[MyHeidi]

My name is Mary Helen and I am a recovering addict. I am active in the NA Fellowship. This is my first post after reading these threads for a few months.

I was in a car accident on 5/11/08 that resulted in herniated disc with annular tears @ L4/L5 & L5/S1 (I also had horrible whiplash that thankfully healed). I did a lot of things wrong (thought I could handle the meds myself, didn't talk about taking them @ meetings, etc) and relapsed a month later. By the grace of my HP, who I call God, I have been clean since 08/15/08 and have not taken any narcotics. This has NOT been easy as my pain has been very bad at times. I have been on disability since the accident with the exception of 2 months (Oct & Nov) where I made an attempt to return to my job. I was out at least 6 days due to pain and finally went back on disability.

I have tried most conservative treatments available including the chiropractor 3-4x a week, NSAIDS, muscle relaxors, TENS unit, accupuncture, steroid epidurals. I now also have disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis at those levels. I am finally going for the surgery in about 6 weeks. My sponsor and I have spoken at length about the pain meds that I will have to take. My boyfriend and I live together and he is also in recovery and works a strong program. He will be dispensing my medication. Meetings will be brought in to me until I am able to get to them myself (thank God for a support group!) and I will share about the surgery in meetings until I actually have it.

I have to admit that I am nervous about the pain medication. Scared actually. My hope is that I will receive experience, strength and hope from others who have been there, done that. I also wanted to introduce myself and look forward to hearing from you!