What should I do About my Vicodin situation?

Question

I had back surgery in 1994 and have had problems ever since. In 2001 I started tking 10-325 norco for the pain. For a few years I would take 3 a day. last year my Dr. dropped me to 4 5-325s a day. This didnt help. I figure my tolerance is higher now. I went to a neurologist and they said I have 2 more ruptured discs along with degenerative disc disease. They are giving me the same, 4 5-325 a day so that means i'm taking 2 5-325s four times a day. I know im not suppose to take scripts from different Drs. But Im scared if I tell them 4 isnt helping they wont give anything to me. I DO NOT want surgery again. I have to support my family and newborn son. Besides by taking 8 5-325s a day its still very painfull but I am still able to function somewhat. What should I do? I know the pills are bad for my liver and my Drs will be mad but I still have to take care of my family and if they operate AGAIN im screwed. Please help. Thanks

Thank you for the responses I have recieved. I did fail to mention though that I am only 33 yrs old.

Answer 1

I'm 28 years old and have degenerative disks,

Hacve you tried doing sit ups and doing a lot of walking, not running,

I've had the problem since i was 21 and it totally helps i know so, there are also several other stretches that you can do that help me also,

I've taken vicodin and flexerel and relafen ibprofen for it

Maybe l;ook into taking like 3 percocets a day, percocet is like 2.5 times stronger than vicodin,

Do you think the surgery made things worse????

Answer 2

I think your playing a dangerous game here my friend. Your talking about your family and the pain you have.

This is my problem: I have severe osteo arthritis in the degenerative stages. I have had surgery on my spine twelve times, twelve cadaver bones, twelve of my own bones, 32 pieces of wire, 32 screws. I live in pain, I have not gone without pain since 1994 so, I guess we're neighbors, huh!

I take vicodin 750 four times a day, I make sure that I take them on time or go without if it's necessary. Sometimes I can get by all day without a pill but, I pay for it in the evening.

I have a series of tests every six weeks for my liver and kidneys.

If something goes wrong, due to the pills, your screwed anyway.

Have you thought about Social Security Insurance. It may cover you 100% since your that bad, it did me. Even if you work right up until the time you get the first check. Think about it. You are handi-caped. Don't make it worse with pills, your family will suffer.

Answer 3

The first thing to think of, is that if you become sick from taking too much Vicodin, you won't be able to take care of your family either. You should speak to your doctor, and tell him that the medicine you're taking is not working. There are other painkillers that you may benefit from taking instead, as your body has become overly tolerant of the Vicodin. Getting prescriptions from other doctors just to get extra pills is not a good thing. You're only fooling yourself there. There are a lot of government programs that can help should you have to go through surgery again, which may not even be the case! You need to find a doctor you trust and discuss your options with them. Tell them that you aren't sure of what you should do, and explain to them how you are feeling. Any good physician would do their best to take care of you. I wish you good luck, and good health. Please take care of yourself.

Answer 4

Get thee to a pain management specialist!!!! They will put you on a long-acting medication without the Tylenol, that will help you, and they will titrate your dose so you get the most relief with the fewest side-effect. They will also give you something for when the regular, long-lsting med doesn't cover all your pain (it will also be Tylenol-free) and they will prescribe other things like massage, accupuncture, etc. to go along with the meds. They will want you to bring your medical records, which they will review, examin you, and then together you will form a treatment plan. Pain Management SAVED MY LIFE. Here is a website that has a doctor locator on it. Best of luck and many pain-free days to you.

http://www.aapainmanage.org/info/Patients.php