I’m currently struggling with the same issues. I had part of my stomach removed when I was 14 due to a blockage so I was told not to take ibuprofen for the rest of my life as I’m at higher risk of a GI bleed or ulcer. Currently taking around 6-8 neurofen plus (ibuprofen and codeine 12.8mg) and then also like 4/5 cocodamol (8mg) per day.I’m so stuck. I daren’t buy them from a pharmacy as I’m so socially awkward they’d just know I was struggling. Chemists online are shipping them out to me box by box no questions asked. Im so anxious and depressed all the time I literally crave the feeling of feeling happy and relaxed. I have put in a referral to my local drug and alcohol team as I’m anxious about this habit. Every time I take them I feel so guilty and filled with worry about whether my insides are bleeding or damaged. Life is stressful at the moment and to make things worse I’m in my first year of medical school. I HATE myself
I should know better....
Please try not to hate yourself, I know that is easier said than done. Codeine is so addictive and the dependancy creeps up on you. I understand how you feel. For myself, the need for codeine and the shame of needing it made me feel worthless, which I'm sure set up a vicious circle. I hope this makes sense.
You have done the bravest thing and that is referring yourself to get some help. You will overcome this and I hope you will be so proud of yourself when you come out of the other side. I see that you are in your first year of medical school, just think how your experience will enhance your career in the future. You know the emotional and physical toll codeine is taking on your body. I'm sure in the future, it will make you a more empathic practitioner.
Wishing you lots of luck and I will be thinking of you.
How's everyone doing? Ive decided to come off codeine after years of being on it and constant tummy troubles and foggy thinking. Im on day 2 and feel horrendous, ive gone from 60mg to 30mg x4 a day. I feel like i have the worst flu ever. I have about a weeks worth of pain meds left then then it's paracetamol from there on. Anyone have any tips to manage the symptoms?
For myself, I found it better to not take any codeine at all. I couldn't handle cutting down, I think I would have caved in and taken more when I felt so rough. I took lots of hot baths and still took paracetamol and ibuprofen. I tried to do some yoga, I think that was to give myself something else to focus on, I was really crap at it. Keep telling yourself you are one day nearer to feeling normal again.
