Pain Medicine - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Digginit · 06-12-2008, 04:40 AM

Welp. Gotta have knee and toe surgery again in a week. I'm already nervous about pain medicine. I've never been one to like opiates, but last time I had surgery was right on the tail end of that nasty relapse. I abused the heck out of the Vicodin. I'm just using NSAIDs and ACE wraps right now, though I've been offered better drugs...lol.

I don't guess there are any real words of wisdom to be offered here, and I'm not really looking for them. I figure it's one of those things that ya' just have to be really diligent about. I've talked with my orthopod about it. He's a friend and knows everything....heck, he's the first person I talked to when I was relapsing last time. Just wanted to put this on the table. 's all.

~dig

**51anna** · 06-12-2008, 05:58 AM

It sounds like you're well-prepared Dig and I hope the surgery goes well.

By the way, have you noticed the new Pain Management and Recovery forum:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...in-management/

***indigo*** · 06-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Yes you sound prepared for the pain management without relapse, you're a strong woman dig you can do it!

tanyapmc · 06-12-2008, 10:16 AM

I have had two surgeries while in recovery. I let my dr's, friends, sponsors, family, people here at SR.......well EVERYONE know what is happening. It is scary to take anything mind altering when we are in recovery. This last surgery I had to take pain meds afterwards. I had my husband lock them up in the safe and give them to me. It was stressful but I got through it without a relapse. And I loved opiates.

You doing the right thing with talking about it.

Digginit · 06-12-2008, 03:20 PM

Didn't know about the pain mgmt and recovery forum. Thanks! I don't have to explain to y'all why I'm nervous....though I was sitting here trying to think of how to put it into words...lol. That'd be kinda silly, huh?

Thanks for the ear and the table.

~dig

DSodaNow · 06-12-2008, 04:58 PM

Best of luck with the surgery. You sound like you are prepared for it!

Fluttering · 06-13-2008, 05:59 PM

Digginit

Being prepared is key..Being self aware is just as importyant and it sounds like you are..doingall the things necessary..Sharing, reaching out..being honest with yourself and your doc.. You will get through this...

Will keep you in my thoughts.. HP will be holding you close

luv2all · 06-14-2008, 12:02 AM

Good Luck to you with your surgeries and may you heal quickly! I ask God for Strength and Courage and He never lets me down. So long as I practice His presence, I'm O.K.
Wishing you the same.
Luv2all

beingjenagain · 06-14-2008, 06:16 AM

I would check out some books on alternative pain management like meditation, transference and accupuncture. Also don't let your pain get so unbearable that you have got to have pain meds and can justify it in your mind. Stay on top of the pain with rest, ice/heat and tylenol or motrin. Also find some great movies that you can watch for distraction! You will do great!!

Digginit · 07-01-2008, 06:24 PM

10 days after surgery, doing okay with the pain meds I think. Went through a whole BUNCH of 'em those first few days, but after that I've used mostly Ibuprofen, with Vicodin at night and maybe once in the daytime. Not feeling like it's an issue at this point, and not feeling particularly drawn to them, except for pain control. Never really liked opiates anyway....they make me sleepy and sick at my stomach. Ugh.

BUT my knee is worse than bad, and it's looking like I'm probably gonna get a total knee replacement in a few weeks....which means more pain meds. Hmm. I really do think it'll be okay, but I'm not blind to the issue either. I think, though, that I REALLY just don't like pain meds and never will, though I appreciate their availability when they're needed. We'll see.

**51anna** · 07-01-2008, 06:30 PM

I'm glad you're doing well!

It sounds like you're handling things with caution and taking care of yourself.

MnStar · 07-01-2008, 06:42 PM

Way to go, dig. Hope you feel better soon.

lightseeker · 07-02-2008, 04:28 PM

Dig,

glad to hear that you are doing well! I just had ankle surgery on Monday and had exactly your same concerns. I've been sober for two years and was really scared that the pain meds were going to wake up the addictive thinking in me. Like you - I'm not digging the pain meds so much....they are making me nauseous, itchy, and sleepy. However, they are much needed.

If you have to get a knee replacement make sure that you get an OnQ pump for pain management. I had one for two days and it was awesome! Whole different experience once it ran out. I've had to up my meds since it's been out.

Glad that things went well!

Digginit · 07-02-2008, 05:18 PM

~seeker

What happened with your ankle? It's always nice to have a comrade. Ugh. But just having had surgery 2 days ago, I bet you're still in a bit of a fog.

It's amazing that a good attorney could impact your health-care decisions, but mine might have. I just finished residency and will be losing my group health benefits and going with an individual plan (that won't cover my knee). Well, my attorney is working it out so that I can keep a group plan and buy me some time with my knee. What it means is that it's unlikely to change the outcome over the next year or so, but it's gonna (hopefully) buy me some time right now to recover from these surgeries before having a more major one.

When I do have that knee replacement (which hopefully will be a little more removed from today), I'll definitely have an epidural for anesthesia over the day or two following the surgery.

I'm thinking of you....recover well.

