Lortab-Vicodin/hydrocodone questions - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

4everQuestioned · 12-27-2006, 08:22 PM

First off Happy Holidays to all and here's my concern:

I believe this may be accidental addiction more than anything due to having two low back surgeries (microdiscetomy/laminectomy) within over a year but just need an answer if what I tell you is basis for an addiction; I'm 24. Since summer '05 until 11/28/06 I've been told to take both vicodin 5/500 mg & lortab 10/500mg from a Dr (Surgeon 1).; since then only been doing lortab 'as needed' from a different Dr (Surgeon 2) who was a little shocked to see that I was taking both pills which contained hydrocodone but continued to 'script up only lortab 5/500mg. I tried cold turkey a couple weeks back and couldn't deal with the w/d symptoms they were much worse than after I went off the pills from the 1st surgery so I relapsed after a day thinking I'll slowly wane myself off of them by doing two daily hoping w/d won't be as intense later on; not knowing if I'll be fully stable again returning to work. Maybe it's all mental but I don't even know anymore if the pain is still there or not post surgery as I experienced pain from going off of them from before; maybe it could be physical dependence. Any help is appreciated I just want to know if what I've been taking for how long is enough to become addicted; if it is I may need a little help going off the pain killers once the 'scripts run out.

Thank you,

4everQuestioned · 12-27-2006, 10:40 PM

Hello By His Blood,

Many thanks on the reply back man; your information and guidance is useful and I appreciate you taking the time to respond. After the whole ordeal has been done and over with I've dealt with three different doctors prescribing pain meds (1 Physician and 2 Neuro-surgeons); I'm just surprised this wasn't caught until after the 2nd surgery was done at the post-op appt.
I've definitely tried every other possible treatment under the sun before having my very 1st surgery (neurontin, a morphine-based sulfer pill, percocet, epidural steroid injections, physical therapy and also benicar for the blood pressure to name most). I surely didn't have much trouble when going from 8 lortab/vicodin total; down to 4 lortab and eventually to 2 lortab daily for about 1 1/2 years. I'll be sure to check with the Dr. on this and when I get off the pain meds I hope it doesn't get so bad that's I'd be visiting some outpatient treatment center for additional help; I don't think I have an addiction just physical dependence hoping to try and have less intense w/d sympts if there's such a thing. I never abused the drug took it when prescribed but the doubling up on hydrocodone meds involuntarily was what got me thinking; once again thanks on the response and your opinion and any others that are welcomed here after. If you would like I can discuss some other factors in private. Thank you!

bunnicula · 12-28-2006, 07:48 PM

Hello,

I just quit taking lortab, was taking that and percocet for about 2 years. I don't know what I would have done about the withdrawl were it not for subutex. You should see a psychiatrist, who can perscribe that. It takes away the withdrawl symptoms COMPLETELEY. So that'll get you through the first few days.

Other than that, there WILL be some pain after you go off opiates; it's just part of the withdrawl. Be patient. My lortab addiction almost ruined my life; I'm still picking up the pieces, and now trying to stop taking anti-anxiety meds (which I started after quitting lortab). It's all so hard. Stay strong and PM me anytime, anytime. I feel your pain.

Katie

mikiglen · 12-28-2006, 07:56 PM

i also CTd off around 30 10s per day 34 days ago. it can be done, but is rough the first week.
clonodine can also be prescribed to help with the withdrawal symptoms such as RLS, shakes, insomnia, etc.
rebound pain is absolutely normal after stopping opiates...i took mine for headaches, and had some horrible ones after i quit. the pain will stop, however, when your body's own endorphins get back in whack
good luck
misti

4everQuestioned · 12-28-2006, 09:34 PM

Thank you bunnicula and mikiglen for your support and sharing your experiences with me I'll look into trying to get anti-w/d drugs if things get intense; if not from the physician then a psychiatrist. I will try my best when the time comes the temptation is likely for me to keep on taking until the 'scripts run out; I know I wouldn't try to lie my way to obtain more thank goodness! Although I've already had to lie to my friends on myself running out of the pain killers; only to protect them from the pitfalls of physical dependence I wouldn't want them to be stuck between a rock and a hard place like I currently am; By His Blood should have further insight on other factors that may of made my hole a little deeper to dig out of. Once again thank you for taking the time to reply I appreciate it!

