Aa
Nasty surprise, hope not relapse?
12 days into detox from Oxy started having excruciating pain in my belly, and my back. Because of severe stenosis and sponylolithesis issues in my lower back, it does not take a lot to start up the cycle of pain.
My RN wife doled out the Oxy for 3 days while we tried to figure out what had happened and to keep me out of the ER
Some of you may find it hard to believe the following to be true, but here goes: while on pain meds I took 4 stool softeners with laxative per day just to be regular. When I quit Oxy, I also stopped the stool softeners too. I plugged up big time, and the pressure pressed on my spine- I could not sit, stand, lay down, pace, or hardly even talk it was so painful. Yes I am aware that hyperalgesia may also have contributed.
After 3 days of heating pads, support belts, and Oxy the pain left. We (immediately ) got me back on "no narcs" day 4.
And now I take the stool softeners a while longer and intend to wean off of them. Amino acids have been very helpful putting down the anxiety-for me L-Lysine reduced my anxiety almost immediately. I know everyone is different, and I am not suggesting that for anyone else without Dr. Assistance.
I have been clean a week now and went to a job interview this morning. It's closer to three weeks total, depending on how you view it. I was hurting too bad to get high.
I have an appointment with the pain management dr in a couple of days. I am going to tell him that this is the last time he will see me as I don't want the Oxy anymore. He has been my "source" for two years now, and I just don't want to "no show" without an explanation, I feel he deserves to hear this face to face.
I will also tell him about the 60 pounds I have lost to reduce the pressure on my spine, and the daily Pilates for injured backs I have been doing for over a year- yes I am kinda proud of that. But I cannot kid myself about being an addictive type very prone to abusing pain meds. They are no good for me.
One of the biggest surprises to me personally has been the rediscovery of who I AM. It was always me and Oxy,
My thoughts are a little sluggish now, but they are truly mine, I actually can walk and talk and breath without that Oxy glow. I also have come to the realization that I have only two choices, either get off the pills or leave this world clutching a bottle of pills not knowing how much of life I have missed while in a narcotic walking coma.
It's only a week, but my wife and I joke about the stool softeners, and all my clever thinking while NARCOTIZED
( my term)
Well another seemingly aimless rants of mine, but that is me.
Thank you for all being here.
My RN wife doled out the Oxy for 3 days while we tried to figure out what had happened and to keep me out of the ER
Some of you may find it hard to believe the following to be true, but here goes: while on pain meds I took 4 stool softeners with laxative per day just to be regular. When I quit Oxy, I also stopped the stool softeners too. I plugged up big time, and the pressure pressed on my spine- I could not sit, stand, lay down, pace, or hardly even talk it was so painful. Yes I am aware that hyperalgesia may also have contributed.
After 3 days of heating pads, support belts, and Oxy the pain left. We (immediately ) got me back on "no narcs" day 4.
And now I take the stool softeners a while longer and intend to wean off of them. Amino acids have been very helpful putting down the anxiety-for me L-Lysine reduced my anxiety almost immediately. I know everyone is different, and I am not suggesting that for anyone else without Dr. Assistance.
I have been clean a week now and went to a job interview this morning. It's closer to three weeks total, depending on how you view it. I was hurting too bad to get high.
I have an appointment with the pain management dr in a couple of days. I am going to tell him that this is the last time he will see me as I don't want the Oxy anymore. He has been my "source" for two years now, and I just don't want to "no show" without an explanation, I feel he deserves to hear this face to face.
I will also tell him about the 60 pounds I have lost to reduce the pressure on my spine, and the daily Pilates for injured backs I have been doing for over a year- yes I am kinda proud of that. But I cannot kid myself about being an addictive type very prone to abusing pain meds. They are no good for me.
One of the biggest surprises to me personally has been the rediscovery of who I AM. It was always me and Oxy,
My thoughts are a little sluggish now, but they are truly mine, I actually can walk and talk and breath without that Oxy glow. I also have come to the realization that I have only two choices, either get off the pills or leave this world clutching a bottle of pills not knowing how much of life I have missed while in a narcotic walking coma.
It's only a week, but my wife and I joke about the stool softeners, and all my clever thinking while NARCOTIZED
( my term)
Well another seemingly aimless rants of mine, but that is me.
