[–] ninjajunkie 0 points 15 points 15 points (+15|-0) ago
Using them as they are prescribed, they are safe to use cautiously to relieve pain. Start with a half-dose if you are extra worried. Pain more than a 4 on a 1-10 scale warrants medicating. Once you're at a 2 or so for a day, you being what we'd call 'opiate-naive', I'd switch you to regular Tylenol. Addiction is in the mind for the most part, they didn't give you near enough to get physically addicted. That takes time and exposure. Bonus tip: take them with a glass of milk or a small sandwich to help prevent nausea. It's likely you'll just want to nap. Hope this helps some. -src: my ass and having been a RN for 8 years.
[–] daskapitalist [S] 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
Thanks, that's what I needed. I really wasn't sure how to translate "as needed" since to me that translates as somewhere around a +7 on a 1-10 pain scale, when the pain was closer to a 4-5 like you mentioned.
[–] Sellyoulight 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
I don’t know if this is an individual--or rare or nearly unheard-of thing--with hydrocodone, but IMO..... beware the Constipation Demon when you’re eating hydrocodone. Hydrocodone sets the constipation demon loose on me and the results are a real drag.
[–] ninjajunkie ago
That is definitely a side-effect. I haven't seen it much with someone taking them as needed, but anyone on scheduled dosing will likely experience it somewhat. An OTC stool softener usually works as a preventative. If that doesn't help, a mild laxative will.
[–] armday2day ago
If you have tried other drugs, even just weed or alcohol, and you didn't exhibit addictive traits, you're okay.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago (edited ago)
[–] FuckYourSafespace ago
Good to know. As for medicating, there are certain pains that you have to stay ahead of. Example time: I had laser eye surgery back in 2010, PRK not lasik. They gave me enough Vicodin for 5 days, I said I'd rather skip it if I can and take it if it is really needed. Dr. said that once I feel like I need it, I'm never going to catch back up with it, the pain would keep me up all night and be hell for 5 days. Something about scrubbing off the surface of your eyeball makes your body mad I guess. So I took his advice, set alarms for all the different eyedrops and the meds, and otherwise slept for 5 days straight.
[–] Likeitirish 1 point 8 points 9 points (+9|-1) ago
Its more like "how addictive is my personality". I've taken norcos, and vikodin for fun many many times. I'm not addicted at all. I have friends (had) that took norcos after surgery and just went full blown addict within 6 months. Moved onto oxy, then heroin. Its insane how fast it happens. Thats not an exaggeration either. I've had more than a handful die from overdose less than two years after their first painkiller. Just know how you tend to react to 'addictive' things and act accordingly.
[–] Gerplunckamo ago
Sweet Jesus, hydros take me back. Pop 4-5 and buckle up. Acetaminophen has some serious liver toxicity, so don't go too wild.
But yes, opioids are incredibly addictive. Putting a gun to your head would probably do less damage. They're great for pain, but there is a steep price. The sticky icky is a much better alternative, if I do say so myself.
[–] daskapitalist [S] 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Yeah, I want off of them ASAP because of the acetiminophen. If I'm going to be stuck on the couch recovering I'd like to be able to sip a glass of wine, which I know is a no-go with acetiminophen.
[–] Gerplunckamo ago
Be careful, man. I've lost a lot of good, close people to stuff like that. Most of them started out just like you. Injury, surgery, chronic condition, they'll prescribe pain pills for all of them. Then one day it's not enough. And you'll go find more. I've been there. It is not a pleasant place. Its just a black hole that eats up all your time, money, relationships, social obligations.
If it ever does become a problem, I'm not gonna judge. I'm here to listen, and to help if need be.
[–] swolejusticewarrior 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
If you stick to taking it when you can't bear the pain then you'll be fine. Just don't start taking it when the pain is bearable. Don't drink on it cause acetometaphin stresses the liver. If you feel really good on them then maybe split them in half or just take a Tylenol instead.
When I got prescribed them I just used them to help me stay asleep at night cause I didn't want to wake up in pain. I took a Tylenol during the day.