Question:
I am extremely desperate

I have been addicted to pain meds ever since having a corrective surgery last year. I am in pain, but I don't know anymore if I could handle being off the medication. I go through the meds that they give me in 10 days instead of 30.... I don't know what to do, and if there is anyone that has ever had to come off the medication what are some good ways to get around the withdrawl. I'm terrified at this point in time. My life revolves around having the pain med.    — sheri H. (posted on March 20, 2005)

March 20, 2005
Sheri, A lot of people suffer from this, please speak with your Dr. they can help you through it. Wishing you the best. MaryLyn
   — Kriola

March 20, 2005
I agree with the prior post. PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! and if they don't listen (because they are the ones that have been prescribing these meds for a year) please go to a new doctor and explain your situation. When I worked OB/GYN, we had to deal with alot of patients that were being prescibed Vicodin and Oxycodone for long periods of time and we had to get them weaned off of it and if after all was said and done, they still continued to feel the pain that initiated the meds then we sent them to Pain Management - it really helps! It will be really hard at first to start the weaning process but you will truly feel so much better as soon as you don't need those meds anymore. Feel free to email me anytime, Kelly
   — Kelly MzKelz Valdez

March 20, 2005
It's very important that you get some help. It's great that you recognize that you have this problem. I have heard of several people who have turned to alcohol or excessive shopping (and gotten into mounds of debt) after weight loss surgery. These addictions are coping mechanisms that are trying to replace the food. I wish you the best.
   — Yolanda J.

March 22, 2005
Sheri, I read part of your profile and sweetie I feel for you. I'm sorry this is so rough for you. You have been trying to work with your doctor, but i think you either have to be stronger with your doctor or find another. You are not getting the help you need and just cutting you off from pain medication is not the answer. There is no easy solution here, however, you do have a wonderful son that you love very much and for his sake, he deserves a healthy mom, so I beg you to please get some help. If the first anti-depressant didnt work, try another. Insist on another. There are several different ones out there and sometimes it takes time to not only figure out which one works but to find the appropriate balance of how much to take. But please, in the meantime, while you work with your doctor to find a solution, and wean you off of the addictive drugs, please do not turn to alcohol or some other equally addictive drug. It will only make it worse. Try exercising to take your mind off of the pain. Hang in there, its tough, its not easy, but you CAN do it.
   — Cindy R.

March 22, 2005
Hi, I feel for you. What I would do is talk to your doctor about checking into rehab for awhile. They can treat your physical addiction as well as address the emotional issues at the same time. Good luck. Judy
   — j A.

March 23, 2005
Sheri, I read your post and wanted to take the time write to you. In your post, you state that you are addicted to pain meds. The best thing you can do for yourself and for your son is to seek treatment. I looked at your profile and based on your location, I searched for treatment centers in your area. My search yielded the following places: Mental Health & Recovery Centers of Warren County 201 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040 Ph:(513) 398-2551 as well as Norcen Behavorial Health Systems 4700 Duke Drive, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 761-6222. You have to decide when you will seek help, we as fellow OH members are here to encourage you. But it is up to you when you will get help. Remember, addiction can happen to anybody. You have a son that you are proud of, I know that you would not want anything to happen to you, or jeopardize hurting him due to your problem. I can tell from reading your profile, that with as proud as you are of him, he will be twice as proud of you when you get help and are clean. If you would like to talk privately, I am always available to chat. Christy Riederer RN/BSB-S
   — Tiny Pixie