UPDATE: Progress, thanks and a few new questions

First, thanks to everyone who helped and offered advice it was nice to hear from so many. Recovery is going well but there is still a lot to go.

In terms of the oxycodone, the dependency has been decreased but still a problem. I reached out to my doctor but no one would see me until my appointment yesterday. Over the phone they offered to refill my prescription and get a new prescription for anti-nausea meds. I decided to just do it myself and cut all my pills in half and tapered on my own. i have been supplementing with Tylenol and light marijuana use before bed. I was taking a 5mg pill every 3-4 hours (about 8 times a day). Now I take half pill (2.5mg) every 6-8 hours (about 4 times a day). I just started waiting as long as so could stand it and take a half pill. I’m feeling better and can go alot longer without pills but still get the symptoms bad after about 6 hours.

I don’t want to get more of these and have some left still. If I quit cold turkey at this point how bad would it be / how long until it’s out of my system? I want to try and get back to work in the next 2 weeks and can’t work while on this. If it won’t kill me I’ll deal with the withdrawal for a few days. But if it takes longer than that I’ll need a new plan.

I’m going to keep tapering as much as I can for now and see what happens. Thanks to anyone who sees this and good luck to those dealing with the same!

Male, 25. 5’ 8” 160 lbs. Non smoker of nicotine. Recreational user of alcohol and marijuana in free time. Have not had any alcohol since accident. Current medications are 5mg oxycodone up to 8 doses in 24 hours and 1000mg Tylenol every 6 hours. Otherwise healthy adult.

I just had an accident while skiing Jan 23rd. Broke both tibia and fibula completely. Bones did not shift much and remained relatively in place. Had operation to install titanium rod and screws in tibia. Had complications and had to open leg during surgery to clamp bones that were unexpectedly out of place. Lots of damage done to leg from thigh to knee.

I am 9 days after surgery and have been getting better finally. The past month has been agonizing and truly was a traumatic expirence I won’t recover from for a long time. It has left me with intense constant pain for over a month. I have been taking pain killers constantly (5mg oxycodone up to 8 times a day and 2 x-strength Tylenol between Oxy doses) to manage. Between pain and waking up every 2-4 hours to take pills I have been sleeping in short bursts for the duration and am exhausted from the lack of sleep. Keeping up on pain meds would allow me at least a small amount of sleep as the pain is worse at night.

I am truly starting to feel better and am looking to speed up my recovery process. Now I am feeling very addicted to these pills and get intense withdrawal symptoms if I try not to take the medication. Sweats, chills, panicking, intense pain, restlessness, etc, if I don’t take a pill at least every 5 hours. I am working to push myself to wait longer and longer until my next pill. New goal is every 6 hours and only taking 6 a day.

I need to move forward with my life and I am trying to do this one step at a time. These are the questions I need to have answered first….

How am I supposed to manage withdrawal symptoms?

How do I manage pain without pain medication?

How do I fix insomnia from this type of event?

What is the SAFEST WAY TO DO ANY OF THIS???

I just need to know where to find answers to any of these questions if possible. Im keeping a bright face for my family and friends but I am scared and lost and need help. Anything you have to offer is appreciated!!!