I am an active AA memeber and I am familiar with your program. I thought some of you might be able to help me. Here is my problem:
I have a Crohn's Disease, which is very debilitating and painful. I take percocet and oxycontin to relieve the pain. I have spoken to my doctor about the addicition issues and I saw an addictions doctor because I was very concerned about taking these narcotics. All doctors agreed that I had to take the drugs. I am in pain if I don't take them so I agree with their assessment.
I am scared though because my tolerance is increasing and I know I am becoming dependent on these drugs. I know that when the time comes to come off of them, I will go through hell with the withdrawals. I am trying not to increase my dose but it is really hard when I am in pain and the pills are there I know they will help me to get off the couch and be able to function. So, I have been taking an increased dose. This will cause me problems, I know that. I know the side affects of the drugs are building a tolerance and that is quit normal. I am just scared because I have read so many horror stories about these medications. I feel like I am damned if I do and I am damned if I don't. I know a lot of people in recovery started taking pain pills because of very legitimate reasons. That does not change the end result though and that is what I am afraid of. Does anybody have any comments or advice for me? Much appreciated. I really don't want these drugs to run my life.
Hello Cathy. I just posted something about this just the other day. I am also on a narcotic pain reliever. I have to check myself when I am ready to take a pill. Like.... Am I really in pain. or is it my disease talking to me. We have that trouble with us addicts. Our disease tells us we don't have a disease.. We have to be very careful with that. Is it my disease talking to me or is it really the pain that I am going through. I also am building a tolerance. But I also do a heating pad. I do exercises. you know, all that stuff. Here is my email addy if you want to talk more about this.. ceramic42@msn.com email me and I will be willing to talk more about this.. I al also on percacets and oxycotin and I am a recovering herion addict.. Good to see you post.. Cody
Thanks for your reply. It is a scary situation to be in. I really don't know what I should do. What do you do? Do you carry tremendous guilt with you? I have prayed to my higher power but nothing has changed. Do you take your meds as prescribed or do you up your dose on your own. Have you ever taken them just to get the buzz, not when you were in pain?
I'm not sure of the exact symptomology of Crones Disease; therefore I feel I am not qualified to suggest appropriate alternatives. I do, however, have a severe case of Rheumatoid Arthritis and suffer pain quite often in recovery. I find that a simple cocktail of a common NSAID + analgesic (Advil + Tylenol) does a wonderful job at controlling mild to moderate pain safely. Moreover, significant pain in most people is a result of inflammation. Inflammation can be reduced by reducing simple stressors and getting a good night's sleep. Believe it or not, if you do not get a full 6+ hours of continuous restful sleep, there is a very good chance that your body’s natural anti-inflammation system never really kicks in (parasympathetic nervous system).
Anyway... hope this helps a bit. Go research this information on your own, print this and consult your doctor about these topics, your doctor will be able to help you further understand how this insight would be able to help if at all possible.
I have a friend at work who has Crohn's Disease and I don't believe he takes any narcotics for pain relief, but I know he takes other meds (non habit forming) and I'll be happy to find out what they are as soon as my LOA is over in a few weeks.
i am recovering from a stroke,so i undertand a little about disabilities being clean.you can write to my girl freind at my email address.she has had issues with medication in recovery,being diabetic with nueropathy.
take care
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dalin a unity means oneity...one god, one fellowship,one sponsor,one program...many gifts
Hello everyone and Cathy. I had to come here all tell you all that I do not handle my meditcation Cathy. My sponsor and my boyfriend that has 10 years does. and I have to say this also.l there are people out there that do seriously need something other than a non narcotic pill. I also have a friend who has crohn disease and when she is in pain, she goes to the hospital and they give her something there, but she doesn't take anything home with her.. Its nice that some people can handle the non narcotic pain pills and I recomend them before a narcotic. But like I siad, there are ones that need more than that. Cathy. Be very very careful. I was taking them and I wound up picking up dope.. as a result of that. everyone is watching me very closely. It will grab you without you knowing it and by the time you know its got you, its to late. Please see if there is anything else that they can give you...Its a very touchy subject for all addicts. Please cathy, be very very careful. our minds can play tricks on us.. Have a wonderful day everyone..