Question:
How can I get off the pain medicine perscribed after my surgery?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on July 26, 1999)

July 26, 1999
Could you be more specific? Are you presently addicted to pain medications? If you're not, then what you get for pain meds in and out of the hospital will not make an addict out of you ... however if you DO have an addiction to pain meds you need to talk to your Surgeon IMMEDIATELY, so they can determine how to handle your situation best for you.
   — Sherrie G.

July 26, 1999
I was on morphine in the hospital for about 24 hours. Once I got home they prescribed liquid tylenol which made me vomit so badly I thought I was going to die. I never took it again and the worst of the pain was pretty much gone within five or six days of surgery.
   — dboat

July 27, 1999
Hi! I first want to tell you that I applaude your courage in admitting that you've become addicted to pain meds. That's alot more than alot of other people would have done, so you can take pride in that. Regarding your question however, the first and most important thing you must do is TELL YOUR DOCTOR! He or she will be the one best able to help you with your addiction problem, and design a course of treatment that will help gently wean you off your pain medication. It may not be the easiest course of action, but it's the best one. Good luck to you and let us know how you're doing! Frank
   — Frank W.