Long Term Vicoden Use

[mzbalance]

several years ago I contracted a staph infection from knee surgery resulting in multiple surgeries and long term pain.  A couple of years ago my infectious disease dr found a dr to replace this knee and then the next year I had the other knee replaced due to long term osteo arthritis and over use from the staph for 3 yrs.  During all this time I took vicoden regularly..up to 4 a day at times.  Since the last knee replacment almost 2 yrs ago, I continue to take at least one vicoden a day.  Usually 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 late afternoon.  I have chronic arthirtis in my legs, hands and neck.  I am only 45 yrs old.   Should I stop the daily pain med use and hold off for only intolerable pain?  Am I dependent and if so, will I ever be able to take pain medication again?

[broknbck]

are the pills actually working for the pain? if so then you are okay.

when they stop working and you need to take more to get the same relief that means that your body is becoming dependant on them.

that is a very low dose and if you never increase it, you will probably be safe.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Welcome to our forum. Lots of people here that can help you.
My answer to you is; You are not sounding at all like having an addiction problem. Pain meds have their place. If you are able to take them as you are, I do not see a problem with that. There are other ways to deal with pain besides opiates.

As far as dependent? Very likely, it is the nature of narcotics.
Dependency and Addiction are two separate things. Addiction is the abuse of the prescribed use. Dependency is what happens when you have taken a narcotic for a period of time.

[desperate1111]

doesn't really sound like you're abusing your meds. with one per day if you can keep it at that. i have RA, after i quit the pills and stuck to RA meds i don't have any pain. pain meds can make your pain worse.
is MRSA the staph infection you are referring to?