hooked on pain meds?

Sorry if this turns out long........Had fibroids for about 20 yrs , really started bothering me the last couple of yrs, have been on pain meds most of the last year.But because of lack of insurance had to save the money for my hyst. I was on pain , some from the dr. and when they wouldn;t precribe me ant more resorted to self medicating.To me , anything was better than the pain.Now of course i;v had the sugury and recovering not too badly. My problem is i;m not sure which problems i;m having are from the post op and what is from the withdrawl for pain meds.Am still having to take meds, still going to the er for them and getting them on my own or I feel very bad. Am very depressed about this, I have an appt. with a pschiatrist next week , although not sure how he can help me. Is anyone else going through this or am I the lone addict here?Any help anyone acn offer will be much appreciated.Some of the symptoms are , terrible leg cramps and achiness , pain in my left sde , all over not felling right in my own skin.

Hi! This surgery is tough and the everyday pain doesn't help in determining what your pain may be caused by...the actual surgery or withdrawl. I can say that I was sore/achy for months following the procedure as this surgery takes a toll on us, and it does take time to recover. I think going to see a medical Dr. is in your best interest, so they can help you. Perhaps stopping the self medication, and just taking what Dr's. offer would be a starting point. Perhaps they will over time will wean you off the pain meds, so your body adjust slowly to the change. I wish you well in seeking help! Take care! ((HUGS))

Hey Cindy,

I am now 51/2 weeks post-op and am having nerve pain in my legs (left leg is worse). My left side hurts, too. I went to the doctor who ran tests to rule out hematoma and infection. He told me that I didn't have either of those - and my pain was probably caused from nerves pinched or cut during my surgery.

I have non-narcotic meds to help me deal with my nerve pain: lydocaine patches and Lyrica. For other pains I now take either Tylenol or Ibuprofen - or GAS-X if my pain is from my bowel. (I stopped taking my narcotic pain meds at 4 weeks.)

Have you talked with your doctor about other options to help treat your pain? Have you asked to see a pain management specialist? Either one of these can also help reduce the pain you are having. (Please know that being in constant pain will also cause depression.)

If you think that you're addicted to pain meds - a group that would be great to talk with either online or in a face to face meeting would be Narcotics Anonymous.

I do hope that you feel better soon!

Thanks to both of your input, it is most appreciated.

Hi Cindy. I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. Sadly, i know a lot of people who have trouble with prescription pain meds, you are not alone. The fact that you are going to the ED to get them and obtaining them, as you say, "on your own" is a red flag. That is definately a problem. Not only unhealthy, but you could have serious legal problems if the ED turns you in for drug seeking (they do keep track, and hospitals do talk to each other about frequent pain med visitors) or the "on your own thing" goes bad.

Your post acknowledges that this is not healthy behavior and really, that is the hardest part to get past. I think you need to be 100% honest with whatever doctors you are seeing. I am a nurse practicioner, and I know every professional I work with would be very supportive of you IF you are honest. Dishonest drug seeking (I'm not saying you are doing that, I'm saying we see it a lot) honkerblonkes us off FAST, because the prescriber CAN get into big trouble with the FDA. Tell them exactly what you posted here and I suspect they will be very proactive in getting you the help you need.

I am not an expert in drug rehab, and I don't know how soon post op is a good time to go through withdrawl. Seeing the phsychiatrist is a good idea. I'd request that s/he consult with your surgeon/physicians to set goals for management and weaning. You might also ask for a referral to a pain management clinic, they are the REAL experts at the balancing act!

Good luck!

Hello Cindy06, I just wanted to remind you to check your PM's. This is not a subject that everyone feels comfortable talking about openly.

I just had my surgery 5 days ago,and have noticed that my right leg is burning and feels kinda numb. wondered if it could have been caused in surgery. I see the dr. next week I will be sure to ask her