Painkiller Dependency?????

pupfoster1

Hi ladies,

So I think I have a problem here.  I think I may be developing a dependency to the painkillers the docs have given me (oxycodone---not oxycontin).  I truly have been having pretty serious pain under my arm and in to the breast area and no non-narcotic pain relievers seem to help.  But I am finding I need more and more to allieviate the pain.  I also must admit, I like the way they make me feel, and have had an issue in the past with alcohol dependency.  So, now I'm worried that I'm becoming addicted to them, and that if God forbid, I need something later, they won't work.  Also I'm wondering what it could be doing to my liver---do you think the meds could make my liver at a higher risk for the BC to show up there???/

Yuck, I don't need another "issue" in my life right now.

Love,

Sharon

Bugs

Hugs Sharon! 

I think I lucked out in the fact that painkillers and I do not get along very well.  Some give me horrible headaches and others just don't work all that well.  Addiction runs in our family, so I think I dodged that bullet, thankfully.  My brother hasn't been so lucky and since he has a bad back painkillers are a tough one for him.

I think if you feel you are becoming addicted, you should act on it quickly.  Talk to your dr and be open and honest with him.  You need also need pain relief, and that can't be ignored or it will probably backfire.

I don't think there is a corolation between the meds and liver mets.  But the liver obviously is the blood cleanser and absorbs all meds, so it can't be good for it.

Sending big hugs out to you.  You're right..you don't need another item on your plate.  Nip it in the bud before that. 

Cowgirl13

hi Sharon.  There is a risk with becoming addicted to the pain killers if you have had alcohol dependency issues.  But first let me say, pain needs to be treated.  No way around it!  i'm wondering if you could work with your physician on alternate pain meds.  that is one thing you could do.  Be sure not to stop taking these abruptly!!!!  You may need a tapered dose (your physician will  be the one to give you the taper dose).  Please feel free to pm me--i've had the alcohol and pill issues.  All the best to you.

Lizzie 

apple

i take four.. (hydrocodone)

that's it.  i wish i could take more. - just give yourself a ceiling  AND STICK TO IT

my onc. told me that the problem with hydrocodone is the tylenol.  you have a lifetime tolerance so to speak.. it will eventually tear up your intestines.  I figure I'll be long gone before my intestines go.

- and yes, just discuss this with your onc.  there may be other options and he/she should know about dependency issues so as to avoid them.

barbe1958

I am on HUGE amounts of pain meds..all the way up to oxymorphone! I don't get "high" when on them, the narcotics are used up in the pain killing process. But, like you, I need more and more. (I have something wrong in my hip and am on a cane awaiting an MRI.) It's a combination of your body getting used to it and the pain really getting worse. I remember from years ago with herniated disks, that near the end I would get narcotic headaches. To me that meant my body didn't need as much pain relief any more as my body healed. I was warned that I would probably have to be hospitalized to get off them (the narcotic equivalent of 25 Percocets a day!) but once my body didn't need the pain relief, they actually nauseated me. I weaned off them in about a 2 week period. You HAVE to do it slowly and listen to your body.

You may have to go to a pain clinic as your body MIGHT be producing pain to "get" the meds. The docs do anything they can to break your pain cycle so you can get off the strong stuff. In my case, I had 2 epidurals in the base of my spine and 2 in my neck! When I went back for more, that's when they realized how truly in pain I was as no one wants to do that in their neck.

I had tried nerve blocks, but they didn't last long enough to break the pain cycle. Your body needs enough time pain-free to break the cycle. Could be days, could be weeks. We are all different.

This time on the pain killers, I'm not worried as I know I can do this. But, I too, had worried about a dependency and that's why docs are concerned giving them out. BUT, we have the right to be pain-free...AND we have the technology. All the best to you! PM me if you want - I'm a pain expert!  

ElaineD

Several years ago, I ended up hooked on tramadol. I badly needed it, but once we realised how it was affecting me, we worked to cut back the dosage. My doc was helpful and supportive, and we reduced it progressively over several months. I have no addctive tendencies (that I know of!), so this came as a real shock. I became aware of it when we had gone out for the day forgetting to take my meds with me-not only did I suffer because of the resultant pain, but I got into a fearful mess-shivering and shaking as I hadn't had the drug! Maddeningly it was an effective one for me, and one which has been suggested for use again-but I've declined. It is one which is well known for this-I just didn't expect me to be one of the ones who would get dependant.

Please speak to your doc soon, and look into reducing the dose (under supervision), and trying an alternative. Good luck-it's a horrible experience-I'm just glad that you've realised what is happening, and can act to stop it getting any worse.

fightinhrd123

I was hooked on vicodin during treatment, i would take up to 10 a day!!!!  It helped me deal with all the stuff i had going on.  I realized it was getting out of control and after about a year, flushed them down the toilet and quit cold turkey.  I just had surgery and they gave me tramadol, i can feel the same thing happening again, luckily she only gave me 1 refill!

Laura

hotandcold

After my Surgeon and Onco Dr.s both kept offering me more and more pain meds I finally took matters into my own hands and looked into finding a physical therapist who dealt with people with cancer. I found a woman on line after some research.  She was my lifeline when I felt like I was drowning.  The first physical therapist was absolutely fantastic.  It wasn't all a bunch of exercises, but her stretching my chest and arm muscles out.  My first therapist moved and now I have another Physical Therapist and she is OK but better than nothing.  Anyway, I'm still in chronic pain, but manageable. I've been in P.T. for 18 months. Both my surgeon and Onco were willing to refer me for P.T.  Originally insurance paid, but now I do.  Good Luck and Blessings to You.