Thank you for all being here.
I have been accused in the past of judging someone or, in this situation, taking their inventory. That's not the case. My comments are based in personal experience; years of failure. Someone wrote, "Just because I give you advice, it doesn't mean I know more than you, it just means that I've done more stupid sh**." That's me. If I don't point out the things that bother me in your post, then I'm wasting your time if I respond only with a generic "you can do this". Finally, in your response you wrote "I'm not afraid of Oxy". You just have more respect for "it". The pill is nothing; it is dust. What you are referring to is your addiction.
K
K
"As the years in AA went by, we learned not to "take someone elses inventory," and restrict our comments to our personal experiences and what worked and did not work for ourselves personally. "
That's exactly what people are doing. This is a forum where people look for input and support. I know you haven't been a member here too long, but if you look around, you'll see that typically, when someone posts a thread, even if they aren't asking a specific question, they will get various responses. Everyone has a different approach too. Kyle's is a non nonsense, cut through the fat kind of approach. He doesn't sugar coat anything and tells it likes he sees it...and he can do that because he too has lived it, and he'll tell anyone that. I can tell you he's helped countless people...and most of them started out telling him to go pound salt. Eventually, when those people let their guard down and didn't take the posts personally...their eyes were opened.
People like sarah and kyle HAVE learned what works and what doesn't, and they're trying to tell you that your approach is normally in the "doesn't work" category. Most people here are fellow addicts...they HAVE lived it, and said everything you're saying at one point or another.
You don't have to accept anyone's advice, but you DO have to understand that you're going to get honest replies, even things you may not really want to hear. That's just how it works.
You've been doing things a certain way for so long, and obviously, it isn't working for you, or you wouldn't be here. Until you are ready to take a hard look at that and understand the reasons WHY it isn't working, then your progress may suffer. Of course you don't want that.
You're trying, and you're working on it, which is all good. No one would take that away from you...but it's always helpful to hear from others their honest input into your situation. You talk a lot about AA...are you going to AA presently? What kind of aftercare are you seeking out? AA/NA? Private addiction counseling? Of course, the aftercare is probably THE most important part of the LONG term sobriety.
Hopefully you can try to separate your personal feelings about the comments and digest the message. None of this is personal...you're dealing with people who take sobriety very seriously, they're just not going to sugar coat things when they see red flags. They want to see you succeed!
Hang in there!!
That's exactly what people are doing. This is a forum where people look for input and support. I know you haven't been a member here too long, but if you look around, you'll see that typically, when someone posts a thread, even if they aren't asking a specific question, they will get various responses. Everyone has a different approach too. Kyle's is a non nonsense, cut through the fat kind of approach. He doesn't sugar coat anything and tells it likes he sees it...and he can do that because he too has lived it, and he'll tell anyone that. I can tell you he's helped countless people...and most of them started out telling him to go pound salt. Eventually, when those people let their guard down and didn't take the posts personally...their eyes were opened.
People like sarah and kyle HAVE learned what works and what doesn't, and they're trying to tell you that your approach is normally in the "doesn't work" category. Most people here are fellow addicts...they HAVE lived it, and said everything you're saying at one point or another.
You don't have to accept anyone's advice, but you DO have to understand that you're going to get honest replies, even things you may not really want to hear. That's just how it works.
You've been doing things a certain way for so long, and obviously, it isn't working for you, or you wouldn't be here. Until you are ready to take a hard look at that and understand the reasons WHY it isn't working, then your progress may suffer. Of course you don't want that.
You're trying, and you're working on it, which is all good. No one would take that away from you...but it's always helpful to hear from others their honest input into your situation. You talk a lot about AA...are you going to AA presently? What kind of aftercare are you seeking out? AA/NA? Private addiction counseling? Of course, the aftercare is probably THE most important part of the LONG term sobriety.
Hopefully you can try to separate your personal feelings about the comments and digest the message. None of this is personal...you're dealing with people who take sobriety very seriously, they're just not going to sugar coat things when they see red flags. They want to see you succeed!
Hang in there!!
This place is a village, no two of us are the same, just like AA, the exact group doesn't show up at every meeting. You have a profile of an adult male, you'll get treated as an alpha, I'm glad you came here and hope you continue to share your experience. This is your thread, say whaterver, minding respect for others tho.
