Tat...have you visited the pain management boards yet? You'll find LOTS of people that suffer pain like you there...and maybe can give you better advice than the likes of me. It's just such a tricky situation and I don't want to tell you NOT to take the meds if you are for real suffering in pain because of true medical conditions...chronic kind. I've never "illegally" gotten drugs...always RXd by the dr, but I was to a point where my thoughts really did scare me...I could easily slide into dr shopping, inventing "pains", buying from the internet, etc. That was a year ago that I came face to face with my addiction to vics. The realization that I was/am an addict...no different than a crack addict, herion user, etc. It's all an addiction...it's a disease. Something that I won't ever be able to "conquer" so to speak. I know if I have them, I will take them. Period. I knew it then and know it now. I am a slave to them. So, they are gone and my life can go on...everyday I will get better...I did it a year ago and will do it again. And, I pray, mostly, I don't ever have to go thru this again. I pray when the next thing comes up (legit issue) that when the dr pulls out the pad, I will have the strength to just say, no thanks...can you give me something non-opiate? I won't tell them I'm an addict, but will just leave it at that.

I'm a big baby when it comes to pain and I have a high tolerance for the meds...I guess because I've taken them on and off for so long? I don't know why. I've had 8 major surgeries in my life (39 yrs old) and all had complications which required continued pain control for weeks. So, if I had a chronic condition, I'm not sure I could deal with the pain. But, that IS what they were made for...to help people function and have a higher quality of life. If you can take them---not as an addict, like me---then, I think you should. If, on the other hand, you look in the mirror and know you are an addict (how you got there isn't really relevant), then, try, try hard NOT to take them...or see what other non-opiate relief is available...not sure there is anything, but it's worth a shot. Because, my friend, being an addict is not a fun realization. It's shameful, it's consuming, it's so many things my words cannot really adequately express...but, it is what it is, and I just have to realize it and face it and just be stronger the next time they are offered. I can't have them.

I'm going to try and get some sleep now. I took a flexeril about 630 this evening and think I'll be safe to take an ambien now...if anyone knows this isn't a good idea, please post ASAP!! Last thing I want to do is take something that is going to interact!! Tomorrow begins my day 2.5 vic free...almost thru this wd...I hope.

Nighty night all...