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.