You are beginning your personal battle to quit opiates, no-one who admits addiction, just flips a switch to quit. Keep coming back Bud, it works if you work it! We appreciate your open sharing, younger new comers may realize 'that honesty' is what they must do to succeed. You know that as you go through the next few months getting opiates out of your system and post here, that a day will come when you look back at your early posts and can see your progress. I like your candor, keep laying on us, as i said this is your thread Oxytired.
You are beginning your personal battle to quit opiates, no-one who admits addiction, just flips a switch to quit. Keep coming back Bud, it works if you work it! We appreciate your open sharing, younger new comers may realize 'that honesty' is what they must do to succeed. You know that as you go through the next few months getting opiates out of your system and post here, that a day will come when you look back at your early posts and can see your progress. I like your candor, keep laying on us, as i said this is your thread Oxytired.
Good to hear. Didn't want you to be offended, just wanted to be sure you do your homework and be careful. You're definitely more vulnerable and at a much higher risk of having complications during detox. Detox can easily cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, then you add the colonics on top of that, I would be very worried, personally.
Also, have you talked to the surgeon since the scheduled surgery? Just be sure you remain in contact with him/her....you don't want to cause the surgeon to discharge you as a patient. It's best if you can sit down with the surgeon and regroup, make a new plan with a new surgery date...and just be upfront about all of your concerns. The doc can work with you and come up with ways to manage your pain, and address your concerns about the meds too. Always best to keep those lines of communication open.
Good luck to you!
(Oxy....pardon the brief hijack)
Also, have you talked to the surgeon since the scheduled surgery? Just be sure you remain in contact with him/her....you don't want to cause the surgeon to discharge you as a patient. It's best if you can sit down with the surgeon and regroup, make a new plan with a new surgery date...and just be upfront about all of your concerns. The doc can work with you and come up with ways to manage your pain, and address your concerns about the meds too. Always best to keep those lines of communication open.
Good luck to you!
(Oxy....pardon the brief hijack)
Nice responses! Through AA I have learned about sharing our "experience, strength and hope." I can see that the forum about substance addiction operates on different principles. As the years in AA went by, we learned not to "take someone elses inventory," and restrict our comments to our personal experiences and what worked and did not work for ourselves personally.
Of course we had our share of long time members who were MR. AA
One of them, a very good friend of mine, had custom business cards printed with his name and phone number to distribute to new members. Well, that was part of HIS program, who's to say?
I will lastly add two comments: 1. None of what I wrote above was BS, despite whatever you chose to think. 2. I value continuous abstinence from Oxycodone more than anything right now. Each day I am getting stronger, and more capable of contributing to my family and to society. I count my "totally abstinent" days as those after I made a very difficult choice-that I know in my heart was the right one. I am not afraid of Oxy. I am just a whole lot more respectful now, as Oxy wants to dominate my mind, body and spirit.
In AA we used to tell new members that they did not have to chose not to drink "forever." That is a long time, and a daunting task. Just choose not to drink today. Keep your options open if that makes you feel better, just choose not to drink today. One day at a time.
Sad I don't see some of these powerful principles in evidence here.
Of course we had our share of long time members who were MR. AA
One of them, a very good friend of mine, had custom business cards printed with his name and phone number to distribute to new members. Well, that was part of HIS program, who's to say?
I will lastly add two comments: 1. None of what I wrote above was BS, despite whatever you chose to think. 2. I value continuous abstinence from Oxycodone more than anything right now. Each day I am getting stronger, and more capable of contributing to my family and to society. I count my "totally abstinent" days as those after I made a very difficult choice-that I know in my heart was the right one. I am not afraid of Oxy. I am just a whole lot more respectful now, as Oxy wants to dominate my mind, body and spirit.
In AA we used to tell new members that they did not have to chose not to drink "forever." That is a long time, and a daunting task. Just choose not to drink today. Keep your options open if that makes you feel better, just choose not to drink today. One day at a time.
Sad I don't see some of these powerful principles in evidence here.
Ooops. my reply should have been directed to OxyTired, not Bambi...sorry about that!
Like I said, pain issues are real and need addressed. Not one person here would tell you to not control your pain in lieu of being sober. You posted about what was going on, and you got honest replies that the way you handled it was not the best way...both for medical reasons, and for addiction purposes.
