To be shocked I am in this position

[CallMeExhausted]

Quick back story. I suffered a spinal chord injury in 1994. The rehab was difficult but I did relearn how to walk and now the effects of it are not visible to the casual observer. During my hospitalization and rehab (and after discharge from the rehab facility) I was on strong prescription pain killers. It took me a long time (and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms) but I managed to get off the medication.

Fast forward to last year. I had (what seemed like) a relatively uncomplicated fracture in my foot. However, it did not heal, and in December I had a surgical procedure to repair it.

Unfortunately, it did not heal, so 3 weeks ago, I had a second surgery, and the surgeon is recommending that I have another as the bone is deteriorating despite bone grafting.

With all of this (and caring for a disabled DD) I have been again prescribed strong pain medicine.

I used the last tablet 2 days ago. I am going through very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and understandably, some significant pain. I am so wary of having more surgery - and can not believe I allowed a dependency to pain meds to sneak up on me again.

Was I foolish not to have seen this coming?

[ChuffinAda]

Not foolish at all youve been through some major and painful injuries and surgeries. It's not a painkiller dependency if you need the pain relief to alleviate the pain. Speak to a Dr asap

[AnyFucker]

Bloody hell, you poor thing

I would push for a referral to a specialist pain clinic. I hope you can get this sorted.

[CallMeExhausted]

I may ask about a referral. Unfortunately, around here, the waits to access specialty services are quite long. I will, however, go and have a frank chat with my GP.

[Lateswim16]

This is in no way your fault op and you sound exceptionally strong not weak at all.

Good luck with your GP love.

[AnyFucker]

That is a good idea

[AntiHop]

you've been through a lot. Definitely talk to your gp.

[WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant]

I think you should be on the high painkillers until your foot is sorted.
Then worry about coming off them, slowly.
Keep talking to your gp/specialists.

[Pantone363]

It doesn't sound like you are abusing them for anything near "recreational" reasons. Poor you OP.

[WineIsMyMainVice]

You poor thing. You've been through so much. Good luck.

[butterfly133]

I'm sorry to hear this
I've had two incidents which necessitated taking strong painkillers and it sounds to me aaw if you need them. If the pain is returning, you need them.

Is it worth enquiring about using amitryptaline (sp?) I had trouble tolerating strong painkillers as they upset my stomach and those help with nerve pain. I also know someone who used them after spinal cord injury so maybe you've tried them already though?

I hope you get this sorted but I'm not sensing that you have a painkiller problem, if you're in pain, surely you need them?

[GoblinLittleOwl]

This is horrible for you, and I am very sorry.
Is there a pain management clinic you can contact for support?
I know very little about drugs and pain relief, but there can be no harm in contacting your surgery and asking for advice, ASAP.
Do hope this situation improves quickly.

[paxtecum]

Can you get another prescription for the pills which will get rid of your withdrawal symptons, but reduce then wean yourself off them by reducing the dosage by cutting them in half, quarters and increasing the time between taking them?

[CallMeExhausted]

Thank you all for the support. I tried to get in with my GP but she is on vacation this week (and this isn't an issue I would be comfortable speaking about with another doc).

I will, however, call my surgeon and see what he says.