I've had Crohns for over 46 years (I feel so old!) I was diagnosed in 1970, had my first surgery in 1973. Since that time, I have had uncontrollable diarrhea, pain, nausea, fistulas, fissures, 6 major bowel resections, chronic abdominal pain and many other ailments. I would not touch any narcotics for years..I have had 14 addicts in my life and I've spent 28 years in Ala-non. They scared the hell out of me. However, as time has gone on and my disease has only gotten worse.(It recently spread to my stomach.) I had to stop working and go on disability. I had to have surgery on my foot. I happened to notice that when I was on pain meds, I did not have as much diarrhea. I told my Crohns dr and she explained that Vicodin slows the gut down so she put me on Vicodin. I have been on the same amount for about 15 years. I work with a pain doctor who I really like, He doesn't make me take anything higher than Vicodin. I have never abused my drugs. I take 4 Vicodin everyday. I do not get high, besides the fact that I can get actually get out of the house because the Vicodin slows my gut, I do not even feel sleepy. He has prescribed Liquid morphine for me to take when the pain gets really bad but I rarely use it. Its there to keep me out the ER. My frustration is this...if I do not take Vicodin, I don't leave my house because I can't get out the the bathroom. I have not had a formed poop for 48 years! No wait, I take that back. The only time I have had a semi formed poop was when I was in the hospital on heavy meds. Go figure. My GI tells me to stop taking the Vicodin. He says that all my symptoms are because I have a narcotic gut. I find this very hard to believe. I have been on every Crohns drug available,just finished taking Entyvio and it kinda put me in remission. I hated taking that drug, it was a nightmare.
How can I stop taking the one drug that gives me some quality of life? I still have diarrhea and I have pain...tell me what your experience is..what do you all think? I am confused. thank you all so very much..
How can I stop taking the one drug that gives me some quality of life? I still have diarrhea and I have pain...tell me what your experience is..what do you all think? I am confused. thank you all so very much..