This kind of thing is a learning process...you have to learn new ways to address your pain issues, as you will also have to consider your addiction issues as well. It absolutely can be done.
If you go back and reread your posts, I think you'll (hopefully) see that you're doing a lot of rationalizing and trying to reason through this, making it okay.
Once you get your doctors on board, you will be able to better formulate a plan as to how you need to handle the pain, while guarding your sobriety at the same time. Your wife would benefit from getting involved in your recovery process as well, and if she took part in some alanon and/or naranon meetings, she would probably learn a lot about the "dos" and "don'ts" when trying to help you. She needs to be involved in your plan as well....that also increases your accountability. If your addict mind knows she's going to medicate you when you're in pain, it will run with that when you experience cravings. I know she was only trying to help you...but there are better ways.
And, of course, again, severe pain like you described ("excrutiating") should always be assessed ASAP with a doctor or at the ER. That's nothing to fool around with. Even though you're accustomed to dealing with your conditions and your pain, you can't make assumptions...it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Take care!
This kind of thing is a learning process...you have to learn new ways to address your pain issues, as you will also have to consider your addiction issues as well. It absolutely can be done.
If you go back and reread your posts, I think you'll (hopefully) see that you're doing a lot of rationalizing and trying to reason through this, making it okay.
Once you get your doctors on board, you will be able to better formulate a plan as to how you need to handle the pain, while guarding your sobriety at the same time. Your wife would benefit from getting involved in your recovery process as well, and if she took part in some alanon and/or naranon meetings, she would probably learn a lot about the "dos" and "don'ts" when trying to help you. She needs to be involved in your plan as well....that also increases your accountability. If your addict mind knows she's going to medicate you when you're in pain, it will run with that when you experience cravings. I know she was only trying to help you...but there are better ways.
And, of course, again, severe pain like you described ("excrutiating") should always be assessed ASAP with a doctor or at the ER. That's nothing to fool around with. Even though you're accustomed to dealing with your conditions and your pain, you can't make assumptions...it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Take care!
hi kyle were you referring to me as well. I haven't 100% been off at all yet. I am thrilled with the progress I am making...In my entire life I never thought that I could skip my surgery and bring my medication to where I am at. Let me explain, maybe I shouldn't be writing, I agree with you....I know it's no pills when you detox and alot has to do with the mind. But at 52 and an almost surgery, crying every day and every night from the pain. To me this is major progress. I think if it wasn't you answering me from my original post I wouldn't be on the site..thanx I am getting alot out of it. It's keeping me going. I even went to a meeting that I haven't been to in years (I've been in AA for over 5 years). I am sorry if you feel that I'm screwing it up for the newcomer I will be much more careful when I write
COMMUNITY LEADER
Doing it our way got us here in the first place. You are still trying to do this by yourself. I am really concerned about alot of what you said. One thing alot of us find out when we stop using is medical issues we have that are finally surfacing. You should of been seen by a doctor but instead you self medicated yourself with narcotics. Having those pills laying around isnt a good thing either. I can guarantee you if i had some laying around i would convince myself something hurt. I am not saying your pain isnt real as i am sure it is but we have to change our thinking up. Rebound pain is a very common problem for us and most of us have found the longer we are clean the better the pain gets. This addiction is deadly and i refuse to minimize it. Do you have any plans for aftercare? We dont just put down the pills and everything is wonderful. That is when the real hard part kicks in.
When you self medicated, you relapsed. Part of the recovery process is being honest and taking responsibility for your actions. Your post was difficult to read; red flags popping up at every paragraph. And writing that kind of crap is dangerous; new people reading it - struggling with detox - may see your approach as something worth trying. We all experience some kind of pain when we detox. Taking the meds that got you there in the first place is foolish. Sharing what you've done and wondering if you've relapsed is, well, something that an addict does when they aren't really ready to put the wok in.
And not canceling your appointment with the pain management, your source for two years, because of some more BS - really? You are lying to yourself.
Sorry, but this is how I see it. You are traveling the road to relapse. No recovery plan.
K
And not canceling your appointment with the pain management, your source for two years, because of some more BS - really? You are lying to yourself.
