I can say, they really
>did help with the pain..but I do remember falling asleep with them in my
>mouth sometimes and then waking up with them stuck all in my hair, to my
>face, my pillow and even to hubby's face. LOL, what a sight that was!
>If you need them, go for it..but I don't think many doctor's will
>prescribe them. I may be wrong. Of course, I got my mine through pain
>management. I was on 400 mcg. (micrograms, that is!)
If you have that type of personality and are 'prone to addiction' make sure you let your doctor know this so that you can be monitored. There is really no excuse for knowing you have a problem with addiction and then not asking for help. It affects your doctor and all the other patients he or she treats, so be responsible and trustworthy as you agree to be when you become a patient who is in need of this type of medication. There is no shame at all in taking the medication when you are legitimately in pain, only shame is in acting irresponsibly. Consider the fact that anyone lurking online can decide to fake a medical condition to get these meds illegally, so think about the things you say before posting! And never, ever give out the name of your doctor unless you want him/her to be targeted by ignorant criminals. As far as the pop sticking to another person, that is potentially dangerous. I am assuming your husband isn't on the medicine, so any that may inadvertantly get into his system isn't smart. If you know this happens, ask someone to monitor you until you fall asleep. Perhaps you could go to bed 1/2 to a whole hour before he does so that when he comes to bed he can take it out of your mouth and stick it in a safe place perhaps. As far as many doctors not prescribing them: you're right, many don't and I imagine any doctors who read these boards will think 90 times past their normal apprehension when considering who is appropriate for this medicine. That's a pity because it will therefore be denied to those who need it most. Also, I don't know what person "wouldn't know they are in pain anymore because they continue to take their medication"; as someone in moderate to severe intractable pain I can tell you I know when the pain is 'better'. Mine doesn't get better. So be considerate. To those this applies to, if you don't care about anyone else and only your own needs and aren't in pain anymore, ask for help, because you need it. If you are in pain, please educate yourself about the difference between tolerance and addiction, because they aren't the same.
-- whatever you do, comes back to you.