So do you think there would be a problem if I take that (prescribed) for pain like after a surgery? Or would that just cause more problems?
I agree. That's one I can't answer for ya. And not because I'm afraid of forum rules either. Its really because I just don't know and would hate to say yes and you die. That would suck.
@liliann... My son used heroin for the first time in years last Monday night. Unfortunately, he overdosed. My wife found him in his room and we called 911. Thankfully, two doses of Narcan brought him back. We're now in the process of finding a rehab for him to go to. Thanks for your prayers. They are much appreciated.
No, I have arthritis so I never know what's going to be a problem next. Surgery has become 2nd nature now, so I just always expect it to happen each time I go see the doctor.
@cheffy if a surgery is scheduled try and get an appointment with an addiction specialist. Otherwise be honest with the doctor and be prepared to not get anything. I had a friend who was not addicted and not prescribed any meds after ankle surgery. It depends on the doctor. If you end up getting a prescription have your wife give them to you and take them for the shortest time possible.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge - it's much appreciated! I have to admit, most of my doctors and nurses have been very good to me ever since I started opening up and telling them what was going on. So now, the first order of business at any appointment (even dental and eye docs) is to tell the doctor and nurse(s) taking care of me that I have addiction problems. Some of them kind of look at me like I'm nuts, but in the end they usually tell me thanks for being honest. I do let them know that my wife should handle any meds (she is always there too) and that helps a lot. I'm kind of surprised that the medical community doesn't send you home with one of those locked automatic dose dispensers, especially for ongoing maintenance narcotics and benzos. They seem pretty foolproof to me and the prescriber would always know if you broke into it. They could even set something like that up to connect to a household wireless network and could monitor it on a daily basis.
@cheffy i think the more people that can be honest with doctors, the better. it's no secret that opioid addiction is a big problem... so docs shouldn't be all that surprised when people go to them and let them know. heck, i've never been addicted to pain pills, but i have taken them and understand how easy it would be to go that road... thus, honesty is important. have a great day!
That's a great idea, @cheffy. Unfortunately, if it costs the medical community money, I doubt it will ever happen. They seem to be all about the bottom line, which kind of sucks.
Maybe have the doctor prescribe the dispensers, and then the patient or insurance buys it and then the patient owns it and gets it refilled by the doctor - who keeps the key. Like an empi electronic stimulator. Seems like they'd be really useful for rehab too. I'll say one thing though - seeing one of those dispensers for sale online made me a nervous paranoid wreck. I was afraid it might become a prerequisite to getting pain meds and I wouldn't be able to take my 'custom' dose anymore.
dean i am so thankful too that he is ok and you of all people know this part of the journey ahead with him going to rehab. you will get through this and he will too...this could be the time for him to get it...keep believing and being the wonderful father you are.
Thanks, @liliann. I appreciate your kind words. Hope he'll choose to go to rehab. (I think this would be rehab trip number 5.)
i can't even count how many I've been to over 25 years but i do know this can always be "the one"...ill keep praying with you!
This comment really highlights something huge and to see it/read it really set's it in...I like this and am going to try my best to play it over and over in my thoughts..."If you can handle this duplicity the world is yours for the taking"
You know I just remembered, I went to rehab a lot of times just to passify my family knowing good and well I was not gonna get sober. In fact once I snuck dope in with me even. But for every substance I went to rehab for that I said I wanted to be free from I never went back to it. When I said I wanted to go I meant it. Everytime. So hopefully Its the same with others. I've heard that from other alcoholics as well. Going multiple times for other reasons....but when THEY WANTED TO, it was because they really were ready to quit.
I had someone who was still using tell me it's up to the person to stop. She was sitting next to me at the methadone clinic. No truer words have been spoken. We still have to want to quit.
hi @DoxyMom you know i wish i truly wanted to quit everything but i really got so used to this crutch since march of taking the tramadol and soma daily through these surgeries. deanokat warned me tramadol is an opiate now and i dismissed it. I'm supposed to be cutting back and off them by june 4 and full of fear. i am supposed to be taking 1 a day and am still taking 3. i know its in my mind and it won't be a withdrawal like oxys but i got so used to taking them. so on your topic: i don't want to but since i know one is too many and a thousand is never enough...i HAVE to. wish me luck guys and ill keep you posted. nice to be able to tell the truth here. it is such a safe and supportive non judgmental place and so necessary so we don't stay sick with secrets!