... some serious shoulder surgeries about 2 years ago. I gradually took my pain medicine more and more. Now I take 6 maybe 8, of 10/325 oxycodone a day. If I run out between prescriptions I call my doctor and get more. Its easy since i have other medical reasons to require more surgery. I'm positive I don't need the amount I'm taking every day. If I have to go 1 or 2 days without, I feel absolutely terrible. I want to stop but the fear of my family finding out horrifies me. I want to get an idea how bad it will be and how long it will last based on my usage. Will I be able to do it alone?Also, is it dangerous if I stop without telling anybody?
I am 52 and nobody knows (husband, children, employer) that I am addicted to my pain meds. I had?
- Posted:
- 2 Jun 2012 by up2me
- Topics:
- pain, oxycodone, medicine, prescription
Details:
Responses (5)
balbanese2 Jun 2012
It's not true that nobody knows, because you know. Best way to deal with this is to tell your husband AND your DR you want to get into recovery, and that he needs to get into Al Anon, so he can have some support in how to best help you. Being in recovery will help you get through this, and your Dr can help you with it medically.
Forget the fear and forget thinking you can just stop, let alone just stop without anyone finding out. It's the secrets and the fear that are worse than the substance in your body. Hope this helps.
Anonymous 3 Jun 2012
That was good balbanese, but I think she was asking in a round about way if she could slowly taper off what she is taking. I agree she should talk to her doc, maybe her hubby, definitely not the kids unless they are grown. They wouldn't understand. But, she can get off. That's what's important. I had major shoulder surgery, after post op period and PT, didn't need meds for my shoulder anymore ... just the rest of me as I hurt my back more falling down those stairs.
Since you are the one making the decision to tone down on the meds, I believe you can, little by little. Get off and then assess your pain.
Best of luck in your quest.
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
ElizaJane233 Jun 2012
A lot of what gives this addiction power over you is the secrecy. Once we get things out in the open, we find that the world doesn't end, and then recovery begins. I know I've found a lot of help in an 12-step group and suggest you seek one out. The people there understand what you are going through and can help. Most of all though: Tell your husband. Get this out in the open so you aren't dealing with it alone. See - you told all of us and the roof didn't fall in, did it? No - you're a human being and we ALL are far from perfect! - ElizaJane
MichelleP...3 Jun 2012
Everyone who would take that daily for two yrs would experience withdrawal. Your body is dependent on it. I wouldn't jump to conclusions and say you are an addict. I know plenty. I sometimes notice I am taking 'more than I NEED', but i am def not an addict. If you are hurtn at a 5 and the meds there, why not make pain a 3? That's how id think and id take more. That's human nature, not addiction. I know I could tough it out, but why if its there? Just cut back slowly and prepare yourself mentally. Personally, I wasn't as used to the pain as I was b4 so it was a lil shock and getting used to. Don't freak out and assume you are an addict bc of others or gossip you hear. There are signs you can look up online to see if you fit the description. Either way, just start cutting back a dose a day for a week or so and limit yourself. Worked for me and I hope it does same for you.
HeadStarter3 Jun 2012
Hi Up2Me...
Let's say you just stop. You were asking if you could do that and would anybody know. It would be fair to say that EVERYBODY will know because you will get really sick and go into withdrawal. They might know what is up but you sure will and they need to know in case something happens to you. So, do not stop without talking with your doctor. Let him guide you in the tapering process.
Also, I wasn't sure if that was your question OR if you wanted to get down to a more manageable dose and not just take them as you feel like taking them. I will say you are getting up there with the acetaminophen part of your meds. Keeping your dose up that high will adversely affect your liver.
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