Am I addicted to pain killers?

[SBanana87]

I had surgery back 4 months ago (late june ) for a fractured spine. Post surgery I had a few complications including nerve damage in my leg and pelvic arthritis. I was on percocet  lyrica and cymbalta. Once the nerve damage got better I stopped the lyrica and cymbalta. After going back to work after surgery, I was afraid of taking percocet (im a teacher) so the dr gave me tramadol. 2 weeks ago I had steroidal injections in my pelvis and asked for something stronger because the tramadol wasnt working. I only take the vicodin at night, but it doesnt get rid of the pain. I tried a few times to not take it, but when I dont I get very restless and get a bad headache. When I take it the heafache goes away within 10 to 20 mins and the restlessness goes awau too. I dont want to take pills all the time, I already have a bad liver from a previous surgery.  My question is, is this a sign of addiction? What can I do to stop the feelings and the pills? Ive alreaduy weened myself down to 1 pill.  Please help, I dont want to form a depency  and I think I may have already.

[SBanana87]

Thank you so much. Iknow it sounds stupid and childish while im concerned about 1 pill, but back in 05 I was on many pills and I have severe stomach problems now. I dont want to make it worse. I took only 1/2 today so we shall see how it works. So far no restlessness or headache.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

I would not call one Vicodin a night an addiction, however you can certainly call it a dependency. At least a psychological one. Your headache would be better served by taking some ibuprofen 600-800mg and something like prevacid to protect you stomach. You may take some Valerian for restlesness or talk to your doctor about some Ambien to help you sleep for a few nights. Try taking a half a pill of Vicodin for a few first nights just to make it easier for yourself. Then you can take some Tylenol instead together with the ibuprofen. They work well together for pain. Never take Tylenol while taking Vicodin though, because you may ovedose on acetominophen and damage your liver further.
You should not have much withdrawal on the dose you are on, so don't worry about it. Go0d luck to you and feel well.