WorthitWelcome to the A & P Forum and you have a whole lot of things going on. First of all congratulations for changing your lifestyle but I do understand how you got to the place you were in. When we are in physical and mental pain we often make bad choices because we hurt so much. Please know that I understand what your going through.
First of all do you have any RX medication for your post surgical pain or are you taking an OTC pain med?
Asking for meds get tricky after you have a history of abusing meds but also you should not be punished now and have to live in so much pain.
There are many medications out there that are not habit forming for pain - do you have access to a pain management Dr. ?
Have you ever seen a psychologist to help you with your anxiety as you certainly may benefit having a one on one therapist?
Other than drugs, self hynosis, guided imagry, bio feedback, relaxation techniques, Yoga etc etc.
Even light excercise is better than sitting around hurting and it releases
endorphins. Some people benefit from acupuncture, massage, anything that takes
your mind off the pain is a good thing.
I realize you are limited re exercise so perhaps PT at your clinic could help you with this.
As far as sleep, my Dr. order Trazodone for me as the side effect is drowsiness and it has worked like a charm. It is also an antidepressant but at the low dose used for insomnia you will not get much of the antidepressant effect.
A drug used to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetic neuropathy has been approved by the FDA for a new use -- to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, including pain caused by osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. The approved dose of Cymbalta for chronic musculoskeletal pain is a 60-milligram capsule taken once a day, swallowed whole; it does not have to be timed with meals.
These are just a couple of ideas but remember I am not a medical professional.
I am glad you found comfort in venting here and please know we are always here for you.
Kindly,
Kitt