surgery went well..but?

[Italy331]

My spine surgery went well. I have tons of pain in my lower left side and my back. The doctors know of my past problems with pain pills. The doctors prescribed me some Darvocet w/apap-Valium 5mg- and some Atarax for sleeping. How do these sound for not getting a withdraw????? Thanks, Italy

[Sandy Marie]

Hi Italy,
How's your recovery going? You've got some powerful stuff there to ease the pain. I imagine you'll be on them awhile. Keep us posted.

[Italy331]

Thanks for the words of wisdom..I guess no one else cares..

[Dawn10]

Italy,
Many care, probably just haven't seen your post yet. As a former nurse and addict in recovery of 6 years, as long as your doctor knows about your addiction and is monitoring your medications closely, you shouldn't have too much problems. I don't know your addiction history, but Darvocet is a Schedule 2 narcotic, ( lower on the scale, compared to the opiates such as hydrocodone, percocet, etc.) Vailium, I suspect he perscibed for possible muscle spasms associated with your surgery. Just take a little as you need.
If you have a sponsor, consult them frequently, if you find yourself slipping into old patterns, call them, call your doctor, go to a meeting if able physically.
My therapist , when I asked her the "what if" question of if I ever needed pain meds for a major injury or illness called it a "controlled relapse". As long as you work very closely to get off of them as soon as you can, you should do well. Keep posting.
:p

[Gooch]

Glad to hear your surgery went well. When I had to take codeine for kidney stones, I didn't experience any major w/d symptoms at first. 1 week and 2 weeks later, I got irritable, and just felt lost and hopless. The psychological withdrawls have always been the worst for me. Watch out for those.

[sherbear5104]

Glad to hear your surgery went well. The others have given you good advice, just be careful. It sounds like you need to take them so you aren't overwhelmed with pain. Just be honest with yourself and your sponsor, if you have one. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. I hope you begin to feel better soon.

Sherry

[namommy]

Prayers heading your way for a speedy recovery. If at all possible, get the Pamphlet, "Illness in Recovery" it really helped me alot.

[godsonmyside]

This is from my experiences with Doctors-We are ultimately respnsible for our recovery, we have to keep that right up front when taking meds for pain, I went on a 3 1/2 years relapse after 7 years clean. I am ultimately responsible for my recovery, and we at time will be in pain and do need to take the min. amount of meds for the pain, indeed you seem to be at the bottom of the opiate chart, but once the pain goes, be aware of side affects to our mind and body doesn't know the difference between meds from a doctor to meds forced by us. Keep talking about it, heal yourself. I had a laminectomy 3 1/2 years ago, I got clean again little over 6 month ago, I am refusing a fussion to my back, I am doing better now and I have prayer and meditation and good comon sence from working a vigilant 12 step program. I dont usually give advice, but, do not let the disease play games with your head, and you can get through this clean.

[Shakur T.]

Peace Italy,
Glad to see you're on the upside of your surgery. Like everyone else said, be carefull...I only had to take pain pills once (Dental surgery) and it was a scarey experience. My disease had me thinking all kids of crazy sh*t!! But I learned that I can withstand a whole lot more pain than I thought I could. This may not be the case with you. I understand that back pain is nothing to sneeze at (never had it). I have a permenant limp from a car accident and a gunshot wound, so I have been living with some type of pain since I have been clean. Thank God I haven't had to take any medication and I have not elected to have any surgery, yet. As I get older, well, you know the body doesn't do what it used to.
You hang in there man. I'm prayin' for ya'...
Peace

[Italy331]

Thanks all for the replies. I'm actually taking Neurontin(spelling) it's used for pain in your nerves and to prevent seizures. It's not an opiate, but it blocks the pain. The doctor also gave me some Valium 5mg to let me sleep a little better. I don't feel the addiction coming back at all. I do have some Darvocet if I get in alot of pain, but it's been a week and I have not popped one yet. I just pray and take a day at a time. This Doctor only gives pain meds when needed. Thanks for the replies and I hope everyone has a safe and clean weekend!

[Sandy Marie]

That's good news, Italy. It sounds like you're on the right track and have a good doctor. Have a good weekend.
Sandy

[Shakur T.]

Peace, Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Just for today, we do recover.
Peace

[tammera]

<gentle hug>
It is so wonderful to see someone keeping their disease in check by letting the doc know about their addiction and letting their recovery friends know about the surgery!!!

Keep that disease in check my friend......pills took me back out after 12 years. It had convinced me that I could "handle" it. HAH..not.

I will follow your example in the future and be sure to announce to all the recovering community and the docs what is going on.
Thanks

[servicejunkie]

Glad to see you being vigilant with your recovery italy. Seems to me like you are doing all the suggested things: Honesty with doctors, keep recovery people close, read literature, take minumum amounts of meds, pray (if you do). I have been on neurontin since I was a couple of months clean. I take it for HORRIBLE headaches I started getting as soon as I got clean (no dope??), has worked amazingly for me. I also see a great addictionologist doctor or whatever you call them with experience in dealing with people like us. Keep it up italy, I'm also sending prayers your way.