trading on addiction for another

I have lost over 340 lbs thanks to wls.last summer At the gym I hurt my knee really bad.I went to the ER they gave me some pills for the pain(OxyContin.)They really took away the pain and they make me feel like I can do anything.Today I sit here to tell you that I still take them almost every day.When I take it I don't need to eat,I can do anything.I know it's out of hand but i'm too embaresed to tell anyone about it.I work every day do every thing go every where but it is a problem and I know it is.How do you get off of it? Anyone have this problem with OxyContin.? steve

No, but I've had the same with Vicodin. I knew I was in trouble when I felt a little panic when the bottle was almost empty. Sure, I took them as prescribed, but like you, far beyond the time they were no longer needed. Do you live with anyone? This may sound silly, but you gotta do what you gotta do. My sponsor made me give the pills to my hubby. We agreed on a step down plan and he's the one who gave me the pills. Sure, it's a bit embarrassing and makes me feel childish, but pride has no place when I'm facing the possibilty of a full on addiction. If you need pain pills for any reason, be honest with your doc. That's what you pay him for. What's he gonna do; fire you? I told my Dr. I was an alcoholic (you may not be, but you can still state your sensitivity to certain drugs) and that I didn't do well with any narcotic based pain killer. Now you now a part of me really didn't want to cut myself off like that, but I closed my eyes and plunged ahead. He prescribed Tramadol, which is kinda like a super aspirin, non-narcotic, non-addictive. I didn't get the warm fuzzies from it, but I admit it worked on the pain. Do you know when I stopped the Vicodin, I didn't ramp down and even though taking it as prescribed, I had withdrawals? I had been on it six weeks. No matter how hard it is, set yourself up for success. The alternative is ugly at best. Good for you for recognizing what's happening instead of burying your head in the sand. And whatever you do, please don't isolate. We are our own worst enemies at times. Vicki

Hi Vicki I live alone and yes I did have a problemn with drinking and I still have a drink now and then .The pattern grows and without the food as a crutch it seems I look for something else to screw my life up with.I had a real bad breakup a few months ago and that didn't help.thank you caring nough to respond steve

actually my mom had an oxycontin addiction. she didn't have the surgery but just a warning~~ she died from it. you do need help and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. we have all been there. go get the appropriate help and remember~~ you did not become addicted overnight so you will not quit overnight either. there are many groups out there that can help you and there are wonderful people here that can help. good luck and i will think of you. it won't be easy for you but you made the first step and that is admitting there is a problem!! and that takes a strong person!!

Hi Steve, OxyContin is notorious for it's addicyive nature and if you are already predispose it is harder. I encourage you to seek help. I have seen perfectly "normal" people become violent trying to get that drug once hooked. I witnessed a patient physically and verbally threaten our staff to get it. I question any Dr continuing to give it to you. I was good at finding a Dr who would keep giving me pain pills. Talk to your Dr./ or find a new one, you may need to wean off it. Consider a group. No sahme in taking care of yourself. It will not magically go away. If you have been a food addict, had drinking issues and now pain meds welcome we are in the same boat. I did something about it because I want to live. Thats why I had wls. Good luck. You are always welcome here. Any questions drop me a note. Laurie

I know what you mean about trading- I used to bean occasional glass of wine drinker. Now I drink 2 beers a day and maybe some wine. My friends are worried about me-alcoholism runs in my family- I've gained 15 pounds due to my indulgences. Becky Jean

Becky Jean, Congrats for coming on in and addressing the issue. It is so easy to trade addictions. I did it all the time before wls. After surgery I knew I was in trouble because I thought it would make everything better. It did not. Addiction is a progressive illness. It will get worse. There are many ways to deal with it. personally I chose a 12 step program and I am very happy I did. Stick around, read the board ask questions. It is a good start. Laurie

Steve, I am 83 days sober, I did 28 days at an inpatient treatment center, 46% of the patients were there for oxycontin. It is synthetic heroin and the withdrawals are terrible, my roomate didnt sleep for the first 15 days, she would twitch uncontrollably and be freezing all the time....get help...this stuff is bad...getting off of it isnt easy....I would recommend a 3 day detox program...paige

This is irrational, but I'm going through it nonetheless. How many times did I drink and not give a rat's ass what happened to me? How many times did I eat crap and not care how it would reflect on my body? In some way, we addicts think we are invincible. But I see people get clean only to discover a myriad of health problems. Fear of impending doom. Now this isn't the norm. The body has amazing regenerative powers, just short of growing a tail. For the first time today, doc took a pap, I had a mammogram and I am experiencing fear. Kinda like waiting for a pregnancy test, but worse. I have abused my body so much I "deserve" it, but I really want a second chance. I've never felt that before. I was either invincible or didn't care. You know what. I know you all know what I mean. Were I go to a psych, it would take them ages to understand what you understand in a few sentences. This board is not construed to be medical advice, but it sure is a comfort. I know we shouldn't project. It's just that I love life now so much more than I ever thought possible. Vicki

Hi People Well I am happy to report that i havn't had one OxyContin since Sunday.It is hard doing it on my own but it gets better every day.The first 2 nights where hard.I don't have any but I could get them if I wanted to and that is what scares me.the weirest thing is that i'm now feeling the pains tyhat the drug was masking but using advil.If I start again I promised myself that i would get treatment.thank you all steve