I found out I have a complete or near complete tear of my supraspinatus in my left shoulder, which will have to be repaired surgically. I want to delay the repair until September or October for mental health reasons (as in the weather is getting warm and I would be unable to do lots of things I love to do).
However, if that will require being on narcotic pain medication until then, I will schedule the surgery or look for other alternatives for pain relief. I can take opiates for a defined period such as following surgery, but not over several months, I think that is nothing but thinly veiled addiction, at least for me it would be. I just don't want to go there. I know some folks won't take pain meds at all, but I can do them if there is a reason and it is not for a prolonged period or indefinitely.
What do you feel you need now to manage your pain and be in recovery? Do you have a plan to stay sober when you stop the Vicodin?
