After two hip replacement surgeries and one revision I was prescribed opioids for pain. These were medications that I used sparingly, not because I have a high tolerance for pain…it was simply because I have an aversion towards any numbing drug that is highly addictive and offers negative side effects.
Opioid addiction is a serious problem. Oftentimes, simply the presence of an addictive substance is a temptation for others. Immediately after my first surgery I experienced problems with a loved one who began stealing my medication. I shared the painful experience in my book (pg. 71-72), Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery.
An unfortunate event happened that I hope you don’t ever have to deal with. A person very near and dear to me betrayed my trust during my first week home from the hospital. They quietly and consistently broke into my pain medication. Pills were slowly stolen for addictive purposes. That indiscretion and the negative consequences that followed were tough to handle. My relationship with that person suffered greatly and eventually ended. Watching someone you love battle with any addiction is heartbreaking. With treatment and care, they can recover. However, relationships do not always mend from this experience.
I bring up this uncomfortable scenario to suggest caution when storing your medications. The temptation of such a powerful medicine can lead those with an addiction problem down a treacherous path. After my second and third surgery, I stored my medications in a secure space and asked my parents to keep the bottles at their home. When they visited, I would only keep a few days’ worth safely stored. Sometimes a home health aide or nurse can supply you with a locked cabinet to keep all medications secure and out of harm’s way. This is a good idea especially if you live in a busy household with young children, or have frequent visitors. Protect yourself and those you care about, it’s best to keep these potent drugs out of hands that shouldn’t have access to them.
Weaning myself away from opioid use was very important to me. As I share in my resource book, website, and blog, I have found much more effective ways to manage pain. Methods such as acupuncture, ice packs, exercise, meditation, and maintaining a lean weight keep me pain free.
Be Well. ~Tiffany