What to say to work

[mwi3240]

I am a teacher.  I help children with reading difficulties.  School has been back in session for two weeks,, but I don't get my students until Tuesday.  I can't say, "I've been on pain meds for 5 years and since I had knee surgery last year I'm better and need to get off off them."  No one will understand!  I need to be there for my students.  I have a very strong commitment to them.  Does anyone have any ideas how to manage this?  I'm detoxing off 2 5mg methadone a day.  I'm on day 5. The doctor gave me klonopin but I'm a zombie, literally, I can't even read the newspaper.  This is a small town.  No one should know.  I can't go to school on the klonopin.  Funny story, I just went to walmart with my husband just to get out of the house.  He had to hold me back to keep me from talking to strangers!  Plus I dropped a bottle of juice.

[atthebeach]

many times going to work even though you dont feel that well is better.
it will get your moving and keep you busy.
your mind and your body will be occupied.
are you taking vitamins?
have you been able to eat?
go to work for a few days and see how you feel.
if it isnt going so good then take a few days off.
do you have full days this week?
it is a short week, that will help.
hoping and praying you feel better soon.

[mwi3240]

I'm going to go for it.  One day at a time.  I'll go and teach (probably badly) and not take the klonopin till I get home.  I'll just say I'm fighting a bug if people think I'm acting weird.  It can't take that long.  I went from 3 pills to 2 back in December and it took two weeks.  I'm already almost one week gone, so maybe just one more week of misery.  I may ask my doctor if I can stay on one a day until the Christmas Holidays.  Then I can go to 0.  Sounds like a plan.  I'll let you know.  Thanks for your help and support.  You guys are awesome.

[ImDONENoMore]

I think it would be a good idea to check your employment policy on how substance abuse issues are dealt with before you open up to the school.  And check the policies with your union as well.

Please don't misunderstand - I'm all about being honest with our loved ones and anyone else we know that we feel comfortable enough to share our lives with - but work can be tricky - I would hate to see you, while you're doing such a wonderful thing for yourself by getting clean, lose something as important to you as your livelihood.

Maybe you could just feign the flu for a while - I don't think anyone would question that.

Just my two cents.  Good luck to you!

[mwi3240]

yes to hot baths...3 today!

[luciddreamrgrl]

I just wanted to let you know that I told my job and I work for the fire department! They were very understanding. But I got advice somewhere else that you can use the word "dependent" instead of "addicted" if your worried about it. Just tell them you've been in pain management and now is the time for you to stop so you may need a few days off work just to get through the tough part. There is also HIPPA laws that prevent your doctors from telling your job anything.

[LeaAnn807]

I understand your fear, but people might be more understanding than you think, ok?  Try not to worry now.  That's still a little while away.  

We will worry about that tomorrow night!  : )  How are you right now?  Taking hot baths?