From one addiction to the next

I hope that there is someone out there that can give me some advise. As most of you know I have a very bad back ( 3 herniated disks in my T spine) and I have been on Vicadin for the past two years. It has gotten so lately I take them just to go to sleep at night. I went to my Dr. to tell him the problem and he gave me some pill like Benadryl to help me sleep. It is now 2:06 EST so I obviously am not sleeping. Part of the problem is the I am having problems with my husband and part is that I am just so used to those pills knocking me out. Even after telling my Dr. about my addiction he said he would give me more vicadin in a few days. He said didn't want to give me Ambien because it doesn't help you fall asleep. I thought that is what it is supposed to do! Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how I can fall to sleep? Christine

Hi Christine, I'm sorry you are having so much pain with your back. I have been taking Melatonin to help me fall asleep. You can read about it here.... http://www.melatonin.com/ You may want to ask your doctor about it first though. It helps me fall asleep but I don't always stay asleep. I had fractured my collar bone and have been having trouble trying to get comfortable at night. Hope you feel better soon. Sandy

Sandy, I went and bought some Melatonin and took it tonight- unfortunately it did not work- it is about 2 am right now and I am still up. I am sure it just works different on different people. Thank you Christine

I am having similar issue with husband & back... I and now I have migraine to mix with that... I have been putting heat on mine... Have you tried meditating, praying, relaxation technique? It''s real hard.. I will pray for you.. Before the weight... the Dr's always used to say the weight the weight..... NOW WHAT?? Arthitis is not going away... Tanya L

Tanya, My Dr. tried to prescibe Ambien for me- but he filled out the slip wrong so now I am stuck with not Doctor tile Monday I am doing A LOT fo praying- maybe I will try mediation next. Thanks, Christine

I have had sleep problems for a long time. My dr. told me to use tylenol pm. They shouldn't be habit forming. Well, quite honestly I don't know if they or not. I take them every night. They help me get to sleep and to stay asleep. I have been taking them since June, and I have done just fine with them. I do not take them for pain though...it is just to help me sleep. I am sorry you have to deal with that much pain :*( Good luck! Tracy

Tracy, Tylenol PM is actually the first thing that I tried, but I haven't tried it again for about a week because it didn't work. But I think I am going to go take one now with the Melotonin that I took earlier. Thanks for reminding- I probably wouldn't have tried it again. I am so tired right now I would try anything. Thank you, Christine