Pain Management

Well, I must say, today I am certainly hoping for recovery. And, a fast one at that! I had an elective surgery yesterday and am very very sore today. It's hard for me to stand, sit, walk and sleep. I came out of surgery yesterday at 1pm. It is now 10:30 am the following day and I have yet to sleep. I was prescribed tylenol 3's to ease the pain. There is no easing of the pain, only upset stomach from the acetaminophen. I have had to stop the meds due to this upset whichmeans my recovery is going to be harder than it could be with pain medication.

I also have to be very careful because I have, in the past, abused medication.

Then, in 1984 I had a long drawn out illness that resulted in my having a complete hysterectomy. During this time I was again prescribed medication that had me in it's grip, once again. It was a process for me to stop taking the meds, but, again, I was able to stop. It was hard, it's always hard.

Then I had a kidney removed in 1987 and the illness was so long that I became reliant on the pills and when the operation was over, I continued taking the meds far long after I needed them. I entered myself in a recovery program to detox myself from the drug. It was a hard, long process.

So, here I am now taking medications for this surgery. My plan is to use the drug as prescribed and to not even consider getting a renewal. I know that I won't now, because I have so many awesome things happening in my life. I don't have time to mess around.

I am not even concerned but I know I must keep this in mind constantly. Addiction doesn't just go away. Addiction is addiction and will always be addiction. It is a disease that tells you you don't have a disease. I am optimist and will be careful. My head is up and aware of the potential. Amen.