Codeine phosphate run out: I been taking... - Pain Concern

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Codeine phosphate run out

snowman4053 profile image
12 Replies

I been taking codeine for years as I have one of worst scoliosis but the person I buy them from normally isn't available for 2 weeks doctors are just totally unhelpful and even though they told me not to stop straight away as it could be dangerous for me when I tell them I've ran out and getting withdrawals they don't care one bit and not doing anything to help when i ring 111 I just get told ring your gp but my gp is hardly ever there and it's the other doctors that are filling for him and they just tell me speak with your main gp and my main gp just doesn't care whenever ive spoken to him and asked for help ive given up trying or trusting gp and have no options left really and trying to see if anyone has any spare they no longer need or take as I'm unable to handle withdrawals and just go through hell and unable to get out bed and kind of black out

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12 Replies
Bananas5 profile image
Bananas5

Sorry you feel like this about your Doctor.

I believe all codeine are now prescription only so...how do you 'buy' yours?

x

snowman4053 profile image
snowman4053 in reply to Bananas5

Off a friend

Bananas5 profile image
Bananas5 in reply to snowman4053

Not good. Has your Doctor given you a prescription for this med?

x

snowman4053 profile image
snowman4053 in reply to Bananas5

Yes in past he gave me 8 30mg tablets to take daily they stopped working I even went hospital for pain it was so bad they gave me morphine and recommended it but gp refused to carry on giving morphine he kept just giving me codeine so I just made do with it and kept trying to get him to give me something stronger he wouldn't I had to starting taking abit extra codeine tablets to deal with pain I told gp they just don't work anymore im even having to take extra and I really don't want em to stop working and me having to increase them more and more so can you give me something else but he refused to give me anything else and just cut my codeine down by over half without warning or anything which gave me horrible withdrawals and was nowhere near enough for pain it all went on for quite a few years in the end I gave up with doctors start getting it of a friend and anyone else I could find who had spare laying around but I'm unable to get anymore till 16th 17th so just need enough to last me till then even tried speaking with doctors today but got nowhere with em

deejames profile image
deejames in reply to snowman4053

It is a really bad idea taking codeine without your GPs knowledge. You seem to be saying it does not work for your pain but you are taking it to stop the withdrawal. Do you see that is a dangerous situation ? Codeine is highly addictive. I take it myself but usually manage on far less than the maximum prescribed dose. I know how it feels to want yet another dose just to feel normal. Please please speak to your GP and be honest about what you are doing. Your ' friend ' is not helping you selling you this drug.

I hope things will get sorted for you.

snowman4053 profile image
snowman4053 in reply to deejames

They do work but I have to take abit extra and because i been taking extra my withdrawal are way worse so its like both pain and withdrawals i been told i have 1 of worst scoliosis they seen so my pain is just horrible i been told its unsafe to go cold turkey thats why im concerned about withdrawals I've always been honest with the gp and doctors but instead of help they do opposite I would of never taken extra or been buying them if gp just helps and gave me morphine like hospital recommended even here I'm being totally honest about stuff and admitting to buying them but they just seem scared to give me anything thinking I can't handle any medicine because of my weight even though while in hospital ive had morphine tramadol etc and never had issues and gp doesn't want to be the one putting his name on the script because I think he's scared is my guess I've just been through so much with them I gave up i tried again yesterday told them everything again but he refused to do anything

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989

Might want to be careful with codeine in general and especially buying pharmaceuticals instead of having them filled in a pharmacy. Overdosing is a real problem due the meds being tampered with, loaded with other drugs and/or poisons. I’ve seen folks nearly die from taking meds from known(yet really buying them off a friend is really an unknown source). Sources like a neighbor or a friend and I’ve see someone overdose and die from a codeine (hydrocodone) tablet laced with a much stronger narcotic. So be careful, it’s not worth it the feeling, or the energy, or the perceived pain relief…whatever you use them for…plus now you’ve got a real issue…whether you’ll admit it or not you need that drug.you even mention the “horrible withdrawals” unfortunately only those who abuse RX pain meds have “withdrawals”. Im sure you have pain issues, I’m also sure there are much better ways to manage those pain issues then with 3/4 codeine tablets every 4 hours all day…I truly wish you the best of luck as having a dependency issue with narcotics is a really tough burden to both live with while taking the meds or stopping and getting through those first few weeks…I’ve both helped others and been their myself, if you need/want some helpful info or just to talk I’m always around…my best in your journey.