LIL_Pebbles · 12-29-2006, 03:43 AM

Hi and welcome

I do not think your a addict. Ask your doctor to taper you off the opiates, but you may be in pain from your surgerie? my b/f is still in pain after they operated on his L5 and another one, also his neck can not be touched. He is an addict and is on a contract, he takes Oxy cottin 40mgs SR
He became not just dependant, but liked the high, and is on Methadone Maint: very ugly...

ccgirl · 12-29-2006, 06:25 AM

I stopped taking hydrocodone on September 14th of this year after a year's worth of abuse. The w/d sucked for about a week, then I started to feel human again. Not perfect, but human. After that it was all good.

blueline · 12-29-2006, 07:08 AM

I was on hydro's for about 16 months straight after getting hurt and I quit cold turkey back in late August. The wd's are bad but after a week or so they get better. Once you get past one week the hardest part is over, so stick with it and you will make it. You will be much happier in the end if you get off the pills. Be strong and keep the faith.

Blue

4everQuestioned · 12-29-2006, 07:15 PM

Wow I continue to appreciate the continuous feedback and tremendous support on these forums that are second to none comparing others! I'm looking to completely eliminate 'em bad opiates (hopefully all else 'bad' as well) after martin luther king jr. holiday; I'll really need to get back in touch with one of those Dr. if I don't say anything they don't know... take it I still have a 'script 2 refills til 1/17; another 'script 1 refill til 5/11 by differ Dr. Lil Pebbles I still feel that 'pinch' down there from time to time with some normal tension; how long has it been since your b/f had the surgery? I sure hope things never get that bad here and wish him the best on overcoming his obstacles. CCGirl I definitely feel you on the 'not perfect-human' seems like things been in a downward spiral since day 1 of the back 'collapse' close 2 yrs ago felt I lost that 'social' network, relationship, and confidence. Blueline I give you props man I dunno how you can do that were you still working? I know if I came 'off my game' at work for that long wouldn't hear the end of it from the Super; I will keep your words close by! Thank you

Brian1978 · 01-01-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4everQuestioned

First off Happy Holidays to all and here's my concern:

I believe this may be accidental addiction more than anything due to having two low back surgeries (microdiscetomy/laminectomy) within over a year but just need an answer if what I tell you is basis for an addiction; I'm 24. Since summer '05 until 11/28/06 I've been told to take both vicodin 5/500 mg & lortab 10/500mg from a Dr (Surgeon 1).; since then only been doing lortab 'as needed' from a different Dr (Surgeon 2) who was a little shocked to see that I was taking both pills which contained hydrocodone but continued to 'script up only lortab 5/500mg. I tried cold turkey a couple weeks back and couldn't deal with the w/d symptoms they were much worse than after I went off the pills from the 1st surgery so I relapsed after a day thinking I'll slowly wane myself off of them by doing two daily hoping w/d won't be as intense later on; not knowing if I'll be fully stable again returning to work. Maybe it's all mental but I don't even know anymore if the pain is still there or not post surgery as I experienced pain from going off of them from before; maybe it could be physical dependence. Any help is appreciated I just want to know if what I've been taking for how long is enough to become addicted; if it is I may need a little help going off the pain killers once the 'scripts run out.

Thank you,

This is exactly what happened to me. I became baddly addictit by accident. I was prescribed them after knee surgery and well you can probably see where I am going. The main problem I had was the doctor kept giving me the damn things long after my knee got better, and I am not the only one that he did that to as he is under investigation.

4everQuestioned · 01-01-2007, 09:05 PM

Hmm you know Brian I wouldn't mind trying to find out the same things on my local Physician & on the 1st neurosurgeon who let something like that pass; even when I eventually get down to 1 pill daily who knows how long it'd be to none we'll see when the 'scripts are all gone; in my opinion too many post-op then again I lost count a long time ago!

northbelle · 01-01-2007, 09:24 PM

DO IT...it is very possible..many here have been there and will be here for you!
Keep posting
love north

4everQuestioned · 01-02-2007, 07:52 PM

Many thanks for the kind words north the support here has been very helpful; if only I can keep my end of bargain we will be in good shape. For those wondering what 'other factors' I'm talking about feel free to post and I will PM.
Thanks again

4everQuestioned · 02-28-2007, 09:09 PM

Hello All, I wanted to let everyone know I had been off the hydrocodone since President's day weekend and been doing well! I am so grateful I was able to wane myself off of them slowly on my own the docs didn't even offer a schedule for me to do so. Once again many thanks too all who gave the supportive words I greatly appreciate it!

