Pain managment with Oxycontin

[Red931]

First of all I would like to point out that there is no where on here that points out the difference between addiction and dependence. There is a difference.

I have been prescribed Oxycontin 20mg and Percocet 5/325 for the pain I have related to seven shoulder surgeries, back pain, ankle pain. Ankle Reconstruction surgery w/tendon graft is scheduled for this Wednesday. I am supposed to take the Oxycontin every 12 hours but I only take it once a day and I am supposed to take the Percocet every 4-6 hours as needed but only take (1) in the evening after the Oxycontin wears off. This does not totally relieve my pain but makes it bearable. I do not crush or sniff or whatever some do with these drugs. I take them as directed. I am worried about withdrawls if and when I don't need the medication anymore. I am concerned because I also have high blood pressure and take Cardizem CD, Hyzaar, and Xanax .5 (2) times daily for the blood pressure condition.

My question is: What type of withdrawl symptoms will I have on the current dosage I am on when I attempt to come off of this medication?

[Red931]

Thnaks for the reply. I actually did post my question directly to Dr. Junig and I got an e-mail stating that my question would be moved  here. That is why Dezdon answered my comments while it was still over in the other forum.

Maybe the doctor is on vacation.

My surgery is 8:00 am tomorrow. I hope it is my last also.

I will let you know how it turns out.

[Jaybay]

This forum is patient-to-patient with no doctor as a moderator.  Dr. Junig is on the Chronic Pain forum.  Just click on the Forums icon at the top of this page and look on the right side of the forum list.  Then click on "Chronic Pain" to post your question to Dr. Junig.  

Your body is already dependent on the medication, but you should have no problem weaning off it when you're ready.  With another surgery upon you, now is not the time to worry about dependence.  Your own actions tell me you don't have an addiction problem and aren't likely to develop it.

Too many patients make the mistake of scaring themselves into stopping opiate therapy cold turkey.  When withdrawal symptoms kick in, the patient is convinced he's an addict, and that is simply not true.  Withdrawal does not have to be an issue as long as you slowly wean off the medication.

I hope today's surgery went well and that it will be your last!  :-)

[Dezdon]

Hang in there Red,  the Dr come on line here every few days or so.

[Red931]

I guess I'm not going to get an answer here.

Thanks anyway.