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.

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