How much should I worry about Vicodin and what am I supposed to use

[Maraya1969]

as a replacement? I have a bottle here of 5mg/500mg tabs. I checked it and realize I have taken a little over 2 pills a day for the last 3 weeks. This is less than what I took a month ago 2 months ago. I am really trying to keep the amount down and I am even taking Tylenol with it though I am afraid of liver damage, (I take a bunch of other stuff for bi-polar and anxiety)

I have been told that I have a high sensitivity to pain. When my neck hurts or my stomach hurts or whatever hurts I can't think of anything else except the pain. And now I would like to start doing some exercises but I am afraid because I know I will end up with pain. Years ago I was very active physically and if I hurt something the pain I had did not bother me. I injured myself many times. I think I used to wear my wounds as a source of pride like a battle scar. Now I am a complete wuss about it.

Anyway my doctor is more and more reluctant to prescribe this stuff and I feel like such an ADDICT when I ask for it.

I don't know if I am being an addict or if what I am taking is not such a big deal. No one will tell me!!!!!!!!! Well I have one friend who took tons of the stuff AND Oxycotin AND then heroin AND whatever she takes she abuses and she says what I am taking is mild...but she may not be the best to give advise.

I have not drank since 1978. I have bipolar disorder, panic disorder and I am an alcoholic. I have always been an advocate of "Take your meds" because I saw from way back in '78 how people were hurt by listening to well meaning recovering alcoholics tell them not to take anything. Even so I have had my times where I've stopped them and gotten into real trouble.

Thanks a bunch everyone.

[NMDemDist2]

1. be honest with your doctor and try to find one who has knowledge of addiction

from there, you have to take your own temperature, but I have to ask isn't there a way to be physically active without excessive pain?

water aerobics come to mind, or starting out with mild walks or short bike rides and working up gradually

:shrug:

[Maraya1969]

2. Actually I want to start dancing again. I used to ballroom dance and I

keep threatening myself to go back to a dance studio. I have never done any sport without going over the top. I would hope that I would not do that but living with myself for the past 49 makes me kind of doubt it.

I just talked to my psychiatrist and he said that I was not taking too much and not to worry about it but that he was going to try and help find other ways to get rid of the pain, (or the extreme sensitivity to pain). He will keep track of my scripts so I feel safer now.

[varkam]

3. That is a question that needs to be directed to your doc.

As others suggest, I think that being open and honest with your doctor is the best way to go.

[Kajsa]

4. Check with your doctor, Maraya.

If you are honest with him(her) he can help you with a referral to a pain management
specialist. There are alternatives to medication.

I just had the second of three spinal epidurals.
They are helping my back pain.

Welcome to our little group and please let us know how
you're doing.

:hug: :hi: