Denise,

        I wouldn't begin to tell you the symptoms of withdrawal from the
pain killers because I don't know what you are own. But you could probably
find it
in any general book on prescription drugs. I personally like the paper by
Long et all as opposed to the PDR(Physicians Desk Reference). Generally,
they can run from flu-like symptoms to mild irritability, restlessness and
hypertension. It does not sound like you were taking enough to become
dependent(the "in-term", now), "addiction" is not in the DSM-IV.
        I was shhooting my mouth off about Ativan, primarily because it is
in the "benzodiazepine" family, like Valium. I forgot about it's short
half-life and was thinking of Valium. I have been on 5 mg of Valium for so
long I would have a heart failure if I attempt to come off completely. My
internist and I have talked about it. So, I was probably projecting my own
"crap" on to you.
        Pain killers never have done much for me, but hype me up. I took
six Loritabs over a two day period after my gal bladder was out two weeks
ago and the drove me crazy!

Good luck on your decision re: Baclofen.

Bobby


>I was touched to see so many posts regarding the ITB pump.  I've bookmarked
>the archieves so I can always go back if need be.  Also, I checked out
>several web sites on the actual pump itself.  So far, I'm not too thrilled
>with what I've read.  This device only recently (within the last 3-4 years)
>received FDA approval.  It requires maintance every 90 days, AND the cost
>seems quite prohibative.  I'm still researching, but so far, I'm leaning
>toward NOT going this route.
>
>Bobby said to be "careful" coming off the pain killers.  That's funny?
>Doctor warned me too.  So far it's been four days since I've taken any and I
>don't notice any problems.  I honestly only took 1/2 to 1 pill a day.  If I
>tried to take a whole pill at once I got too dizzy and naseous.  The script
>was up to four pills a day.  I think if I ever did take that many I'd have
>put myself in a coma :D  Anyway,  I didn't think I was addicted, even though
>I've been taking them for a few years.  If I am, what would be the signs of
>withdrawl?  How long until they show up?  I started to think I'd get cold
>sweats or DT's or something, but so far, I'm my regular old self.  Anybody
>know the signs of narcatoic withdrawl?
>
>As to the Ativan also being addictive, the doctor also warned me there, but
>he said I had a legitimate reason for taking them and should not be as
>concerned.  Truthfully, the added Ativan has done more in the way of pain
>management than the actual pain-killers ever did.  All along I knew the pain
>was because of the spascity (sp?)  Now that my muscles are more relaxed, I
>don't feel so stiff.  It is easier to move about and it doesn't feel like
>someone is punching me all night long in the back when I'm trying to sleep.
>I forgot what a joy life can be once the pain is under control :D
>
>Bobby said "if you stay on Ativan very long, be very careful coming off that
>stuff. It's got a very long half life."   Now, you know how much I hate to
>differ with your learned opinion Bobby :D. but if I recall, Ativan is in the
>Valium family, BUT it has a short Half life.  It is only supposed to stay in
>the blood stream for 6 hours, versus the valium which I believe is 3 days.  I
>read the med-line reports and spoke to a physician prior to taking the drug.
>If my info is faulty- PLEASE, correct me.  I'd hate to be injesting
>medication under false pretense :D
>
>Mag and Linda asked where is Dr. Brody located?  He is in West Palm Beach
>Florida and is affliated with Bethesda Hospital.  I honestly lucked out.  My
>husbands employer switched to this no name (Sun Star) HMO group.  I was
>certain it would be filled with those just starting out who needed to build a
>practice.  I could not believe how great Dr. Body (a well established and
>respected) ended up in an HMO, but hey, I'm happy he did.
>
>Lastly- Good luck to  Dana on Monday.  Make certain you let us know how it
>goes with the doctor.  - Thanks again!  Denise.