Advice on pain killer addictions...

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oO Stevie Oo

oO Stevie Oo

oO Stevie Oo

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Hi

Abit of a touchy subject to be fair but I am after some advice,
About 2 years ago I was a mobile truck tyre fitter and threw my back out lugging a super single in to the van.
After many, many, many visits to the hospital, pysho and after x-rays and MRI's, it turns out I have a protruding disk.
Its at the extent where to fix it I would need an operation where the risk of paralysis is too high for my liking, and I've been advised it wont get any worse if I can live with the pain, So... I decided I can as im sort of used to it now,

The problem...
When I first got the injury, the doc put me on Codeine, which I couldnt take as it made me feel dizzy.
After seeing the doc again, he put me on Tramadol.
After being on Tramadol for just over 2 years now at pretty much the maximum dose, I'm pretty much immune to it as it doesnt really have any pain relief any more, but... When I try to stop taking it, I cant function properly, I get a glitching sort of feeling and after not taking it for a couple of days, I get flu type symptoms and basically feel like complete ****. I think its safe to say I am hooked on Tramadol!

I didnt know, or wasn't made aware this was even a possibility although this is probably a fault on my part as I didnt read the leaflet thing. I just figured the NHS has prescribed me it so its gotta be fine.
I also think the fact the doctor must have been bored of writing repeat prescriptions for me and left the repeat prescription open, I only have to ring the docs and say im out of pain killers and the say pick them up after lunch tomorrow, Theres been no contact from the doctors for over a year, no reviews or nothing...

I'm really not sure what to do here,
I've just started college and intend to go to university next year and the tablets are something I need to do with out.
I've tried will power but its not working and the open subscription isnt helping,

Surely there must be others who have had this problem so I ask for advise.
What should I do?

Cheers
 
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You have a serious addiction you need help with, you have an opiate addiction and nothing short of support and therapy will get you off it. You were stupid for banging along for so long sure, that doesn't put you in the wrong and it does not make you in any way a bad person.

Your GP will probably try and phase you off them, that's your only real option, government funded addictions suck. We're not really in a position to counsel you, well I personally am not, but I do not think there's many people here who could. I wish I could tell you how to handle it, I can't, the closest thing I have is quitting nicotene. All I can advise you to do is speak as frankly as possible as you can to your GP and make sure you keep that voice that says "i want off this ****" in your head on maximum volume, because that's what's going to get you off opiates. Do not accept any form of replacement therapy.
 
Sorry to hear about your back Stevie. Anyone taking painkillers long term will develop a tolerance & you're gonna get withdrawals, but these will pass, speak to your GP about the best way to come off them.

When I did my back in I was on Cocodamol for 6 mths during physio & experienced withdrawal symptoms when I stopped taking them. I had hot & cold sweats, the shakes, trembling legs & generally felt like crap. But they did eventually pass.
 
thanks for the replies guys,
I completely agree with the stupidity remark, But its hard to listen to the thoughts of reason at the time when your in 24 hour, long term pain,

bainbridge that sounds basically the same as what I'm feeling...
I'm determined not to let my back balls up the rest of my life, im only 27 and its killed one career which is why im off to uni, I will get off them but i was just unsure of what the best way forward would be,
I guess i've always known the doctors would be the first step but I was hesitating contacting them in case they just cut off the medication and I'd go mad lol,
If they will help me though I guess it what has to be done...

Cheers again
 
The best advice is to make an appointment to see your GP, tramadol not only has opiate like effects but also antidepressent like as well. Remember there is a big difference between being physically dependent and being truly addicted. Your GP will likely reduce the dose slowly to lessen the withdrawal.

Withdrawal feels like having the flu and is mostly gone after 3-10 days.
 
We're not allowed to give out medical advice here, so i'm just going to say that you speak to your GP about weening yourself off the painkillers. Hopefully it won't take to long into the start of uni and you can enjoy the full experience and a healthy back once more.
Sorry I can't suggest more, just good luck :)
 
This thread will be removed soon, or at least locked. No medical threads allowed. :( FWIW I'm on Tramadol (amongst several other things) too and if I miss doses I get exactly the same as you. Twitching, trembling, extreme irritability, restlessness, anxiety, sweats, aggression... :o :(

Your GP sounds like they could have been a little more supportive (I'll fall short of saying 'responsible' as I'm not a doctor)... definitely go back and fill them in on what's happening. Dependence is kind of a given over the longer term on opoids (Tramadol isn't a natural opiate). In chronic pain it's not such an issue and your doc may just change your meds for one that does work, while simultaneously satiating the 'need' for opoid/opiate intake. Two birds, one stone. That's how I was told my treatment will unfold as I'll always need pain relief just like you.

Good luck mate, my email's in Trust if you want to chat once this thread gets locked/deletd. :)
 
Thanks for the replies

I didnt realise I might be breaking rules as I wasnt asking for medical advice, more just what to do to get off the medication sorry lol

Rainmaker, Sorry to hear you have the same issues with Tramadol, although I have to say its a bit of a relief to know There are others with the problem, I think I'll definitely contact the doctors on Monday.
I only intend on going to college and university once and need a clear head

Thanks again guys :)
 
oO Stevie Oo said:
I didnt realise I might be breaking rules as I wasnt asking for medical advice, more just what to do to get off the medication sorry lol
Click to expand...

Yeah that would constitute medical advice. ;) Don't worry you're not alone. Tramadol is a very insidious drug but a necessary evil for people like us, at least until other drugs become necessary. You'll be fine, at least you've recognised the issue which is more than half the battle. As my doc said, if you're in lifelong need of pain relief then addiction to the tablets isn't really an issue as you'll never need to come off them anyway...

The only problem is tolerance, meaning newer/stronger drugs become necessary. Again that's for your doctor to decide. I wouldn't go in asking for them though as that screams drug seeker = no help. :p

BTW it goes without saying this is NOT medical advice. Just my experience in a similar vein. See your own doctor, I am not a medical professional. Etc. Etc.
 
before the thread gets locked...i found taking codeine with something like flat coke works better. may help if trying to ease yourself off them.
 
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