Reliance on Codeine

[Artemlos]

Following CABG five weeks ago I still have a lot of pain in my left leg where the vein was removed. I manage this through 2 paracetamol 4 times a day and 1 codeine tablet twice a day, having just reduced from 2 codeine tablets twice a day. This keeps me just on top of the pain. I'm wondering how long I should be reliant on the codeine as I understand it can become addictive. However I don't want to stop it right now as I know how painful the leg will become and tackling the resultant pain afterwards is not something I want to go through again...Any thoughts or past experience to relay?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

If you just had your op 5 weeks ago and you are having pain then you need to take something stronger

I am not sure about a time limit before you get addicted to it I suppose it depends on the person but as you are aware it is addictive I would look out for the signs when I was taking them am I really in pain and need this or do I more like how it makes me feel if it is the latter at any stage then stop taking them but up to 12 weeks if you still need them I would speak with my Doctor

Years ago and I have had a triple Bypass and it was not then when I took codeine but for something else and I did not know like a fool they were addictive and took them every day 4 times a day it was not till I realised I was clock watching to take them and then I realised I was not in pain and just wanted the feeling they gave me and so I had to wean myself of them and it took some doing and was not pleasant now after going through that I only ever take them if I really know paracetamol is not doing it which is very rare and then I stop them as soon as I know the pain is better and paracetamol is all that is needed

As long as you stay alert that you are taking them for the right reasons you will be fine

I hope the rest of your recovery is going well x

[Artemlos in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you

[BeKind28- in reply to Artemlos]

x

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Codeine is undoubtedly a form of medication that can cause addiction. However the addiction must surely depend on how long you take it, how much you take and importantly who you are. But if you do become addicted it appears it comes with unpleasant side effects as you try to come off it. In my untrained opinion your current dose may be OK for a while but continued use may not. So if I were you and I was concerned with addiction and it's implication, I would be discussing with my GP or at least seeking input from a pharmacist who know far more about these things compared to the majority of forum members, however well meaning they might be should they offer any advice..

[Artemlos in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you

[Blearyeyed]

Codeine can be very addictive , and relatively quickly too because even after a few doses , depending on the type of pain you take it for , it can cause rebound pain as the dose in your system reduces , like a Codeine Cycle, making you feel the need to take another dose.But, you seem to be managing with Codeine and thinking sensibly and proactively about your pain needs.

You have already started to control and taper down your Codeine dose making sure you are pain managed at the lowest dose you can manage at , so you aren't suffering with addiction.

Keep up the good , mindful work.

Don't be scared to take an extra dose if you need one if you get a flare in pain.

Even if that's for a few days, you know that when your pain is managed you can go back to the lower dose easily.

When you feel your pain is more managed and your recovery is further along you can try tapering down again , choosing to take the dose at the time of day that is most beneficial to you and see how you go.

Eventually, try alternate days , taking your daily dose one day and trying being dose free the next. Maintain your paracetamol doses until you are codeine free , or only as required.

As you do these steps be aware to keep well hydrated , eat nutritious meals and well paced your activity taking care of any wounds or devices to reduce the chance of these causing a pain flare.

After that, try going on to using codeine only when required, Using the options of rest , heat or ice, paracetamol and gentle flexing or stretching movement to bring the relief first before using the stronger medications when you know you need the odd dose .

Don't forget, Pain is a type of Negative Stress, so if it is not well controlled it can cause increases in heart rate and blood pressure or your other health issues and can reduce your activity and that it is better to avoid.

So controlling your pain , even if that requires stronger medication at times is better for your general health and the benefits of it outweigh the risks in those cases.

The trick with most pain related conditions, especially long term ones , is to remember that you are always trying to be Pain Managed ( meaning that your pain is under control enough for you to do well paced daily activity) rather than 100% pain free , which is often the mistake people make and why addiction is more likely to occur.

You don't seem to be making that mistake so should feel less anxious about the potential of becoming addicted to your current pain medications.

Take care , Bee

[Artemlos in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you

[Rockcity2009]

Hell Artemis,Artemloas, I can relate to your situation, situation situation,I have found it better beteto take the pain meds, rather rat then pace the Flor floor all night in miserable 😖 pain, Got to do what works a little,alittle at age 65, Good Luck

[Rockcity2009]

Sorry about spelling,not paying attention