I have been on cocodamol 30/500 with paracetamol in between since op 19 days ago. Decided to go off cocodamol yesterday. Woke up as usual during night with pain and new pains such as groin pain and then started crying for no reason. Is this withdrawal.
Should I cut down gradually instead of cold turkey.
Hi
I wouldnt think so as this is only a short period of time. some people have been on this drug for months and months. You are probably feeling weepy because you have just had a big operation and the trauma to the body is immense. Try taking paracetomol instead if you are in pain. The consultant said he would rather I keep taking the pills and exercise than not taking the pills and sitting down to avoid the pain.
Having a hip operation is a major abuse to the body and therefore it takes time to heal. It does get better I can assure you.
No this is not withdrawal. If you have actual pain then withdrawal is uncommon. I have been on endone for 3months before my surgery. I stopped them last week with no ill effects. I also stopped a norspan patch I was on with no ill effects.
Prior to surgery I asked the drug and alcohol team at work about how I'd go stopping the medication. They said the worst I'd get is feeling like I had the flu for a couple of days.
I'd take what you need for your pain, it's early days to be heroic. Maybe take them just at night if this is the worst time. I am 18 days and taking a slow release (targin) morning and night as well as regular paracetamol. You need to be able to move and do your exercises. I too have had some groin pinching and discomfort, think it's just I'm using more muscles.
Be kind to yourself
💌🌈💌🌈
I agree - Not so much withdrawal but needing these meds ... I did the same ! felt like these painkillers were making me feel fat and bloated, rapid heart beat etc... so I stopped !!! goodness, the pain came back with a vengeance and was advised the same by my GP ... so it was up to me ... and I chose the pills ... especially now when other hip is painful and I am about ready to have the 2nd THR scheduled ....
warm hug ...
Thanks hilary. as Renee said it was the stoach bloating and also the fear of becomng addicted that made me try to go off them but i took one this am plus one paracetamol. I think the reaction from some of those a..round me got me down a bit too. . they are so used to me being UP that they wont allow me to be down.
Thanks Georgie. .Yes the exercises could be the cause of groin pain
Exactly one of the reasons I came off them--- bloated belly discomfort and the fear of becoming addicted.. Have a good day. I used to love Saturdays as went dancing with women friens Sat night but it will come again.
Hi attractac
I was on 500/30 co codamol for12 months or more. Just about come off them completely now and no side effects at all. There are some occasions when I do need to take them and I accept that some days will be better than others. Being mobile is so important so take the meds as and when you need them.
Operations particularly of this magnitude can play havoc with our emotions so don't feel bad if you need a good cry - It's our bodies way of getting feelings on an even keel. There is a bit of grieving too for our old way of life pre arthritis or other medical problem and accepting the start of our new life with our new hip. No wonder our emotions are up and down. It's all normal so don't fret and just be accepting of all these feelings and emotions. All is well!
You will experience different types of pain in different places all the time - again it is our body getting used to the trauma we have put it through and realigning our pelvis and new and unoperated hip to a new walking pattern. Every new day a little bit of healing takes place - be patient and calm - you are doing great!
Kind regards Linda xx
I don't think this is withdrawal, I think it's just another step in the right direction, we have all had the tearful days where we cry for no reason...... it has to come out from somewhere, don't be hard on yourself and take each day with a new dawn Love Gillxxx by the way I think your doing frine.
Thanks Linda. Yes definitely grieving for my old life. A group of us oldies went dancing every Sat night an hours drive which we took in turns. The fun was good on the journey too. Of course they are still doing that and I hope some day to get back there. Retired a year and was just really starting to enjoy it - had booked flights for Spain with the Spanish class in Sept- money lost on that but please God next year.
Thank you Gill. I would be lost without this forum. I think the professionals do not give us enough information before leaving hospital band also do not realise that because of pain etc wecdo not take all info in. It is a learning process and this forum has been my teacher.
I was on Codeine+Tylenol also, it was 25mg Codeine+400mg Tylenol.
I took two in bed trying to get to sleep. I would randomly take them during the day depending on how much pain I was in.
I stepped down, went from 2 pills at night to one pill at night, and then cut a pill in half & added a pure Tyelnol (paracetamol) to the half pill.
You won't get addicted if you have pain. You will know when to cut back if the pills are making you feel lathargic, so exhausted. You body is telling you that you are taking the pills when you have insufficiant pain so you get kind of dopey/tired. When I had bad pain the pills never made me feel dopey, one day along around 3/3 1/2 weeks I took one in the morning and had that dopey, I just can't get any energy to even get up off the couch reaction and that is when I knew to cut back. But again I stepped down I didn't eliminate completely all at one.
These last two night got to sleep without cocodamol. Got the usual 3 hours then sit up for a while and 3 more hours. Took 2paracetamol am.
But like you I will take them if I feel the need.