Sorry, but this is how I see it. You are traveling the road to relapse. No recovery plan.
K
thanks for the response. I too am very aware of stinkin thinkin from my many lucky years in AA.. i agree with you a 100% about self medicating. Whether we are right or wrong, we're going to find out soon lol. I have gone cold turkey before got sick, went on suboxone, and after 3 months, I was in so much pain they had to take me off. Lifestyle change, and the desire is where I am at today. I just read my brother your post and he said Pilates would be great...I'm in NJ, maybe I'll see you in class one day. Good luck speak to you soon
Thank you OT for your suggestion re: "Pilates" ... I'm always looking for other treatment modalities...
Bambi please investigate "Pilates for Fragile Backs." By Stanton, Hiatt-Coblentz. new Harbinger publications. Written by professionals who have been there with fusion surgeries for scoliosis and other extreme issues, and have a science based way out as far as surgery goes or how to strengthen the back and reduce pain if you have had back surgery.
I enjoyed the other feisty and spirited responses! I think there is a fine line between self-medication (a set of words with a negative connotation) and taking responsibility for ones own health and destiny.
My Dr approved pain meds I have chosen to replace with amino acids, now and continue with the Pilates and weight loss I began over a year ago while using Oxy as a support. I certainly am not conventional. The best ortho surgeon I could find wanted to do a 4- level fusion, and several other top surgeons showed me the door when the saw my MRI-they said the problems were too severe for repair. I decided at that point I didn't really want to have "failed back surgery syndrome." My choice, and at the time did OK with pain meds for the most part (with the plan-not forever)
At 290 pounds threre was a lot of twist on my spine due to excess weight. My solution is considered very unconventional for that: instead of the Standard American Diet-SAD-I have embraced Paleo completely and am steady at about 227.
The effect of my "self medicating" diet, and Pilates program has been a personal miracle.
So I knew it was High time (no pun intended) to get of Oxy.
Yes a complicating factor is my addictive nature and me finally a month ago getting my hands on the pills. That really put me at a place of no return. The medicinal dose merely increased cravings. I knew whatever hell detox was going to be, there was no way out. Besides, deep down I really didn't know if I had accomplished anything with the changes I had brought about, Oxy just kept me numb all the time when used as prescribed.
My wife and I were reasonably sure that I only had a really bad case of gas pains and the incredible muscle spasms triggered by increased pressure on my messed up spine. I was so stopped up we couldn't even get enemas to work. The attempts were painful. We WERE almost in the car to the ER, but wanted a few more hours to assess the situation.
I agree that there are times not to play doctor.
But in my 60 years I have gotten some really ill considered and crappy advice from healthcare professionals. Keeping me on Oxy for two years as an example.
Slowly I am feeling better each day away from Oxy. That is my choice to make. I did not discuss this with pain management, I feel it is MY call ultimately. Just like my nonconventional diet and exercise.
I am reading and retreading all of the wonderful posts here concerning aftercare and how many of you avoid relapse. It is obvious to me, that my attitude could very easily lead to relapse. From my years of AA it's called "stinkin thinkin"
I just felt compelled to point out that some of the issues regarding "self-medication" are not as cut and dried, black and white as some respondents above forcefully claimed.
Thanks for your patience in reading my posts, corresponding here iis part of my recovery program now.
I enjoyed the other feisty and spirited responses! I think there is a fine line between self-medication (a set of words with a negative connotation) and taking responsibility for ones own health and destiny.
My Dr approved pain meds I have chosen to replace with amino acids, now and continue with the Pilates and weight loss I began over a year ago while using Oxy as a support. I certainly am not conventional. The best ortho surgeon I could find wanted to do a 4- level fusion, and several other top surgeons showed me the door when the saw my MRI-they said the problems were too severe for repair. I decided at that point I didn't really want to have "failed back surgery syndrome." My choice, and at the time did OK with pain meds for the most part (with the plan-not forever)
At 290 pounds threre was a lot of twist on my spine due to excess weight. My solution is considered very unconventional for that: instead of the Standard American Diet-SAD-I have embraced Paleo completely and am steady at about 227.
The effect of my "self medicating" diet, and Pilates program has been a personal miracle.
So I knew it was High time (no pun intended) to get of Oxy.
