I am a couple weeks away from my surgery that will hopefully give me my life back. For those who don't know, I'm a stage 4 cancer patient, and had a secondary tumor get into my shoulder, specifically the bones. That is the most painful situation cancer victims typically face. Following a 6+ hour surgery a year ago, I am cancer free in my shoulder, but have had uncontrollable pain there ever since. I have been on the strongest pain control meds possible, and still am. Recently, a specialist found the problem, and will fix it with this upcoming surgery. My worry is that I have been on these pain killers for so long that there is no question that I am addicted. Physically, mentally, etc. I admit that. My worry is ending this addiction. I need to do it after I heal up from this next surgery. Does anyone know of a good, reputable rehab that can help me get off the opiates and back to a normal life with my wife and family? That is going to be my next hurdle to jump following this upcoming surgery.
PS: For those who REALLY know me, you know this is FAR from the first surgery I have ever had. The difference here is that after the prior ones, I was able to get myself off of the meds and detox without any professional help. This has been a year, and includes a diet of Dilaudid, Oxycontin, and Fentanyl. Not the easiest meds to say goodbye to. That kind of addiction is only overshadowed by straight heroin addiction. I know well enough to know when it's time to ask for help. I have already had this talk with my doctors, but I figured if someone was good enough to come forward and provide a good reference, no matter how it was obtained, it would be worth my time. This is something that genuinely scares me. I am man enough to ask for help when I think I need it.
Quick Google search and I came up with these. there are about 2 dozen
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<div><a>Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital</a>
<a><span>4.8 (14) · Hospital</span></a>
<a><span>3599 University Blvd S · (904) 345-7600</span></a>
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Directions
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<div><a>Jacksonville Drug Rehab Centers</a>
<a>2 reviews · Drug Addiction Treatment Center</a>
<a><span>50 N Laura St #2500 · (904) 429-4430</span></a>
<div><a>Open 24 hours</a>
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Man, I wish I knew what to tell you. I will be keeping you in my prayers, Dakota. I appreciate that you recognize your need and are willing to ask for help.
I don't have an answer, but I do have prayers. Keep fighting.
I can't help you out with a doctor, but know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Damn man, wish I had something to offer for a rehab service. It's good that you know you're going to need help.
I would think your Doctor would hopefully be able to provide a good reputable place.
Pulling for you bro.
I can't help with any rehab suggestions, but I think it's a great thing that you're thinking long term! :yes:
Quote:I am a couple weeks away from my surgery that will hopefully give me my life back. For those who don't know, I'm a stage 4 cancer patient, and had a secondary tumor get into my shoulder, specifically the bones. That is the most painful situation cancer victims typically face. Following a 6+ hour surgery a year ago, I am cancer free in my shoulder, but have had uncontrollable pain there ever since. I have been on the strongest pain control meds possible, and still am. Recently, a specialist found the problem, and will fix it with this upcoming surgery. My worry is that I have been on these pain killers for so long that there is no question that I am addicted. Physically, mentally, etc. I admit that. My worry is ending this addiction. I need to do it after I heal up from this next surgery. Does anyone know of a good, reputable rehab that can help me get off the opiates and back to a normal life with my wife and family? That is going to be my next hurdle to jump following this upcoming surgery.
PS: For those who REALLY know me, you know this is FAR from the first surgery I have ever had. The difference here is that after the prior ones, I was able to get myself off of the meds and detox without any professional help. This has been a year, and includes a diet of Dilaudid, Oxycontin, and Fentanyl. Not the easiest meds to say goodbye to. That kind of addiction is only overshadowed by straight heroin addiction. I know well enough to know when it's time to ask for help. I have already had this talk with my doctors, but I figured if someone was good enough to come forward and provide a good reference, no matter how it was obtained, it would be worth my time. This is something that genuinely scares me. I am man enough to ask for help when I think I need it.
My oncologist has a psychologist on staff who offers guidance on these kind of issues. PM me if you wanna discuss offline.
Quote:I am a couple weeks away from my surgery that will hopefully give me my life back. For those who don't know, I'm a stage 4 cancer patient, and had a secondary tumor get into my shoulder, specifically the bones. That is the most painful situation cancer victims typically face. Following a 6+ hour surgery a year ago, I am cancer free in my shoulder, but have had uncontrollable pain there ever since. I have been on the strongest pain control meds possible, and still am. Recently, a specialist found the problem, and will fix it with this upcoming surgery. My worry is that I have been on these pain killers for so long that there is no question that I am addicted. Physically, mentally, etc. I admit that. My worry is ending this addiction. I need to do it after I heal up from this next surgery. Does anyone know of a good, reputable rehab that can help me get off the opiates and back to a normal life with my wife and family? That is going to be my next hurdle to jump following this upcoming surgery.
PS: For those who REALLY know me, you know this is FAR from the first surgery I have ever had. The difference here is that after the prior ones, I was able to get myself off of the meds and detox without any professional help. This has been a year, and includes a diet of Dilaudid, Oxycontin, and Fentanyl. Not the easiest meds to say goodbye to. That kind of addiction is only overshadowed by straight heroin addiction. I know well enough to know when it's time to ask for help. I have already had this talk with my doctors, but I figured if someone was good enough to come forward and provide a good reference, no matter how it was obtained, it would be worth my time. This is something that genuinely scares me. I am man enough to ask for help when I think I need it.
It's good that you are asking for help... everyone needs it at one point or another.
My own thoughts on this... it doesn't sound to me like you have the
disease of drug addiction. There is a difference. In your circumstance, it's more physical than anything else (again, just going by my opinion based on your posts here). Certainly there are some psychological and/or emotional issues that you would have to work through, but in my eyes you are not an "addict" as it pertains to the "typical drug addict".
That being said, I would suggest working with your doctors and medical professionals in order to detox off of those medications. I don't think that you would need to go into a typical rehab program for those that
abuse drugs.
Again, that's just my opinion based on your posts and the little that I know of your history. I am by no means a professional, but I do have experience with people close to me that have had to go into a rehab facility. The circumstances are pretty much "night and day" when I compare that experience to yours.
Good luck to you and I will certainly say a prayer or two for you.
Have you tried Subutex instead of the other opiates? Its a lot easier on the system and a lot easier mentally to use every day as the side effects arn't too bad. Only thing is I have heard the withdrawal is pretty bad.
Could be an option to use for a while.