evewwcs
new member
My LTKR recovery is going very well even though more difficult than I ever expected. I am in my 7th week and beginning to experience more and more freedom and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However, one turn of events sent my world spiraling.
I share this post to warn others as my experience was totally unnecessary. Actually, if I had read this forum more thoroughly my problem would never have occurred.
In my 6th week of recovery and taking approximately 7 hydrocodone a day, I called my doctors office to ask how to stop taking the pain meds as I didn't need them anymore. I was told by my surgeon's assistant to just stop the meds and replace with extra strength Tylenol. I did as instructed and the first evening after no meds I was in the beginning of withdrawal. I am now 7 days out and I would not wish my experience on my worst enemy. I didn't know I was in withdrawal initially and any professional I tried to call was not available as it was a weekend.
I dread talking to my surgeon about what happened as he is a fabulous surgeon but I know it is necessary in order to prevent others the emotional pain I am experiencing.
The doctor that is helping me through this withdrawal says I have about 10 more days to go. God's amazing grace has carried me through this ordeal along with my loving friends and husband.
Finally, as a word of encouragement, the doctor helping me through withdrawal said I would have had NO pain, severe anxiety and depression withdrawal symptoms had I just gradually stopped the meds! So if the pain meds as needed, take them, just gradually stop them.
2-2-2017
I share this post to warn others as my experience was totally unnecessary. Actually, if I had read this forum more thoroughly my problem would never have occurred.
In my 6th week of recovery and taking approximately 7 hydrocodone a day, I called my doctors office to ask how to stop taking the pain meds as I didn't need them anymore. I was told by my surgeon's assistant to just stop the meds and replace with extra strength Tylenol. I did as instructed and the first evening after no meds I was in the beginning of withdrawal. I am now 7 days out and I would not wish my experience on my worst enemy. I didn't know I was in withdrawal initially and any professional I tried to call was not available as it was a weekend.
I dread talking to my surgeon about what happened as he is a fabulous surgeon but I know it is necessary in order to prevent others the emotional pain I am experiencing.
The doctor that is helping me through this withdrawal says I have about 10 more days to go. God's amazing grace has carried me through this ordeal along with my loving friends and husband.
Finally, as a word of encouragement, the doctor helping me through withdrawal said I would have had NO pain, severe anxiety and depression withdrawal symptoms had I just gradually stopped the meds! So if the pain meds as needed, take them, just gradually stop them.
2-2-2017