snowman4053 profile image
snowman4053 in reply to Blackknight1989

Sorry in kinda having trouble typing at moment and I understand and agree with all that as I have the same concerns that's why im always honest with them and I only buy codeine that have been given to others through prescription I did let hospital check them once also to make sure they wasn't fake my gp just isn't willing to give me anything stronger morphine worked great for me and hospital gave me a bottle when I was discharged but gp refused to carry on giving me it then he slashed my codeine by over half when he knew the normal dosage isn't working and im alot pain and hospital have told me carry on taking morphine i was only taking 2 extra at that time I been told I have 1 of worst scoliosis my scoliosis is basically crushing my insides up my pushing against them you can tell from a mile away how bad my scoliosis is and it causes me so much pain I was left with no choice but to buy them and take extra and my gp knows all the doctors know I keep asking for help but its my gp who isn't willing to do anything im gonna change my gp surgery today and see if I have any luck with another gp

Bananas5 profile image
Bananas5

By buying and takubg extra neds you have shown you are not trustworthy with your meds.

Not my words but that is how your GP will see it.

Can you get an ap at a pain clinic? Probably long waiting times but be worth as GPs can not over rule them.

x

snowman4053 profile image
snowman4053 in reply to Bananas5

I understand that but I told the gp at the start they not working I need something else its all gone on for years so there's just so much back and fourth when he didn't help or do anything kept refusing I took things in my own hands after because I just couldn't handle pain no more as my spine is slowly getting worse and more pain and saw no option I have been seen by pain team while i was admitted in hospital they suggested morphine aswel but it's just my gp who won't budge wont prescribe it and cut my codeine down to 21 tablets a week without telling me or any warnings afterwards I spoke to him when I saw I only got 21 tablets told him work with me atleast give me something else but he just refused that's what pushed me to buying them eventually if i never told them anything or was being difficult with them and not reaching out for help I would totally understand why they did what they did but its the fact I've always raised my concerns early on and my worries and always been honest and tried for years so it wasn't like i just tried once and just started self medicating even yesterday the doctor who I spoke to was shocked how they treated me after he saw all my records and even said your codeine shouldn't of been slashed like they have but because he was just covering for gp he didn't want to do anything without speaking to my gp and rang gp to get his permission to up my dosage back to 8 tablets a day but gp refused so I've decided I'm just gonna change my gp and see what happens with new gp and try again

Bananas5 profile image
Bananas5 in reply to snowman4053

self medication is never allowed whatever the reasons.

If you have seen someone from the pain clinic have they given you a script for stronger meds? That always over rules all GPs. Chase them up.

Meantime change your surgery....quickly and google alternatives to conventional meds. Acupuncture is good but doubt you can get that any more.....worth paying if you can

x

PainConcernHelpline profile image
PainConcernHelplineModeratorCommunity ChampionPain Concern

Hello snowman4053,

I was concerned to read your post about buying codeine from other people. Like others have said, all prescribed medicine should go through your GP or other medical professional for your own safety. You may find our leaflets useful to assist with managing your pain (particularly our 'managing your pain' and 'managing health care appointments' leaflets), which can be found here: painconcern.org.uk/product-...

I encourage you to speak to a health care professional (HCP) about your situation (your pain and medication). Often a 'second opinion' from another HCP, such as a referral to a pain clinic, can be sought if you feel it is worth exploring this.

I am going to turn replies off due to the nature of this post. I wish you luck in finding more efficient ways to manage your pain.

To stay safe, I encourage all members in our Health Unlocked community to only take prescription medicine that has been prescribed by a HCP to you personally.

-Pain Concern Admin

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