Advice and/or Support Really Appreciated

[Quietlylistening]

I doubt anyone remembers me - I was on this site and going thru WDs/detox in 11/07.  I know I wouldn't have made it w/o the help and support from everyone here. There are a few names I remember and a whole lot of new ones!
I was clean until March of '09' when I had rotator cuff repair surgery and at that point in time I truely believe that the percocets I was given for pain were legit.  I actually only took them as perscibed and didn't use all that I had.
First mistake of an addict - I didn't get rid of them when I was done...
After two months of only being able to sleep on 1 side I developed some pretty serious neck issues and while the doctor was experimenting with different treatments, I was prescibed vics for pain management. End of the Cinderella story - So begins epic awakening of the monster inside...
In Jan. '10' I had an ablation done on my neck and whether it works or not (takes 2 - 6 wks to heal). I decided enough is enough!  I took my last pill 1/30/10 (I was up to 8 - 12/day on bad days).  I have been lurking here for several weeks learning the latest and psyching myself up for the "Big Day". I started stuffing my face with aminos & vitamins a couple weeks ago and stocked up on OTC sleep aids etc in preparation for the "Big Event".  VERY surprisingly - things haven't been nearly as ugly as my 1st experience - DON'T GET ME WRONG - it has been no stroll in the park, but I think that knowing what I was in for and being prepared did help! Also just knowing that it eventually ends kept me going.  
So I'm on day 6 - I have a tooth that is going to require a root canal and it really REALLY went on tilt last night. If it even touches the tooth on top it sends incredible pain shooting thru my jaw - Ibuprofen 800 doesn't cut it...  Its too late to do anything today (and I've got the weekend to get thru). I called the service and the dentist called in some antibiotics and (of course) pain med. - Dare I??? I know it won't be a significant qty (maybe 6-8) because I have an appointment Monday... I just feel so raw and vulnerable right now. And no - right now there is no one to dole them out to me... Any support/advice appreciated - my keys are on the counter...

[LadySundown]

There is nothing like tooth pain. Once the antibiotics kick in, and you said you think they have, the pain should get a little better.

Keep posting through this......peace..LS

[Quietlylistening]

Connie;
I do remember your sign-in name though we never directly talked.  Thanks for responding and I am trying really hard to just stick with the antibiotics and Ibuprofen.  So far so good.
It would/will be really nice to celebrate day 7.  Thanks again!

[LadySundown]

Hi,
I don't reconize your user name but I was here in 06 and 07. This board helped me w/d from fentanyl pain patches.
As for you pain, I agree w/ what the others have said. Think how awful your w/d was and ask yourself if you want to go through that again. I have faith in you.
Peace.....Connie

[Quietlylistening]

Thanks for the support! I've taken my 1st dose of antibiotics, along with another ibuprofen 800  and currently have an ice pack on my mug. I'm trying to watch mindless comedies on TV and just not focus on the pain - hopefully the ibuprofen will start working some magic soon.  Being here with everyone is helping also. Thanks again for your support...

[justme555]

I agree with Danny. I think it's best to avoid the pain med. My significant other has a lot of dental issues and he found that really the ibuprofen helps much much more than opiates/narcotics anyway. So if the ibuprofin isn't helping the pain meds probably won't either and you'll end up setting yourself back in terms of clean time and having to go through withdrawal again. Once you get the root canal, the pain will be gone. Get an emergency appointment, ask for nitrous if you need help getting through the procedure (assuming nitrous won't affect your sobriety?) and the pain will be gone. Stay strong! You'll be done with the pain in no time.

[Quietlylistening]

Danny;
Thanks so much for replying - its nice to hear from someone.  I do know the answer and want so much to not take any pain med.  I do have a REAL phobia about dentists. The last time I went to a dentist other than my own, I ended up getting a tooth pulled - a week later I had a dry socket (which causes referred pain - in my case, to the tooth next to it). When I called the office about the pain I was having they told me they could remove that tooth! When my dentist got back in town he was very angry because he felt the orignal tooth could have been saved in the 1st place.  Sorry for rambling - but please understand my apprehension about unfamiliar dentists.
I went to the pharmacy and (so far) have only requested the antibiotics. Maybe if they start working fast enough it will help the pain - but I am in a world of hurt right now. (The pharmacy said the vicodin would be available for 14 days if I needed it - Great...).

[Danny111]

I think you really know the answer to your question.  You're through the worst of the wd's.  If the tooth is unbearably painful go into your dentists office today rather than monday.  You can also go to a different dentist.  I once went to an emergency dentist at 9 pm at night.  Getting more pills just sets you back that many days and also very greatly increases your chance of just starting again.