Yes a complicating factor is my addictive nature and me finally a month ago getting my hands on the pills. That really put me at a place of no return. The medicinal dose merely increased cravings. I knew whatever hell detox was going to be, there was no way out. Besides, deep down I really didn't know if I had accomplished anything with the changes I had brought about, Oxy just kept me numb all the time when used as prescribed.
My wife and I were reasonably sure that I only had a really bad case of gas pains and the incredible muscle spasms triggered by increased pressure on my messed up spine. I was so stopped up we couldn't even get enemas to work. The attempts were painful. We WERE almost in the car to the ER, but wanted a few more hours to assess the situation.
I agree that there are times not to play doctor.
But in my 60 years I have gotten some really ill considered and crappy advice from healthcare professionals. Keeping me on Oxy for two years as an example.
Slowly I am feeling better each day away from Oxy. That is my choice to make. I did not discuss this with pain management, I feel it is MY call ultimately. Just like my nonconventional diet and exercise.
I am reading and retreading all of the wonderful posts here concerning aftercare and how many of you avoid relapse. It is obvious to me, that my attitude could very easily lead to relapse. From my years of AA it's called "stinkin thinkin"
I just felt compelled to point out that some of the issues regarding "self-medication" are not as cut and dried, black and white as some respondents above forcefully claimed.
Thanks for your patience in reading my posts, corresponding here iis part of my recovery program now.
Please...be very careful of the colonics, especially if you're going through detox...you're GI system is already going to be a mess and hyperactive as it is. Coffee enemas also come with some risks as well. The lining of the rectum is very vascular, which means, second to introducing something IV, rectal administration means very rapid absoprtion into the system.
Just take a quick read here:
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/manualhealingandphysicaltouch/colon-therapy
It's a nice article from a reputable source. I understand that something like this is controversial in nature...so obviously, there are a lot of "bashing" type articles, which are not helpful. This one just outlines the basic physiological reasons why these methods really may not be what they're cracked up to be, along with some of the risks.
I'm not saying your brother doesn't know what he's doing...just please be very careful. You could end up with dangerous electrolyte imbalances and even cardiac arrythmias. In the very least, I wouldn't recommend doing it while in active detox.
I'm not at all trying to change your mind about this stuff, just want to be sure you've done your own homework, beyond what your brother has told you. You're supposed to always check with your physician before doing something like this also. That can be tough, because a lot (if not most) are going to automatically dismiss it, because it's not mainstream medicine. If you have an open minded doc, in the least, keep in contact with him....two practitioners is always better than one.
Take care!
Just take a quick read here:
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/manualhealingandphysicaltouch/colon-therapy
It's a nice article from a reputable source. I understand that something like this is controversial in nature...so obviously, there are a lot of "bashing" type articles, which are not helpful. This one just outlines the basic physiological reasons why these methods really may not be what they're cracked up to be, along with some of the risks.
I'm not saying your brother doesn't know what he's doing...just please be very careful. You could end up with dangerous electrolyte imbalances and even cardiac arrythmias. In the very least, I wouldn't recommend doing it while in active detox.
I'm not at all trying to change your mind about this stuff, just want to be sure you've done your own homework, beyond what your brother has told you. You're supposed to always check with your physician before doing something like this also. That can be tough, because a lot (if not most) are going to automatically dismiss it, because it's not mainstream medicine. If you have an open minded doc, in the least, keep in contact with him....two practitioners is always better than one.
Take care!
I started posting here on July 28th the day I skipped out on a spondolisthesis surgery that was scheduled that day. I told everyone I was going..but I chickened out I.KNOW what that kind of pain is like I feel for you. My dosage was very high, and I was scared. My brother is a holistic doctor, and I'm at his house doing 5 gallon colonics EVERY day. I do a coffee enema as well. I have completely changed my diet ..gluten free. I juice every morning 32 oz of natural organc vegetables. I do stretching exercises. and walk about 3 miles a day. I have decreased my medicine from 12 pills to 3-4. I have detoxed before..always the wrong way. My problem is controlling the pain, that is very real. I was determined to get off completely, but if for the next couple of weeks till i get stronger, I am willing to deal with life on a small dose. I learned through this site, there is a difference between addiction and dependency. My body became dependent on the drug, and my life sucked. I hope you do the right thing. I am not saying my way is the right way, but it DEFINATELy is working for me. I just made an appointment with a new pain management doctor..who I saw two days before the surgery. He didin't want to take me as a patient because the amount of meds was to high, so he suggested I go somewhere else, but he gave me a perscription, and wished me luck with the surgery. I have not even brought in the perscription yet, and really hope that I won't need to. I need him to work with my brother and give me a perscription for intense physical therapy. Good luck to you...and why I'm doing all this as well is because of bathroom issues also..speak to you soon.