12-27-2006, 08:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Lortab-Vicodin/hydrocodone questions First off Happy Holidays to all and here's my concern: I believe this may be accidental addiction more than anything due to having two low back surgeries (microdiscetomy/laminectomy) within over a year but just need an answer if what I tell you is basis for an addiction; I'm 24. Since summer '05 until 11/28/06 I've been told to take both vicodin 5/500 mg & lortab 10/500mg from a Dr (Surgeon 1).; since then only been doing lortab 'as needed' from a different Dr (Surgeon 2) who was a little shocked to see that I was taking both pills which contained hydrocodone but continued to 'script up only lortab 5/500mg. I tried cold turkey a couple weeks back and couldn't deal with the w/d symptoms they were much worse than after I went off the pills from the 1st surgery so I relapsed after a day thinking I'll slowly wane myself off of them by doing two daily hoping w/d won't be as intense later on; not knowing if I'll be fully stable again returning to work. Maybe it's all mental but I don't even know anymore if the pain is still there or not post surgery as I experienced pain from going off of them from before; maybe it could be physical dependence. Any help is appreciated I just want to know if what I've been taking for how long is enough to become addicted; if it is I may need a little help going off the pain killers once the 'scripts run out. Thank you,

12-27-2006, 10:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Hello By His Blood, Many thanks on the reply back man; your information and guidance is useful and I appreciate you taking the time to respond. After the whole ordeal has been done and over with I've dealt with three different doctors prescribing pain meds (1 Physician and 2 Neuro-surgeons); I'm just surprised this wasn't caught until after the 2nd surgery was done at the post-op appt. I've definitely tried every other possible treatment under the sun before having my very 1st surgery (neurontin, a morphine-based sulfer pill, percocet, epidural steroid injections, physical therapy and also benicar for the blood pressure to name most). I surely didn't have much trouble when going from 8 lortab/vicodin total; down to 4 lortab and eventually to 2 lortab daily for about 1 1/2 years. I'll be sure to check with the Dr. on this and when I get off the pain meds I hope it doesn't get so bad that's I'd be visiting some outpatient treatment center for additional help; I don't think I have an addiction just physical dependence hoping to try and have less intense w/d sympts if there's such a thing. I never abused the drug took it when prescribed but the doubling up on hydrocodone meds involuntarily was what got me thinking; once again thanks on the response and your opinion and any others that are welcomed here after. If you would like I can discuss some other factors in private. Thank you! Last edited by 4everQuestioned; 12-27-2006 at 11:01 PM. Reason: Testing post appearance

12-28-2006, 07:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
mikiglen Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: here, there, everywhere Posts: 2,118	i also CTd off around 30 10s per day 34 days ago. it can be done, but is rough the first week. clonodine can also be prescribed to help with the withdrawal symptoms such as RLS, shakes, insomnia, etc. rebound pain is absolutely normal after stopping opiates...i took mine for headaches, and had some horrible ones after i quit. the pain will stop, however, when your body's own endorphins get back in whack good luck misti __________________ Now and again we try To just stay alive Maybe we'll turn it all around 'Cause it's not too late It's never too late

12-28-2006, 09:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Thank you bunnicula and mikiglen for your support and sharing your experiences with me I'll look into trying to get anti-w/d drugs if things get intense; if not from the physician then a psychiatrist. I will try my best when the time comes the temptation is likely for me to keep on taking until the 'scripts run out; I know I wouldn't try to lie my way to obtain more thank goodness! Although I've already had to lie to my friends on myself running out of the pain killers; only to protect them from the pitfalls of physical dependence I wouldn't want them to be stuck between a rock and a hard place like I currently am; By His Blood should have further insight on other factors that may of made my hole a little deeper to dig out of. Once again thank you for taking the time to reply I appreciate it! __________________ 'Sh*t happens' for a reason for every equal 'up' there's an equal 'down'; karma can suck it!

