We all need to be heard for a little while.

elona

Wave

Our chemist had a system where you could get a few days worth of a prescription if you had run out and pay for it then get your money back when the actual prescription arrived.

It might be worth asking at your local chemist.

Waves_and_Smiles

WaSp got me some 8mg codeine from the chemist which is all they sell, I can take 8 a day. The problem is that I usually take 30mgs 8 times a day plus Tramadol. I hope it takes the edge of withdrawal and pain but it is a sudden drop and I can't get hold of Tramadol at all.

Here are the problems of someone on opiate medication and why it really isn't a good idea to take these drugs for the sake of fun-

The last time I couldn't get these drugs I had horrid withdrawal because I am normally on such a high dose to suddenly have to drop so low. This is usually very bad pain, a feeling of insects crawling under your skin, restless legs, headache, upset stomach, fever, anxiety, insomnia and craving it desperately. I have no reaction to taking these drugs at all other than pain relief now, they don't make me high or alter my mood at all because I have such high tolerance. Anyone reading this thinking of taking opiates on the level I have to take them daily just for the fun, do not do it! The high stops after the first month and then you have a big problem. It is NEVER worth it.

I really can't face A&E, not only does it mean sitting in a waiting room for hours surrounded by people, huddled under a blanket and panicking, it feels like I am totally taking advantage of the NHS when all I need is a handful of pills. I did try it once before when something similar happened and although I got the medication the experience was horrid because I was questioned suspiciously an awful lot. People abuse codeine and Tramadol and doctors are used to people making up stories to get it so it is very hard to get hold of. Even with a prescription I was questioned and they insisted on xrays to prove that I needed it.

The saddest thing is with the amount I take and how long I have taken it for my withdrawal is no different to someone who was taking it because of addiction only, my body is addicted. Because of my weird reaction to medication I can only take paracetamol or opiates so other pain medications can't be given to me which works fine until something like this happens.

Oh well, nothing can be done and I'll manage. Just ignore me if I get very anxious and panicky on the thread for the next 2 days, it's not me, its the lack of opiates! On the bright side it's something new to share on the thread for a few days- WaS does drug withdrawal! (sense of humour still intact).

dragonette

WaS - Oh no! I'm on much lower codeine, but I've had the withdrawal and it can be hideous. I hope you sleep through most of it!!

Eta: just remembered, you can get nurofen plus which is 15mg codeine with ibuprofen. Stronger than otc cocodamol. In theory, as you can double up paracetamol and ibuprofen, these together might get you close to your normal dose. Might be enough to lessen the withdrawal symptoms anyway.

Waves_and_Smiles

I usually get terrible insomnia and then when I do sleep I dream about taking medication. I so wish that I could take other pain medications, I really don't like taking this amount but there is nothing else I can take at all. It won't harm me at least, it just means I am going to feel really, really bad for a couple of days. If it gets really bad I will go to A&E. To be fair to the receptionist when I explained she said she would try to get the other doctor to fill out my prescription in the afternoon tomorrow but she couldn't guarantee it because my GP is out of the office again and this one remaining doctor is seeing all patients and doing home visits in the late morning.

My GP really needs to sort out his staffing levels. Before my previous GP who owned the health centre retired they had 6 doctors including him who had been there for years. When he left and the other doctor took over 4 doctors left within 3 months and he hasn't replaced them yet and it's been 4 months now. Some nurses have also left. He is absolutely lovely to me but I suspect he might be a terrible boss.

Nurofen plus would work but I can't take ibuprofen because my body is weird like that. I am stuck with opiates and paracetamol, I can't even take aspirin. The last time I tried Ibuprofen I threw up every 15 minutes for hours and had crippling stomach pains. Otherwise I would have leapt at it.

dragonette

Damn i know 16mg at a time is nothing compared to 60mg, but it's better than nothing. I have the nurofen plus as a backup, as I'm trying to keep my codeine levels down so sometimes take less than I really need. Can't top it up with more cocodamol but can with the ibuprofen.

Really sounds like your GP desperately needs more staff. 6 to 2 doctors sounds like a huge change. Hopefully the other Dr will have a chance to sign your prescription

tea_lover

Horrible isn't it? After daily use for 7 or so years I get none of the 'recreational benefits', just the awful craving and withdrawal if I miss a dose.

Indie_Kid

Take care, WaS.

Waves_and_Smiles

I have almost forgotten what the recreational benefits feel like. I don't even get side effects from my medication anymore, it stops the pain and nothing else. I certainly know when I haven't taken it though, one of the highlights of the last time I ran out was scrabbling around the floor searching under furniture hoping I had dropped some. Not my proudest moment.

It could be worse, though. My american friend had back surgery and was put on morphine for 3 months because they pinned her whole spine. She had to be taken into hospital to come off it because the withdrawal was so bad. These medications work well for pain but at the same time are absolutely awful. I would tell anyone to avoid them if there is an alternative, it just isn't worth it.

tea_lover

Yeah, I've done that 'search through every pocket and bag' thing. Not great!

elsien

WaS, if your pharmacy knows you well, might they be prepared to "lend" you a few tablets till then take them off the prescription when it comes through.
I know they're really not meant to and it depends on how much of a stickler the pharmacist is, but I have done it myself once or twice in the past. They can only say no.