using meds, I'm sure a brutal addictive path would be in front of me; worse, I wouldn't even be aware of it.

Good Luck to All and remember why you're here...to enjoy life and not let something control you.

Guy

[dominosarah]

Good post Guy......I am glad you chose to take care of you instead of feeding your addiction.  Wishing you a speedy recovery and take it slow at the gym.        sara

[beatingthis]

You are a rock!! Good for you! We can never let our guard down. Not even for pain.

Terry