Drug addiction

[uethello]

It's odd being at the beginning of a drug addiction. Here at the beginning and looking at the heart of it.

I've been around alot lately because I was in an accident. I was alone at work when I flipped a forklift over on myself. Stupid. I should have been driving slower. I crushed both feet. Massive compound fractures, evulsions, etc, etc. My Nextel got thrown by the falling lift.

Nobody was around to here me yelling, it was a Sunday, the industrial park was empty. I was pinned for a while. I finally did some ugly stuff to get my Nextel. Finally get somebody, a contractor.

They come and get me out. Take me to the hospital. A very good doctor puts everything back together, basically. I refuse any pain meds for three days. Finally my wife takes matters in hand and pushes the button herself on the morphine pump. I sleep very well, get up and push it again. Three operations later. I take oxycodone now. Oxycodone is good.

Doctor says I am experiencing neuropathic pain. Says there's a good chance it won't go away. Ever. How long should a thirty pill bottle last? sheesh.

[osprey4]

Sorry to hear about this. You'll be happy to know there are novel treatments in development to treat neuropathic pain, including a few based on snail venom (it works for the snail!).

Doctors are not really able to predict how long these conditions will last. For now, you should consult your doctor about seeking alternatives to addictive medication, such as hypnosis and accupuncture.

You're fortunate to be in a state where there is so much medical research. I hope for your eventual recovery.

[Angela]

I was going to suggest acupuncture as well--no matter what your doctor says about it! It can work wonders for any sort of nerve damage. Hypnosis is another good suggestion; there are people who specialize in working with people who have chronic pain.

I didn't know about the snail venom--sounds interesting!

I am so sorry you're going through this!!

uethello,
Just because you are using some powerful pain killers doesn't mean you will become hopelessly addicted to the them.
But you do need to look into alternatives. Check out a pain management clinic where you can explore alternatives methods managing your pain.
How long ago was your last surgery?

[SPEEDO]

I don't think it's legal to be working alone while using equipment such as this. You may have recourse.

[uethello]

Ugh, /*end drug induced ramble*/

It's not nearly that bad. I just get morose when I'm on oxy. I'm also on neurontin, that takes a while to start working. When it does, I'll be off the oxy. I have thought about accupuncture but worry I'll run into someone who's just a quack not a real accupuncturist. Besides, it's not nearly as bad as it sounds. One foot is healing up great and practically ready to be weight bearing.

I've had lots of family time and loved every bit of it. Got lots of pics of me and the kid having fun. My boss sent the people that were building his house to my house that same day. They built me a long ramp up to the door. He stayed with me late until I was out of surgery, called and visited frequently in the hospital. And he just gave me an awesome year end bonus check in addition to paying full salary with benefits the whole time.

My last surgery was 2 weeks ago, skin grafts. Those are mostly going well.

Thanks for the support. I think I'll leave that post as it is to remind me to stay offline when I'm whacked.

btw: The snails are slimy and try as I might, I can't get one to bite me!

[tony_j15]

uethello, man, you've had it rough! I am amazed at what can be done with willpower. Tell yourself you can make it, and it will help.

I can see how you would get remorse. All the horror stories we hear about how addictive it can be.
I would think anyones deepest fear when faced with the kind of pain you are having would be addiction.
But the drug does work on ones psyche.
So when it kicks in and you're floating around in that place it puts you, kick back and enjoy it, all the while reminding yourself that the reason it feels so good is because of all the pain and trauma you've been dealing with, and you're getting relief that you need.
But when the time comes you are get to say adiós sucker and never touch it again.
You may have some discomfort when it's over, but anyone that can do what you did when the accident happened can handle that annoyance.

[Sweet]

I'm sorry to hear of your ordeal. Sounds rough, but it also sounds like you aare tough!

I hope that you have a very good doctor who is up on pain management and it's effects. If you are, then do not woory about addiction. They will help you through this. There are many areas of pain managment, patches over pills and such that you could explore. Keep close with a good doctor and he/she should be aware of the addicitive properties of the meds. They should be able to keep control, and let you feel as though it's ok. I hope this works out, sounds like you have great support at home. If you do not like a doc, get another. Pain management can be a special area.... take care.... happy holidays....

[f1oored]

I never really understood drug addiction before. Why would someone toss their life away for some kind of high? Then after a collapsed lung I was introduced to dilaudid (a product of morphine).

Well now I completely understand drug addiction. It would be so easy to fall into something like that. I was only on it for 13 days but I don't think I'll ever forget what it feels like.

I don't want to say I know how you feel because I'm sure I don't but I've been told by doctors that I would never walk again, after a rock climbing fall. That's a hard pill to swallow at 22 years old.

You sound like a mentally tough person and that is all it takes to beat something like this. Don't let things get you down.

Take Luck!