~dig

lightseeker · 07-02-2008, 06:29 PM

Hi Dig -

I'm a physical therapist and work with a lot of post op knee replacements. The epidural is good but the OnQ pump is really a good thing. For knees, it generally is left in place for 5 days. I can't believe the difference with it in vs. now that it is out.

I fell down 2 years ago and sprained my ankle really badly. I had to have an ankle reconstruction. It's been harder to deal with than I anticipated...was anticipating a walk in the park and it's been a lot more than that.

Keep me posted on how you are doing. Glad that your recovery is going well.

Take care!

Digginit · 07-02-2008, 07:15 PM

You're a PT! Cool! I always find that it's a lot easier to deal with other people's injuries and illnesses than my own though...lol. I've spent a WHOLE lot of time learning ortho in my fp training and have spent way too many hours in the OR assisting my favorite bone doctor in various surgeries...and waaaay too many total knees. Ugh. I kinda wish I hadn't seen so many of 'em and could walk into it blind. I expected to sail through this knee scope and MTP joint surgery better than I am (it was easier last time), but I do NOT expect to have an easy time with a major joint surgery....like yours was.

Heal easy....and be good to yourself.

Peace~
dig

Digginit · 07-06-2008, 05:14 PM

Not sure if kinda getting used to having a little hydrocodone on board contributed or not....or if I just have a lot of down time right now and don't have to take any more drug tests....and I've not been as vigilant as I should about staying clean...or that I don't really think about marijuana as such a big deal and I had some on hand. But this afternoon for the first time in a REALLY long time....maybe even before residency???? Not sure...I smoked a bowl. I obviously kinda like it, but figure it's not a good habit to get into.

Reckon taking Vicodin and running out (almost...have 1 left) led to this? Guess that's just kind of hard to know. And heck, I can get more Vicodin easy enough. All I have to do is ask.

Anyway~
dig

**51anna** · 07-06-2008, 05:18 PM

Hmm, sounds like it could be the beginning of a slippery slope?

06-12-2008, 04:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	Pain Medicine Welp. Gotta have knee and toe surgery again in a week. I'm already nervous about pain medicine. I've never been one to like opiates, but last time I had surgery was right on the tail end of that nasty relapse. I abused the heck out of the Vicodin. I'm just using NSAIDs and ACE wraps right now, though I've been offered better drugs...lol. I don't guess there are any real words of wisdom to be offered here, and I'm not really looking for them. I figure it's one of those things that ya' just have to be really diligent about. I've talked with my orthopod about it. He's a friend and knows everything....heck, he's the first person I talked to when I was relapsing last time. Just wanted to put this on the table. 's all. ~dig
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

06-12-2008, 05:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
51anna Forum Leader Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dancing in the Light Posts: 10,594	It sounds like you're well-prepared Dig and I hope the surgery goes well. By the way, have you noticed the new Pain Management and Recovery forum: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...in-management/
	__________________ Anna "I don't know what the future is holding in store I don't know where Im going, Im not sure where Ive been Theres a spirit that guides me, a light that shines for me My life is worth the living, I don't need to see the end." John Denver

06-12-2008, 09:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
*indigo* Community Greeter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Mid-Life Express Posts: 8,979	Yes you sound prepared for the pain management without relapse, you're a strong woman dig you can do it!
	__________________ When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself." Namasté

06-12-2008, 10:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
tanyapmc Charter Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Nunyabusinessville, Texas Posts: 3,217	I have had two surgeries while in recovery. I let my dr's, friends, sponsors, family, people here at SR.......well EVERYONE know what is happening. It is scary to take anything mind altering when we are in recovery. This last surgery I had to take pain meds afterwards. I had my husband lock them up in the safe and give them to me. It was stressful but I got through it without a relapse. And I loved opiates. You doing the right thing with talking about it.
	__________________

06-12-2008, 03:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	Didn't know about the pain mgmt and recovery forum. Thanks! I don't have to explain to y'all why I'm nervous....though I was sitting here trying to think of how to put it into words...lol. That'd be kinda silly, huh? Thanks for the ear and the table. ~dig
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

06-12-2008, 04:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
DSodaNow Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 326	Best of luck with the surgery. You sound like you are prepared for it!
DSodaNow Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 326

06-13-2008, 05:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fluttering Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fluttering About Posts: 2,665	Digginit Being prepared is key..Being self aware is just as importyant and it sounds like you are..doingall the things necessary..Sharing, reaching out..being honest with yourself and your doc.. You will get through this... Will keep you in my thoughts.. HP will be holding you close
	__________________

06-14-2008, 12:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
luv2all Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: northeastern California Posts: 66	Good Luck to you with your surgeries and may you heal quickly! I ask God for Strength and Courage and He never lets me down. So long as I practice His presence, I'm O.K. Wishing you the same. Luv2all

06-14-2008, 06:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
beingjenagain ever closer... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 261	I would check out some books on alternative pain management like meditation, transference and accupuncture. Also don't let your pain get so unbearable that you have got to have pain meds and can justify it in your mind. Stay on top of the pain with rest, ice/heat and tylenol or motrin. Also find some great movies that you can watch for distraction! You will do great!!
	__________________ BeingJenAgain

