vicondin addiction

[red1961]

I am a 49 year old female that has been taking vicodin for 5years.  I have degenerative joint and disc disease, and had bypass surgery april of 2009.  My sternum due to my diabetes did not heal.  Therefore I have to have flap surgery, to reconstruct my sternum.  I have formed pulmanary embolisms and have been on warafin since June 25,2010., so my surgery has been postponed.  I am in constant pain, the vicodin helps me deal with the pain, I take 6 per day.  My question is will I go through withdrawls if I stop taking it and will it be dertrimental to my health with all of my other problems?

[pattifan]

In my opinion the answer is yes. Due to the dose and the length of time you have been taking it I think you would go through the withdrawal syndrome.

I very rarely say this to anyone but is this the right time to stop. You appear to be taking it appropriately for complex pain issues, and doubtless when you do have your surgery you will be put on opiates again at least for a while.

Do you feel that you want to stop them? Are they causing problems for you? and more importantly, do you ever take them for reasons other than the pain? to feel good or when you feel down or just for no reason at all. Do you feel the tablets are making your life miserable or lowering your quality of life?

Coming off them is not something I would recommend without fully consulting all doctors and other medical staff involved in your care.

Take care

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  You really are welcome to post here, but I think that you should talk to a doctor about this.  It sounds like you have legitimate pain, and that you do not abuse your meds.  To answer one of your questions, I'd say you would have WD if you stop the pills cold turkey, but you really should talk with a doctor first with your other health problems!  They can help you!

[kiki003]

Hi.  Fellow Vicodin user here.  I am very new to this site, so please wait til someone who really knows what they are talking about answers you.  I will just advise, from experience of withdrawal, that you speak to a doctor before you try to stop taking any of your medications.  It sounds like you have a lot going on medically, so I wouldn't dream of giving you advice.  I will tell you from experience that I have stopped periodically through the years for different reasons.  You get VERY ill.  Vomiting sometimes, diaherria....and it screws up your emotions, too.  So whatever you do, speak to a doctor before you change anything.......best wishes out to you....