12-29-2006, 03:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
LIL_Pebbles Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: 24/7 How Am I gonna Get claen, when Doctors don't help me? Posts: 147	Hi and welcome I do not think your a addict. Ask your doctor to taper you off the opiates, but you may be in pain from your surgerie? my b/f is still in pain after they operated on his L5 and another one, also his neck can not be touched. He is an addict and is on a contract, he takes Oxy cottin 40mgs SR He became not just dependant, but liked the high, and is on Methadone Maint: very ugly... __________________ Alcoholism Opiate addict/dependant 4 years "Percocete" Once I only thought of getting high, now I think: How am I going to get through this w/out going insane.

12-28-2006, 07:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
bunnicula Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 8	Hello, I just quit taking lortab, was taking that and percocet for about 2 years. I don't know what I would have done about the withdrawl were it not for subutex. You should see a psychiatrist, who can perscribe that. It takes away the withdrawl symptoms COMPLETELEY. So that'll get you through the first few days. Other than that, there WILL be some pain after you go off opiates; it's just part of the withdrawl. Be patient. My lortab addiction almost ruined my life; I'm still picking up the pieces, and now trying to stop taking anti-anxiety meds (which I started after quitting lortab). It's all so hard. Stay strong and PM me anytime, anytime. I feel your pain. Katie

12-29-2006, 06:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
ccgirl Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Harwich, MA Posts: 2,749	I stopped taking hydrocodone on September 14th of this year after a year's worth of abuse. The w/d sucked for about a week, then I started to feel human again. Not perfect, but human. After that it was all good.

12-29-2006, 07:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
blueline one day at a time Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: America the Beautiful Posts: 210	I was on hydro's for about 16 months straight after getting hurt and I quit cold turkey back in late August. The wd's are bad but after a week or so they get better. Once you get past one week the hardest part is over, so stick with it and you will make it. You will be much happier in the end if you get off the pills. Be strong and keep the faith. Blue __________________ The greatest gift that one can give another is the gift of true friendship

12-29-2006, 07:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Wow I continue to appreciate the continuous feedback and tremendous support on these forums that are second to none comparing others! I'm looking to completely eliminate 'em bad opiates (hopefully all else 'bad' as well) after martin luther king jr. holiday; I'll really need to get back in touch with one of those Dr. if I don't say anything they don't know... take it I still have a 'script 2 refills til 1/17; another 'script 1 refill til 5/11 by differ Dr. Lil Pebbles I still feel that 'pinch' down there from time to time with some normal tension; how long has it been since your b/f had the surgery? I sure hope things never get that bad here and wish him the best on overcoming his obstacles. CCGirl I definitely feel you on the 'not perfect-human' seems like things been in a downward spiral since day 1 of the back 'collapse' close 2 yrs ago felt I lost that 'social' network, relationship, and confidence. Blueline I give you props man I dunno how you can do that were you still working? I know if I came 'off my game' at work for that long wouldn't hear the end of it from the Super; I will keep your words close by! Thank you __________________ 'Sh*t happens' for a reason for every equal 'up' there's an equal 'down'; karma can suck it!

01-01-2007, 09:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Hmm you know Brian I wouldn't mind trying to find out the same things on my local Physician & on the 1st neurosurgeon who let something like that pass; even when I eventually get down to 1 pill daily who knows how long it'd be to none we'll see when the 'scripts are all gone; in my opinion too many post-op then again I lost count a long time ago! __________________ 'Sh*t happens' for a reason for every equal 'up' there's an equal 'down'; karma can suck it!

01-01-2007, 09:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
northbelle Dopeless Hope Fiend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: anchorage Alaska Posts: 2,501	DO IT...it is very possible..many here have been there and will be here for you! Keep posting love north

01-02-2007, 07:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Many thanks for the kind words north the support here has been very helpful; if only I can keep my end of bargain we will be in good shape. For those wondering what 'other factors' I'm talking about feel free to post and I will PM. Thanks again __________________ 'Sh*t happens' for a reason for every equal 'up' there's an equal 'down'; karma can suck it!

02-28-2007, 09:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
4everQuestioned The Pyzon Sempre Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Isolation & Solitude USA Posts: 8	Hello All, I wanted to let everyone know I had been off the hydrocodone since President's day weekend and been doing well! I am so grateful I was able to wane myself off of them slowly on my own the docs didn't even offer a schedule for me to do so. Once again many thanks too all who gave the supportive words I greatly appreciate it! __________________ 'Sh*t happens' for a reason for every equal 'up' there's an equal 'down'; karma can suck it!

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