Chances are...

...that I will never become an addict. At least not a narcotics addict. Why? Because I'm not sufficiently committed. Specifically, I would never be able to get past the constant, maddening itching. See, that's what happens when you're allergic to them, among other things (rash, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing). Thankfully, I only got the itching. But, heavens to betsy, I can't stress enough how freaking ridiculous it was! Argh!

As it turns out, you can develop a narcotics allergy. I was never allergic before. I took Vicodin after a root canal a few years ago. All it did was make me sleepy. Same with codeine in cough syrup. Nada. Just immediate sleepiness. Then, a month and a half ago, I had leg surgery. They gave me tons of Percocet. I mean, enough for the entire east side of Baltimore to enjoy themselves for months. And three days in, the itchiness. And the sleeplessness. And the fidgety wired-ness. So this time, I got smart and asked for something else, and they gave me Vicodin. In recovery, the I.V. pain killer wasn't doing the trick, so the nurse gave me a magical pill. Trusting her, I took it, only to find out seconds later that it was Percocet. Thanks, lady. So, I itched and then itched some more. When it wore off and I needed some drugs, I popped a Vicodin. Still with the itching. I just figured that the Percocet side effects were hanging out for a while. Then it got worse. Then I started leaving scratch marks on my legs and arms and face and neck and, well, you get the idea. Called the doc, and I'm allergic. So, now, it's me and my new bestest friend Advil. And it tries, it really tries. It genuinely wants to make me feel better, and it wants to make me sleep through the achiness (it's really not as bad as it could be, so I swear I'm not whining). But alas, it's only an over the counter NSAID, not a narcotic. This is my boring story for the week. Sorry folks, but if it's not happening in front of me while I'm laying on my couch, it's not happening. Stay tuned for thrilling tales of carrying food in plastic bags from the kitchen to the living room, getting my hair washed at the Hair Cuttery, and avoiding tripping over cat toys on crutches. Oooo!!!!

Anyone else have any war stories? Weird drug allergies? Suggestions for non-narcotic pain relief?