Opiate Addiction - Rough Stuff

[AquarianPath]

I think I made a bad impression to those who don't know me under that one thread. So, here I am.

My introduction and trying to help from others who have been addicted to opiates. My addiction is Tramadol. Here's my history with it:

December 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Feb 2007 I had a mastectomy, March 2007-July 2007 I went through chemotherapy. Right after chemo I got pregnant. April 2008 I had my baby boy. Then I had my big surgery August 2008. Called a DIEP Flap reconstructive surgery. Where the took my belly fat and molded it into a breast. I have a brand new breast and a flat tummy. However, reconstructive surgery usually takes a few surgeries to get things looking just right. I developed a severe infection in my flap incision. This landed me in the hospital for a week. I've had drainage tubes, I have scars all over my body. A scar that reaches hip to hip from where the belly fat was taken.
I have scars on my chest, under my arms - The trouble spot that was infected frequently flares up and causes me great pain.

I tried getting pain relief from doctors on base -but because they rotate out so often, new doctors , new rules. I have to re explain my history over and over and over again. They don't like prescribing anything but motrin.
my previous doctor before the one I have now pretty much told me they didn't want to deal with me and my pain problems.
He relented and prescribed Tramadol. Not nearly as effective in treating my pain as Percocet and Darvocet did. But it did ok.

So, I got on the tramadol and quickly got addicted. I have NEVER been so addicted to a pill. I could do a whole bottle of Percs and be 'eh' I'm done...no big deal, right? Well, Tramadol was a whole new ball park!

I got on it, and I Figured since the doctors on base didn't want to deal with me , I would just get it online so I wouldn't have to make the two hour drive all the time for my pain relief.

It got so bad, I was taking 10-15 a day - which is when I found the other thread and started posting. I found the strength to taper down. I still haven't gone off it completely. I'm only taking 3 a day, but I don't want to take anymore .ever.

I am so sorry to those who first saw my presence on that other thread where I'm arguing with those two people.

My name is Jennifer, by the way. I'm so glad to have found thise place.

[melinda7.5]

Hi Jennifer
We are so glad you found this place...I didn't know you had tapered down so far allready...YOU GO GIRL...LOL..
This really is a good place to get support...we really do like to help each other..
Talk to you soon, Melinda