Question about Vicodin.. and safer pain relief alternatives.

[noel]

I had back surgery about 10 months ago. Before the surgery I was taking Vicodin on and off. Then after back surgery I was on Tylenol #3 with Codine. Now the last few months been on narcotics.

I have back pain and started seeing a pain management doctor. He put me on all different types of drugs and I have had three steriod injections. I still take the Vicodin for pain and was up to six a day. (ON a really bad day).

Is it addicting to take it for medical use? I am feeling quilty when I take it now because of its addictive possiblity.

I stopped taking it and I am suffering the back pain. I use heating pads which help.

Guess my question is, is Vicodin ok for long term use or even medical use??

I dont like using it when I am not in pain.. Actually I dont like feeling so spacy.

[susanlea]

God don't ever wish pain on yourself. My former boyfriend who's an addict, once told me after he got out of detox, that he was trying to think of a way that he could hurt himself, break an arm, fall down and break a leg, he even thought about taking a car door and slamming it against his wrist to break it. All this so he could get some percocet's! Addiction is a funny thing, it will make you do something so crazy, just to feed it's need. But you know what? All that, detox, the lies, the stealing, the horrible withdrawals, lost work, lost us. He's still using, he's just added methadone to it, to keep him steady till his next refil....Good Luck....Susan Lea

[GypsyStevi]

I have a lot of respect for all of you that have chronic pain. In my past I wished I had some kind of chronic pain so I had a good reason to get pain pills. Going to so many doctors, writing my own scripts not caring if I went to jail, I was very good at acting like I had pain. Us addicts are definitely good liars. Now that I look back I see how crazy it was for me to wish such an awful thought. I am very greatful I don't have chronic pain because if I did I would get anything I could, I am such a baby when it comes to pain.
I know this doesn't really have anything to do with all of the posts here, just wanted to add my thoughts,
Hang in there,
Jackie:)

[runner]

hi everyone,
Hey thanks for your comments.  Jackie, you couldn't have been more right about the addict v. dependent comment.  That's exactly what I was not only hearing from the docs but also believing.  Whether it was the Vicodin or the Darvocet, or the codeine - it didn't matter - I wasn't really "addicted" just "dependent".  After all, I use to run a lot everyday.  Now it is to the point where I just want to walk, one day, without pain and without having to feel high.  I don't think I ever really liked the feeling, but I don't know much else at this point.   Noel, I had the same experience regarding the back pain.  A laminectomy, discectomy, and then multi-level fusion was supposed to help the chronic back issue, but it did NOT.  Then there's the knee arthroscopys (did I spell that right?)  So, everything from physical therapy to accupuncture to pain management was tried but I'm still on quite a few vics everyday.  I really beleive that they bring on some of the migraines I get weekly - anyone else?  
Dr, Steve, have you heard about an alternative form of physical therapy called "anatomical therapy"?  I have heard about it a couple times over the past few months.  I went on a site called therapysolutions.com and have been reading up on it.  It makes a lot of sense.  I just feel that I almost have 2 seperate issues, the meds, and then the physical pain.  Which to tackle first?  I guess I can't look at it that way, but if I don't get some pain relief...what's the point?I want to walk and eventually jog again w/o hurting - so I'll do anything.  Anyway, I am going to test out this new therapy program (hopefully its differnt - just like it sounds)- I'll let ya'll know how I do.  Keep looking up and by all means keep talking about things, it's the only way to get though it all:)
Walter

[genebike]

I've been taking Endocet for pain from shingles. I could manage the pain with two tablets every eight hours, along with one Neurontin every eight hours. Then pain from shingles much worse. So my doc doubled the Endocet to twe tablets every eight hours, plus the one Neuronten every eight hours. After a month of this increased use of Endocet I felt addicted, somehow. So my doc reduced the Endocet to one every eight hours. WOW! Now I know I was addicted. The nausea, pain, headaches the first 24 hours after the shift from six to three Endocet was hell on wheels.

Which is why I am writing this. Now I have another problem. I belong to an HMO that caps a max on all my meds. So if I want more Endocets (for which the doc has prescribed) I have to pay about $140 instead of $10 for 90 tablets. But the cap is for 3 months. I can't afford this. So I rummaged around in my medicine chest and found some 50 tablets of Darvocet, which the doc said would be ok until I can get my Endocet. The Darvocet, however, just caused me to fall asleep during my fairly strenous low back pain exercises. so I cancelled a 10 mile bike ride. I sure do not want to lose control of my bike, even tho I only ride it on a car free bike trail. I suspect the sleepiness problem will diminish once I get used to the Darvocet (or the Vicodin, which I also have left over and, like the Darvocet, I don't remember why it was prescribed in the first place.

Comments, anyone?

[jinx'd1]

I have had chronic pain in my shoulder/neck for 3-4 years. My Dr. reluctantly gave me prescriptions for Vicodin, and I am definitely addicted. The big question in my mind is am I addicted to the "high" or am I addicted to the ability to perform daily tasks without pain? My Dr. finally ordered some blood work done (he was convinced it was a rotor cuff tear)and I have been somewhat vindicated/disappointed by the news that I may have an immune system disorder like Lupus or Fibromyalgia which causes my joint pain. Anyway, both my Dr. and I are interested in weaning me from the Vicodin. NSAIDs like Celebrex and Vioxx have been difficult for me due to stomach sensitivity, so he has started me on Ultram. The question now is, is it addictive? I am 25 years old and would like to eventually take no pills on a daily basis save a vitamin supplement. With Ultram am I trading a known evil for something as addictive yet less effective?

[Milo]

Others here will tell you differently because all of our experiences differ, but...I have talken Ultram off & on for years, & I've never had any problem with dependance/withdrawal (if I did, it was so minor I didn't notice it). It does have a slightly relaxing effect if combined with Valium (in my case, anyway). But from what I understand, it's easier on both the stomach & liver than comparable pain meds. However, since a number of people have reported major addiction problems, I would proceed cautiously until you know how this drug will affect you. Milo