What to do? OTCs don't work and now I'm afraid to take Vicodin

I’ve had chronic foot pain for four+ years and several months ago the problem was finally diagnosed and requires major surgery. I had been taking Vicodin regularly for about two years, but began abusing it and quit taking it two months ago because I was worried about myself.

I may have to wait until next summer to have the surgery because I'll be laid-up for at least two months and will have to take a big salary hit that I'm not yet prepared for.

I don’t want to return to the opiate, it was absolutely hideous to get off it, but it is the only drug that has given enough relief to have a semi-normal life. I’ve been to a pain management doc in addition to my primary care and have tried virtually every RX between OTCs and Vicodin 7.5/500 APAP.

I don't know how I'm going to make it for another year with inadequate pain management; on the other hand, I don't trust myself with the effective opiate meds. As I'm certain everyone viewing this thread knows, chronic pain is psychologically damaging and I just pulled out of a long depression with the help of a great therapist.

Advice? Suggestions? Hugs? Kicks in the butt? Thanks, Croc  

 

Hi CrocodileRock~~

And Welcome to the Chronic Pain Family. (love the name, BTW) I think you'll find this is very much like a family here. It doesn't take long and you're surrounded with friend who not only care but understand totally what you are living through. We are the ones who can understand like no others can.

I saw a couple of really good ideas above me there ^. You said you have/had a great therapist. Have you opened up to him/her? There are also pain psychologists. Maybe your insurance would spring for that also. Also, you can talk to a hospital liaison/patient advocate to see if there is any other help out there for which you would qualify. It's amazing where helps comes from when you need it badly. You can call the hospital where you would have your surgery and ask to speak to the patient advocate. That simple. Then tell her your situation and ask if she/he knows of any available help.

Hope something here helps,
Chutz