Sometimes I think about it.
I think about the possibility of getting a prescription drug addiction from all the pain killers the docs keep me on all the time.
I was told 2 months ago, that I would more than likely be on pain killers for the rest of my life.
I am prescribed to take 2 tabs every 6 hours, but I often take way less than that, I try to only take them when I need to.
I hate being on them, but I also hate the way my body reacts to them when I don't have enough of them in my system.
My body requires them and that's pretty darn scary.
I miss a dose, and my body starts freaking out about it. My mind says I can handle it, I say I can handle it, but my body says give me or I'll make you in so much pain you'll want to slit your wrists.
Being told the rest of my life?
You have no idea how that sounds.
Comments
I know exactly how you feel being someone who has to take long acting heavy pain killers twice a day, plus I were a patch that I change every three days, and I have faster acting pain meds for "breakthru" pain.
When I forget to replace my patch - say I'm 12 hours overdue or overdue by 6 or more hours on my long acting pain pill the pain just seems to multiply. I'm like am I really in that much pain and the drugs are helping to cover it or am I in more pain because my body can't tolerate any pain now without the drugs?
Scary thought huh?
If you and I really wanted to get off our pain meds I'm sure we could slowly start cutting down. It probably wouldn't take all that long. But yeah - taking the pills has probably started a bit of an addiction but it's not like we take these meds for the thrill of it. I don't feel different when I'm on them I just feel a bit less pain.
Posted by: Tricia | July 14, 2007 12:55 AM
I know a few friends who are in the same boat that you are in, some do have trouble with it later and other just have to make that mental note each time they take their meds to be aware and only take it as they need it.
It is a life long struggle for some.
Just be careful and always be aware.
scary yes, but you never know what the future will bring, maybe one day, at least my wish for you would be that you would not have to be in pain.
Posted by: Diane | July 14, 2007 7:55 AM
I'm like am I really in that much pain and the drugs are
helping to cover it or am I in more pain because my body can't tolerate
any pain now without the drugs?
That's exactly it right there! Am I really in pain or does my body just want the drugs?
Also, I get sick if I miss a dose. Like physically ill.
That's my body being addicted to them, I know that.
It scares me.
Posted by: kat | July 14, 2007 11:00 AM
--You do not have to share this if you would prefer it to be private and I hope you don't mind me sharing my point of view, but your comment makes me feel the need to share this with you.--
I am sure you are aware most drugs will make you physically sick if you do not follow the doses, if you would like to learn how to live with the conditions/pain to your limit, it would be best to discuss cutting back slowly and seeing if you still get physically sick. I do have one friend who does so in her case she does need her medication because her pain tolerance is to low for her to handle, but I do have a few others who have been able to work with "pain-free medication clinics" on learning, the best word for me to describe would be coping skills to tolerate the pain.
These things are worth exploring and sometimes you need/or may want to try to step out of the "medical" box seeking more holistic methods. I do have friends and family who have defied others in doing so and are making wonderful progress in their lives without medications.
I really hope you don't mind me sharing this with you.
(hugs)
Posted by: Diane | July 14, 2007 6:18 PM