Post Surgery Vicodin

[Clevertouch]

I suffer from bad lumbar disc pain. L-4, L5 discs are for the most part gone.  I am not a candidate for fusion as with the disc in the shape they are and my age they tell me a fusion would be a waste of time. So I am left with Vicodin and Pt. I am at a low dose (4) 5/500 per day and have been for 4 months now.   The Vicodin does relieve my pain and yes it does make me feel better but I am concerned now that the medication is not having as positive effect on my pain and it may be time to increase the dose.      My question is if taken as directed by my Dr and if the dosage is increased I am quite sure I will become dependent and I really do not want to depend on pills to live my life does anyone have an idea what I may have for withdrawls if I decide to quit now or in the near furture assuming I continue to take 4  5/500 a day.    Thanks   for your help

[boldsojah4christ]

I feel ur pain I too suffer from lower back pain L4 L5 area and I also know what you mean by unbelievable pain! I take mess also but I try not to depend on them becouse they can be addictive I have not had surgery nor the steroid shot I was recommended by my pastor to try a chiropractor and the pain is not bad as it was at first instead of having pain all day and everyday it only happens rarely I keep my faith in Christ he is the true dr. Of medicine I will keep you in my prayers hang n there!!

[road2recovery]

your w/d's should not be too bad....But i don't know your pain, only u do...Are you wanting to get off because you are scared you will get addicted? or dependent?
there is a very fine line....
I have seen some that can take as persribed, and never chase a high...U need to answer these questions to yourself....
Also there are many other meds alot of people use that are not addicting..one being lyrica...Look for bmc profile and ask him, i think he has taken alot of different meds that are not narcotic...
If you think you can deal with the pain, i would get off ...Because if you become addicted , it is a whole new world, and not fun!!!
good luck to you
r2r

[Clevertouch]

Thanks for the reply.   I  am not really overly concerned about the useage and I have been talking to my pain specialist about other treatments, he has me on 120mg cymbalta and a muscle ralaxer Norflex, and the Dr I am seeing is a great improvement form my previous Dr( who would only want to keep me on the Vicodin)    My current Dr is thinking perhaps  an implant stimulator or pump may be the next best option until  artificial disk replacement becomes available.    I guess I  have a lot of respect  for the opinions of individuals on this forum and what could happen with extended use of a very effective pain reducer such as Vicodin.     I will continue to work with my Dr and look at all the options.    Thanks  Again   this is great forum for these discussions.