is it possible to take suboxone just temporarly?

[medic28]

Ok I am so lost right now!  I have been on lortab and oxycondone everyday for almost a year for several surgeries and chronic pain.  I had surgery on my hip about 6 weeks ago and I am trying to wean myself off lortab but I am unsuccessful.  I spoke with my dr a few days ago and he said I have to start PT in 4 weeks and he made the comment that it would really hurt!  So now I am not sure if now is the the right time for me to try to quit, but I feel terrible when I take the pills and do not hurt.  I just feel lik I am feeding my addiction that I never intended to have, I feel trapped.  If I stop taking the pain meds, I will suffer with pain during my physical therapy or I can keep taking the pain pills and feeling bad about it.  I have not told anyone except my husband I am afraid my family will blame me and not have any combassion.  I called and made an appt with a therapist but I was wondering if I should see a physicartist who can prescribe medications like anti depressents or if I should see a counsler.  I was also wondering how many of you go to a group therapy where you can talk with others like you?  I have 2 babies and want to do what would be best for them too, I just can't seem to get my head in the game
Any suggestions?
thanks.
I am so glad I found this group.

[SHELLBELL79]

I know that you can take suboxone temporaily ....I mean for like a few days to a week to help ease the w/d symptoms. I know people that have done that and a psychatrist/addiction specialist that does that. I don't believe in being on it for a long time b/c its basicly just switching to another drug and everyone hear has told me that its hell to come off of and doesn't help with pain relief. I know because I asked myself on here  about suboxone for chronic pain and long term use. I know you feel stuck and frustrated. I totally understand! I have been putting off PT because of the severe pain during and after. I also live with chronic pain on a daily basis and need tons of dental work b/c of the bladder medications that dried out and rotted my teeth. I think it would good for you to see a licenced social worker and psychiatrist. Having someone to talk to and other people who are in a similar situation like you can help wonders. Don't worry about what people think of you. Its not your fault you have medical problems and have to deal with all this ****! People who aren't in our situations don't seem to understand or want to understand. I know a lot of my family member know about what i have and feel bad for me. I just don't think they really know how bad it is for me. You need support and need to be strong for yourself! Take Care! I will pray for you!
Shell

[Shelwoy]

Seeing a psychiatrist would probably be a hug benefit for you right now.You are in a situation where you have legitimate medical needs for pain medication, there is nothing shameful about that.I would think you are dealing with a drug dependency, not an addiction- there is a huge difference.IMO, if you need the pain pills and are using them as prescribed- you don't have addiction issues- you have guilt issues
When we need to take care of ourselves long term, sometimes overridden guilt sets in, I know how this feels.You feel worthless and frustrated because you honestly have such physical limitations.A psychiatrist who deals with chronic pain patients would be a good thing- maybe a anti depressant- what you are going through is traumatic, and you have to take care of yourself physically and emotionally- or you will continue to feel the way you do.Don't beat yourself up for being in need of rest and medical care.
As for Suboxone, it should not even be considered right now.You have way too much going on with your health and it's uncertainty to worry about trying to stop what I see as necessary treatment with opiates.Do some research online or get a book on living life while in pain management.If there is more to the story, you can openly discuss it, no one here will judge you for needing help.Overall,  I think you should consider getting emotional help first. It can do wonders when you really need it.

[wannabefree330]

I'm sorry but I don't see where the suboxone question is.....Are you wanting to get on sub now, and use it during your P.T., then taper off?  It's not really recommended for that.

[ochooked]

Hi Medic -----  It sounds to me like you need some help.  Tapering can be done but most people on here will admit that they were unable to do it without someone holding their supply of pills and dispensing them according to the taper schedule.   We all know the pull they have on you when you start to go into W/D's.   Suboxone is not a good way to come off of the pills you are on --  according to almost all of the ones who have posted over the past three months ----  It is a very strong narcotic and very addictive.  I took it for only 21 days - starting with 2 mg and tapering down to only a crumb on day 20.  It still took 2 months of agony and severe W/D's for me to even be able to function.  My experience was echoed by many others who also used it.   You do pose your question in a way that may help you without getting you hooked on Sub ----  I know that 21 days is too long but perhaps a 10 day quick use may help you.  Believe me we all know the agony of W/D's and if there were an easy way, we would all be touting it.  It is hard to quit but using Sub or Methadone is probably not the way to go unless you are addicted to Heroin.  Wish you all the best.