"The Hydrocodone" and "My Side Effects"

Toothache? Backache? Headache? You name it with just about any ache hydrocodone is being prescribed. Chronic pain or acute pain it doesn't matter it seems to be the quick fix to all types of pain. Fortunately I never had the need to use it, ibuprofen was enough to cure my aches until that horrible winter day.

I had carpal tunnel release of my left hand in the middle of December on a very cold, snowy day. After the surgery I found myself laying on a hospital bed cold, scared and oh so very hungry. They bring me crackers and juice like this was really going to help my hunger pangs, but whatever something was better than nothing.

As I am about to be discharged the nurse approaches me and asks if I would like something for pain. I had no pain so I politely said no. She then states that the doctor had written an order for me to have a hydrocodone upon discharge for pain. I proceed to state that I had no pain. However, it then seemed to me that this nurse was not going to let me leave without this pill, almost as if it was an insult to her. I even asked her if I could get ibuprofen instead and she states that there is no order for ibuprofen. I want a non steroidal anti-inflammatory and she wants to give me a narcotic. Go figure. So after much persuasion I accept this much sought out drug.

After fifteen minutes I think to myself that this doesn't feel any different than any other medication that I had taken. So great I am on my way home in the passenger seat for a forty five minute drive. Painless I might add. I close my eyes and Ugh! I feel dizzy, worse than any hang over in my life. My stomach doesn't feel so good, my mouth is so very dry. I can't even open my eyes I felt my head was so heavy and suddenly the dry heaves. So much for being pain free when I left the hospital, oh by the way my carpal tunnel who cares! We pull over and it starts, I start vomiting my two crackers and small cup of apple juice. And of course it is freezing out so now I am shaking all over. Finally we make it home and the entire night I was dizzy and could not eat a morsel. My belly was in such agony, I was lightheaded all evening oh did I mention my carpal tunnel yeah who cares!

Now you say how could I be sure that it was the hydrocodone that made me ill and yes I questioned that too. I did make it a point to check the side effects of hydrocodone and they were all the symptoms that I had felt so that was enough to convince me that the cause of my demise that evening was due to this drug.

Well, just recently after three years of my escapade with this beast I had some severe pain I can't even remember where the pain was maybe my back, tooth who cares because again I met my challenge "The Hydrocodone."

One of my darling friends so kindly said "take this it will help the pain." I should have asked what was I taking, but I trusted her judgment and just took it. The bad news was that wrenching horrible feeling of being hung over and then puking my brains out had resurfaced, the good news was that wherever my initial pain was had now vanished.

Nausea, dizziness, vomiting and lightheadedness are very common side effects of hydrocodone. I should also mention that it is recommended to take this drug with food, however my second episode occurred with a very full belly that was until I took the hydrocodone. If you or anyone experiences any of these symptoms while on hydrocodone they should be reported promptly to a health care provider. There are alternative medications to treat pain without these horrific side effects.

Resources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/hydrocodoneacetaminophen/article.htm