Going to GP now for support with tapering off meds

[stuckonpills]

I am so addicted to pain killers they have been a part of my life for 7 years since I've suffered with chronic pain
I had a baby last year and so I couldn't use cannabis oil like I had been doing to avoid pain killers
I have been taking dihydrocodeine full dose for over a year and I feel so so so trapped

I have gone cold turkey before and I've traumatised myself

So I've actually booked an appointment

I'm in the car panicking about what to say
I feel so ashamed

Don't be ashamed.

Just start by saying you are concerned about your use of painkillers. They'll talk you through and ask the questions they need to.

Taking the first step is a massive start! Good luck

take all the support you can get to get there

Tell your GP the truth. Let it all out. They will understand and help you. Be totally honest so they have the full picture. Then they will be able to give you the help you need. Good luck and let us know how you get on. x

Good luck, hopefully your GP is helpful and understanding, nothing to be ashamed about.

I'm shaking 🥹🥹 I am so shy and anxious
I don't want her to think I'm a loser with no control or discipline

I will cry my eyes out I know it

I went in yesterday to ask for an appointment and they don't do face to face unless the doctor Calls first
I explained I was scared to talk on the phone and I would be worried someone will judge me if they can't see just how ordinary I look
Urgh I don't know I'm so ashamed
I nearly cancelled it

If you can talk then write it as a note in your phone, or even show the dr this thread. They will take it from there.

Don’t be ashamed and don’t panic!

I did the same thing in 2020, although my addiction was Morphine tablets and Oramorph.

My GP was amazing, we went at my pace, we had monthly chats and a reduction in dose and I personally found it ok.

I’d been left putting repeat prescriptions in for 10 years with no reviews.

Good luck, you can do it.

I think you are completely underestimating the strength within you given you have booked an appointment and posted here.

absolutely nothing to be ashamed of at all. Well done for taking such positive action.

The doctor suggested halving my whole days dose like that just no problem

I have been on fentanyl and pethidine for at least a year at a time each of them and I hate the process of coming off the meds
If I miss one pill I feel it so bad I break out in a sweat etc etc

The pathways physically and emotionally are firmly printed in my mind

I told the GP it would be too quick so I would lose one tablet a week and if it's too much then I would stop

She was a locum but very understanding

No offers of solutions or congratulations though.