Try this for a week. Give up american dense food. Eat water based veggies like salads and chinese foods instead of oil based as corn or beans, cut meat down. Relieves stomach pressure and speeds digestion, also add an anti-gas otc med to help you burp more, no solid food in the evening, only liquid in the last 4 hours of the day. I'm new to this plan as well, trying to alieve pains, See if some of us have similar results.
Oops! I thought these were prescribed and that you had seen the doctor. Sorry, totally missed the part where you said you were doing this on your own.Yes, definitely see the doctor about this. It's never a good idea to self medicate, and especially not for us addicts. Good luck with the doctor and with your health and recovery!
I'll be honest....putting the terminology aspect aside, handling things the way you did just isn't optimal or a good idea. You had severe pain and self medicated versus seeking medical attention. It doesn't matter that your wife, the RN gave you the pills so much, because you still were making those decisions independent of a doctor. It's still self medicating. That doesn't make sense for anyone, addict or not. Our bodies have pain responses for a reason, to let us know something is wrong. Now, when a person has chronic severe pain, I know it's harder to make a determination as to when to seek medical attention, so the best way is to not take any chances, especially with severe pain. In the very least, going to the doctor would have been a better move than doctoring yourself at home. Plus, anytime one classifies pain as being "excruciating"...that buys you a trip to the ER, as much as you might not want to go (not too many people do...it stinks!). It's NOT safe to sit on pain that is that bad.
Those are the habits that put people on the slippery slope, and the kinds of habits that need broken in order to guard your sobriety. Medicating real pain as an addict, under the supervision of your doc isn't a relapse. As a person with chronic pain AND being an addict, you need to have a detailed, clear and concise plan in place as to how you're going to handle pain.
The one way it shouldn't be handled is trying to self medicate at home, especially to avoid an ER visit. That could have been dangerous if there WAS/IS something severe going on, not to mention, again, it isn't something conducive to sobriety, as it can and will lead to more self medicating in other situations, if you allow that to be an acceptable way of dealing with pain. You're putting yourself in the position (allowing that to be okay) where you're going to have to make VERY tough decisions.
Your chronic pain issues should always be handled with your doctor, who will be well aware of your addiction issues, and you should have a solid contingency plan in place....when pain meds would be needed. It's SO hard for an addict to be honest with themselves about what their pain needs are versus if they're taking the meds for other reasons. The addict mind can fool the person so easily. This is why the way you handled it this time just isn't adviseable, because it's not a plan with a lot of accountablity, and it puts you in a position to be making these decisions for yourself, which, for an addict can be nearly impossible at times. You don't want to set yourself up for these tough calls.
Planning to go in and talk to your doc is a GREAT move. Be very honest, and ask for help with this. Explain that you are concerned about balancing pain management and the addiction. Having your doc in the mix will increase accountability even more for you.
These situations come up a lot here...and no doubt having concurrent chronic pain along with addiction is one heck of a challenge. It's also common to kind of see minimizing of a relapse, just because people already beat themselves up so much about it...that people feel they're adding insult to injury by using that term. Honesty is just SO important in these situations.
Sarah has a saying she uses frequently that is so fitting, and it applies to you as well...something like..."It didn't work when we did it OUR way before..." meaning something has to change. Hope she comes along to elaborate on that particular phrase she uses, because it's a good one...and I'm not saying it right..lol.
Hope it goes well....you're doing the right thing!! Take care and good luck with the doc!!
Those are the habits that put people on the slippery slope, and the kinds of habits that need broken in order to guard your sobriety. Medicating real pain as an addict, under the supervision of your doc isn't a relapse. As a person with chronic pain AND being an addict, you need to have a detailed, clear and concise plan in place as to how you're going to handle pain.