07-01-2008, 06:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	10 days after surgery, doing okay with the pain meds I think. Went through a whole BUNCH of 'em those first few days, but after that I've used mostly Ibuprofen, with Vicodin at night and maybe once in the daytime. Not feeling like it's an issue at this point, and not feeling particularly drawn to them, except for pain control. Never really liked opiates anyway....they make me sleepy and sick at my stomach. Ugh. BUT my knee is worse than bad, and it's looking like I'm probably gonna get a total knee replacement in a few weeks....which means more pain meds. Hmm. I really do think it'll be okay, but I'm not blind to the issue either. I think, though, that I REALLY just don't like pain meds and never will, though I appreciate their availability when they're needed. We'll see.
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

07-01-2008, 06:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
51anna Forum Leader Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dancing in the Light Posts: 10,594	I'm glad you're doing well! It sounds like you're handling things with caution and taking care of yourself.
	__________________ Anna "I don't know what the future is holding in store I don't know where Im going, Im not sure where Ive been Theres a spirit that guides me, a light that shines for me My life is worth the living, I don't need to see the end." John Denver

07-01-2008, 06:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
MnStar Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24	Way to go, dig. Hope you feel better soon.
	__________________ Larry M. Grateful in Recovery

07-02-2008, 04:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
lightseeker Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 678	Dig, glad to hear that you are doing well! I just had ankle surgery on Monday and had exactly your same concerns. I've been sober for two years and was really scared that the pain meds were going to wake up the addictive thinking in me. Like you - I'm not digging the pain meds so much....they are making me nauseous, itchy, and sleepy. However, they are much needed. If you have to get a knee replacement make sure that you get an OnQ pump for pain management. I had one for two days and it was awesome! Whole different experience once it ran out. I've had to up my meds since it's been out. Glad that things went well!
	__________________ "If I stay in the light of what I can do to make my life better, rather than in the darkness of anger, blame and fear of the problem, my path remains lit and my world is a better place."

07-02-2008, 05:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	~seeker What happened with your ankle? It's always nice to have a comrade. Ugh. But just having had surgery 2 days ago, I bet you're still in a bit of a fog. It's amazing that a good attorney could impact your health-care decisions, but mine might have. I just finished residency and will be losing my group health benefits and going with an individual plan (that won't cover my knee). Well, my attorney is working it out so that I can keep a group plan and buy me some time with my knee. What it means is that it's unlikely to change the outcome over the next year or so, but it's gonna (hopefully) buy me some time right now to recover from these surgeries before having a more major one. When I do have that knee replacement (which hopefully will be a little more removed from today), I'll definitely have an epidural for anesthesia over the day or two following the surgery. I'm thinking of you....recover well. ~dig
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

07-02-2008, 06:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
lightseeker Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 678	Hi Dig - I'm a physical therapist and work with a lot of post op knee replacements. The epidural is good but the OnQ pump is really a good thing. For knees, it generally is left in place for 5 days. I can't believe the difference with it in vs. now that it is out. I fell down 2 years ago and sprained my ankle really badly. I had to have an ankle reconstruction. It's been harder to deal with than I anticipated...was anticipating a walk in the park and it's been a lot more than that. Keep me posted on how you are doing. Glad that your recovery is going well. Take care!
	__________________ "If I stay in the light of what I can do to make my life better, rather than in the darkness of anger, blame and fear of the problem, my path remains lit and my world is a better place."

07-02-2008, 07:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	You're a PT! Cool! I always find that it's a lot easier to deal with other people's injuries and illnesses than my own though...lol. I've spent a WHOLE lot of time learning ortho in my fp training and have spent way too many hours in the OR assisting my favorite bone doctor in various surgeries...and waaaay too many total knees. Ugh. I kinda wish I hadn't seen so many of 'em and could walk into it blind. I expected to sail through this knee scope and MTP joint surgery better than I am (it was easier last time), but I do NOT expect to have an easy time with a major joint surgery....like yours was. Heal easy....and be good to yourself. Peace~ dig
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

07-06-2008, 05:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
Digginit Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: usa Posts: 441	Not sure if kinda getting used to having a little hydrocodone on board contributed or not....or if I just have a lot of down time right now and don't have to take any more drug tests....and I've not been as vigilant as I should about staying clean...or that I don't really think about marijuana as such a big deal and I had some on hand. But this afternoon for the first time in a REALLY long time....maybe even before residency???? Not sure...I smoked a bowl. I obviously kinda like it, but figure it's not a good habit to get into. Reckon taking Vicodin and running out (almost...have 1 left) led to this? Guess that's just kind of hard to know. And heck, I can get more Vicodin easy enough. All I have to do is ask. Anyway~ dig
	__________________ -- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. We seek problems because we need their gifts.

07-06-2008, 05:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
51anna Forum Leader Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dancing in the Light Posts: 10,594	Hmm, sounds like it could be the beginning of a slippery slope?
	__________________ Anna "I don't know what the future is holding in store I don't know where Im going, Im not sure where Ive been Theres a spirit that guides me, a light that shines for me My life is worth the living, I don't need to see the end." John Denver