coming out of the dark

Each day continues to feel a bit better!

I'm still experiencing some pain and mild depression - though there are moments where I feel the old me has returned. Since my OS encouraged me to talk at Monday's appointment, I've been trying to talk more, to stretch out my waxy-feeling facial muscles, but of course, it increases swelling and sucks all my energy.

Thank you to my friends for emailing, calling and loving on me. It makes a difference. :)

The Darker Side Effects of Dilaudid

Today, I finally investigated the side effects of the pain reliever I was taking. Since I couldn't swallow very well, and vomited several other pain meds in the hospital, Dilaudid's 2-4 mL doses worked well for me. I am grateful for the pain relief the drug provided, but goodness, it seems I was sensitive to the drug in almost every category! I'm so glad that I am not still taking this powerful drug every 3 hours.

For anyone researching jaw surgery and such, here is a copy/paste of the side effects. I've italicized the ones that effected me. Also, I checked out withdrawal symptoms, and BAM - there were other symptoms I'm experiencing.

I am glad I am not really going crazy!

"The major hazards of DILAUDID-HP include respiratory depression and apnea. To a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest have occurred.

Dilaudid is an analgesic narcotic with an addiction liability similar to that of morphine. It is apparent within 15 minutes and remains in effect for more than 5 hours. Dilaudid is approximately 8 times more potent on a milligram basis than morphine. Often called "drug store heroin" on the streets. Dilaudid inhibits ascending pain pathways in Central Nervous System. It also increases the pain threshold and alters pain perception....of course, the pain alteration is why this was so helpful during those early days. :)

The most frequently observed adverse effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain.

Less Frequently Observed Adverse Reactions:
General and CNS:, Weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements, alterations of mood (nervousness, apprehension, depression, floating feelings, dreams), muscle rigidity, paresthesia, muscle tremor, blurred vision, nystagmus, diplopia and miosis, transient hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances, insomnia, increased intracranial pressure

Cardiovascular: Flushing of the face, chills, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, hypotension, hypertension

Respiratory: Bronchospasm and laryngospasm

Gastrointestinal: Constipation, biliary tract spasm, ileus, anorexia, diarrhea, cramps taste alterations

Genitourinary: Urinary retention or hesitancy, antidiuretic effects

Dermatologic: Urticaria, other skin rashes, wheal and flare over the vein with intravenous injection, diaphoresis"
--from web.md

Here are the possible withdrawal symptoms:

Withdrawal symptoms from Dilaudid can occur four to five hours after the last dose. dilaudid withdrawal symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Ah ha! Users may respond to the pain of dilaudid withdrawal by taking another dose without realizing they have become addicted. Dilaudid Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
severe anxiety , insomnia, profuse sweating, muscle spasms, chills, shivering, tremors, restlessness, yawning, gooseflesh, restless sleep, irritability, anxiety, weakness, twitching and spasms of muscles, kicking movements
severe backache, abdominal and leg pains, abdominal and muscle cramps, hot and cold flashes, nausea
anorexia , vomiting, intestinal spasm, diarrhea, repetitive sneezing, increase in body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate