Hi all - I have been taking some hydrocodone (5/325) over the last month for some chronic back pain that developed a long time ago and has increased recently post surgery. There may also be something else going on with my back (ala the movie 50/50) that I am scheduled to get looked at next month by a specialist.

I try not to take it unless the pain is bad, but have been increasing the dose to several times a day when I am unable to tolerate the pain. Please do not judge me for increasing the dose on my own. I know it is not the right thing to do. After fearing I was getting addicted to it only after a month of use, I got rid of the remainder of my prescription 2 days ago because the last thing I need is a dependence on it. Today I woke up with the wore case of total body soreness, like having a flu without all the flu symptoms. Is this normal from stopping pain meds cold turkey? How long does it take for your body to be clean of the hydrocodone after taking 10-20 mg a day for back issues?

By the way, Tylenol does not work and I am now about to take an anti inflammatory next month( already have the prescription ready to use). Next month, my surgeon said I could start on a slow release anti inflammatory as it is my 6 month post op. the name of the prescription is Etodolac and it will be my first time on it. I used diclofenac pre surgery for several years, but it is too rough on the sleeve (according to the surgeon) to use any longer.

Thanks for your advice.

if you don't think it even laughable have you not try it, I use tumeric mixed into shakes and smoothies. It may not be total relief but its very effective for what it is and not like the Narcotics at all. You'd need only find ways to hide flavor with something, some people take it in Water alone.

http://www.healthdia...f-turmeric.html ; look at, 9, and 11.

http://www.nuts.com/...s/turmeric.html

http://arthritis.about.com/b/2006/10/30/turmeric-shows-health-benefits-for-arthritis.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/article/490526-how-good-is-turmeric-for-pain/

I use it for simlilar probs , joints and back

Hi all - I have been taking some hydrocodone (5/325) over the last month for some chronic back pain that developed a long time ago and has increased recently post surgery. There may also be something else going on with my back (ala the movie 50/50) that I am scheduled to get looked at next month by a specialist.

I try not to take it unless the pain is bad' date=' but have been increasing the dose to several times a day when I am unable to tolerate the pain. Please do not judge me for increasing the dose on my own. I know it is not the right thing to do. After fearing I was getting addicted to it only after a month of use, I got rid of the remainder of my prescription 2 days ago because the last thing I need is a dependence on it. Today I woke up with the wore case of total body soreness, like having a flu without all the flu symptoms. Is this normal from stopping pain meds cold turkey? How long does it take for your body to be clean of the hydrocodone after taking 10-20 mg a day for back issues?

By the way, Tylenol does not work and I am now about to take an anti inflammatory next month( already have the prescription ready to use). Next month, my surgeon said I could start on a slow release anti inflammatory as it is my 6 month post op. the name of the prescription is Etodolac and it will be my first time on it. I used diclofenac pre surgery for several years, but it is too rough on the sleeve (according to the surgeon) to use any longer.

Thanks for your advice.[/quote']

It took me a week 1/2 to get it out of my system and boy! I'm happy!!! I now use a treatment called radio frequency where the Dr will use a laser to burned the nerve that's troubling you,its works for me it will last about 9months try to research some alternatives loratab/hydro is just not good for the body most of all your brain research the damage that it does to your brain. In any case do what's best for you that's all that matters.

Thanks for the alternative pain med. I will research it and discuss with pcp and surgeon doctor.

Took etodolac today for first time. The only side effects are metallic taste in mouth and a little dizzy. Back is feeling a lot better already after taking the NSAID with a PPI. Metallic taste is a little weird and my first thought was it might be blood, but then after some research it looks like there is actually black Iron in it. Not exactly sure and will need to keep an eye on it.

Good luck man, I hope you get settled with something easiest for all this some time in the future.

Edited December 24, 201213 yr by JKG

if you don't think it even laughable have you not try it' date=' I use tumeric mixed into shakes and smoothies. It may not be total relief but its very effective for what it is and not like the Narcotics at all. You'd need only find ways to hide flavor with something, some people take it in Water alone.

http://www.healthdia...f-turmeric.html ; look at, 9, and 11.

http://www.nuts.com/...s/turmeric.html

This is really interesting in the number of benefits that come from turmeric. It sounds almost or better than chia seeds as another natural remedy. Thanks again for the links.

no problem