Because of my alcohol addiction I have lived with the concern that if I have surgery and need pain meds I’ll be in trouble. Years ago my (addict) ex-husband always had some sort of narcotic around. Not my doc, but I would filch a few here and there. At least it was something, right? Ugh. Anyway, I landed in the hospital two weeks ago for 3 days. Surgery! My surgeon gave me an order for a strong narcotic. Well…it barely helped and made me nauseous (ended up with a scrip for that) and a bit woozy and relaxed. Eureka, right? A change in my head, mood, and self. But, I didn’t really want it. It didnt help, why bother? I asked for it a handful of times but mostly dealt with my pain on my own. It just dawned on me two weeks later. The fear I had been holding was unfounded. Am I no longer an addict? Hell, no. But the lack of obsessing over “free drugs” while in the hospital and not craving my DOC, alcohol, upon release is a victory. Thought I would just share.
Glad to hear!! Hope you are feeling better!!! Love the progress feeling!!
I am feeling better! Hard to believe it has already been two weeks! Each day is a bit better. Thank you!!
Glad to hear it. 
Love that this fear is behind you! It is a wonderful victory love. Thank you for sharing.
Guess I get to put my self-control to the test once more. I have landed my sorry ass in the hospital again!! This time a large mass in my abdominal cavity. Pretty sure non-cancerous. Still waiting for its removal to be scheduled.
Oh sweetheart I am so very sorry to read this! I do hope that they can schedule the removal quickly and hope you are not in a lot of pain.
We are with you lady - much love to you and sending you oh so many healing vibes 
Thanks, Jasmine. Funny how neither of my recent health things are alcohol-related. So…health issues without guilt and self-admonishment. There’s the silver lining. 
awe love - it is a silver lining that it’s not alcohol related.
i do hope that they are able to take care of you soon
hey love — just checking in on you. How are you doing?
What course of action did they decide to take?
@JazzyS…well, they scheduled it for NEXT Friday and sent me home. Called today and rescheduled to THIS Friday. So very relieved. Thanks for asking!!
Oh man - that is a relief - Grateful you don’t have to wait till next Friday. Will they check the mass after removal to make sure it was non cancerous?
I do hope you are not in too much pain or discomfort.
How are you? Were the surgeons able to remove that mass from your abdominal cavity successfully?
I used to take advantage of prescription meds when I was drinking because it just added to the fun. Now that I’m sober, I find that most pain meds don’t work at all on my degenerative arthritis and a bulging disc in my lower spine. I used to hate it when my doctor would recommend physical therapy over drugs. After decades of dealing with lower back issues, I never developed a prescription drug problem. Thank God. Now that I’m sober, I follow through with physical therapy because it does work and the drugs don’t.
Wow! Not the hospital again! You have really been put thru the ringer lately with your health. Hopefully, once the mass is removed, you’ll have much better days, months, and years ahead. Sending positive healing vibes your way.
Based on the MRI and some bloodwork they are quite confident it isn’t cancerous. <10% chance. I’m very uncomfortable but again, grateful I don’t have to wait until next Friday! Then…there is this. How can I feel sorry for myself…
I’m sorry you have to deal with terrible back pain. I have a recovering friend and the doctors just kept throwing meds at her. She doesn’t want them and, like you, prefers physical therapy!
Girl you are doing great — 922 days! I am super grateful that it is non cancerous and grateful that in a few days you will hopefully be feeling much better.
sending you soothing healing vibes my friend
I know, right? I went from never in the hospital (except for two easy, uncomplicated births) to ER, hospitalization, outpatient procedure follow-up, ER, ER, hospitalization, and outpatient surgery. All in 43 days. What in the world???