Trust Me, I'm Your Doctor....EXCEPT...

When You Become Addicted!!!

I am not going to blame the medical community for my dependency on Prescription Drugs BUT I WILL share the credit, with them. 

Recently, my wife and I changed doctors due to severe health changes and in the process agreed I was dependent/addicted to my prescriptions drugs. 

First, definitions: from Merriam Webster online dictionary.

Dependence: 

1: the quality or state of being dependent; especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another

2: drug addiction - developed a dependence on painkillers 

Addiction:

1: compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

My journey began approximately 2002, "with the best of intentions". My first wife, Jane, was diagnosed with cancer and I had worked part time with a friend doing construction, for several years. Jane, of course, experienced surgery, chemo therapy and pain killers. Eventually, I requested anxiety medicine to help cope with all the challenges of a Caregiver and my PCP agreed. 

Pain from the injuries from my full time job and the part time construction began to increase and my PCPs and other doctors taught me techniques of OTC pain meds. For example, two of a given pill is the OTC recommended dose but double that and you have the "prescription" dose. 

Eventually, due to increasing injuries, I was promoted to prescription medication. Jane was always concerned she would become addicted to her pain killers but the doctors assured her that was not a problem. I encouraged her, the cancer would probably kill her before she would experience any dependency. 

During this time, I was contracting to various hospitals and had contact with nurses and doctors. I would ask them about the probabilities of a person becoming dependent or addicted and would always hear, just be careful and stop using them when you do not need them. 

NOTE: Think about that advice. Ever have anyone tell you soft drinks are bad for you? How about those Thanksgiving or Christmas family get togethers and you hear, "Now don't eat too much or you will get sick." and hours later you are miserable from that last LARGE piece of pie. 

Anyway, my PCP prescribed the leading pain killer (1 every 4-6 hours or As Needed) and reminded me we would stop the medication when the pain was gone. What do you do when the Pain is CHRONIC.....ON GOING....DOES NOT GO AWAY? WHOOPS!!!

NOTE: When you become dependent/addicted to a legal or illegal drug(s) and quit taking them, the Original Pain is combined with or replaced by Withdrawal Pain, which can be more painful. NOW, you have to make a decision! 

When I suspected I was becoming dependent, OR WAS DEPENDENT, I asked those prescribing the pills what I should do. To my surprise, I kept hearing, "No, no, you are fine, do you need a refill?" 

Now I have a great doctor that agreed I AM  dependent and is processing me off. She and our pharmacist all agreed that the government is informing the medical community that beginning January 2019 they are going to cut off all opioids. Think about the addicts that have experienced this during the past 60 years, or more, and you might imagine the VIOLENCE that is about to rain on AMERICA.

I have observed people get verbally and physically violent, being overcharged for chewing gum, someone parking in front of their mail box, being told their insurance will not cover their prescription, etc.; and that was for a known ONE time, Temporary situation.

I took a short break writing this blog....about 2 weeks and in the process experienced 3 minor heart attacks requiring two stents. One was installed with one to be installed. I learned the difference between Minor and Major/Massive heart attack is one you live and one you die. Btw. the medical community call them Cardiac Events, among other Latin terms. My wife experienced a Cardiac Event earlier this year requiring major heart surgery. She is doing great.

Soooo, at this moment, a heart attack trumps withdrawal, to me.

Recently, watching the telly, I saw a famous Olympian swimmer describing his depression and treatment. World famous Olympian or ordinary person can experience struggles on the same level that we might not think would ever happen to the Wonderful People.

IF you suspect you MIGHT be dependent, I suggest searching until you find a professional that will help you. There are varying degrees/intensities of dependencies and although some have gone Cold Turkey and done well, that may NOT be your case.

Have a wonderful 2018 and CLEAN 2019.