The one way it shouldn't be handled is trying to self medicate at home, especially to avoid an ER visit. That could have been dangerous if there WAS/IS something severe going on, not to mention, again, it isn't something conducive to sobriety, as it can and will lead to more self medicating in other situations, if you allow that to be an acceptable way of dealing with pain. You're putting yourself in the position (allowing that to be okay) where you're going to have to make VERY tough decisions.
Your chronic pain issues should always be handled with your doctor, who will be well aware of your addiction issues, and you should have a solid contingency plan in place....when pain meds would be needed. It's SO hard for an addict to be honest with themselves about what their pain needs are versus if they're taking the meds for other reasons. The addict mind can fool the person so easily. This is why the way you handled it this time just isn't adviseable, because it's not a plan with a lot of accountablity, and it puts you in a position to be making these decisions for yourself, which, for an addict can be nearly impossible at times. You don't want to set yourself up for these tough calls.
Planning to go in and talk to your doc is a GREAT move. Be very honest, and ask for help with this. Explain that you are concerned about balancing pain management and the addiction. Having your doc in the mix will increase accountability even more for you.
These situations come up a lot here...and no doubt having concurrent chronic pain along with addiction is one heck of a challenge. It's also common to kind of see minimizing of a relapse, just because people already beat themselves up so much about it...that people feel they're adding insult to injury by using that term. Honesty is just SO important in these situations.
Sarah has a saying she uses frequently that is so fitting, and it applies to you as well...something like..."It didn't work when we did it OUR way before..." meaning something has to change. Hope she comes along to elaborate on that particular phrase she uses, because it's a good one...and I'm not saying it right..lol.
Hope it goes well....you're doing the right thing!! Take care and good luck with the doc!!
Hey! Ah......the narcotic-haze? I lived in one! I still wonder and worry about what I missed, it's been over three years!
I don't know that what you did is a relapse. I want to be honest but don't know that I have the wording so that you will understand that I care and am not being critical of you. I'll try. Here goes....I read that you just went on and started the oxy back up when the pain became bad, and I believe it did. I have had that before. What if you'd had an impaction or an ileus? You could have been in danger. While I understand wanting to stay out of the ER, we can't be in the habit of going around, diagnosing ourselves and handing the spouse a bottle to give us meds for it! That is the kind of the habit we are trying to break, right? Next time, just visit the doc to make sure that you NEED the meds and what is actually wrong that you are treating. It sounds like you didn't know what it was for sure until days later? Or did I misunderstand that part?
Again......I'm not being critical. I know you were in severe pain. Even a more important reason to check with the doc next time that happens, IF it does! And I hope not.
I think that going in to be honest with your doc is wonderful. It's exactly what we want people to do here, and a lot of them don't wanna do that out of embarrassment and it ends up back around to a relapse, because they call the doc for meds, and the doc doesn't know it! (ME!!!!!) You're doing the right thing! :)
I don't know that what you did is a relapse. I want to be honest but don't know that I have the wording so that you will understand that I care and am not being critical of you. I'll try. Here goes....I read that you just went on and started the oxy back up when the pain became bad, and I believe it did. I have had that before. What if you'd had an impaction or an ileus? You could have been in danger. While I understand wanting to stay out of the ER, we can't be in the habit of going around, diagnosing ourselves and handing the spouse a bottle to give us meds for it! That is the kind of the habit we are trying to break, right? Next time, just visit the doc to make sure that you NEED the meds and what is actually wrong that you are treating. It sounds like you didn't know what it was for sure until days later? Or did I misunderstand that part?
Again......I'm not being critical. I know you were in severe pain. Even a more important reason to check with the doc next time that happens, IF it does! And I hope not.
I think that going in to be honest with your doc is wonderful. It's exactly what we want people to do here, and a lot of them don't wanna do that out of embarrassment and it ends up back around to a relapse, because they call the doc for meds, and the doc doesn't know it! (ME!!!!!) You're doing the right thing! :)
Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what constitutes a relapse, or when you should reset your days. I am sorry that you had a little rough patch with the pain and health issues. I am VERY proud that you did this the right way. Giving the pills to your wife to hand out on a schedule was the best thing you could have done. I am glad that this is behind you now and you are back on track. Good luck and take care!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
