You know, I am also starting to feel a little "withdrawly" after about 4 or 5 hours since my last hydro dose. I take 10-20mg at a time, usually three or four times a day. I feel like Im starting to get the cold chills and feel real tired. I know that sounds really bad, but the hydro picks me up. I just hate being in pain at all, so I have been taking this dose for a few months and have really been feeling better. I just realized that I have become dependant on them-but I feel like its OK because they stop my pain, which allows me to go to work and to take care of my son and enjoy life again. I have stopped taking Valium because Im scared of dependance on those, but when Legitmate said she was starting to feel W/D symptoms when the hydro starts to wear off, I realized the same thing have been happening to me too. I suppose I could take a holiday, but dammit-they really help the pain! Doctors don't realize that us patients go through turmoil too about taking opiates or any addictive medicines. We do start to get dependant on it-just to live normal lives! I guess I could handle withdrawl, it sucks, but sometimes necessary. But in our cases, is it really necessary? We are pain patients, and we should not feel guilty about needing this medication or even depending on it. I mean, if you are taking it just for the "buzz" or to releive some emotional pain, then you definetly should re-evaluate why you take painkillers. But for us with real, diagnosed diseases its hard. OP's make it so much easier for us to obtain the meds we need, but we must become more responsible and aware of what we are putting into our bodies, and respect the potential for abuse. I applaud all of you who have the courage and integrity enough to take holidays when you feel yourself getting to dependant on them. I am really working on this myself, and its hard as hell to cut down or stop, because you know when you do that you will get sick, plus all that pain will come rushing back. But you know you have to or else the meds will stop working and you will be chasing the dragon on that elusive road of pain control. What most of us need are longer acting meds- and proper pain docs. Op's are lifesavers, but they really can't take the place of a good, compassionate pain doctor. Oh- don't get me started...but Im recognizing these same things legitimate, and I know that I need a vacation very soon. Good Luck and hope you feel better.

Q