I am so excited to share that yesterday I faced a huge fear of mine since being in recovery. I had to have some extensive dental work done that involved an extraction and a root canal. After the 3 hour procedure the doctor began to write out some perscriptions for me. I immediately told him that under no circumstances could I take any type of narcotic pain reliever because I was on recovery for opioid abuse. I was so afraid of the judgement that I would receive from him, but to my surprise he was very accommodating and very much greatful that I was honest with him about my addiction and being in recovery. I knew the day would come when I would be forced to tell a provider I couldn’t take any type of narcotic medication and why, and I had so much anxiety about it. I just want to encourage everyone that if you are ever in this type of situation that there is no shame in being up front and honest with your provider and they will respect you and accommodate you. They want to be of assistance and being honest with them is the only way they can give you the proper care you deserve. We don’t have to be ashamed of our addiction because it doesn’t define us.
Here is to 6 months 23 days Opioid free with no shame and no regrets! Keep fighting my friends
What I like so much about your share is a that you set a boundary for yourself. And you committed to not crossing it. You stuck to it! That’s good work my friend.
Thank you. I have to stay strong and committed to this. I know how this addiction started. It started with just one and progressed to more than 140 tablets a week, so I know I can’t do just one. I’ve come to far to throw it away. I would rather have a bit of pain and take ibuprofen and knock off the edge then risk falling back into the grasp of addiction.
I am just past 11 months now…at about 75 days I had to have 2 teeth pulled, he had to cut one of them out…But I told him before he started to be easy as he could so I wouldn’t be taking any narcotics…I told him why and he was very good about it…
It didnt hurt near as bad as the detox I went through…
Great job taking care of yourself AND facing a fear!!!
Detox was the worst thing ever. I refused any kind of withdrawal meds because I wanted to remember ever moment of agony I went through so when I had a craving I could think back on detox and remember just what I went through. I did go into the hospital for a week just for observation but I did it cold turkey.
Sassyrocks thank you. I believe it is a teachable moment that I can use to help anyone else who may have fear about having a procedure done and having to have that talk with the provider, that they really are there to help you and not judge you and at the end of the day when you can speak your truth you have made a huge accomplishment. There is no shame in being in recovery.
I agree! And I think it is a very helpful post for others who may be nervous about talking with healthcare providers.
I went cold Turkey also…I went in DTs so bad though I was hallucinating really bad and they admitted me in the hospital 10 day before I went to rehab…other than a couple shots they gave me in the Hospital I didnt take anything after I stopped either…
20 or so Roxy ever day and 3 or 4 Bars ever night for several years to nothing in 1 day is a MF for sure…it didnt kill me though.
@Stephen_Snyder it’s coincidental that I’ve just read this right now. I’ve also suffered opiate addiction and three days ago embarked on my teeth fixing journey, I’ve had ten of my top teeth ground down and my replacements are currently being made. It’s not cheap but it will be worth it to have the confidence to smile for the first time in years. I was also fearing having to take some kind of painkiller but luckily there hasn’t been much pain, it hurt more to have my bottom teeth cleaned. Here’s to smiling sobriety and congratulations on your nearly seven months in only just in to my second. Thanks for sharing 
How’re the teeth feeling now?
So so so happy to hear about your 6 months and now 26 days off opioids.
As you might have read, I lost my oldest to opioids 11 months ago, and my 2nd son almost as well. I saw the struggle and physical and mental pain they went through for years and years.
Here’s your hug. Great work!
@anon13078412 Congratulations on getting sober and getting that happy healthy smile back! Confidence means a lot, self confidence means everything!
@Eric_Leonard oh yeah. I started out slow enough and gradually went up to more than140 tabs a week so going from that to nothing was a bitch, but looking back it was totally worth it. Congratulations on getting sober man!
@sprinkles first allow me to offer my condolences on your son, that isn’t anything I would wish on any parent. I got lucky.
Pardon the delayed response, the teeth are great, I went back in today for some more repair work (damn who knew drugs could cause so much damage to your teeth) but overall I’m pleased. I do have another visit to go before finally being where I want to be.
@Bootz thanks, I will be reading this for sure. The weird thing is these “meds” are known to be addictive yet there really isn’t too much concern for it until it’s either too late or the person steps up and says I will not do this any more, in my opinion.