Leonafeona

Some background. I have had severe leg pain for probably 20 year, I've had two mini strokes. I am also probably one the worse insomniacs ever, according to Drs. I started taking Hydrocodone to sleep at night because of the pain in my legs, that didn't really put me to sleep, I needed an Adavan about and hour later and then half an hour after that, a dose of Theraflu...then I could get some sleep. I've been following this routine for a couple of years now with no issues really, other than hating to have this to get to sleep this way. So, my knees are bone on bone scraping from years of running around on stage, jumping blah, blah blah. So I go in for total knee replacement, still recovering and it's horrid. In the hospital they were giving slow release morphine...and one and half Hydrocdone 4 times a day, I was in for four days...now I can't do without it. I was needing one and half at noon to get through the day, then my normal one and a half with the other stuff to sleep at night....my husband is a recovered addict/alcoholic (clean over 20 years now) and has been helping me. He only gives me a half mid day....I'm miserable till then, nauseated, anxious, and irritable, and sometimes cry for no reason (my receptors needing the meds?)...it just barely takes the edge off.....I'm trying to get back to just the one and half at night....then once my knee is healed...I want to go get a sleep study done and get off of it all. ANY advice would be so greatly appreciated. I am nothing but miserable, I know this isn't as bad as many but I am also 62 years old and really not doing well. Thank you

SoberLeigh

Welcome to SR, Leonafeona. I am so very glad that you have found us.

I don't have any experience with substance addiction or substance withdrawal.

I am sure that someone will be along with substance experience but my gut tells me that you should seek the advice of both (1)a qualified, medical addiction specialist, and (2) a sleep disorder specialist (with close coordination between the two) to guide and advise you on this matter.

You will find support, understanding and encouragement here.

Again, welcome.

Coldfusion

Welcome, Leonafeona!

I have no experience with opiate addiction, but I have read a lot about it here at SoberRecovery. If you keep posting and reading, I am sure you will find others' experience, strength and hope.

I have learned that often, in the long term, addicting medications cause the same diseases they were intended to cure. This implies that pain medicines increase pain, and anxiety medicines increase anxiety. But I think it is best to work with a doctor on withdrawal.

PhoenixJ

Leonf- I am not qualified to give advice on medical or medication stuff. I suggest you talk to your doctor about what you have posted. Perhaps there are other factors- boredom, frustration, anxiety. A doctor is a good starting point into finding out what else you could do to improve your health and lifestyle. I would also suggest you specifically focus on why the pain relief you have along with the sleep is a worry. I had major burns last year and manage the pain factor very carefully (and effectively) with the pain management clinic at the hospital and my GP.
Prayers to you, PJ.

Anna

I agree that talking to the dr who prescribed the medication would be the best place to start. I hope that your knees heal quickly.

least

Yes, do see your doctor for help in getting off the pills.

Welcome to the family.

Dee74

Hi and welcome Leonafeona

I'm sorry for what brings you here. I'm with the other guys though - you really need to bring a doctor in on this.

You will definitely find support and encouragement here tho

D

Bubovski

Welcome!
Not my specific area........wonder if hypnosis could help??

thomas11

I was prescribed opiates for pain for just over a year and got off of them. It sounds as if your body adapts to the changes in dosage quickly, and its going up and not down. I'm hoping you can find relief without developing a serious addiction.

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum Leonafeona!!

ByHisLove

I am addicted to opiates and it's amazing how fast your body adjusts to needing more and more. I gradually took more and before I knew it I had a full blown addiction complete with intolerable physical and mental withdrawls. I convinced myself time and time again that I needed them for my pain and that I couldn't handle it any other way, but I was wrong. It started to destroy my life and my marriage. This is not a road you want to travel, I would take everyone's advice and talk with your doctor. I didn't for years and it's something I really regret. I've been on suboxone for addiction for the last month and have been doing better but I know I'll have to wean off of that eventually and will have to go through the horrid withdrawl. It is not a place you want to end up. Take care.

Leonafeona

Thank you all. Yesterday I went all day with just a quarter of a 10-325, and one 10-325 at bedtime. I just took a quarter today, was having bad crying fit, and tonight I'm going to do half of a 10-325 instead of a whole...will do this for a few days...then drop the daytime quarter to an eighth and the night time to a quarter.....I have to get off this mess, I can't stand it