I'm a bit tortured tonight. Simple really. My Mom 79 recently had a new hip 10 days ago. She has been in debilitating pain for about five years and it finally brought her to a stop and the conclusion that either no pain or death were her only options.
For her it was a couragous option to try the surgery. We all are suspicous of it but it seems to have worked out well so far.
Heres my problem. They got her on OXYcontin. I know this isn't a drug forum but I know she is afraid of addiction after seeing so many of her boys and husband all strung out. I've heard terrible tales of horrible withdrawls.
Do I tell her? This is her first relief in so long. I know its prescribed, I know its reasonable medication for what shes going through but I know its bad ass shit too. She has been on vicoden sporadcly for a couple years but only every couple days. She skipped the vicodin cause of nausea and got some appetite and energy back. Still on the oxy.
If I tell her, she might try to get off it before she should out of fear or guilt. If I don't tell her I feel guilt or fear myself so it seems both selfish to tell her and irresponsible not to.
Hey Tug: Glad she had the surgery and all is going well! Give her a best of luck from me! Im sure youve looked up oxy on line. The FDA has a great website for reference. Tried to copy it.....
Your mom has had pain for so long and now she may have a new lease on life! 79 isnt that old but if you cant do the things you did before what fun is that. Just my opinion, but the rehab will be the most painful for her. If she's having pain she wont be successful recovering. If shes not an addict, doesnt sound like it, no need to worry...Her or you!
Why bring it up. It might make her think twice about taking the meds and like I stated before, she'll have a hard time in therapy. Talk to you sponsor about your concerns but I would let the doc's handle it at this point! I deal with pain meds all the time and you know the one's who are seeking them. The others, take their meds, get better and move on! Good luck!
All's I know it that when Im 79, Im drinkin damnit!!!! Just kidding!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
legitimate concern. how long is she on them for ? If she's in pain she probably isn't getting "happy' on them. maybe suggest that she taper off while substituting some advil. $.02
Deans post made me think.. Had a toothache last month. Dentist gave me an antibiotic and some Lortab...(Codeine) Guess I could have gotten excited cuz I was getting a chance for a buzz but the pain outweighed all those thoughts!
I would take the lortab before I went to sleep and it helped with the pain and with helping me rest. Maybe took one while I was up during the day. The only thing it did for me was relieve the pain and make me itch! Didnt really get a buzz tho because it went right to the pain receptors! I must admit I was a little nervous taking them but it all worked out fine.
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Prayers & blesses for your Mum in her recovery after major surgery. I hope she heals well & suffers less, soon. I'm in no great position to give any informed advice but my tuppence would be for her to enjoy the best quality of life as she can for her situation. I'm sure the doctors have her interests at heart too & are aware of what they've prescribed. It doesn't sound like she'd be self~medicating but managing her pain. I hope you can come to terms with your choice without worry on your conscience. She sounds like a good woman & deserves some peace & relaxation after you lot ;) I'm kidding, Tugg. Don't feel bad. It sounds sensible & kind for her to be able to at least take something to help her feel better, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
It does seem the oxy goes right to the pain. I read a couple horror stories on line about wanting to die during withrawl. Thats what got me. It makes it easier to shutup for another day. Will talk to the sponsor about it. Instead of blabbing my head off about it, I am down to having her ask the doctor about it. :)I know thats not letting it go yet lol and it still hurts bit but am better than last night so far. ODAT I guess for now.
