Christi.... I know you like my DH want to get off the meds as soon as you can. They basically give you the meds and say "as needed". But when you are under the effects, it is hard to make sense of anything, and you just want the pain to stop.
Herman went through a period that he took too much and then he tried not to take one until he really needed them. But it wouldn't take effect right away and the pain would be worse, so he would take more, then be groggy or nauseated.
Finally he has found what worked for me helps. He takes a half ever four hours instead of whole one every 8 hours and it keeps him even pain wise. Then at night he will take one of both meds and put a half on his bedside to take at 3 or 4 am; so by the time he gets up at 7am his pain has eased. I know from experience the bed is not your friend. You want sleep so bad but you feel worse after you wake up.
When I got to the point of trying to get off the meds, I would cut down instead of taking a half every 4 hours..go to 5 hours apart..but do whatever I did for 3 or 4 days. Then I would try another hour. It worked for me to do it that way. What ever you do, write it down so you keep track.
The best thing that worked if I began hurting too bad, was walking with a walker. I could lean into it with my weight and it took a little pressure off as I walked. It is the one with large wheels, a basket and seat, if you want to borrow this one just LMK.
Just had a thought.... You can go next door and through the gate to your yard!
