Quote From: stalishaI was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer and was put on oxycontin to deal with the physical pain. Not long after that I underwent 7 major surgeries over the course of 2 years. Mind you, I spent a great deal of time in hospital with being shot full of dilaudid and ativan to recover from the surgeries. After finally leaving the hospital, I was put on 100mcg Fentenayl Patch, Percocet 10's and Fentenayl Suckers. Needless to say, I was on heavy duty narcotics for over 8 years taking them on a daily basis. Finally, I made up my mind that I was going to go off of them on my own, which my bright idea only lasted 3 days and then I was on my way to an Emergency Room in full withdrawl. They informed me that because I could not die from this they could not admit me to the hospital, but would try to get me hooked up with a chemical detox center 1/2 hour away from where I lived. I was so sick that I didn't think I'd make it to the detox enter. The ER Doctor sent me home with ativan to calm me through until I could get in this detox center. Quite frankly, that was the worst thing he could have done, although it did help me whilst I was at home waiting for the phone call from the detox center saying they could take me, which took 4 days. When I got there they didn't know if they would be able to keep me because they use "subcutex" to detox off narcotics and if you have benzos in your system you can have seizures and end up dying. Long story short it all worked out and it took me 15 days to detox. I have been clean nearly 3 months now, but I make a conscious effort everyday that I am not going to go down that road again. I do fear the future because my docs are already discussing another surgery and most recently I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is very painful. For now my attitude is I will take nothing for pain, but I am not sure how realistic this notion is.
Also, if anyone reads this and can comment I'd really appreciate it. In detox my physician mentioned going into secondary withdrawl. I have insomnia very badly, extreme headaches, and cravings and quite frankly, I just don't feel as well as I did just a few weeks ago. Could I be going into secondary withdrawl now with these symptoms? Thanks so much for listening!
First of all, I applaud you for taking the initiative and discontinuing the use of narcotics. I truly believe that all of us with pain issues should continuously monitor and redefine our need for these meds. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on secondary withdrawal because I just don't know enough about it. What I can say is that you have to decide if your pain is severe enough to affect the quality of your life. If it is, you must find a way to treat it.
You have some options:
You can choose to live with the pain and try to increase your "pain Threshold" to the point where you can tolerate it.
You can discuss the situation with your Doctor and try some of the non-narcotic pain relievers that exist. (Ultram, Neurontin, Lyrica, Trazadone).
You can ask for a referral to a pain clinic.
You can explore alternative medicine (acupuncture, herbals, etc)
What you can't do is give up. Your quality of life is important! If you don't think so, look at the people closest to you. Most of them are suffering right along with you. If narcotics are the only answer, try to use them on an "as needed" basis, and take them responsibly.
Lastly, no matter what you decide, you must be able to live with the decision. Each choice can and will have "side effects". Only you can assess your pain and decide what works for you. But don't suffer needlessly. Take an active and informed role in your treatment and search for the best path to a better quality of life.
(Original Air Date: 10/28/05) Being a mom is hard enough, but imagine juggling soccer, PTA meetings, homework and carpools all while trying to cover up a secret life of drug addiction. Dr. Phil follows up with some moms who say they were junkies. Joani, a mother of two, couldn't get through a half hour without shooting up -- and she was a nurse in a drug rehabilitation center! It's been six months -- how is she now? Then, Stephanie was addicted to Vicodin and took 60 times the recommended dosage every day. She's been clean for four months, but now has a new problem. Plus, a viewer inspired by Stephanie checks herself into rehab. Join the discussion.
