Hello everyone.

I just need some advice.

I am a young man, working at home with two small children. I have a herniated disk at the L4S1 and take Vioxx 50mg and Hydrocodone 7.5/500 daily.

Right now, I'm taking around six per day of the Vicodin and know my body has become dependant on it. If I don't take it, not only does my back throb, but I get the WDs.

I am having surgery this month to fix the back problem, because it's not getting better.

After that, I'm sure I will have to take meds for the pain for a little while, but what is the recommended tapering program most people use? It is one less per week? Two less?

I'm sure many here have tried this method and just need some ideas.

THANKS!

------------------
L5-S1 herniated 2003
ESI round one May 2003
ESI round two June 2003